Adult classes

Fitness/dance

Menlo Aikijujitsu

Ages 15+

Bushin Ryu Aikijujitsu is a martial art system based on the dynamic techniques common to both Jujitsu and Aikido focusing on techniques and strategies for self-defense. Students learn the principles of striking, kicking, pressure points, joint locks, throws and submissions as well as the values of: discipline, self-control and respect. This system also includes weapon techniques concentrating on short staff/knife A $60 fee for uniform is payable to the instructor on the first day of class. For more information, visit bushinryutaojitsu.com.

Instructor: T. Chow

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

TRX Suspension Training

Ages 16+

Want to be stronger? Want to achieve that toned body? TRX can help you achieve that look!! TRX is a revolutionary total body workout that uses gravity and your own body weight to simultaneously develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability. I will give you a workout that will challenge you week after week, launching you toward your definition of success. Concerned your body isn’t 100%?  Modifications and progressions will be used to accommodate any issues. New to TRX? Come in for a free session and try it out before you decide. $25 drop-in fee (based on availability). No class Aug. 9.

Instructor: K. Baker – TRX Certified Group Instructor

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Beginner Traditional Karatedo – Seiwakai Silicon Valley

Ages 8+

Beginner participants learn traditional Karate from Okinawa Japan, focusing on kata, self-defense, sport kumite, awareness, sportsmanship, athletics and personal well-being. Training adopts science of the U.S. Olympic committee while following the standards of the Japan Karate Federation. Students may participate in local, regional and international competitions and have the opportunity to train in Japan and international seminars with the instructor. Drop in is $20 per session, offered Monday evenings. Additional fee for national, international membership and testing however memberships nor test participation is not required. Additional fee for (non-mandatory) training equipment (white Karate uniform) suggested for participants wishing to continue training. No class July 6 or July 13.

Instructor: JP Williams

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Hawaiian Hula

Ages 18+

Beginners/Intermediate level. Come and enjoy Hawaiian Hula! It’s a fun form of exercise while you “do the hula.” Students will learn the basic hula footwork and movements, and hand gestures dancing to beautiful Hawaiian mele (song). No handout materials will be available in this course. Students wear comfortable clothing, loose fitting, t-shirts and leggings OK (no jeans) or bring your hula pa’u skirt or sarong. Drop in available for $20. No class July 2 or Sept. 3.

Instructor: N. Antonio

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Palomanians Folk Dance

Ages 18+

This class offers the opportunity to learn dances from around the world: Europe, Asia and the Americas. All levels of dance are offered, from beginner to advanced. The complexity of dances increases through the evening, with appropriate level of teaching based on the evening’s attendees. Class begins with warmup and introductory dances. Beginners and experienced dancers will feel right at home and have fun. Both partner and non-partner dances will be presented, however, you do not need a partner to attend. Need exercise? Folk Dancing is an easy and enjoyable way to exercise both mind and body. Questions? Call 408-537-3352 or 408-249-6104. No class July 4.

Instructor: C. Dickey

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

DanceVibes: Dance Fitness with Banyan Women

Ages18+

BTWC, a local wellness nonprofit, is bringing DanceVibes to Menlo Park. DanceVibes bridges the gap between dance fitness and dance choreography classes. This program is an outlet to clear the mind through dance, whilst also providing a heart pumping, fun and challenging workout in a friendly and judgment free environment. At Banyan, we believe that access to health and wellness choice is a human right and movement is an essential part of everyone’s healing journey. Come join instructor Melissa for the fun! This class is open to all bodies and all abilities. No class June 27 or July 4.

Instructor: Banyan Tree Women’s Collective 

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Maple Room

Bands, Booty and Beats

Ages18+

Join Banyan Women for a 30 min booty and core workout using Booty Bands and weights (optional) while grooving to club beats. At Banyan, we believe that access to health and wellness choice is a human right and movement is an essential part of everyone’s healing journey. This class can be done without bands or weights, if you have your own favorite band and mat you are encouraged to bring them to class. A limited number of bands will be available from the instructor for use during class. Come join instructor Melissa for the fun! This class is open to all bodies and all abilities. No class June 27 or July 4.

Instructor: Banyan Tree Women’s Collective 

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Maple Room

Yogalates via Zoom

Ages18+

Great total body workout improving posture, strength (including core and back) and enhances flexibility as well as balance.

Instructor: M. Story

Location: Online

Gentle Yoga via Zoom

Ages18+

In this class we will be doing traditional yoga poses and stretches that will help you build strength, tone, balance, and increase flexibility for the entire body including core. It’s a terrific stress reliever and helps to detox your body. You will leave feeling rejuvenated and energized. All ages, body types and fitness levels welcome. Please bring yoga mat and strap.

