[Ekata] – Ekata Training Center will be hosting a free open house and free classes on Saturday in an effort to expose the community to their 30-day transformation program.

Founded in Valencia in 2006, Ekata takes its name from the Sanskrit word for “oneness” and focuses on a holistic approach to mind and body training, merging Eastern tradition with Western science – all focused on promoting long-term wellness. The center is hosting a free open house including free classes on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There’s a reason Ekata Training Center calls its introductory program a 30-day transformation: That’s exactly what it is, and members such as Daniel Carter are living proof.

“I have found the meditation or ‘brain training’ to have been the most important part of my learning,” he said. “Ekata has helped me transform my life in many positive ways.”

Carter signed up for the O2 Life 30-Day Transformation in December and has already shed more than 20 pounds. He credits the rapid weight loss to an increase in impulse control that’s been influenced by meditation and mindful eating, improved mental clarity, improved personal relationships and an overall reduction in anxiety.

“We’re thrilled when we see our members have the kind of transformation Daniel has been experiencing,” Ekata co-founder Sifu Ed Monaghan said. “Rather than losing weight through simply ‘going hard’ with workouts, he’s been making a total mind/body change through a combination of fitness and changed mindsets. Training your brain is how you ensure lasting change.”

The O2 Life Transformation begins with a private consultation with one of Ekata’s co-founders — either Monaghan or Sifu JoAnn Wabisca. They apply their expertise in the fields of mindfulness, fitness and martial arts to develop a meaningful, personalized plan to help each individual reach his or her optimal state of health and wellness.

At Saturday’s open house, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Ekata founders and staff, tour the facility and take advantage of a full schedule of free classes.

The class schedule for Saturday’s open house includes:
8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Combat Jiu Jitsu
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Zumba
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Kettlebells
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Savate Level 2 & 3
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Yoga/Pilates
11 a.m. to noon – Spiritual Journey Class
Noon to 1 p.m. – JKD Level 1 & 2
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Train Your Brain Class

Fusing a variety of martial arts and physical training, therapeutic services, education and more, Ekata provides a one-stop location for training and wellness in the Santa Clarita Valley, with programs for children and adults.

Enjoying a coveted five-star Yelp.com ranking and regarded as “One of the Best-Kept Secrets in the SCV,” Ekata’s training facility is beautiful. The center includes three main classroom and training areas, juice bar, a teen study area, child care room, massage treatment and meditation rooms, and locker and shower rooms. In addition to physical training, the center also offers a full program of sports and Swedish massage, acupuncture, physical therapy and nutrition coaching.

To RSVP for Saturday’s open house or for more information about the O2 Life 30-Day Transformation, call (661) 255-1114 or visit www.ekata.net/open-house. Ekata is located at 27831 Smyth Drive.

“This truly is the chance at a life-changing transformation,” Monaghan said. “We work hands-on with each person to evaluate their needs and develop the ideal program for fitness of the mind, body and spirit, for change that lasts.”

About the Founders

Ekata was founded in Valencia in 2006 by Sifu Ed Monaghan and Sifu JoAnn Wabisca, and moved to its expanded location in early 2014. Monaghan has been involved in the health/fitness and martial arts industry for over 30 years. As a professor at UCLA, he specializes in kinesthetic learning and movement-based mindfulness practice in the Department of Theater, Film and Television.

He has studied a variety of martial arts and meditation practices for over 40 years, with instructor certifications in Jeet Kune Do, Savate, Muay Thai, Karate, Kung Fu and Qi Gong. Sifu Ed was ranked one of the top 100 trainers in America by Men’s Journal magazine, and one of the top 5 trainers in Los Angeles. In addition to training numerous celebrities, he has also assisted in defensive tactics training of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

In 2010 he was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and voted Martial Arts Leader of the Year. After a long career in the film industry, JoAnn Wabisca turned her focus to martial arts and physical training, becoming one of the first women in the U.S. to receive the black belt equivalent rank of “Silver Glove” in Boxe Francaise Savate.

A world-class competitor in Savate, she took home the U.S. Championship and World Vice Championship in 2004. She is also a figure competitor, winning the California State Championship in her class when she was 46 years old.

She is also a certified instructor in Muay Thai and Jeet Kune Do. For more information on Ekata, visit www.ekata.net.