I am writing this to share with the world my great fortune of training with Sifu Scott Jensen and…read morethe 10,000 Victories School of Martial Arts located in the heart of Marin County, CA. 10,000 Victories offers classes in the "old-school" traditional style of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Ji Chuan, and Qi Gong. I am a Licensed Acupuncturist with a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and prior to joining 10,000 Victories I studied with several great teachers of Hsing-I, Bagua, Tai Ji and Kung Fu for nearly a decade. So, I kind of know what Im talking about as you read on.... First of all, Sifu Jensen is a kind, compassionate and approachable man who has dedicated himself to these arts for the better part of his life. Having studied with several great masters himself, he was encouraged to share his teachings to benefit others and help preserve and perpetuate these ancient arts. He takes this role very serious and will openly share his knowledge and help train you to be the best you can be! He works with all ages and skill levels and does an excellent job of giving everyone the individual attention they deserve. With such a wealth of knowledge, Sifu Jensen gives you all you can handle and more. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is very athletic with deep stances, high kicks, and fast strikes. It requires that the student be strong and flexible with great balance and stability. Our classes begin with an intense workout that then flows into sparring practice to help improve your timing and confidence. Next we work on (empty) hand forms that teach martial technique while continuing to enhance the students physical fitness and mental acuity. Lastly, we learn weapon forms that include swords, sabers, staffs, spears, daggers and even the cane and fan! I also study Tai Ji Chuan with Sifu Jensen which is an effective martial art and a great way to help center the mind and body while promoting the healthy flow of Qi or energy. It along with Qi Gong are excellent for those who are not physically able to join the Kung Fu class, as well as individuals looking to combine movement with meditation. I love the combination of Kung Fu and Tai Ji and feel that it helps to complete the picture. I have personally gained so much. Physically I have never felt better. I am stronger, faster, more flexible, better balanced, and have greater endurance than ever before -- and thats saying a lot as I am a serious athlete in my own right. At the same time I feel more relaxed, confident and centered from my practice and believe it has made me a better husband, father, friend, and professional. 10,000 Victories has become my extended family and the school operates efficiently with the help of Rachel Jensens enthusiasm, determination and grace. I encourage anybody whos looking to improve their health and/or take themselves to a whole new level to check it out. Oh, did I forget to mention how much fun we have too? Dont miss out! Sincerely, -Adam Shapiro, L.Ac., MSTCM

I have studied from Sifu Jensen for nearly 20 years. I was very lucky to pick his school when I…read morefirst started. Over the years I have met with many martial artists and I can say that what he taught me was useful, effective, and correct. His knowledge and ability are first rate. This is especially important considering the sophisticated arts he teaches. The classes go from beginner friendly to as tough as you want them to be. The environment is always kept fun and friendly. Many of my fellow students have become life long friends.

This is seriously the best class I ever did. I learned the Sudarshan Kriya, a very powerful…read morebreathing technique that elevated my mind and enhanced my abilities. Great teachers, great knowledge and wonderful practices.

I've been studying Tai Chi with Julie for the past 3.5 years. Her instruction is clear and concise…read morebut also light hearted and fun. Classes are great for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. It's wonderful to be part of such a warm and supportive community.

Calvin is great, however summer moved us outside into the heat or fog. Attendees are kind and…read morefriendly, no issues there! Would be better if there were a mirror like other venues.

Here's the thing -- yoga used to be a competitive athletic pursuit for me. Losing that version of…read moremyself has been one of the harder, quieter griefs of pregnancy, something I didn't expect to carry. The owner understood that immediately. She didn't just encourage me to keep showing up -- she met me exactly where I was, without making me feel like I needed to be okay with where I was. That's a rare gift. What sets this class apart is how genuinely individualized the instruction is. Every woman in that room had her own set of challenges, and every single one of us was seen and addressed specifically -- given real feedback, targeted exercises, actual solutions. Not generic modifications. Not a one-size-fits-all approach. Real care. The community is something special too. Being surrounded by other pregnant women who get it -- some who've been through it before, who related to my birth story, who showed up week after week -- that sense of being held in a room full of people who understand is worth more than I can put into words. This is 100% worth every penny. If you're pregnant and wondering whether to go -- go. Your body and your heart will thank you. I almost talked myself out of joining -- I already have a big gym membership and honestly wondered how much I could realistically do right now. I'm 6 months pregnant with a 10-month-old at home, and my body has been a whole situation: vein/nerve pain in my knee, hip pain, rib pain, shoulder and deltoid tension from breastfeeding. I was exhausted before I walked in the door. But Ashley's prenatal yoga class changed something for me, and I feel so much better!!!! I an learning a LOT. They have 4 locations and tons of workshops too. I took a class the other day where we literally just laid there and meditated and relaxed with our legs up and I had no idea how much I needed that.

I jumped on the opportunity to get unlimited classes for my first month and I have taken 7 now of…read morevarious teachers and styles. There are so many opportunities to try different things. Lots of great teachers, staff, and clean environments. Highly recommend.

