Personally, I feel I'm one of the best examples proving that anyone can do this. When I started in January, I was 5'9" 250lbs. and way out of shape. I've since dropped 15 lbs. and am in better shape than I was 10 years ago just lifting weights. Martial Arts schools come a dime dozen, but you'd be hard pressed to find an experience as great as this. Rosendo is one those teachers that just has a knack for bringing out the fullest potential of all his students. This is the greatest investment that you can make for your body and mind.
Ed Branch
Bronx, N.Y

Aside from the self defense knowledge I have acquired through Rosendo's instruction, my body is being conditioned in a different way than regular weight training workouts. I can see a significant difference in the tone of my body!  
Ann Marie Franco
Bronx, N.Y

Since coming to tae kwon do I feel very alert and aware of people and my surroundings. I go during a time when I am not feeling my best or looking my best but somehow I manage to get through the class and always feel better by the end. This class has given me technique, skill, and power meaning energy. I really enjoy this class and recommend that women get involved to learn how to protect themselves, tone their bodies and feel great.
Jenee Evans
Bronx, N.Y

I've been training with Rosendo Lopez at the Ying Yang Self Center since January 2006.  I look forward to attending class each week.  The workouts and training are fun and challenging.   Since I've been training with him I've become more flexible. My endurance is better and I feel confidant using most of the Martial Arts techniques that I have learned.  Rosendo combines cardio workouts with martial arts. . My upper body, abs and legs are more toned due to the boxing and kicking techniques.  No matter what your level of fitness or knowledge of martial arts Rosendo has the knowledge, patience and motivation to teach you and get you to the next level.  I recommend training with Rosendo at the Ying Yang Self Center . Your mind and body will benefit greatly. 
Teresa Franco
Yonkers , NY

Rosendo Lopez the owner and Sensei at Ying Yang has been training me for about a year. I hate to say this but he is the only reason I work out at all. His motivation, teaching techniques and the art of kickboxing have all been my workout inspiration. I always feel my best both physically and mentally after a workout with Rosendo. If I miss more than a week, I actually get depressed. He has helped me to build strength, stamina, balance and over all well being through his patience as well as his gentle but powerful persuasion. In addition, I can tell you first hand that over the last year I went from about to die after 25 jumping jacks to kicking serious butt and combining kickboxing, boxing and martial arts training like I never thought possible. I more than highly recommend working out with Rosendo and the Ying-Yang Self Center .
Shana Wilson
NY, NY

If you're looking to get into great shape for the summer or to fit in that dress of the yester years Rosendo is your man!! Since joining his class I have lost two pants sizes, built stamina and learned how to defend myself all in one! And the discipline that the class taught helped me to make smoking non existing in my life !!!!!!! Thanks Rosendo!
Will
Mount Vernon , NY

If you want to get into shape, feel better about yourself, and learn self-defense this is definitely for you. Tae Kwon Do improved my cardio as well as my defense awareness. I wasn't able to walk a few flights of stairs at work without being completely exhausted but now my breathing has improved through the training of Rosendo Lopez. He teaches that breathing is everything and how we are able to control our breathing is very significant in practicing martial arts or in anything physical we choose to do in life.

Also, Rosendo Lopez explains how I should be more flexible and why this will help in any street confrontations. Tae Kwon Do has changed me 100% for the better and even on days I do not have class, I am still trying to at least do some of the workout and stretching recommended by Rosendo Lopez. After all the harder I train and practice will benefit my health in the long run and benefit me defensively if needed in any confrontations (hopefully not) in the future..
Brent Strother
Bronx , New York

Ever since I met Rosendo, I have always been inspired by his serious work ethic.  At first, when he didn’t have a school, we used to meet at the gym and the public parks and the training was always consistent and results driven. 

I learned meditation from Rosendo and although I didn’t believe in meditation at first, he mentioned some of the benefits like more energy, better focus and less stress so I gave it a try.  To my surprise, in one week, I began to see results.  I felt more aware and stronger when I was lifting weights and less stressed out at work.  Chi Gung meditation is the real deal.

All those benefits helped me but the greatest positive change came when my asthma stopped completely.  I had a combination of asthma and feeling fatigued all the time.  The two went away!  I was nearsighted and I used to wear my glasses most of the time.  After a couple of months of Chi Gung meditation, I don’t use them as much.  That’s remarkable!

When I was younger, I always wanted to try martial arts, but never did now I’m glad I did.  I am more confident and my self-esteem is higher.  I am becoming better everyday.  Thank God and my friend and teacher Rosendo Lopez.  The benefits of martial arts are endless.

Wilfredo Villanueva
Bronx, New York

The date was May 19, 2006 and the word frightened comes no place close to describing how I felt that day.  I was terrified!!!!  Terrified at the thought that I was trying to undertake martial arts/self defense training at such a late point in my life, – the advanced old age of 52.

I was terrified and convinced that I would not be able to keep up and compete with the younger students who were no doubt stronger than me, more capable than me and for whom fighting/self defense probably came more naturally.  (I had never learned to fight when I was a kid and I always got winded very quickly at the very thought of exercising).

I was fortunate, however, to find and to begin my martial art/self defense training at the Ying Yang Self Center – and believe you me I checked out numerous other schools before making the decision to go with Ying Yang.

At the Ying Yang Self Center I found an instructor (Rosendo Lopez)  who is extremely patient with his students and dedicated to seeing that they learn effective and true Tae Kwon Do as well as other disciplines (meditation, thought control, chi development, etc.) that will help them in their day-to-day lives. 

Rosendo helped me to overcome my fear of training, my fear of learning how to fight, and he helped me to realize that you are never too old to learn how to defend yourself or develop effective exercising habits that will provide both physical and mental benefits.

I highly recommend the Ying Yang Self Center (and its founder and instructor, Rosendo Lopez) to anyone, regardless of his or her age, who wishes to learn martial arts/self defense in a relaxed and enjoyable but also professional and dedicated setting.

While I may not become Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris, at the Ying Yang Center, I do, however, see the potential that I have within me to learn and at least hold my own in the area of martial arts/self defense.  This is something that I never envisioned for myself prior to joining the Ying Yang Self Center.

Leslie Jones
Brooklyn, New York
September 15, 2007
Age 53

Rosendo is an excellent trainer and coach.  I have played competitive sports for many years and have therefore had the opportunity to work with many different trainers.  I have to say that Rosendo is one of the best and most motivational ones. Rosendo is very good when it comes to mental training.  He always has something positive to say and really helps me to look at the positive side of things when I am feeling down. In sports it is important to always keep a positive attitude and Rosendo really helps me to do this. He also always stops me from saying the often heard phrase ,"I can't do it!" Furthermore, Rosendo is extremely reliable.  I know that he will always be there at our appointed training time, unlike some other coaches who tend to cancel last minute or show up late.

Meredith
New York, New York