Regardless of who you are, training in the martial arts can help you get more out of life! Here are some of the most common benefits:

• Stress Relief

• Balance (both physical and emotional)

• Physical fitness

• Personal empowerment

• A sense of direction and progress

• A fun and welcoming community

Being in shape is not a prerequisite for Martial Arts training. In fact, it will help you get into shape, and do this more safely and sustainably than many fitness programs. If you are cleared for exercise by your doctor, then you are ready to get in shape gradually with martial arts.

Ask your doctor! We have students in their 60’s and 70’s who continue to benefit from our classes every week. At Centerline, you are given space to modify any aspect of the training that feels unhealthy.

Martial Arts classes at Centerline are not dangerous. Injuries most often occur at competition focused schools. We are not an MMA gym and we focus on providing a safe training environment for personal growth, based on a foundation of effective self defense.

We offer several martial arts styles, as well as fitness programs based on authentic martial arts conditioning. Your best bet is to try out a few different classes during your Intro Program and find the perfect fit.

All of the martial arts that we teach at Centerline are founded in real self defense principles & techniques. This being said, “Self defense” is never a sure thing, and the ability to protect oneself from violence is largely dependent on circumstances and luck. Good martial arts training will improve your odds, however.

It is important to keep in mind that the arts we practice can be effective at neutralizing violence by inflicting injury. As such, they are to be used for defense only, and not for competition, fighting, or assault. Because many of our students will never need these skills for survival, we advocate training for personal growth, for health, and for fun.

It’s important to know what kind of training you are getting into and that it will be a good fit. Here is a brief comparison between three common types of training:

Combat Sports (MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) - Expect a high-intensity and competitive training environment. Students practice a style that is shaped by rules and is designed to be extremely effective in a fair fight. You will train to defeat an opponent of similar size and skill level in a drawn out altercation (multiple rounds) in a controlled environment (cage or ring). A referee is present to keep things safe and to ensure that there are no “cheap shots” that could negate the strength and skill of the other opponent.

• Pros: Everything is proven and pressure tested, and thus things that don't work are quickly and unceremoniously discarded. This training helps develop an elite level of physical fitness.

• Cons: These styles are geared towards younger athletes. Students are more prone to injuries (many of them minor and undiagnosed) which can be a bother later in life. The competitive environment may not be for everyone.

Self Defense (Combatives, Military Training, etc.) - Typically adapted from military or police training, classes focus on preparing you as quickly as possible for the first few seconds of a violent encounter. In contrast to combat sports, the expectation is that the fight will be unfair & short, with no referee and no time to prepare. The odds will be stacked against you, which could mean facing multiple opponents, weapons, uneven terrain, or poor lighting.

• Pros: You will rapidly prepare to survive a realistic, violent encounter.

• Cons: It’s hard to realistically test the techniques without injury, or to simulate the chaos and adrenaline of real violence. There is little investment in long term skill cultivation or training for health later in life (beyond being alive to enjoy it).

Martial Arts (Kung Fu, Karate, Silat, etc.) - With so many different styles out there, you can expect a wide range of learning environments at different schools. However, training is typically well-rounded, covering all ranges of combat and often covering weapons. Martial Arts are meant to be mastered, practiced into old age and then passed on to the next generation. There is an appreciation for the art of movement and understanding martial principles, as well as an emphasis on helping you become a stronger person, both inside and out.

• Pros: You will be on a path to inner calm & strength, gradually unlocking powerful self defense abilities. Martial arts offer a lifetime of progress, fitness & movement skills.

• Cons: Like with self defense, it can be hard to “pressure test” techniques without injury. There is a tendency to be overconfident in one’s style and abilities.

More information can be found on our membership cancellation page.

See our membership hold page.

For more information, visit our Centerline refund policy page.

- Everyone sanitizes upon entry and prior to any partner work

- Class sizes support social distancing

- Class registration required

- Daily sanitization of all frequently touched surfaces

- All equipment used is sanitized at the end of each class

- HVAC updated MERV 13 filters

- Adherence to all state and local health department guidelines

Check out our current membership options (including free & low-cost intros), on our Membership Page. And don’t forget - your first lesson is FREE!

Just fill out our Personal Training Inquiry form, and one of our highly trained staff will reach out to set up a FREE in-person consultation.