Sources

Kick-Box Aerobics™ background

This fun and invigorating cardio kickboxing workout was developed to challenge you both mentally and physically. Moving to music and incorporating high intensity combinations of upper body drills, kicking routines and heavy bag work this aerobic exercise class will help you increase your physical fitness, stamina, coordination, and strength as you learn kickboxing moves and basic martial arts techniques. It is also recommended for athletes and martial arts students looking to improve their conditioning. Check our cardio kickboxing FAQ for more information, or here are some pictures from a class.

Moving On +++™ background

Moving On is a stretching and conditioning class that combines Yoga with Fusion Movement in a fast paced dynamic workout that improves your fitness, agility, fluidity, flexibility and core strength & alignment.

Wave Man Pacific Islands Martial Arts background

Wave Man Pacific Islands Martial Arts is a synthesis of pacific-rim and polynesian styles, targeted to be effective self defense in real-world situations. It includes kickboxing training, grappling and weapons techniques. The name "Wave Man" is the literal translation of the Japanese word "Ronin", meaning unaffiliated warrior. Most of the principals hold advanced ranks in in variety of systems such as Kempo and Lameco Escrima and also received black belts in Limalama under Grandmaster Tuumumao 'Tino' Tuiolosega.

Limalama is one of the new hybrid martial art forms with roots in Hawaii. Many of today's systems, like American Kenpo, Kajukenbo and Limalama were developed from historical styles being synthesized together there in the 1950s and 1960s.

More Limalama history and photos.

Thai and American Kickboxing background

Traditional Thai Kickboxing, called Muay Thai, has a long history in Thailand as a martial art used by the military. The military style of Muay Thai is called Lerdrit, while today's "Sport Muay Thai" slightly varies from the original art and uses kicks and punches in a ring and with gloves similar to those used in boxing. Muay Thai is referred to as "The Science of Eight Limbs", as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art.

American Kick Boxing is a combination of traditional Karate and kickboxing techniques also incorporating western boxing skills and training. This class centers on preparing a student to be physically and mentally ready for a self defense situation. Skills gained include environmental awareness, balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. Click Santa Cruz Kickboxing Academy for more information.

San Soo Kung Fu background

San Soo Kung Fu is a classic Kung Fu fighting art taught for centuries in Southern China. The system includes punches, kicks, leverages, and throws - it is a fluid and dynamic system that is highly aggressive in nature. The San Soo fighter controls his opponent's motions by delivering packages of pain to points: nerve centers, pressure points, glands, joints and/or internal organs. Focus is also put on the mental attitude that one needs to approach a dangerous fight situation with a calm and collected mind.

Confluence Aikido Systems background

Confluence Aikidos classes promote structure, discipline, practical self-defense and a good workout. Confluence Aikido Systems is a progressive form of traditional Aikido spearheaded by Sensei Jennifer Paige Smith. The Japanese martial art of Aikido (The Way of Harmonizing Energy) was developed by Ueshiba O'Sensei after WWII and involves throws, joint locks and other techniques derived from Jujitsu and Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. Confluence Aikido is a very beautiful art to watch. Fast attacks are met with flowing, elegant turning and precise timing. Quick directional shifts and fluid movements absorb force and neutralize aggression. Attacks are redirected into open and dynamic throws. Students learn to roll gracefully, so practice is fun and safe. Classes combine ages and abilities and students leave more invigorated and centered than when they arrived.

Westside Yoga background

In Universal Free Style Yoga we use the asina practice in combination with pranayama, mudras and bandhas to create energy flows that affect the body as well as the consciousness. In each class we use asinas that work all the main joint directions of mobility to create flexibility and strength. Using the beautiful space at WAMA the high ceiling and the skylights give a light and airy quality to the practice. Classes are meant to challenge but modifications are always offered on difficult poses. All levels are welcome.

Friends and Sources...

Innerdance - innerdance.com - Val's Innerdance site

Felix Valencia's Lameco Escrima site - valencialameco.com

Crossfit - crossfit.com & crossfitnsc.com- workout of the day here

Spa Fitness Center - spafitness.com - Toni's folks gym

Studio 831 - santacruzstudio831.com - Paige's gym w/cross training, Crossfit and urban rebound

Bob's Silat School - PGB White Crane Silat of Santa Cruz

Dog Brothers - dogbrothers.com - full contact stick fighting

Gints' Fight Club - http://home.att.net/~gints/home.htm - full contact stick fighting in Palo Alto

Kombat Instruments Limited - bloodsport.com - equipment

PROTOCOM - pfctraining.com - Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts

W. Hock Hochheim - hockscqc.com/ - Scientific Fighting Congress