Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness

Started 2 weeks ago with the kickboxing and I am loving it. It’s so much fun. Very hard workout but it’s Worth it.

This review is for a single full day self defense class only. A while ago, I signed up for the class because the website indicated that it was free. When I signed up, I was informed that it would cost $ 25. I figured it would be worth it. The vast majority of the class time was spent talking about what you should notice during an attack and how you should always emote a strong threatening presence. I felt like the teacher belittled us, and constantly tried to plug her other classes. I was thoroughly disappointed.
We did spend some time «hitting» each other and about 20 minutes kicking the free standing kickboxing bags at the end of the class. There was no hands-​on practice with any sort of fake assailant. I expected to practice kicking someone and getting out of situations where I might be grabbed or incapacitated. Since our class did not involve any of that, I would not recommend it.
Update: I have reviewed Minorsan’s website and see that they now offer a 2-​hour free session regarding self-​defense strategies. This is most likely a reduced version of what I paid for. They also offer a multi-​day defense course for about $ 140. I cannot say how much physical defense practice this course offers, but I suggest you ask them before you sign up.

Tabata boot camp is the best class I love to hate :-0 great work out with real results in only 30 minutes. The support from Robin and Clara helps me stay on track and focus on my personal goals. I highly recommend Minorsan.

Such a fun place to do KickAerobix! This class kicks my butt every time. They even have a Groupon. Also, I received a hand-​written thank you card in the mail from the owner, Clara — which really makes me feel welcomed. I look forward to attending more classes at Minorsan.

I love taking the kickaerobix class, especially with Clara. I have taken the class 3 times and will continue to do so because it is very challenging, upbeat, and actually feels like a great workout. This class has a lot of energy and I would recommend it for anyone trying to get in shape or looking for some good cardio. The level of the class is infinite because it really depends on how much work you put into it. Minorsan has gloves you can borrow or some to buy as well. I’ll definitely be going here all summer.

This is a review for their fitness classes only. They follow a pretty prescribed format for their classes which seem to be a program they buy and then the instructors execute. If it were not for Robin I would probably give this place 3 stars. Robin is so enthusiastic, helpful and fun that I look forward to class. I have taken other instructors, but find myself watching the clock and wishing I had just gone to the gym. There is quite a bit of variability between the different instructors and I find Robin also works us the hardest.
Schedule wise, the fitness classes are pretty limited so if I had an unlimited visit pass I wouldn’t get my money’s worth out of it. During after work times the only days that have classes after 6 are Tuesday and Thursday, nothing Friday and Monday/​Weds there is kind of a boring class 6 – 7 (Kick Aero Box) which I never find to be a hard enough workout to justify battling traffic and usually the less than stellar instructors teach it. Their class selection is very limited Fri-​Sunday which is also rough.
The good stuff has already been outlined, but I will attest to the fact that there is a strong community vibe here. Clara, the owner, is very nice and aims make her customers happy. That in itself is enough for most people to get on a fitness routine and stick to it, but I like variety and a more open schedule to feel thrilled.

I joined this wonderful Fitness facility in June 2014. I was supported through each new class and have never had such a fun working out! Before I knew it I was down 25lbs! I’m so strong and feel like I will be able to chase my grandson around forever! Love this place! Strong workouts and happy instructors.

I started at Minorsan about 2 years ago now, and I will be a lifetime member as long as I am still living in the Santa Cruz area! It’s not often I find a gym at which I feel so at home — Clara is always there to give a warm welcome, which immediately helps me to shake off my day and get my evening started right with a great workout.
I have an all-​access gym membership and I truly believe it is worth the value, as long as you hold yourself accountable to show up and do the work! All of the instructors there are friendly and so great at pushing the class to work hard and finish the workouts strong. They have also helped me when I struggle with form to make sure I’m exercising safely and without injury, which I very much appreciate.
All of the classes are really fun and challenging and fly by! I appreciate the variety of classes offered as well, since I tend to get tired of doing the same ol’ thing day in and day out. Minorsan has a great selection of classes and time slots so I can make sure I’m mixing up my workouts throughout the week. I also recently signed up for my first Tabata Bootcamp and feel so great — I have already lost some inches and feel stronger and more fit after every high intensity class.
Thank you so much to Clara and the Minorsan team :) I appreciate you being so passionate about what you do, because it makes going to the gym a pleasurable experience!

What a blast! This place is great. I get a kick-​ass work-​out, but all I feel is that I am having fun.
I love the support, friendliness and comradery. This place is good for ANY fitness level. They are all levels in the classes and we all leave sweaty and happy. As oppose to other places I have been to where the best and most fit tend to group together, here it just doesn’t seem to matter. We’re all laughing and high-​fiving each other at the end of class.
I am doing both the boot camp as well as the kickboxing classes. Those Kickboxing classes are better than any therapy I’ve ever had! I even got my husband to check out a class, and he loved it and is going to keep coming.

I love Minorsan! The instructors have great energy and are helpful and friendly. I started 3+ years ago with Zumba. I did Zumba for 2 years and then moved on to the KickAerobics and Body Pump. I’m still getting stronger and still being challenged. The other members have always been friendly and inclusive. My first Kick Boxing class was tough! But I got a lot of encouragement and help from everyone.
This is wonderful local gym that I can walk to and feel part of the community. I have made some great connections here and have a ton of fun working out.

