Arizona City, AZ Indoor Activities

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The rich history of kenpo karate stretches as far back as the second century AD, when the number two was invented and renowned surgeon Hua T’o devised defensive exercises based on animal poses. The Asian sport continued to evolve over the intervening years, and in the 20th century, Ed Parker imported kenpo to the states and became not only the senior grandmaster of American kenpo, but also the “father of American Kenpo.” Today, Ed Parker Jr. carries on his father’s legacy as a member of the Master Council that presides over American Institute of Kenpo, along with other kenpo greats such as ninth-degree black belt Sigung Stephen LaBounty. The team of experts offers a guiding presence at the institute—Ed drops in for yearly camps and senior black-belt testing—and ensures the internationally certified instructors teach kenpo karate with the utmost attention to the principles of the sport.

Though kenpo is derived from ancient techniques, it encompasses contemporary self-defense and fitness methods. In the first lesson, students power through all the basics—the five ranges of combat and how to move swiftly—and form a sturdy foundation for increased strength, coordination, and flexibility. The center offers a wide range of programs for all ages and ability levels so that new pupils can master kenpo quickly and ascend through the belt-oriented ranks toward black.

Moving Breath Pilates' owner and master teacher, Virginia Nicholas, teams up with a posse of skilled Pilates virtuosos to sculpt svelte physiques and strengthen cores with private 55-minute Pilates sessions. In a breezy studio bedecked with ivory walls and fully stocked with Pilates machines, wellness gurus coach students one on one, acquainting them with fundamental Pilates techniques, tweaked according to each pupil's personal fitness goals and astrological chart. The experienced instructor acquaints Pilates protégés with such traditional Pilates equipment as the Universal Reformer, trapeze table, and Wunda chair, training them to master proper form and memorize each of the apparatuses' birthdays and anniversaries. Following the intensive private session, students emerge energized and flexible enough to race a rocket-fueled rubber-band ball home.

Celebrity Theatre's distinctive in-the-round construction keeps show-goers close to the action, with no seat more than 70 feet from the performers. The slowly rotating stage ensures each audience member can bask in singers' flashing smiles and search the backs of their heads for bonus flashing smiles.

Founded by fourth-dan black belt Richard Poage, Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts & Healing Center continues his mission to help students build discipline and learn self-defense through classes that teach shorin-ryu karate, jujitsu, and kobudo weapons training. Camps and after-school programs keep kids from spending their days sprawled in front of the TV or taking catnaps behind it. The school's healing center keeps students in top shape with holistic health services such as massage, acupuncture, and shiatsu massage.

Karve Studio's muscle-sculpting workout sessions combine elements of Pilates, yoga, free weights, and ballet-barre conditioning to provide quick and striking results. The classes are set to lively music, and over the course of the hour-long sweat session your instructors will guide you through a challenging series of non-impact strengthening, stretching, and conditioning exercises designed to burn fat as you increase muscle and flexibility. Classes are upbeat and motivational and aim to leave students tightened, toned, and wandering the world in a lean yet muscular physique. Consult Karve's schedule for a workout that suits you, and call ahead to reserve your space.