Joanna Ruvolo

My story is very average, in that anyone can do what I did. They key is how bad do you want it?

I was athletic most of my life, and then I became the average adult, working a 9-5, and I stopped being active. I got “stuck” in my way of being lazy and comfortable, until I wasn’t comfortable anymore. Like so many people, I hated running, but I thought that was a good place to start. It helped me shed a couple pounds but it wasn’t enough. I would pass a lawn sign every day after work with big red letters that said “FAT? Just Kickbox”. I had no idea that a lawn sign can change someone’s life. I called, spoke with Master Scott Palangi, and I scheduled my Intro Class. Just like everyone else, I didn’t know what to expect, I felt silly and uncoordinated my first couple of classes, but I was hooked. There was something about it that was addicting and exhilarating – it was the energy in the room, the inspirational students around me, and the idea that I CAN do this! Little did I know, this became my motto: “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” I needed to create the person I wanted to be. Within a short period of time, a size 14 became a 4, 200+ lbs was 150, I completed my Master’s program for education, and I completed my first CIT Program for my Kickboxing Coaching Certification.

I taught my first class in Pennsylvania on August 31^st, 2010. Since then, Palangi Kickboxing has changed many lives. We’ve created a positive “you can” environment for men, women, and children of all ages and levels, showing them that it is possible for every and anyone to fulfill their dreams and reach their goals, on and off the mats.