Hi. This is Mark. I've been working on the blog and I figured I would take the opportunity to offer my own little testimonial about my experience at Kombat Arts.
I've been a student at Kombat Arts for over 10 years. I didn't even realize how long I'd been there until I just thought of it! I guess time flies when you're having fun.
When I first joined Kombat, I was on a bit of a break from martial arts. I had previously trained karate for a number of years. I remember seeing a news story at them time about a fairly new gym called Kombat Arts. I went there and signed up for the 2-week free trial. I joined up as a full member shortly after and for a number of years.
Around 2012 or 2013, my job at the time was just too much. I was unable to find the energy to go to Kombat. If I wasn't working late, I just opted to hang out at home on the couch. I would take breaks from Kombat, sometimes for a week or two, sometimes for months.
Little did I know it, but the severe apathy, lethargy, depression and host of other symptoms I was feeling were a hint at a much greater problem.
In September of 2014, I was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. If you've never heard of it. Don't sweat it. Most people haven't - including some doctors. It's most similar to Parkinson's Disease. It's a rare, neurological, degenerative and incurable.
After some deep soul-searching, I was determined to get back to Kombat, which I did. And I re-discovered how much of a family I have at Kombat. It was just in time too, in my mind. If I didn't have my Kombat Arts friends and family to fall back on, I might not be here.
Kombat Arts is undoubtedly the best gym/martial arts facility I've been to. And I would say I've been to about a dozen. They reminded me of all those deep martial arts principles that I needed to get back to a better me. Taking the boxing and Muay Thai classes coupled with a better diet, helped me lost about 30lbs in around 3-4 months!
If you've never done martial arts before, don't be intimidated. There are people at Kombat Arts of all skill levels.Plus, I guarantee everyone there will make you feel welcome.
I have some limitations due to my illness, but I never feel rushed. The great coaches at Kombat are tough but compassionate. They will work with you at the level of your current capability.
If you have martial arts experience, there is lots to choose from. And you'll learn from some of the best trainers around who work with athletes training for provincial, national and sometimes international competition.
But whatever your inclination, make sure you sign up for the free 2-week trial. You'll get a chance to try out almost all of the classes!
