Li Ninjutsu Centers of East Islip

I’ve taken three classes so far. Two with John and one with Peter. Each instructor has his pros and cons. With John, I gave him the feedback that I would have liked a little more instruction my first time our. The first time I kicked the bag, I hit it with the side of my foot versus the top of the foot. That hurt a bit. The second class with John was better than the first. Perhaps it was because I knew what the expect. Perhaps it was because John took into account my feedback. The class was crowded but that didn’t matter much to me. I could definitely do without the head banging heavy metal music in John’s class. What I did like about John’s second class was the progression of combinations. He built on the first combination and then the second. I also liked John’s warm-​up better than Peter’s. What I liked about Peter’s was his easy going approach and music. I did not like the punching with a partner. The 3 minutes of repetitive punching was boring. One bit of feedback for Peter that I did not give him, is that he needs to end his class on an upbeat note, even if it’s a «Good night everyone, great job!» The class sort of just ended. If I could combine the best parts of each instructors class, I would give the kickboxing classes at LI Ninjutsu Center 5 stars. You really can’t beat the price either. Overall, I’m glad I signed up and have definitely seen results after just three classes.

The following review is for the kickboxing classes:
Situated in what looks like an old day care that numerous tots had attended before they could even read is LI Ninjutsu ‘s EI location. Upon arriving you’ll be greeted by various colorful printed banners and an eerily barren playground. The establishment itself looks to have gone though minor renovations but could use a fresh coat of paint in some places.
I purchased a deal online for a series of kickboxing classes, not even knowing this place existed prior. My biggest complaint is that the ilovekickboxing site is ridiculously gimmicky, like the «I lost 40 pounds using the SUPER-​AMAZEBALLS-​ACAI-​GOJI-​BERRY DIET!» type of pages with flashy graphics, anecdotal videos and *celebrity* (think John Basedow) endorsement. Thankfully, this fabricated and ridiculous type of marketing has no bearing on my experience at Li Ninjustu whatsoever. No one was pushing things on me, no one was guaranteeing I’ll loose 2 dress sizes or my money back, nada. All of which is perfectly fine with me. Upon arriving I got myself some free gloves, a remark about how «kicking ass» wasn’t a fitness goal and was guided along my way.
The teachers are kind and don’t harass you when you’re floundering around like a piece of cooked spaghetti trying to hit the bags. They’re all trained professionals and teach various martial arts classes. If you’re in a smaller class they’ll work with you a little bit on form (something I still can’t get down) but it’s mostly exercise oriented. The classes are fun, high energy and extremely high cardio. You’re working out while listening to the likes of System of A Down, deadmau5, the Tron sound track etc. You’ll be doing hit combos on the bag (for me that means grimace and hit the bag like a discombobulated 6 year old) then switch to some sit-​ups, then start another combo. After an hour of this madness you’ll either be drooling & picking yourself up off the floor or on a crazy adrenaline high. You WILL hurt the next day if you’ve really worked out. This is not a class for pansies (cough: they’ll be wearing the pink gloves). No one panders around and holds your hand saying aww are you ok? You had enough? Nope, you’re working yourself the entire time. If I were able to do this 3x a week I really would be able to kick ass, chew bubble gum AND have killer abs.
Beware, you WILL smell like a wildebeest and look like a tomato. Bring water, some clinical strength deodorant and maybe even a towel if you’re the type to get extra moist (or cry easily).