First, the simple version: Martial Arts Plus in Hopewell, NJ is a fabulous studio. Sure, that's a pretty positive endorsement, and a sincere one, but it says nothing about why I think MAP is a fantastic place for Muay Thai (my interest, though there are other classes). "Fabulous" doesn't pin down what makes Martial Arts Plus--a small but big-hearted facility --more than the 'sum of its parts'. "Fabulous" cannot define what makes Martial Arts Plus different from other facilities in the area with similar offerings. "Fabulous" cannot explain why it is altogether likely that in another year or so, this relatively young studio might well earn the distinction of being one of the community mainstays for martial arts--and it usually takes (as it should) decades to achieve that status.
Confession: I didn't exactly stumble upon MAP through a random Google search and a free hour on a Tuesday night. I had begun researching studios in the Princeton area for months, even made a personalized "martial arts possibilities" Google Map (and no, I actually DON'T have a lot of time on my hands). I have taken classes at five different studios and MAP was just another place on the list. After the first class, I knew I'd finally found the right place.
Why? 3 big reasons, each more important than the last: the studio, the other students and (most important, the instructor, Josh).
First, the actual space of the studio is relatively small but square footage is just right (some places are huge, but can feel cavernous) and the space is used intelligently.
Second, class sizes are kept small enough to ensure one-on-one attention with Josh, the owner and instructor--more on Josh in a minute), but large enough to guarantee experience with a variety of partners who soon feel more like friends than random classmates.
Third and last, it is Josh, the instructor (and an owner, I think) who really 'makes' MAP. He creates creates a welcoming "vibe," he is patient and he is knowledgable. Sure, he's got the credentials and the impressive record in martial arts that every other instructor (it seems) has, but he's a great teacher. I don't know how he does it, he has gift that only some teachers have: Josh manages to teach without giving a single lecture. In nearly each class, he throws in some information about Muay Thai--technique, history, the Muay Thai 'rock star' fighters etc. I find myself wanting to watch some fights even I've never watched anything MMA (or boxing or wrestling). Ever.
So now I can end where I began: MAP is a fabulous studio. There is one drawback for me, though: MAP needs to add more Muay Thai classes! read more
