Everyone’s martial arts journey is unique. There are no wrong turns on your path. It’s ok to make U-turns and pump the breaks. When you see someone else accelerate, it’s ok if you don’t want to match their speed. Martial arts is a marathon to a better, healthier, more fulfilling life…mentally and physically.
Here is a first hand account of a current student’s own journey. Enjoy!
Many people make difficult choices in their road to success. My story is no different.
I grew up in a household where self defense was a priority from day one. So when I told my dad I wanted to work and train at a martial arts gym, he was all about it. Despite my father’s pride, my mother was apprehensive and hesitant. She wanted me to be safe, but didn’t love the idea of me being “beaten up” by men for my chosen form of exercise.
In high school, my dad bought a Groupon for me to go to Title kickboxing for a month. I always liked being the strong girl, and I had fun at those fitness based kickboxing classes, but wanted more.
My dad saw my drive and budding interest in combat sports, so he bought me another Groupon to a different gym: High Altitude Martial Arts.
It was the summer after my senior year in high school and I started the Groupon my dad bought me. It was for a fundamentals striking class. This was partner based, with gloves, shinguards, and dutch-style drills. Very different from my previous experience with Title.
I remember my first partner in the class, who is now one of the fighters on the fight team. What an amazing testament to this gyms success! I met someone as a beginner, came back a few years later and that same person now has multiple fights under their belt and is in the advanced class!
I was excited and unqualified, a novice stepping into this gym. The coaches welcomed me with warm smiles and professional handshakes. Since I was new, the coaches made sure to give me extra attention. I enjoyed my time spent at High Altitude, but both summer and the Groupon came to an end. And it was time for me to go to college.
I went to Lakewood for the first year of college, eager to continue my pursuit of martial arts. This newfound passion made me immediately search out nearby martial arts gyms and start applying for a job. I was a full-time college student, so I couldn’t afford the price of membership. I figured working for the gym I trained at would help me get discounts. So, I got hired at an amateur gym that taught me most of what I know. I spent a good two years training and working there until it was time to move on.
With a solid foundation in both striking and grappling, I decided to come back to High Altitude. The transition was difficult and emotional, losing a community and jumping into an entirely different one. It made the most sense, since I was no longer living or going to school in Lakewood. I eventually settled in and had my eyes fixed towards what was ahead of me, rather than what I left behind.
I’ve been training at High Altitude for over half a year now and I love how tight knit the community is. It’s refreshing and inspiring to train at a gym that cares more about the people than the money. While the gym is a business, I can tell ownership and staff know it’s so much more than just that. Money comes and goes, but the HAMA impact is forever.
I’ve seen how the gym transforms people firsthand. Anyone from any experience level or background can join for any reason and be fulfilled in their journey. The members who train strictly for self defense and fitness are given the same instruction, attention, and encouragement as the competitors. Coaches make no discrimination between any demographic within the gym, which contributes to strong community.
From the giant crowd supporting fighters at each event to the coaches who dance during class, High Altitude is a community of fun, support, and power. They push each other to be the best they can be and welcome new people with open arms and a positive attitude.
If you’re looking for a community filled with strong and compassionate people, High Altitude has your back.
