BY ASHLEYCEASER / 28 JULY 2009 / 08:36 AM
Imagine a place where you can feel its energy as soon as you walk in. It’s peaceful, but at the same time, the vibe can be raw, and uncensored. Close your eyes and try and think of somewhere you can getaway, forget all your worries, issues and/or current challenges for an hour and just come to sweat.
For me, this place is called Integrated Martial Arts Concepts (“IMC”). Located in Willow Glen, California, IMC is a studio where people of all ages (and fitness levels) can come to take a variety of group classes such as street self-defense, street kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, and special bootcamps. I’ve been taking the Pilates and kickboxing classes since last August, and it’s definitely unlike any other group class I’ve ever experienced. Not only do we perform all the movements barefoot, we use real boxing gloves. And the regular attendees in the class (like me) have become almost like one big family. We all have nicknames, and if I were to miss a class, they ask about you the next time you come in.
The biggest difference about IMC though is that it’s not about just getting in shape physically, but also mentally. IMC’s owner Arash Dibazar (pictured above) believes “You can change your body all you want, but if your mindset doesn’t adjust too, you will just fall back into your old ways. And that’s what’s wrong with gyms. They only work you out physically, and not mentally.” And I couldn’t agree with him more. Since coming to IMC and adding the group classes to my regular fitness routine, I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. But you don’t have to take my word for it. If you live in the Bay Area you should definitely come check out a couple classes; the results will speak for themselves.
-Ashley Ceaser
(A link to the NikeWomen article can also be found on imcmartialarts.com’S LINKS page.)
How deep is your motivation? When I ask people why they are working out or why they want to defend themselves, the answers they give me are an immediate clues to how long this person is willing to commit themselves to their goal and how energetic they will be in going after their desired outcome. Some say “I wanna get in shape” or ” I want a change” or “I want something to do”. These individuals come and go. Then there are the students who say “I’ll do anything to get in shape. I’m tired of looking like this” or “I realize the importance of confidence and self defense in my life and I really think its time I do something about it”. When you analyze the difference in the answers you will notice that one is more EMOTIONALLY attached to their life than the other. Your goals must affect you emotionally and the DEEPER they affect you, the more likely you will be to overcome obstacles to achieve them. On my one on one consultations with people, I ask them their reason for wanting a certain goal and then I work with them to find the deeper connection between that and their goal. We continue this process and at some point they reach a PERSONAL REASON that is so dear to their heart that they know they will overcome any obstacle to reach their goal! What starts out as “I wanna get in shape” turns out to be “I always felt insecure with myself and I know that getting in shape will really help me improve my self esteem and this will greatly help in my relationship”. So I ask you……WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? …… LOOK DEEPER!
In this blog I would like to share a poem I found in Bruce Lee’s book “Artist of Life”. Enjoy.
Summer time is coming up quickly and many people have the goal of a “beach body”. The gyms get packed with members desperately trying to do everything they can to Trim and Sculpt their bodies to fit into their bikinis and tank tops. 
Many people are constantly talking about “being in shape” or “feeling sexy” or “being more confident and able to defend themselves”. In their conversations they refer to these topics almost as if this is something that is going to miraculously happen to them one day. Or they have a completely defeatist attitude about the whole thing acting and speaking as if these things are far away wishful dreams! The truth of the matter is anything worth having in life is worth striving for, and the more worthy the goal the more energy and creation has to be put into the process. Being in shape or feeling sexy or being confident and able to defend oneself, are very worthwhile goals as they also affect all other areas of life. The people who you see walking around in shape, feeling sexy and confident able to defend themselves have put in much time and energy and dedicated themselves to these goals. It did not happen over night and I assure you if it did by some stroke of “good luck” then it will not last as evidenced by the numerous cases of overnight lottery successes and diet pill miracles that all end in disaster. One should realize and prioritize his or her life and really go for the worthwhile goals one invisions, and should realize it will take MUCH ENERGY and MUCH TIME to achieve these goals. Remember CONSISTENCY is Key! In the end it is well worth it. Remember that it is the journey not the destination that is the real worthwhile goal. Until next time, remember the only limits we have are the ones we set on ourselves or decide to agree with. 
