After 20 years in the Marine Corps, Butch had spent the last three years of his career with chronic knee pain. He had gone through three physical therapists, two ortho surgeons and a chiropractor. The issue turned out to be easily corrected with movement. But since no one local was practicing this neurology-based approach to fitness he was inspired to create Taiso.
Jennifer's pathway to the fitness industry was through martial arts. Martial arts is an expression of movement and having a system of training that is based on neurology means we can help anyone get better at anything. Its not just about getting out of chronic pain, it is also about elite performance.
Jennifer's pathway to the fitness industry was through martial arts. Martial arts is an expression of movement and having a system of training that is based on neurology means we can help anyone get better at anything. Its not just about getting out of chronic pain, it is also about elite performance.
Services
We are a small, local Tacoma gym looking for clients who value health and fitness as a way to explore, play, and enjoy life. We want to truly know our customers and know that the coaching we provide makes a difference in their lives. We have always been active, but we haven't always worked out. Why?
Taiso means "exercise" in Japanese. We offer small group fitness classes, personal training, and adult martial arts in the Proctor District of Tacoma. I want to give my clients the coaching and expertise that I would've wanted my Mother to have when she was younger. I watched her yo-yo diet take fat loss pills, count calories and buy exercise videos, with no long term benefit.
Reviews (13)
Mon Zni
Oct 30, 2021
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Jennifer is flat out incredible. I could barely do household activities or basic self-care without injuries and panic attacks due to a medical issue, and 8 months later I'm in better shape than I've ever been, injury free and doing better every week. 250/10 stars. That's not a typo. She's a lifesaver!
Edit: Recently did a 4 hour self defense class with Jennifer and Butch that was informative, fun and challenging. I want to take more!!
Edit: Recently did a 4 hour self defense class with Jennifer and Butch that was informative, fun and challenging. I want to take more!!
Amy Hammontree
May 15, 2021
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Julie Heidal
Nov 24, 2020
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Jordan S.
Sep 15, 2020
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The staff at Taiso is personable, amazing, and dedicated to helping their clients. I hired Jennifer to help me with an old injury, she was super helpful and went way above and beyond. She is extremely knowledgeable and goes the extra mile for her clients. Taiso provides an environment in which you can feel safe and supported on your road to a healthier/stronger/more efficient you.
Kirsten Schowalter
Oct 29, 2019
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This gym is not for you if you are looking for a 20/30/40 or x minute workout, one-and-done. This is for you if you see movement as a fundamental part of your life and you are looking for community and structure that will help you grow. This is a place where what you do in training makes you more capable with all the rest of your life - whether that is knowing your limits, understanding how your body responds under stress or specific fitness goals (for me that was doing a pull up and improving my skiing). Since coming in with those goals, my training here has helped me understand how even the day
Kristen A.
Oct 23, 2019
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Taiso is a great place to safely and effectively workout. Jennifer and Butch can accommodate most physical challenges and get you or keep you moving. The classes are interesting with a diversity of skills and movement patterns to help you recover your fitness or to maintain physical skills in a sedentary life style.
Dr. Cindy Caldwell
Jul 19, 2019
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I love the personal attention to each person in the class. If there are 5 people in the class, there may be 5 different versions of an exercise to fit the fitness, injury or strength level of each person. I came to Taiso after sitting in graduate school for 5 years and writing a dissertation over another 2 years...to say I was out of shape and weak is putting it mildly. I have worked out for almost 2 years and have built strength, flexibility and confidence! I also have less back and joint pain. Butch and Jennifer are fun, knowledgeable, and accommodating on every level!
Paul Livingston
Jun 24, 2019
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Jen Drake
Jun 01, 2018
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Hayley Renstrom
Nov 22, 2017
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Taiso is the best! They always make you feel very comfortable with whatever movement you're doing but they also challenge you to do your best. There are so many people working out there at different fitness levels and they always tailor your experience so you get the most out of the class. I highly recommend this gym as a place to get moving, no matter where you're starting out.
Grace B.
Mar 13, 2017
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As a young woman interested in learning martial arts for the first time, I was incredibly lucky to find Taiso. Butch and Jennifer do an amazing job of making their clients feel cared for and comfortable. They are so welcoming, from their humor to their knowledge of fitness. I took the Samurai Martial Arts classes for a couple of months and enjoyed every minute. Their traditional style Japanese jujitsu incorporates lots of different techniques to keep you sweating and having fun. I highly recommend the gym for those looking to get individual attention from people you can trust.
Trevor Rotzien
Sep 17, 2015
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I love Taiso Fitness. They provide personalized training with the brain-body connection in mind, promoting much better coordination and balance, not only greater strength. They welcome people with a wide range of abilities, challenges and goals. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive. They work us hard, while keeping a positive perspective and an infectious sense of humor!
Marc P.
Apr 04, 2015
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The owners and trainers at Taiso Fitness have an uncommonly high degree of care for people and the workout atmosphere is very positive. I can think of no other place that offers as much individualized attention with measurable results after every visit, at such affordable monthly rates, than Taiso. Fitness.
