It’s a rare situation when our instructors play both sides of Freestyle, but that’s what we have here. Shannon Magee – that’s Miss Shannon to all those martial arts kids – made the leap to fitness instructor last fall, and well, we just don’t know what we ever did without her.

First up, her major credentials: She’s been a Freestyle staple
for more than 20 years. Yeah, you read that right. She was one of those little martial arts kids herself, and then she grew up to become head instructor and director of charitable events. The girl lives and breathes martial arts – she’s a fourth degree black belt, and we hear it takes, like, many, many years to make that happen. She’s also a blue belt in jiu jitsu, so, you know, don’t challenge her to any wrestling matches.

When we launched Throwdown, Shannon was all over it. She attended class five and six days a week, on top of teaching her martial arts classes and her own martial arts training. Bringing her on board to teach was a flash of brilliance, if we do say so ourselves – it’s like the class was made for her to lead. Since becoming an instructor, she’s also stepped into teaching our Fighter Physique, another class that relies heavily on great form and an understanding of martial arts. Shannon brings authenticity and killer technique to every class she teaches, she’s always willing to jump in and help out, and we can’t believe we ever got along without her.
“My goal as a fitness instructor is to encourage and inspire my classes,” she says. “I want everyone to leave feeling strong and confident. My focus is on technique and positive energy.” Hey – that sounds like a winning combination, and it’s probably why she’s built an impressive little following so dang fast.

“The awesome part about working out at a martial arts school is that our philosophies, dedication and attitudes toward ongoing training, physical, mental and spiritual health, as well as our students’ happiness and success radiates through everything we do as students and as instructors,” Shannon enthuses. “As both a student and an instructor in martial arts and fitness programs, I’m really excited to take what I learn in both disciplines and apply them to my training and my teaching!”

Whatever you’re doing, Shannon, just keep doing it.