Louis Toledo is known around town for making the ladies’ hearts pound. In fact he’s surrounded by gals game for his particular inspiration to achieve maximum perspiration most days of the week. Stephanie Asch even has even convinced her husband to get in on the action, too:

“We usually do it as a couple,” says Asch with a laugh. “I guess you could say we like punching each other – it’s very 'War of the Roses.' At first I had to drag him, but now he goes without me all the time!”

Okay, I should probably mention at this point that Louis is THE Louis Toledo of Maplewood Karate, and that he’s a 9th Degree Black Belt, a Master Martial Arts Instructor and that the glistening ladies are part of his wildly popular kickboxing classes. (He’s also a happily married father of five!) Lured by the glow of reviews I’ve been hearing, I decided to drop into Friday's 9:30 a.m. class see what the hype’s about.

I scrambled into the studio with seconds to spare and realized within a few introductions I was in the company of some MOL legends. In fact, Louis was coerced into creating a mom-friendly Kickboxing schedule by Sharon Geraghty  (who’s just as buff as her avatar, btw.) “I said if you schedule times that work for me, I’ll find a few friends,” says Sharon, and the program's been kicking ever since, as have the bodies of those taking it.

“I’m down two sizes,” reports a toned Geraghty. “Before starting I had constant hip, shoulder and strength issues – they’re gone. I leave here feeling focused and stress free. It’s like the ying to the yang of yoga for me.”

In a nutshell, kickboxing is martial art of attack and defense, which utilizes boxing gloves and punches as in boxing and bare foot kicks as in karate. Maplewood Karate’s kickboxing is Louis’s personal blend of martial arts, strength training and cardio vascular — a combination that delivers quite an effective punch on the physique:

“Every day – and every class — is different. Sort of like a ‘Dead’ show,” explains Louis, with smile.  “I see women walking out the door with more self esteem and higher expectations of themselves and what they can accomplish. It’s a great feeling.”

“I’ll be turning a certain age next year and Louis is helping me hit a goal I never thought possible,” adds Alison Oxman, who also appreciates the camaraderie of the classes. “People come here and actually end up becoming each other’s
cheerleaders – it’s not just about kicking and hitting, but about holding the
bag for your partner, receiving and coaching them to be their best.”

That sort of nurturing makes it an ideal fit for most newcomers. “I hadn’t taken an organized workout class since I fell off the step at the tail end of that craze,” says Ellen O’Neill, who used to jog out of necessity due to her hectic work schedule. “A friend dragged me in and I’ve been coming 1 to 2 times a week, since. I felt immediately comfortable here and when I miss my classes I really feel out of sorts.”

I have to say after having taken my first class, these gals are preaching to the converted: LOVED IT. Perhaps it was because I was paired with the warm and witty Ellen. Perhaps it was because I’d arrived in a mood as foul as the weather – with an undeniable urge to envision my husband’s head as the kicking target - but I seriously haven’t experienced a sport as enjoyable in years. Once I connected with the sweet spot on that kickboxing shield I was sold – and ready to return.

I even swung by shortly after the session with the kids in tow to wet their toes on the idea of taking classes at Maplewood Karate, too. After Louis graciously gave them a quick tour and overview, I couldn’t get my kids to stop doing kicks. When I asked my 9-year old if she wanted to come back, she turned to me with big eyes and exclaimed, “Come back? I don’t want to leave!”  Yup, I can definitely relate.

Maplewood Karate Martial Arts Academy, 530 Valley Street Maplewood, NJ (973)996-8066. Visit www.maplewoodkarate.net for schedule and pricing.