Ok. If this means anything, I didn't have an account on yelp before now. I created one just so that I could give a review for Coach Jason. I know this is a bit long, but just be patient.
I am now 52, I work with computers so my job is mostly sit-down and stare at the screen. I have been sedentary for several years and my diet has been horrible (but yes, it tastes really good :-)) Add my other bad habits to this and you can just imagine where I am physically.
Anyway, I have gotten some warnings from the doctor and I know I can't put off getting back into shape. I always wanted to get into some kind of martial art, so I looked around for a gym and a trainer. The way things worked out, the gym turned out to be in North Bergen and the trainer whose schedule was available was Jason. Most of the trainers there are boxing only and Jason can do that if you want. However, he and maybe two or three others at that gym do kickboxing, which fits what I wanted.
I have been working with Jason (Saturdays only) for just over a month. I knew absolutely nada about boxing or kickboxing and I have learned a LOT. Its my job to practice on my own also, and when I get through with him each week, I have new things I can do on my own. The truth is that if I stopped right now, I would already have enough to do just for exercise purposes to get in shape, but I have no intention of stopping right now.
I get out of breath easily, and if I say I need to rest, we stop, no questions or criticism at all. He has been very, very patient with me. He always explains options for what I can do to change up or vary an exercise. Yes, I end up sweaty and out of breath. But in addition to more "American" style kickboxing, he is training me on Muay Thai techniques as well. This is what I signed up for. The calorie loss and getting in shape is important, but I am also learning to fight as well. That's a win-win for me and Jason is helping to make that happen.
Ok. some warnings... There is some expense involved because you will need boxing gloves, hand wraps and maybe some different clothing to help you kick freely. Jason does not sell anything. At least he hasn't tried to sell me any equipment. I purchased on my own what I thought I needed in order to avoid getting hurt hitting or kicking the heavy bag. I may also need some additional stuff, but that is still up to me. I have to avoid getting hurt trying to get in shape. If I do get hurt, I have to take time to deal with the injury, which could be weeks. So then I would be in pain AND I have to stop or really cut back on the training and I don't want that. My suggestion is that if you train with Jason, just talk to him about what you want to do and ask him to suggest things.
Right now, Jason is MAINLY available at this location only on Saturdays, so you will also have to talk to him about scheduling time. He has enough experience with martial arts to work with you even if you are not a beginner, so again, you have to talk to him about your individual situation. At this gym, you only "commit" for a month at a time (no long-term contracts) so if for some strange reason, you really don't like Jason, you can move on easily. You have to ask at the desk regarding their policy for a trial session. I'm pretty sure they don't do free trials.
Finally, I would definitely recommend working with Jason. So far, he has been helpful, informative and understanding of my needs and I am grateful for that. Its been worth the time and money in my case and I am continuing with him for that reason. I won't be a kickboxing champ in 3 months, or even 3 years, but that is not my goal. I do want to get into better shape and get some self-defense skills in the process and at this point, I believe Jason is helping me get there one step at a time. I can't ask for more than that. read more