Instructor: M. Story

Location: Online

Iyengar Yoga with Ruchi – Hybrid

Ages18+

This is a hybrid yoga class where students can attend in person or online. This yoga class is for students new to yoga and experienced students of all levels. Students will learn basic yoga poses and build further from the foundation to standing poses, forward extensions, back extensions, twists and breath awareness as well as learn some yoga philosophy. Iyengar yoga puts emphasis on alignment using props and builds flexibility and strength. Yoga is a practice for self-understanding. A consistent practice can improve your life in many ways. I encourage you to start now, no matter your strength, flexibility or age. Come to class and learn the basics. I will teach you enough so that you can practice at home, if that is what you want to do. 1 yoga mat, 1 yoga strap, 2 yoga blocks, 2-3 yoga blankets, 1 bolster will be used during class. The instructor will have some extra props to borrow for in class students, however participants are encouraged to bring in their own when possible. No class June 27, July 4 or July 11. $20 in person drop in available. 

Instructor: R. Murlidhar

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Morning Manifestation: Yoga, Meditation and Sound Room

Ages18+

Join Banyan Tree Women’s Collective for a morning of grounding practices to soothe the mind, body and spirit. Please bring your yoga mat and blanket if you tend to get cold. Mats are available on-site to use if needed. We also welcome you to bring a bolster or pillow as we will be on the floor. 

Instructor: Banyan Tree Women’s Collective

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Maple Room

Zumba - Zoom

Ages 16+

Zumba combines Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout, plus step and toning. 

Instructor: S. Gutierrez

Location: Online 

 Zumba Toning - Zoom

Ages 16+

This class puts an emphasis on toning to define muscle. There will be a half-hour portion of the class which focuses on weights and body sculpting. Then the second part of the class will be focused on Zumba to increase your cardio levels. 

Instructor: S. Gutierrez

Location: Online 

Traditional Aztec Dance

Ages 16+

Learn to dance the traditional Aztec Dance that has been taught for centuries in Mexico and other Latin American countries. No class July 4.

Instructor: G. Salinas 

Location: Belle Haven Library

Balkan Folkdance

Ages 18+

Learn a repertoire of lively dances from North Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Hungary. Internationally known teachers Martin Frost or Todd Wagner will provide instruction to participants with some dance experience. Information about customs, history and costume is also presented. This course complements other courses offered at the recreation center with very little overlap in material. $8 drop-in fee. 

Instructors:  M. Frost, T. Wagner; Coordinator: S. Ritz

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Beginning Taiji

Ages 16+

Taiji Chuan, is an internal martial art that cultivates power and relaxation. The Chen style encompasses both hard and soft aspects of taiji. Practice strengthens the core and improves posture and balance. Learn the Old Frame form from which Taiji Chuan originated. The beginning class will teach fundamentals such as correct posture and moving from the center. Push hands and weapons such as sword, spear, and Guan Dao are taught in the intermediate class.

Instructor: E. Horvath

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Intermediate Taiji

Ages 16+

Taiji Chuan, is an internal martial art that cultivates power and relaxation. The Chen style encompasses both hard and soft aspects of taiji. Practice strengthens the core and improves posture and balance. Learn the Old Frame form from which Taiji Chuan originated. The beginning class will teach fundamentals such as correct posture and moving from the center. Push hands and weapons such as sword, spear, and Guan Dao are taught in the intermediate class.

Instructor: E. Horvath

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Persian Dance

Ages 16+

Ground into your body and connect back to yourself by expressing graceful movements. Using delicate arm movements and poses, we evoke the graceful style of Persian classical dance. After a grounding, centering warmup fused with tai chi and some cardio, we explore the fundamental techniques of classical miniature and regional folkloric Iranian dances. Emphasis is on the flowing, soft, graceful, delicate style of classical Persian dance. We end returning to our core using meditative breathing practices and stretching. For more information, visit persiandancing.com

Instructor: S. Mirabedi

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Persian Belly Dance Fusion

Ages 16+

Learn a combination of Egyptian style belly dance with the elegance of Persian dance movements and fundamentals of posture, isolations, steps and shimmies. We will cover the accents of belly dance along with delicate arm and foot patterns of Persian dancing. Class begins with a quick warm-up, followed by technique and combinations and ends with stretching. Classes are suitable for all ability levels and students with no experience are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing, preferably fitted to the body and no shoes. Drop in available for $25.

Instructor: A. Pakdaman

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Joint Point - Forever Fit

Ages 18+

This class has beginnings as an experimental “posture class” for dancers. This is a “no pain, no sweat” exercise form, with roots in modern dance and liberally sprinkled with exercises designed to correct bad posture and its negative effects. Of course, the muscles are involved, but this class is not about strength training or building aerobic capacity – it is all about joint health and feeling really good! $10 one-time drop-in fee. No class July 4.

