Calasanz Physical Arts, well known for its sophisticated martial arts training, has just opened a satellite school in Wilton which is devoted primarily for 1-on-1 personal training. Calasanz, a native of the Dominican Republic a physical arts and martial art master, came to the United States in 1979 to pursue his dream of creating a career in the martial arts, becoming a performer and making a feature movie all of which have been done. He has devoted his life to developing a unique system of physical fitness and martial arts training known as the Calasanz System. His unprecedented approach has made him Connecticut’s leader in his field as well as the head of one of the largest schools in the country. In a business where most schools struggle to survive, Calasanz Physical Arts has not only sustained itself but has grown significantly over the last 25 years.
Newly opened 1-on-1 Personal Training Studio at 23 Danbury Road in Wilton.
Calasanz has a unique belief on the martial arts, and the beauty of it is, your body is the most important technique at the beginning of your training. Anyone can be a fighter, but not everyone can have a well balanced physical body. Being balanced at all times, grounded, flexible, and strong, are very important points of his system.
The reason for his popularity and success is that the Calasanz System appeals to mature adults. Most adults are familiar with America’s standard karate school where students wear white uniforms and with bare feet, follow an instructor who takes them through a series of kicks and punches. Many adult learners are not interested in this regimented form of training and find its one-size fits all approach does not meet their needs. They want to get fit and feel good. They want no-nonsense self-defense. They want to learn how to react quickly and effectively if confronted with a life-threatening situation. They don’t want to waste time learning countless impractical techniques or earning belts and stripes. They don’t want to earn medals and trophies. Calasanz success is linked to the creation of a system that meets the needs of adult men and women alike.
Some of you have tried multiple gyms in order to get the results you want. In this system, you will probably experience at least 90% of the exercises and techniques needed to look good, and feel good.
The first step to Calasanz unique approach is body conditioning, with a series of exercises designed to build strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination. Once the student builds a foundation of physical fitness, the next phase is learning basic martial art techniques. The system is simple enough that anyone has taken one to three classes will already be doing basic kickboxing drills, hitting the bags or coached with the mitts, all of which can give anyone the workout and sweat they are looking for, also at the same time, the system can be very complex. No fancy, complicated moves, just simple movements with an emphasis on self-defense. Students may then choose to specialize in a variety of martial arts disciplines. Calasanz offers Karate, Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu, American Boxing, and Aerobic Isolation as well as the Calasanz System, which is a combination of those styles. You will never get bored while practicing the system, it is just a matter of wanting to stay in shape and a desire to continue learning new exercises and techniques.
(Left to right) Lou Petrillo, Jeff Prescott, Amy Letsch, Chris Schrade, and Alexander Nechaev
Students progress at their own rate and are taught by qualified instructors. Students may choose a recreational approach to martial arts training for the purpose of getting fit and learning self-defense or a more competitive program that includes friendly boxing or sparring matches. An individualized program is created for students depending on their goals and fitness levels. Regardless of the program chosen, Calasanz and his instructors create a safe, injury-free training environment. Our view is to teach you real physical arts and martial arts around your life, which means balance, endurance, grounding, etc. all of which are very important in this system.
Calasanz plans to offer the same curriculum taught at his headquarters on Westport Avenue in Norwalk to his Wilton students. Jeff Prescott, who has been training with Calasanz for over eight years, will serve as manager and head instructor of the Wilton satellite. Mr. Prescott has managed the Norwalk school for three years and looks forward to serving the Wilton community. He will be assisted by a number of qualified trainers, Lou Petrillo, Chris Shreades, Amy Letsch and Alexander (Sacha). Each instructor embraces Calasanz philosophy and will tailor the exercises and techniques to each student’s specific needs.
The Grand Opening of the Wilton satellite was held on August 1st. Although the Wilton Satellite is primarily based on 1-on-1 Personal Training, the school will offer adult group classes as well as classes for children and young adults. The main purpose of the Wilton Satellite is to teach primarily Private (Rinkiohen) and special (Okugi) programs, which give the student a better and faster understanding of the Calasanz system, it allows us to make sure that everyone stays challenged at all times. Come by and visit us at our grand opening.
