Cooper City is filled with businesses that pull no punches when it comes to making meaningful impacts in the community and for those they serve. Among these special places of business is Kick Fit Martial Arts, which offers programs that promote physical fitness, focus, and personal development for both kids and adults.
Kick Fit Martial Arts has been a second home to many residents and non-residents for nearly 15 years. Located on 8731 Stirling Road, the martial arts center offers a variety of classes for children ages four and up, teens, and adults, creating a family-friendly environment. Raul Alvarez, Owner and Chief Instructor, strives for his business to be where students from all walks of life can feel at home.
"We're trying to create a great environment for fitness. And we want it to be fun," said Alvarez, who has been teaching for over 25 years.
Alvarez discovered his passion for martial arts at an unlikely moment. Reeling from heartbreak and experiencing a period of low self-esteem, Alvarez’s first encounter with his future career came when he witnessed his own friend training at a martial arts school in Miami Lakes. That moment would shape his future for success.
“I was just in awe at what I saw at that particular school. So once I saw that I knew that was what I wanted to do, I started training, got into instruction, found out I was very good at teaching kids,” recalls Alvarez. “Fast forward, I did that for about 12 years. Took a little five-year hiatus break and then decided to go on my own. So here we are [in] Cooper City 15 years later.”
Since its inception, Kick Fit Martial Arts has made an effort to give back to its community, partnering with local elementary schools such as Cooper City Elementary, and participating in community events like the Founder’s Day Parade and the Bike, Rodeo, Safety & Health Fair.
While Alvarez’s involvement in community events highlights his commitment to giving back, it is the lasting influence he has on his students and peers that defines Kick Fit Martial Arts as a legacy business. Alvarez has not only served as an inspiring figure for his students, but also as a mentor to fellow business owners, offering guidance and wisdom to help them succeed. Nominated by a patron for the Legacy Award, Alvarez expressed gratitude for the community’s recognition of his business as one that has made a meaningful impact.
"It means a lot because when we first opened this school, we had a vision of, you know, teaching self-defense, fitness, and creating a fun family environment for the community," said Alvarez. “What’s special to us [about Cooper City] is the word family. You guys never run out of kids, which is great. And what we find is that if we sign up kids, you know, mom and dad are right behind us getting started as well and then vice versa.”
Through consistent mentorship, community involvement, and a commitment to enduring impact, Kick Fit Martial Arts has built a legacy rooted in service, leadership, and lasting contribution to the community.
“We’re in the business to help everyone. We want to help adults. We want to help teenagers. We want to help kids,” said Alvarez. "We just want to be a good business and social environment for many more years to come in Cooper City.”
Congratulations, Kick Fit Martial Arts!
A special thank you to the Business Advisory Board and City Commission for their support of the Business Spotlight Awards. Interested in nominating a Cooper City business? Visit www.CooperCity.gov/BusinessSpotlightAwards.