OK, so I am on month 2 of my 1 year subscription (almost done with second month)... I live/work 40 minutes from the closest facility, but it is well worth the drive. My main goal was to get in shape doing something that wasn't boring and that could be used in critical situations. I looked at Kenpo because I had done that when I was young but I hated the Katas and frankly there are a ton of out of shape people in that system. So, I gave REACT a $20 try and I was hooked. That first class was tough and seemed like forever but I am already getting into the other classes and doing 2 in a row.
The staff are awesome. They are all very friendly and make me feel welcome there each and every day. They don't have any weird authoritarian hang-ups like many "Sensei" types seem to. They are just real people trying to teach you skills that might come in handy. Now, to be clear, I have only been to the Chandler facility so I am only really commenting on those instructors.
The system includes all kinds of conditioning classes, because you will lose the fight your body isn't prepared for... trust me just try hitting something for a minute with all your might repeatedly and you will appreciate that you need to be in shape if an encounter occurs. The only classes you can't take with your beginner subscription is the Tactical Brown/Black ones, and that makes sense too. If you just watch those classes, they are basically fighting each other the whole time, so why would a newbie with no skills be thrown to the wolves? That would be bad for both the newbie AND the "wolves". As far as it costing more, I can see why on that too.. economies of scale folks. There are less people in those classes but the same amount or more of instructor time goes into them. Simple economics. As far as the $120 or $160 goes, that is another thing where people should do the simple math... # of students required to offset instructor wages, rent, equipment, utilities, other overhead, plus small profit... with the knowledge that you can only instruct so many people at one time effectively. Let's use our brains here a little before complaining about prices. (I consider them very reasonable and obviously the market agrees.)
Anyway, since joining, I can feel my IT Project Manager fat melting away and muscle replacing it. I feel good about myself like I haven't in a long time and as such, I highly recommend this system... even if it is 40 minutes away. If you think I am associated with the place, come on in take a trial and then afterward ask for me. I will gladly show you (after class of course) that I am nothing more than a student there and am not being coerced in ANY way to write this review. read more