I have been going there for 15 years and it has the best teachers. They are really nurturing and…read morehighly trained. It is not the commercial type of yoga studio that I find off-putting. I would highly recommend this place!

It gives me great pleasure to write to people interested in yoga. I think that Julia Lorimer is the…read morebest yoga instructor in the SF Bay Area. Her knowledge base is very broad and comprehensive. Yet for yoga class, all you need to do is listen carefully when she directs your body. I started a few years ago and I wasn't seeing results for over a year. The pandemic got in the way until we used Zoom. Julia gives us links to her classes. I made a point f taking her yoga class from a linked class and started a new yoga schedule, taking it at least 3's a week. My body transformed. I was so amazed that I developed "yoga butt." I am now stronger than ever. Julia has the amazing ability to combine her deep knowledge of a few schools of yoga, her deep understanding of kinesthetics, anatomy, physiology, and yoga poses that she brilliantly even sometimes invents. I have been in dance class since I was four. I have taken a ton of yoga classes all over the bay area and online. I will not take a class if it is not taught by Julia. One must attend class on a regular basis and once in class, just listen quietly and Julia will take you on the most exquisite yoga journey that will transform your body in an hour and a half. It is with the greatest pleasure that I urge you to participate in the best yoga workout you have ever experienced as you grow to understand your own body's strengths and limitations that will only expand if you remain rigorous with your practice. Please come and join us. Everyone welcomes you, especially Julia. Thank you, Melanie Hahn

Best there is. Jonathan is empathetic non judge-mental and blissfully insightful…read more Everything about this man radiates calm. A teen whisperer. A gem.

Best yoga teacher ever!! Always professional and a terrific mindfulness instructor with a soothing…read morevoice he guides you to a blissful state each and every week! Love, love and gratitude to you Jonathan!!

I'm fairly new to Pilates, having only taken a few mat and reformer classes over the years. I…read morestarted Pilates to help rehab a lower back and sciatica issue since I didn't find much relief from physical therapy. The studio itself is lovely--the front desk staff is friendly and attentive, and the waiting area is cozy, clean, quiet, and peaceful. I also really appreciate that they keep doors and windows open for fresh air, especially during cold and flu season. A friend recommended private lessons with Carlo, and I've been extremely happy with him. He's an excellent instructor who took the time to understand my medical condition and tailor sessions that avoid aggravating my injury. Instead, he focuses on strengthening my hips, back, and glutes, and improving my posture. I'm learning so much and highly recommend his instruction and the studio.

Hello, my name is Uli and I'm a Spondy!…read more Jokes aside, my doctor recently told me that my leg and back problems result from a condition called Spondylolisthesis - a slipped vertebrae. He mentioned that strengthening my core would be my best bet to control for further damage and he also said that Pilates had shown some promising results in recent studies. Well, I'm not someone who distrusts the opinion of an expert and so I set out to find the best Pilates instructor in my area. I used the messaging feature here on Yelp to connect with 4 or 5 different Pilates studios in Marin: FitWise in Mill Valley was one of the studios and I swear that within a few hours of me sending the message, Ronda - the owner of the studio - gave me a call. I was immediately impressed by Ronda's knowledge about my condition and that comforted me immensely. Since then, I've seen Ronda for regular 1:1 Pilates sessions and I also attend group classes about twice a week. (One of my favorite classes is the matt pilates class as that one gives me a lot of inspiration for home exercises, which I have since integrated into my life as well.) Technical excellency aside, I would also like to give a shoutout to all the instructors and staff: they're all super nice and even though I may have had only a very small interaction with them, they all know me by name. Honestly, that makes such a difference and it makes me look forward to going to class. PS: I would like to encourage the men of Mill Valley to also join this studio. I sometimes feel a bit lonely among the largely female clientele ;-)

I first started going to Xavier abut 20 years ago. I had lapsed on my fitness and my arms and legs…read moreshowed it. They were so flabby and my formerly flat stomach was long gone. He's the only trainer that has managed to make me get up and workout at 6am. It was amazing how quickly I popped into shape by just working out with him 2 days/week and doing my assigned cardio. I looked and felt great. And we became close friends..he is like my baby brother. Fast forward to COVID. Life had moved on, I had stopped working out with Xavier but we still stayed very close. One day we were talking and he picked up something in my voice that concerned him. He didn't like it and insisted I come work out with him...outside. I didn't realize it, but guess I had a bout of depression due to the isolation and recent loss of my Mom. I was heavier than I'd ever been..194 pounds! We began working out 3 days/week and I did power walks 2x/week. In one year, I lost 20 pounds, a host of inches around my waist and arms and got my body tone back. I am now 160 pounds. That's what Xav does. He sees the real person underneath, and helps you envision and realize your true potential. All from a place of caring discipline and true joy. He loves what he does and, somehow, makes you love it too. All while achieving your end game. He is truly one of a kind..and the best!!

My experience with Thomas as my trainer has been great these past 6 months. It was well worth it…read moreand I'm glad I signed up. The training has helped me so much in improving my physical conditioning and strength for upcoming baseball season. Thomas is a superb trainer and I highly recommend him.