Martial Arts Center for Health

Mar 3rd, 2024

I will be training at Mach for the rest of my life. The instructors r warm, caring patient and inspirational. It is a peace filled loving center!!!!
Feb 2nd, 2024

9 years ago I suffered a spinal injury. 4 years into my recovery, I was still dealing with chronic pain and was very restricted in my mobility. Physical therapy hadn't taken me where I thought it would. At this time, my doctor encouraged me to try MACH. Since she was a longtime student of MACH and I was desperate enough to try anything, I gave it a try. I was highly skeptical that it would help. After all, what could I even do bc somedays I couldn't get out of bed due to pain. Me, doing martial arts? How?! My first day at MACH, I met instructor Jim and he shared his story of finding MACH. I heard myself in his story & thought "well maybe it could do something for me." Still too scared to get hopeful bc, I was told PT would help me more than it did. My first lesson with instructor Scott showed me they could modify things to my limitations and needs AND they did so with such respect and compassion. I was met with zero judgement and continue to be. Which was so rare and refreshing. In 4 months time, I noticed that these simple exercises that were modified a lot so I could do them started making my pain more manageable. In 7 months time, I couldn't believe it! I was able to reduce my pain medication AND I was able to do movements and hold my body in positions that didn't need those previous modifications AND I was starting to feel athletic. It's been 5 years since that first day at MACH. Now, I am pain free. I take no medications. I can move with ease and confidence. No longer fearful and restricted. When I started 5 years ago, I really wanted to be able to sit down at the table and eat dinner with my family. I couldn't then. Sitting was the hardest. This year, I went on a 16 hour road trip with my family and I wasn't in pain! There is good "medicine" in the movement here at MACH. I've learned not all movement is equal. MACH can help us recover from injury, regain health, & reinvigorate ourselves from the inside out. My physical ability is a treasure but it's not the only gift I've found here through the forms and exercises. With the utmost respect and care, the instructors and owner have helped me grow and develop self-compassion and the ability to take good care of my body. My injury made my life very small and it stayed small for a longtime. I tried to get back to health. I did the things suggested to me. But MACH was the missing piece. My life got bigger and bigger bit by bit and now, it is open to me and I am so thankful and excited about what's to come. With MACH in my life, I'll continue to get stronger and be prepared to meet any challenge- physical, mental, emotional with the inner strength and self-love that will support me. Also the community here always has my back and best interest at heart.
Mar 27th, 2024

I have attended the Martial Arts Center for Health (MACH) for about 10 years. I am an allopathic trained physician and Medical Director of a local medical entity. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have had this condition since I was in my mid 20s. I was introduced to MACH by a friend, but at first I didnt go because I thought that I could never do martial arts with my condition, and further, it might be destructive to my joints. I eventually did give it a chance and it is one of the best decisions Ive made. I have gained in range of motion of some of the joints more severely affected by the condition, and 10 years later I am much stronger, with better balance and flexibility than I had when I started. The instructors take the time to modify the movements depending on what is happening to your body that day (as long as you tell them). They push you to greater strength as you are able, and ask you to decrease your effort depending on the day, your level of fitness, and your situation. My sons have also gone to the MACH for about 10 years. They are now adults, but over the years and in conversation with my sons Ive seen how the same movements have worked in curiously different ways for two individuals with very different personalities. The introvert gained more confidence, and the extrovert was able to look inward a bit more. I highly recommend this practice and this community to everyone without reservation. There is a great diversity of people here in age, personality, level of physical activity, and the movements are adapted to all. Ronald Ryan, MD
Dec 21st, 2023

I never thought private lessons online would make as big of a positive impact as it has on my overall well-being. Now with over 30 lessons under my white belt I have noticed a significant increase in strength, flexibility, and coordination as well numerous mental and emotional benefits. The teachers are fantastic and will personalize lessons to your individual fitness level. I highly recommend trying a few lessons online or in person if you are in the area. Best decision I have made in years.
Jun 6th, 2023