FUNDAMENTAL:

What’s the difference between FUNDAMENTALS and other martial arts studios or performance centers?

A message from Owner Valerie Ceglio:

I’m so happy to have you here checking out our facility. FUNDAMENTALS came out of a realization that most kids and adults truly needed a better education about their bodies and minds so they could live fulfilling, successful, and healthy lives. Starting from when we’re born, we are constantly learning how to move around in the world around us. As the world has evolved though, people are moving less and less, ease and comfort are valued more than self-control and discipline, and kids and adults alike are missing out on the things that matter the most - living not only a long life, but an enjoyable and healthy one.

I have been involved in the martial arts since I was 4 years old and it laid my foundation of self-discipline and focus. I was not a “team sports” kid so martial arts was the perfect fix for my personality, aside from the very traditional “rigidity” of it. Because I was an outgoing kid, I needed the freedom to be myself but also be taught how to focus. I eventually quit at age 11 and a few years later was diagnosed with Leukemia at 14. Luckily, the surprising diagnosis was followed by successful treatment over the next 2 1/2 years and at 16, I found my way back to the martial arts when I joined kickboxing classes here at Silbers Martial Arts (previous name before becoming Fundamentals). At 17, I got my first job here and I saw the possibility of learning in a more comfortable setting where I could be myself, yet be held accountable by those around me to become a better martial artist and person. Martial arts will always hold a special place in my heart for all of the lessons it has taught me and continues to teach me. As much as I love it and will continue to train it for the rest of my life, when I was introduced to strength training in 2019, I realized I was missing a very important piece of the puzzle.

In May of 2020, I began strength training with kettlebells during COVID and my eyes were opened to another world that took my training and life to another level. Learning to use kettlebells specifically gave me an immense amount of self-confidence, strength, and made me realize there was much more to learn about my body and how to use it to its full potential while staying safe and injury free. I received my RKC and DSPCC certifications in 2022 and began a strength training class for kids and adults at our current facility, while also adjusting our curriculum to help students learn more about how to strengthen their bodies and keep their joints mobile and healthy.  My belief is that people should be able to move freely, play sports, and simply walk around without back pain and unnecessary injury. Strength training is what helps us do that, but it can be intimidating. That’s why I evolved my business into what it is now.

Kids and adults DESERVE the education about how to properly take care of their bodies, specifically through strength training and self-defense.

Here at FUNDAMENTALS, we provide that through fun and effective classes where they can learn all the things they need to succeed in life: STRENGTH, CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, SELF-DEFENSE SKILLS, AND FOCUS.

We hope you join our community in this goal to improve people’s health and lives one class at a time.