Founded over 25 years ago by head instructor Nancy Rothenberg, Spirit of the Heart offers a non-competitive environment for both adults and children to expand on their fitness and their mental and physical wellness. Silat, often referred to as Pukulan or Indonesian Kung Fu, is a very raw martial art offering a straight to the point approach.
Founded on the four principles of tiger, monkey, crane, and snake, the style encourages students to push both their bodies and their minds to the limit. All ages and genders are welcome to attend lessons at the studio, with programs for everybody.
Founded on the four principles of tiger, monkey, crane, and snake, the style encourages students to push both their bodies and their minds to the limit. All ages and genders are welcome to attend lessons at the studio, with programs for everybody.
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Silat is well known for being a very "raw" martial art. Its dynamic movements are designed to get right to the point. Rather than training for sport, the movements of Silat are designed to efficiently deal with dangerous situations. It is also well known for being a full range martial art that has the goal of the practitioner being able to fight back from all positions.
The STRONG Program teaches internal strength building, assertiveness training and physical self-protection strategies. The training gives participants the confidence to stand strong in voice, spirit and body. It offers you simple and effective strategies to speak up for yourself and others; to trust your intuition and turn a "freeze" response into action.
Open Sparring provides a safe, non-competitive way to challenge ourselves against other martial artists and get to know each other better. Students and teachers from many styles and many schools join together in friendship to learn from each other and have a great time! Open Sparring is a very uncommon event in which people from different schools and styles come together to train.
Traditional latin music combined with today's popular music, you'll feel like you are at a dance club. Come join an hour of sweat-soaking, fierce dancing, and adrenaline-pumping like no other! Making Northampton (and surrounding areas) a sexier place. Specializing in Zumba, Zumba for Beginners, Zumba Sentao, Zumba Toning, and Cardio Hip-Hop.
Your child can expect to enter a fun and active class meant to introduce kids to the martial arts in a way that is safe and engaging. We offer a rare and exciting martial arts style: Indonesian Silat and we combine teaching this martial art with teaching skills to help kids become confident and strong; able to build inner strength, stand up for themselves and keep themselves safe.
Reviews (10)
Hannah Gyovai
Jan 13, 2022
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My 7-year-old daughter wanted to learn a martial art after reading the Bunjitsu Bunny books this summer (look them up—they’re awesome!). We looked at various local options and decided Spirit of the Heart seemed like the best fit. She’s been thrilled with her classes since Day 1! She really likes learning from Nancy and enjoys practicing the sequences at home. It’s a fun and welcoming community, too — I’m really happy we found it!
Inna Houle
Jan 09, 2022
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Austin Rogers
Jan 04, 2022
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This is a wonderful studio that is capable of working with all ages. They are structured but patient and all of the participants seem to be comfortable in moving at their own pace as well. They have taken measures to ensure safety of their students both before the pandemic and throughout the pandemic. If you ever have a concern about anything having to do with your class, they are very quick to listen and respond in a supportive way. The cost is well worth what one can get out of it. If you are considering martial arts, you should at least check out the free starter class. My guess is if you do
Cai Steele
Jan 02, 2022
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I've been training at Spirit of the Heart for roughly ten years. I started as an adult as a 30th birthday present to myself to learn self defense. I could not have predicted the personal growth, concentration, focus, physical health and self-confidence that I gained on top of that. I also gained a family of amazing people who are there for each other on and off the training floor.
Nedra Shield
Jan 01, 2022
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I have two kids (ages 9 and 6) who have been taking classes at Spirit of the Heart for over a year now. I have been so impressed with the way the teachers engage and teach my kids. Nancy is brilliant at seeing the strengths in each child AND seeing the places where they can grow. I love that my kids are being active and learning martial arts, but I love even more that they're also learning discipline, self-control, pride, and bravery. Can't recommend enough!
Kristen Elde
Oct 04, 2019
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These folks are the best! My kiddo recently did a week-long camp, as well as his sixth birthday party, at Spirit of the Heart, and I was so impressed with the organization, care, attentiveness of Nancy and her team. I intend to return soon for some of their family-oriented offerings, which I've no doubt will also be great. Big recommend!
Hanneli De Vries
Aug 27, 2019
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Lexi Walters Wright
Jul 01, 2019
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Lynn S.
Jan 22, 2019
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Hard to say enough great things about Spirit of the Heart.... it's a place of structure and discipline, combined with warmth and flexibility. It is great for kids of all ages, abilities, and personalities, and your kid can start any time of the year. It's been a pleasure to watch my son grow stronger in mind and body as he has progressed. I recommend it to everybody, especially to parents of kids who might be struggling in any way -- it's a place that builds children up!
Jennifer Scott
Dec 01, 2017
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Since joining Spirit of the Heart, my self confidence has gone up, I have learned new ways to deal with my anxiety, depression and other issues in life as well, as well as knowing how to recognize when things start to get to much for me. I am faster at noticing that than I used to be. Slowly but surely, my view of my self image is getting to be more positive. Socializing has been horribly difficult for me the majority of my life. I lacked the confidence to start, or even engage in conversation.
This class, does not just make you FEEL strong. It helps MAKE you strong. And most of that strength
This class, does not just make you FEEL strong. It helps MAKE you strong. And most of that strength
