Spirit of the Heart Martial Arts and Wellness

Spirit of the Heart Martial Arts and Wellness, founded over 30 years ago by head instructor Nancy Rothenberg, is a welcoming and inclusive school offering a non-competitive environment for individuals of all ages, genders, and identities to improve their physical and mental wellness. The school specializes in Silat, also known as Pukulan or Indonesian Kung Fu, which is a raw martial art that emphasizes a straightforward approach based on the four principles of tiger, monkey, crane, and snake. This style encourages students to challenge both their bodies and minds. The instructors at Spirit of the Heart are recognized for their kindness and support while also challenging students to cultivate physical and personal growth. Many students, including parents who initially accompany their children, find themselves training for several years. The school provides programs for all ages and skill levels, with a strong focus on engaging and teaching children. Nancy, the head instructor, is particularly skilled at identifying the strengths in each child and addressing areas for growth, ensuring that students not only learn martial arts but also develop discipline, self-control, pride, and bravery. One parent, who has two children attending Spirit of the Heart for over a year, cannot recommend the school enough, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on their kids' physical fitness, martial arts skills, and personal development. Another family was drawn to the school after their 7-year-old daughter became interested in martial arts due to the Bunjitsu Bunny books and has been thrilled with her classes since day one. She enjoys learning from Nancy and practicing sequences at home, all while being part of a fun and welcoming community.