Spring 2025

Joe Aesir in his gym on North Fremont Street in Monterey. Aesir works hard to maintain a gym that is friendly and welcoming no matter your fitness level or goals. J oe Aesir always knew he wanted to run his own dojo, after spending his childhood learning karate from his father, a sensei. “I started training when I was three years old,” he says. %Jter over fights, [inning [orld and national championships in karate, along with competing in kickboxing, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, Aesir opened Ragnarok Athletics in Monterey. At the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym, daugh- ter Havia, age three, often runs on the mats while Aesir is teaching, lightening the mood. “MMA can be a toxic community, and I wanted to have a gym where you can be yourself and just belong,” Aesir says. “I’m a huge dork and often play music from cartoons in class. One of the guys said, ‘I love how unserious this is.’” Adults and kids can compete or just come Jor Jun and fitness %esir also hosts selJ deJense classes for women and trauma survivors, and a “bully-proof” youth program. “The thing I like about martial arts is you can get what you want out of it,” Aesir says. “You can learn to protect yourselJ, gain confidence, get fit and maOe Jriends ² Ragnarok Athletics is located at 2260 North Fremont Street, Suite 2, in Monterey. For more information, visit www.ragnarokathletics.com or call 831/275-4767. Mar tial Ar ts Improve Lives at Ragnarok Athletics B Y B R E T T WI L BUR SHORT CUTS BUSINESS 80 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall