by Ryan Kneller
Battle the bulge in the midst of barbecues, vacations and air-conditioned lounging at a new fitness and martial arts center in Quakertown.
VMMA Quakertown, which opened in early May at 214 N. West End Blvd. (in the Trainers Corner shopping center near Kohl’s), is unlike traditional gyms as it offers high-intensity interval training built on a foundation of martial arts.
Diverse training methods, focusing on the core values of fitness, defense and purpose, are presented in nearly a dozen classes, suitable for all fitness levels.
Popular offerings include Brazilian jiujitsu, a self-defense system built on leverage, distance and technique; V3 Cardio Kickboxing, following systematically varied formats that promote increased strength and flexibility as well as improvement in cardiovascular and muscular endurance levels; and krav maga, the official hand-to-hand combat system of the Israel Defense Forces, showcasing quick counterattacks and brutal offensive techniques for unexpected situations.
Classes for ages 5-7, 8-12 and 13 and older are offered, with children’s classes incorporating confidence-building and an anti-bullying program that helps children recognize danger and how to initially respond using nonviolent conflict resolution.
“Our modern martial arts classes offer a very well-rounded approach to the martial arts with hand techniques from boxing, ground techniques from jiujitsu and kicking and striking techniques from muay thai and taekwondo,” owner Kevin Filoon said. “It’s important to build strengths in every area and there are many reasons for this. For example, it’s great to be a well-trained boxer until somebody is kicking you from too far away.”
The facility, featuring an opening promotion of $99 for four weeks of unlimited programming, is the fifth location of the regional chain, which was founded by Mike Vacca, a martial arts expert with more than 30 years experience, and Paul Szyarto, a krav maga expert.
Filoon, of Plumstead Township in Bucks County trained — along with his wife, Kristin, and three children, Ryann, Reese and Brady — at the Doylestown location for two years before deciding to open his own venue in the former Justice clothing storefront.
The business features rubber flooring, wall mirrors, a digital clock for timing exercises and equipment such as free weights, padded shields and heavy bags for punching and kicking. Info: 844-662-3486.
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