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| - I started writing this review in my head over two months ago. For those of you who are just looking for the bottom line: it's all good. Check out a class, love it, rinse, repeat. For the rest of us, read on...
I found World Champions through Groupon. I had driven past the studio a million times (it's right next to the Peter Piper Pizza at Williams Field and Gilbert), but assumed it was for "karate people" only and never gave it a second thought. BUT, when I saw the crazy good special they were running (20 kids classes with a uniform for $35 or 10 adult kickboxing classes for $29), Groupon enthusiast I am, I simply could not pass up. I started with the kids' Groupon for my 3.5 year old son and later got the kickboxing one for myself.
I called the number on the Groupon and spoke with Joseph (Master Edmondson/Coach), the owner. He was friendly and easy to talk to and we set up a first class time for my little guy. The center offers classes for kids starting at age 3 in the morning and afternoon. Now, I'm not hardcore about martial arts by any means; I was just looking for something for my sensory-seeking junior Tigger to burn off some energy and learn some classroom type skills to help him prepare for preschool. This place fit the bill, so I went with it. The first (and second, and third...) class was amazing! Coach worked with my son one on one, explaining things in a way that made sense to a 3 year old, encouraging him throughout the class, and just having fun - all the while instilling valuable skills (following directions, showing respect), and doing a combination of exercises that set the foundation for martial arts (Think "Wax on, wax off"), as well as the "real" martial arts stuff. After watching my son in two of the kids' Tae Kwon Do classes, I bought the adult kickboxing Groupon for myself.
I said earlier that I'm not hardcore about martial arts. Let me expand on that: I do not exercise. Or at least didn't prior to World Champions. I had tried just about everything, though: Jazzercise, Zumba, barre, yoga, most of the Les Mills group classes, you get the idea. Most of the time, I could barely get through the class. And afterwards I'd feel even worse. So, when I decided to try the kickboxing class, my expectation was that I'd fall flat on my face about 2 minutes in to the class (because I didn't kick, and I definitely didn't box - how long could I realistically expect to last!?). What I found, however, was so different than all of the other exercise experiences I've had. There was no shame, no condescending looks or attitudes from anyone; it was the most positive and supporting exercise experience I had ever had. AND...I made it all the way through the hour-long class! (WHAT?!) I felt invincible afterwards! Well, invincible with a side of sore muscles that I didn't know I had. I went twice a week, loving the new beginning of my day routine. Each class was different; every time I learned something new.
My goal for attending classes at World Champions was to feel healthy. Within the first week, I wasn't winded after going up stairs. After my second week, I had lost 10 pounds (without changing my diet at all), and could see that my body shape was beginning to change - slimming down my shoulders, and shaping my upper body so that clothes were fitting differently! These days (2 months later), I'm able to push myself much further during my workout and have more energy during the day. I feel more confident - for doing something hard and sticking with it, and for being able to see real body change because of it. When I watch my favorite mindless action shows now, I'm geeking out seeing all of the moves I've learned and processing how I would do the new ones I see.
There is so much more that I could write about World Champions, but I encourage you to check it out for yourself. There is usually some kind of deal going on - whether it's a trial through the center, Yelp credits, or Groupon. The staff and students there are fun, helpful, and encouraging - and skilled in their craft! It will be the last place you need to look. It was for me.
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