The workouts were great, I will give them that. However, the girls there in class will make you feel uncomfortable. They have all been attending forever and you are an outsider… Very much «high school». I only came across one person who was nice.
Here is some facts for you. Keep in mind this was over a year ago pricing, so it may have changed.
First, if you get a punch card, they expire in like two months. They wont tell you this and will screw you out of money (unless you have a medical note, blah blah blah) I got screwed out of four classes because I didn’t use them in the two months.
Second, you have to pay a $ 60 initial punch card fee. Total rip off!
Third, at that time, an 8 class punch card was $ 109… Which, the owner, will try to use the line «we’re planning on increasing the prices» to make you commit to a longer card. Don’t do it unless you’re certain cause they have no problem screwing you out of money.
So, in my opinion, shop around. You can get a good, quality class for less money and more friendly people. I found an amazing, affordable class. Don’t settle.

I did the free trial week here, and although I enjoyed the kickboxing class very much and liked the Zumba class OK, I didn’t join. I felt that the pricing policy was too expensive if you wanted to attend different classes (it’s priced by activity per month, not unlimited classes in every discipline for month – there is an extra monthly cost if you wanted to do, say, both kickboxing and Zumba or yoga). I also didn’t like that the pricing is not spelled out on the website, and once I did the free week and talked to the owner about the cost, I got multiple calls and emails about joining, which I felt was too much pressure. It’s a good bargain if you wish to stick to one type of class and plan to go several times a week, and the teachers were good and the facilities nice. All in all, I’d say it’s a great gym for someone serious about kickboxing or other classes offered there but not so good for someone like myself with an erratic schedule who likes to take different classes and try a few different things.

Love this gym. Owner Clara and her staff are friendly, upbeat, and helpful. Classes are highly effective, and definitely get your money’s worth.

I started the free week trial for the kickboxing class three weeks ago. I have been going to class three times a week. I have lost 12 pounds since I started. I have hypothyroidism and it is hard to maintain a healthy weight. The prices are reasonable — I am a UCSC college student and can afford it. Students also get 10% off. Clara, the owner was very nice and took time to explain my different payment options. Melissa is a great instructor and is very encouraging. I ended up purchasing an unlimited class yearly membership. I do recommend you bring your own hand wraps and gloves if you plan on sticking it out after the first week. I also plan on bringing my own yoga mat for the stretching portion at the end of class. I still have no clue what I am doing in the class but I am having so much fun and burning a tons of calories.

love this place! I have been going to the various classes Minorsan offers for over 8 years and still get a different and challenging workout each time. Clara (who is more than amazing) knows all of her students and truly takes the time to motivate and educate us on the programs. I especially LOVE the Bodypump class. The music is always changing, making the routine change as well– resulting in a very very challenging workout. I really can’t say enough good things about Minorsan

I started going to Minorsan about a month ago when I bought a Living Social coupon for 20 Kickboxing classes and I love it. Clara takes the time to get to know her students and she really does care about our progress. The class is no joke, we work hard every hour we’re in there but I absolutely look forward to getting in her studio and hitting out all of the stress & frustration of the days prior.

I love this place! It’s been a while since I’ve been on an exercise program and wanted to join any class that feels comfortable and non-​intimidating. I am so glad I found Minorsan. I started with Zumba and Pilates. Love every minute of it. Clara is a great teacher, she gives clear instructions. If you are looking for a nice place to take classes. This is it!
p. s. They also offer an accurate body fat test so you can track your progress.

I give one star (zero if I could) for the two following reasons:
1. Nowhere on their website do they state their prices.
2. No one picks up their phone for price inquiry.

I knew that minorsan would only have 5 star reviews… the only thing im surprised about is that there are only 5 to date. I went to minorsan sometime in the winter for my 1^st time and just went back last week for my second time… i would’ve gone a million times in between if i lived in santa cruz. That 1^st time i went i took the kick-​aero-​bix class followed immediately by zumba and was instantly inspired to come to santa cruz for a chunk of time JUST to indulge in this amazing studio. the kickaerobix is basically my dream class and i love having zumba all over the schedule too.
From what I’ve seen, the owners, teachers and employees are all extremely warm and helpful, and they are REALLY there for you.
My few interactions with clara the owner have instantly inspired me to follow my own dreams to help people find health and happiness, and I look so forward to returning to Minorsan soon.
EXERCISE = ENDORPHINS, we love it!!!

Clara and Dio are the best! They are always striving to meet the needs of their clients. Besides the regular classes offered, KickAeroBix (kick-​boxing), zumba (Latin based dance), pilates, martial arts, bodypump (weight-​lifting), etc… they offer self defense, fit and fitness and other workshops on a regular basis. One of my favorite things about their classes is they have great taste in music, and they are always changing it up and keeping it fresh and exciting which helps a lot to keep the work outs fun.
Clara and Dio are always available to help with technique and modifications as needed. I haven’t taken advantage of the children’s programs or childcare, but they have those too.
If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming smaller place to take fitness classes, Minorsan is the place for you.