1 year ago, I woke up and decided I was going to start learning martial arts. I wanted to learn something that would challenge me both physically and mentally, and that I could one day feel a sense of mastery over after a lot of hard work. I did some research, and decided that kickboxing and/or Muay Thai was what I was searching for, and I began looking at gyms in my area.
There were several gyms within walking distance from where I live that offered classes in one or both of these styles, and a few more gyms just a short drive away. Those gyms weren't bad, but it wasn't until I walked in to Strikers that I knew this was where I was going to begin my journey as a martial artist.
As soon as I walked in, the complete immersion of my mind and body began. I was nervous, but I felt welcomed by both Coach and the other students. There was no pep talk or tutorial, we just went right into training. I immediately saw that Coach Joe isn't the type of instructor who is just going to let you hit the bag, or attempt any kind of move mindlessly. It wasn't just about the workout, although I don't think I'd sweated that much since high school football practice a decade ago. That first day, I learned that every strike is an opportunity to improve my foundation as a martial artist. After the first day, I knew that if I continued to train in this gym, I was going to learn how to kick, punch, elbow, knee, move, breathe, block, slip, weave, and fight with the mastery of a true artist. I was also going to get insanely fit in the process. And that was it. I was hooked.
I've been training at Strikers for almost a year now, and I look and feel like a different person, both in and out of the gym. My journey as a martial artist will always be a work in progress, but I know I've come so far from that first day, and it's a great feeling. It's a healthy addiction, and I'm so glad I found Coach Joe, the gym, and all my buddies who I get to sweat with, beat up, and get beat up by every other day. I know I can speak for all of them when I say, we're so glad to be a part of all of it. Whether your training to compete or not doesn't matter, this place is the best. Long story short - come check it out, it's what you've been looking for. read more