Excel Martial Arts Grand Opening in Larchmont is a Family Affair

Grand Opening day at Excel Martial Arts Center in Larchmont bustled.  The building, once a hair salon, had been transformed into a lively destination for learning, as full of activity as it was children.

On two floors, demonstration classes were underway.  In the first floor class, two rows of children faced the mirrored wall, counting and kicking in unison while their parents looked on from the sidelines.

“Stretching is,” led teacher John Rios. “Relaxing, sir!” replied the children, bent over in triangles.

The Palmer Avenue location is the fourth for owners Joseph Rivera and China Fuentes-Rivera. Excel also has two locations in the Bronx and one in Brooklyn. The pair weaved quietly through the action, taking in all the activity and making sure the Grand Opening ran smoothly.

Joseph Rivera has been teaching martial arts for 25 years and has had Excel for 15 years. The school teaches American martial arts techniques, he says, incorporating aspects of Tae Kwon Do and Karate.

“We add whatever is effective to teach the children self-defense and character,” said Joseph Rivera.  Even Franklin Covery and Tony Robbins are fair game as resources to enrich his students.

“What sets us apart is that we are a community-based school,” he said.  Joseph Rivera encourages all members of the family to get involved with classes at the center, noting that students range in ages from 3 to 61.  Classes go beyond martial arts and include belly-dancing, pilates, rumba and yoga.

In fact, Excel is a true family enterprise.  Joseph Rivera says many of the staff are relatives brought into martial arts study by his wife and him.  China Fuentes-Rivera, a former 5th grade teacher, has studied martial arts for 25 years and will also be teaching at the center.

At full schedule, Joseph Rivera said, the school will offer 60- 75 different classes throughout the week.

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