After years of a job that requires setting in front of a computer for 8+ hours/day, and no regular exercise, I was getting out of shape. The first thing came to mind was to search for good gyms and/or personal trainers, and never really thought about Martial Arts till a friend recommended ZUltimate Mercer Island. I hesitated at first,... but with 2 weeks of free lessons I had nothing to lose. My first private class was with Sensei Jeannette, and I was very impressed how quickly she read my movements (and to some degree my thoughts ... After few classes, you realized she is just like that), identified what to work on, and patiently walked me though what to do. By end of class, to my surprise, I was able to front-ball kick Bob (our beloved human punching bag) to the ground by applying better technique rather than focusing on power (Not that I had much power then :P). Group classes were great workout sessions, as Sensei Jeannette and Sensei Carl do an amazing job mixing and changing the exercises that always makes it unexpected and lots of fun! By the end of the first week I was sold.
It has been few months now, I am an Orange belt, weight as much as I did in college, and cannot be any happier with the decision to join. I find ZUltimate Mercer Island to be a great place to work out and get in shape, learn self-defense, develop discipline and patience, and meet awesome people and make friends. Moreover, it's the playground where I shrug off life's worries and stress, be a little kid again, and just have fun :) I have found my happy place!! ... Have you?
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