Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Fitness Partner in Tacoma, WA
Founded in 2010, Taiso Fitness has been dedicated to helping Tacoma residents achieve their fitness goals through personalized small group classes and one-on-one personal training. Our approach combines neurology-based movement science with functional fitness, catering to individuals from elite athletes to those managing chronic conditions. With certifications from Z Health Performance Solutions, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Monkeybar Gym, our team prioritizes movement quality over generic workouts. We focus on understanding each client's unique needs through initial movement assessments, creating tailored programs that evolve with their progress.Our founders, Butch and Jennifer, bring decades of martial arts expertise and a passion for holistic wellness, ensuring every session emphasizes injury prevention, performance enhancement, and long-term lifestyle changes. By integrating biofeedback techniques and evidence-based methodologies, we help clients overcome physical limitations while fostering a supportive community environment.
Services
Small Group Fitness
Personal Training
Movement Assessment
Neurology-Based Fitness
Martial Arts Instruction
TRX Training
Yoga Classes
Functional Training
Rehabilitation-Focused Fitness
Athletic Performance Enhancement
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Certified trainers with Z Health and NASM credentials
- Specialized programs for clients with chronic pain or injuries
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention
- Neurology-based approach improves movement patterns
- Founders with 20+ years martial arts expertise
Services
Small Group Fitness
Limited to six participants, our small group classes combine movement assessments with scalable workouts. Coaches adjust exercises based on individual goals and limitations. Sessions focus on functional movement patterns while preventing injury through neurology-based techniques.
Personal Training
One-on-one sessions develop customized fitness programs addressing specific needs. Trainers use biofeedback and movement analysis to create progressive routines. Ideal for post-rehabilitation recovery, performance enhancement, or personalized accountability.
Movement Assessment
Initial evaluations analyze range-of-motion, pain patterns, and movement limitations. Certified coaches identify compensatory patterns affecting performance or causing discomfort. Results guide program design for both group and private clients.
Neurology-Based Fitness
Specialized programs integrate Z Health Performance Solutions techniques. Training improves neural pathways affecting mobility, coordination, and pain management. Addresses vision-related movement limitations and neurological conditions.
Martial Arts Instruction
Adult martial arts classes emphasize practical self-defense techniques and movement efficiency. Curriculum includes traditional Japanese martial arts and modern combative systems. Develops strength, flexibility, and situational awareness.
People
Butch
Co-Founder
20-year Marine Corps veteran with chronic knee pain resolved through movement science. Certified Z Health coach and martial artist with black belts in multiple disciplines. Developed Taiso's neurology-based approach after personal rehabilitation success.
Jennifer
Co-Founder
Martial arts expert and NASM-certified trainer. Specializes in neurology-based fitness for pain relief and performance. Combines martial arts principles with Z Health techniques to create adaptive training programs for diverse clients.
Questions
What makes Taiso Fitness different from other gyms?
We focus on neurology-based movement assessments and personalized programming rather than generic workouts. Our small classes ensure individual attention while addressing each client's specific needs.
Do you offer services for clients with injuries or chronic pain?
Yes, our movement specialists work with clients recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and neurological disorders through tailored fitness programs.
What are the class sizes for group fitness?
Our group classes maintain a maximum of six participants to ensure proper coaching attention and personalized exercise modifications during each session.
How do personal training sessions work?
Private sessions schedule directly with your trainer for customized programs. We offer single sessions, multi-session packages, and shared training options for accountability and specialized coaching.
What certifications do your trainers hold?
Our team holds certifications from Z Health Performance Solutions, National Academy of Sports Medicine, Monkeybar Gym, and TRX. Founders also maintain multiple martial arts black belts.
Reviews (7)
Mon Zni
Oct 30, 2021
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Jennifer is flat out incredible. I could barely do household activities or basic self-care without injuries and panic attacks due to a medical issue, and 8 months later I'm in better shape than I've ever been, injury free and doing better every week. 250/10 stars. That's not a typo. She's a lifesaver!
Edit: Recently did a 4 hour self defense class with Jennifer and Butch that was informative, fun and challenging. I want to take more!!
Edit: Recently did a 4 hour self defense class with Jennifer and Butch that was informative, fun and challenging. I want to take more!!
Amy Hammontree
May 15, 2021
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EXCELLENT! We did a 6-session mother-daughter self-defense class and from start to end, it was impressive. The instruction was professional, thoughtful and fun. Jennifer and Butch were amazing.
Julie Heidal
Nov 24, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
I just want to tell you both how much I appreciate all you do. My life was pretty epic before I met you, but you've both made it Next Level. Thank you!
I just want to tell you both how much I appreciate all you do. My life was pretty epic before I met you, but you've both made it Next Level. Thank you!
Jordan S.
Sep 15, 2020
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The staff at Taiso is personable, amazing, and dedicated to helping their clients. I hired Jennifer to help me with an old injury, she was super helpful and went way above and beyond. She is extremely knowledgeable and goes the extra mile for her clients. Taiso provides an environment in which you can feel safe and supported on your road to a healthier/stronger/more efficient you.
Kirsten Schowalter
Oct 29, 2019
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This gym is not for you if you are looking for a 20/30/40 or x minute workout, one-and-done. This is for you if you see movement as a fundamental part of your life and you are looking for community and structure that will help you grow. This is a place where what you do in training makes you more capable with all the rest of your life - whether that is knowing your limits, understanding how your body responds under stress or specific fitness goals (for me that was doing a pull up and improving my skiing). Since coming in with those goals, my training here has helped me understand how even the day
Kristen A.
Oct 23, 2019
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Taiso is a great place to safely and effectively workout. Jennifer and Butch can accommodate most physical challenges and get you or keep you moving. The classes are interesting with a diversity of skills and movement patterns to help you recover your fitness or to maintain physical skills in a sedentary life style.
Dr. Cindy Caldwell
Jul 19, 2019
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I love the personal attention to each person in the class. If there are 5 people in the class, there may be 5 different versions of an exercise to fit the fitness, injury or strength level of each person. I came to Taiso after sitting in graduate school for 5 years and writing a dissertation over another 2 years...to say I was out of shape and weak is putting it mildly. I have worked out for almost 2 years and have built strength, flexibility and confidence! I also have less back and joint pain. Butch and Jennifer are fun, knowledgeable, and accommodating on every level!
