“…What Keeps Me Coming Back to Class Everyday is That it Never Gets Boring”

Last Updated on April 10, 2013.

BY: TSMMA Ramsey

“I had tried all forms of diets and gym memberships while on my quest for physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.”

 Like most women in their thirties, I had tried all forms of diets and gym memberships while on my quest for physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. I searched and desired to find the perfect combination that would help me reach this seemingly unobtainable weight loss goal. In my mind, being “skinny” was the result I was trying to obtain and as I got older, this goal was becoming harder and harder to achieve. I needed to make a change. I noticed signs for Tiger Schulmann’s kickboxing, and I thought to myself, “How could I go wrong?”

“Kickboxing was by far the most intense workout I had ever experienced and it felt great!

 When I entered Tiger Schulmann’s in Ramsey I was greeted by Sensei Rapoport. He was eager to assist me and make me feel comfortable. I attended two classes and was hooked! Kickboxing was by far the most intense workout I had ever experienced and it felt great! It amazed me how much could be accomplished in a sixty minute class – I was experiencing cardio, muscle building and stretching all in one hour! After these trial classes, I decided this was going to be the way I would be able to reach my fitness goals.

Sensei Rapoport runs an organized school and has the best interest of his students in mind when it comes to instruction and motivation. Through clear instructions and demonstrations of each round, he makes his students feel comfortable and ensures their success in each of his classes. One of the many important lessons I have learned in my three years at Tiger Schulmann’s is to set personal goals. Then, by working hard and having self-discipline, I will achieve my goals. This lesson transcends the mat and rings true to every aspect of life.

“What keeps me coming back to class everyday is that it never gets boring.”

 Being an educator myself, not only do I love to teach but I love to learn. What keeps me coming back to class everyday is that it never gets boring. Every class is designed to reinforce the student’s techniques and teach them new ones. Techniques taught in classes not only train the body but the mind as well. It also serves as an important life skill if you ever needed to defend yourself.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m on the road to reaching all of my goals and will continue to succeed with the self-discipline I have acquired.”

 If you asked me three years ago my goals when it came to working out and living a healthy lifestyle, I would have told you my goal was to be thin. Now, the answer you will get is to be strong, physically fit, know how to defend myself, and to live a long healthy life. As far as I’m concerned, I’m on the road to reaching all of my goals and will continue to succeed with the self-discipline I have acquired. I attribute my success and new perspective to my training under Sensei Rapoport and am truly grateful.

-Tara Cassidy