Martial Arts in Tucson

Und1sputed's experienced instructors boost metabolism, self-esteem, and self-defense skills during martial-arts-based and boxing fitness classes in more than 50 scheduled timeslots each week. During one-hour boxing classes, students learn basic skills and professional training methods such as jumping rope, reviewing Rock 'Em Sock 'Em–robots footage, and running medicine-ball drills while admiring the center's full-size regulation boxing ring. A mixed-martial-arts class combines boxing, kickboxing, and grappling techniques to get exercisers' feet flying and hearts pumping. Learn core tenets of self-defense during the Bar Room Brawl class, an intense one-hour workout that targets excess fat with kick-punch combinations, bag work, and toning moves for the abs and gluteals. Classes are followed by open-mat rolls, and patrons have access to a large selection of weights ranging up to 200 pounds, the same weight as 10,000 pro-wrestling VHS tapes.

While many Americans may think they know Chuck Norris because of the way his on-screen persona has roundhouse kicked its way into our hearts, few have actually met the man. Fewer, in fact, have been bestowed a sixth-degree black belt from Master Norris in his chun-kuk-do martial-arts system. But the founder of Ultima Self-Defense and Fitness LLC, Charles Allen, has.

Mr. Allen takes seriously his role in building confidence and shaping role models throughout the community, which is why he handpicks each of his center’s instructors. These instructors cater to diverse fitness and self-defense expectations, including adults looking to cut a competitive edge into their lives with mixed martial arts, a form of training that schools students in the sparring, grappling, and takedown techniques popularized by the caged sport. For energetic, high-energy exercise, KravFit uses kettlebells to achieve total-body toning and conditioning. Kids' programs include krav-maga self-defense classes as well as birthday parties that challenge celebrants to cut their cake with only their forearm.

Professional fighters such as Eddie “Crazy Face” Arizmendi and Chad “Grave Digger” Griggs call Apex Mixed Martial Arts home, but owners Joey “Boom Boom” and Nicole Rivera treat each client like a champion. Inside the cages and on the grappling mats, instructors lead a variety of martial-arts programs such as striking, adult and kids' MMA, grappling, capoeira, and professional practice. Native Brazilian Melissa Morgensen leads energetic Brazilian samba classes, and Apex also hosts other special events such as kids' camps.

Tucson Community Music School students learn long-lasting skills from international recording artists and experienced concert musicians. The school's founding trio, Brice Winston, Doug Tidaback, and Scott Black serve as the school's primary instructors, each bringing a different set of skills. Tucson native Brice spent 16 years performing with Jazz notables such as Brian Blade and Nicholas Payton before recording with Herbie Hancock and recording music for Spike Lee Films. Doug toured as a bass trombonist for nine years with the Monterey Symphony, and served as lead trombonist for the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, all while winning awards in numerous jazz festivals across the country. A career educator, Scott spent years working with prominent educators such as Barry Harris, and has done everything from teaching private music lessons to directing jazz schools.

With such an experienced staff of educators, students of Tucson Community Music School have opportunities to learn the ins and out of performing that go beyond just reading notes. During jazz and concert band classes and workshops, fledgling performers practice working with fellow musicians, learning how to harmonize without stealing all of the more advanced students' reeds. Through the school's various endeavors, students may also have the opportunity to practice, record, and travel to concerts near and far.

Spawning via cellular mitosis from a single rubber racquetball in 1967, Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club is a 20-acre, 24/7 facility that boasts 11 indoor racquetball and handball courts, two 75-foot heated pools, basketball and volleyball courts, and a complete fitness center. During the unlimited three-month membership ($177 value, initiation fee included), members can arm themselves with a pair of handball gloves ($30 value) or racquetball racquet ($40 value), along with a pair of goggles ($15 value), and sidle up to the courts to hone their bounce and serve techniques in the included four private lessons ($100 value). Each 60-minute lesson is taught by an expert instructor equipped with a watchful set of eagle eyes to monitor your progress and make sure you're not sneaking in corked racquets.

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.

The Little Gym is a foundational developmental opportunity for children 4 months to 12 years. Gymnastics, Dance, Parent/Child, Sports Skills and Karate classes. We also have awesome Birthday Parties and offer camps during the Summer and Winter breaks. We are good at what we do and we love doing it!