As long as humans have existed on this planet, they have needed to do just a few things to survive: eat, sleep and protect themselves from harm. In today’s society we have lost some of the primal needs of our ancestors, yet we have gained other needs – the need to be active, reduce stress and live a healthy lifestyle. For more than 2,000 years martial arts training has addressed these primal needs. One of the earliest forms of martial arts, Shaolin Kung Fu, was created as exercise and self-defense regime for Shaolin monks to practice between their daily meditations. The ancient Greeks practiced Pancrase as a form of exercise and preparation for warfare. Tai Chi is actually not only an exercise method but very effective martial art that has been practiced in China for over a thousand years.

Martial arts training has a myriad of different benefits:

• Cardiovascular training
• Flexibility training
• Balance training
• Hand to eye and foot to eye coordination training

Being a martial arts practitioner for over 15 years, I can personally attest to the benefits this form of training provides. I have trained in over 10 different styles of martial arts and each one has given me a different training benefit. In training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, I have received a great amount of flexibility and improved range of motion. While training and fighting in Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing, I have received huge gains in cardiovascular training.

Martial arts training also has an added benefit compared to traditional exercise formats; it is a lot of fun! Most classes bring a social aspect to the training that makes it a fun environment to not only get in shape but to enhance each other’s skills. Martial art classes also break the monotony of a traditional workout routine.

Greenwood’s martial arts program consists of classes in Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts.

Vic Spatola, Director of Personal Training

Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club is excited to announce that our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor, Matt Cramm, has just received his black belt from Master Rigan Machado, internationally renowned BJJ instructor. Matt has been practicing BJJ for over 12 years under Master Rigan and this makes Matt one of just a few black belts in this practice in Colorado. In other martial arts, black belts may be received within three to four years of training. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, due to its competitive nature, a black belt may take up to 18 years.
“Greenwood is honored to feature such a highly qualified and skilled instructor in BJJ and self defense. He will offer participants a high level of training that can’t be found in other places,” according to Vic Spatola, Director of The Combat Zone and Personal Training for Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club.
Whether you are looking for competition skills, MMA ground skills or simply looking to defend yourself, Matt is the instructor to follow. He will be teaching the following classes:
1.    Adult introductory Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
2.    Adult intermediate and competition
3.    Ladies-only self-defense
4.    Kids’ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
According to Matt, when choosing a martial art, the person should look for one that focuses on technique over strength, leverage over brute power, and the ability to address any opponent. All of these points are addressed successfully with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu completes our new Combat Zone’s class offerings which includes Muay Thai, Western Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. Some of the classes offered for both kids and adults include:
1.    Muay Thai kickboxing
2.    Competitive boxing and boxing conditioning
3.    Mixed Martial Arts technique and sparing
4.    Mixed Martial Arts conditioning
Non-club members may participate in all programs.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about these classes may contact Vic Spatola at vics@greenwoodatc.com,
303.770.2582 x339 or visit www.greenwoodatc.com/combatzone.

BJJ Instructor Matt Cramm

There are many reasons to get involved in martial arts. Some people get into it because they want to learn self defense while others want to increase their self confidence or get in better shape. Martial arts like kickboxing and boxing have obvious benefits of cardiovascular training. However, there are other martial arts, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, that people do not understand enough to know how they would benefit physically. Because BJJ is primarily a ground fighting system, core training is a huge focus and because of the movement orientation as the center of BJJ, you will gain cardiovascular endurance, increased flexibility and muscular strength. Classes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu are offered 4 days a week and a special Ladies-only Self Defense class is offered on Fridays. Come and check it out with a free class. Contact Vic at vics@greenwoodatc.com.