Instructor: C. Jung

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Classes

Navigate Stress with Food, Movement and Mindfulness

Ages18+ 

Stress is as normal as brushing your teeth. You need stress to function and keep you safe. But over time, stress can manifest as chronic disease, mental health conditions, burnout and more – and learning to manage it every day is essential for your balance, health and well-being and resilience. Learn about chronic stress and its short and long-term effects on the mind and body and explore practical ways to actively manage stress with food, movement and mindfulness. Please bring a notebook or journal, something to write with, yoga mat and blanket if you tend to get cold. Mats are available on-site to use if needed. We also welcome you to bring a bolster or pillow as we will be on the floor.

Instructor:  Banyan Tree Women’s Collective 

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Maple Room

Create an Herbal First-Aid Kit 

Ages18+ 

Whether you're at home, camping or traveling afar, did you know that medicinal herbs can bring relief for many common ailments? Through an interactive lecture and hands-on activity, we'll explore the multitude of ways that simple herbal remedies can be used in first aid, from treating an upset stomach to irritated skin and bug bites. You'll leave this class with one herbal first aid remedy and ideas to inspire you to create the rest of your herbal first-aid kit at home. Here’s to greater peace of mind while on the road! Registration closes for this event July 12.

Instructors:  Banyan Tree Women’s Collective

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Cypress Room

Sogetsu School of Ikebana

Ages18+

Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Sogetsu, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy. No class July 5.

Instructor: E. Soloveychick 

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Learn to Sew for Adults 

Ages 16+ 

Do you have a sewing machine and not know where to start? In this four-week class, we will layout and cut and sew a reversible apron, using a pattern. If time allows we will make a zippered bag. If you need help learning to use the features of your machine, you will get 1:1 help. This class is great for those that haven't sewn and want to learn or those that sewed a long time ago and need a refresher. You will learn a lot of tips and tricks to make your sewing journey easier and enjoyable. A supply list will be provided approximately a week before the first class. A working sewing machine is needed for this class. Sewing machines can be rented for classroom use. $25 fee for a machine for the entire session. For question, email hopkinsce@gmail.com.

Instructor: C. Hopkins

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Intermediate Sewing for Adults

Ages 16+ 

Do you want to take your sewing to the next level? In this class we will make a pair of pajama pants and a tote bag. If time allows we will begin a third project. We will make a pair of easy fitting pajama pants in flannel or cotton (your choice of adult or child sizes). We will also make a lined tote bag that can be customized to the size of your choice. This class is great for those that have taken the beginning class and want to expand their knowledge or those with comfortable using their sewing machine. A supply list will be provided approximately a week before the first class. A working sewing machine is needed for this class. Sewing machines can be rented for classroom use. $25 fee for a machine for the entire session. For questions, email hopkinsce@gmail.com.

Instructor: C. Hopkins

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Menlo Park Chess Club

Ages 8+

The Menlo Park Chess Club will offer casual instruction, lectures, informal play, rated tournaments and other chess activities, striving to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to strong masters. Offered at no cost for Menlo Park Residents.

Instructor: M. Drury

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Sports

Adult Volleyball 1 – Beginner to Advanced Beginner

Ages18+

This player has little to no prior playing experience. Students will learn basic skills: passing (underhand and overhand), setting, hitting and serving. Team skills will also be covered. Depending on the experience level of students the system evolves from 6-6, 6-3, to 4-2. Drop-in fee of $20.00 if space is available in session.

Instructor: P. Yee

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Adult Volleyball 2 – Intermediate

Ages18+

This player can consistently execute pass-set-hit sequences and is familiar with team play. Students will learn advanced techniques supplementing basic skills: passing (underhand and overhand), tempo sets, spiking, diving, jump serving and blocking. Emphasis will be on playing as a team, progressing from 4-2, 6-2, to 5-1. Additional instruction on situational awareness, footwork, reading the game and transition defense and attack. Drop-in fee of $20.00 with instructor’s approval in advance and if space is available. It is very important to attend all classes to avoid falling behind and disrupting class progress.

Instructor: P. Yee

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Adult Tennis Novice

Ages 15+ 

A common question for many new players is where to begin with lessons and classes, and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) offers ratings for courses to help you decide what might be right for you. This course is rated a 2.5–3.0, which means after the course, you’ll be able to judge where the ball is going and you’ll be able to tackle a short rally with players that have the same basic ability. No class July 3.

Instructor: Euro School of Tennis staff  

Location: Willow Oaks Park