Friends Lisa Cunningham and Rachel White are teaming together to bring the community InnerFit Martial Arts.

Opening in East Brewton, the women offer more than 30 years of combined experience in the martial arts field. Employees at MPG/Grede, the two worked and trained together in Fayette before arriving in East Brewton. It’s that experience they hope will benefit the local communities.

“For me, martial arts was a way to get in shape and fill the void that was left after college sports ended,” Cunningham said.

White said she began at age 13.

“I went to watch a class one day, and that was all she wrote,” White said. “My life was changed forever.”

Both want to bring that level of excitement to area students.

“The great thing about martial arts is that it’s all you,” White said. “It gives you such a feeling of accomplishment. Aside from the health benefits, it compliments all sports because of the cross training. It helps with hand-and-eye coordination and endurance, too.”

The two said they decided to open a local business after watching the excitement of their previous students.

“We worked at a local studio with students of all ages,” White said. “When we came to East Brewton, we knew they did classes at the (YMCA), but we wanted to build on what they offer.

“We want our clients to feel comfortable and confident,” she said. “To do that, we developed an evening schedule that works for all ages.”

Classes are 45 minutes and available for students age 3 and up. Cardio-kickboxing classes are also available. For those “who don’t know about martial arts,” a free week of classes are offered.

“We want to show everyone what we are all about; what you can learn with us,” Cunningham said. “We are happy to individualize programs for students of all skill levels, too.”

Classes are held Monday through Friday beginning at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.innerfitma.com; call 205.270.8241 or 205.442.9469; or email innerfitmartialarts@yahoo.com.