Greg Nolen
April 2006 I tipped the scales at 219 lbs, which for me is extremely over weight. A lot of things ran through my mind, high blood pressure, potential diabetes, heart disease and over all health problems. At that time I decided my life drastically needed a paradigm change. I then began to ponder on past attempts at weight loss; for example, lifting weights, running (how about those knees, shins, hips and ankles), tread mills (running in one place with no scenery change gee what fun) and jujitsu. I had to admit that martial arts yielded the best results in the past. Although jujitsu is a great martial art and workout, I just do not feel it is a well rounded self defense art. Not to mention the way the school is teaching to kick and punch, just did not make since. Now I faced the daunting task of figuring out what martial art I would like to study, and most importantly finding a good school. Most instructors teach part time and have few years of experience at what they are trying to teach. Not to mention all the hidden cost of testing for belt programs and training with young kids. I want a school that has the complete package with professional trainers who have the patients to teach an extremely out of shape guy with two left feet. I am talking very little athletic ability here and it shows. Now that is a tall order to find such a school in the US let alone Indiana.
I began my search via internet and found a very interesting web sight for Indianapolis Martial Arts Club. I took the time to read every thing on the web sight. I was very impressed with all the information about Muay Thai and the school. The fact that someone had taken the time to design such a professional web sight meant a lot to me. I have to admit after visiting www.indianapolismartialartsclub.com I looked no further. I decided to call and inquire about the school and spoke with Ray Sarkine . I learned a lot in a very short time by speaking with Ray, he has a very strong passion for martial arts and teaching others. I then went to see the school and complete my evaluation into the art of Muay Thai. Just in watching the class it was evident that students had great respect, not only for Ray and staff, but also for each other. I could feel the strong passion for this incredible art and way of teaching. The level of energy in the room was intense to say in the least. I then was introduced to the art of Muay Thai.
I have to admit, usually I am not one to jump into things, or making quick decisions, and deep down inside I knew this is what I was looking for and signed up. After a few short weeks of training in level one I could see changes in my body. The pounds were starting to melt off. I was sleeping better, I had more energy. I was simply amazed at how much flexibility my body had gained. My first day I could barley bend over let alone sit in the splits. If someone had told me how flexible I was going to be in a few months I would have never believed it. Within a few months I had lost 35 lbs and was moving on to level two where the focus and intensity is at a much higher pace. I also started level 3, and have now participated in a few level 4 classes; it was here that I gained great appreciation and respect for the more advanced students. I was greatly impressed at how everyone was very patient with me, how they fought at my level and not their level where I would have been quickly pummeled; everyone was encouraging and showed much respect for each other and the art of Muay Thai.
It is truly amazing the amount of stress our bodies takes on daily at work and with life in general. My body is most relaxed after class and life has a very serene feel when driving home. I find myself dealing with stressful situations better. I encourage people to perform to the best of their ability, to make the best out of every situation; you know the glass half full philosophy, and most importantly to never give up. I also enjoy showing up for class early, there is plenty of laughing and kidding around, Ray is always telling jokes and finding humor in the day to day events with life. I truly appreciate this. During class when training, Ray works with each and every person, he truly cares about each and every student and making them better. I find Ray to be an excellent philosopher not only in martial arts but also with life in general. The classes, his passion for learning how to teach others and the art of Muay Thai is constantly in a state of evolution to improve each and every day. Striving to make all of us better, to build character, to set goals, be healthy and eat healthy, and work together as a team.
There has also been additional training outside of class, for example Bo-Staff training, boxing seminars, and jujitsu and nutrition seminars. There have been collections take at some of these seminars and that money went to Riley hospital. A ladies only self defense class that was basically free to anyone interested. There have been classes about philosophy and Dharma study where we learned how to understand the mind and our ability to control our body, rid our mind of all thoughts, and improve breathing, and heart rate through meditation. To stay focused, stay on the correct path and to achieve enlightenment. My life has improved immensely since joining IMAC. I have many new friends, better self-esteem, and self-discipline, commitment, and charter, inner and outer strength. I am much healthier, and overall a happier person. I found what I have been looking for, what has been missing from my life. The value far exceeds the cost here. Thanks Ray for being there for all of us, for sharing your passion for Muay Thai and life. I look forward to the next class, also the next level 4 and my first fight. Seeing all my new friends at class and striving with each person to be the best that we can be. I have to thank James and all my fellow students at IMAC for working with me, being patient. I am truly thankful for and proud to be a student of IMAC.
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