The Inner Circle

- 332 Marlborough St, Portland, CT 06480

For residents across Middlesex County and the greater Connecticut River Valley area, finding a comprehensive local establishment that caters to the whole family’s physical health and personal development can be a challenge. The Inner Circle, located in Portland, CT, rises to meet this need by seamlessly blending a professional martial arts school, a vibrant dance studio, and a diverse physical fitness program all under one roof. This facility is a true asset to the Connecticut community, offering far more than just classes—it provides a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals of all ages can discover their inner strength, build discipline, and achieve their fitness goals.

The ethos of The Inner Circle is centered on empowerment, personal growth, and creating a strong community connection. Whether you are a parent looking to instill confidence and focus in your child through traditional martial arts, an adult seeking an invigorating fitness routine like Kickboxing or Yoga, or a local resident wanting a fun activity for a birthday party, this facility is structured to deliver exceptional experiences. The school is led by local figure Michael Pelton, who is known for his passion, patience, and deep roots in the Portland community, ensuring a high-quality and community-focused approach to health and wellness.

In a state like Connecticut, where local quality and community ties are highly valued, The Inner Circle stands out for its commitment to holistic development, recognizing that true health encompasses physical strength, mental discipline, and emotional well-being.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently situated in Portland, The Inner Circle is easily accessible to families from Middletown, Glastonbury, East Hampton, Cromwell, and surrounding Connecticut towns. Its strategic location makes it a practical choice for incorporating regular training and classes into a busy schedule.

The facility is located at:

332 Marlborough St, Portland, CT 06480, USA

Accessibility is a key priority at The Inner Circle, a feature that distinguishes it as a truly inclusive space for all members of the Connecticut community. For those driving, the location offers a

Free parking lot

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Services Offered

The Inner Circle's programs are remarkably diverse, spanning traditional martial arts disciplines, modern fitness trends, and artistic movement classes. This comprehensive range allows families to meet multiple health and activity needs at a single location. The core offerings include:

• Martial Arts (Cordone Ryu Karate): Premier classes for children, teens, and adults, focused on self-defense, discipline, focus, and confidence.
• Jiu-jitsu: Ground fighting and grappling techniques for practical self-defense and sport, suitable for various age groups.
• Kickboxing: High-energy, total-body cardio and conditioning workouts that blend martial arts techniques with fitness.
• Kung fu: Instruction in this dynamic and ancient Chinese martial art, focusing on fluid movements and internal strength.
• Tai chi: Low-impact, meditative movements for stress reduction, balance, and flexibility, popular among adults.
• Gymnastics: Training focused on floor skills, tumbling, balance, and body control, often integrated with other children's programs.
• Dance: Classes offered by partner instructors like "Dance with Miss Alicia," encompassing styles such as Tap, Ballet, and Jazz for children and adults.
• Personal Training: Personalized, one-on-one or small- group fitness plans offered by partner trainers to achieve specific health and strength goals.
• Yoga: Practices focused on physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being.
• Cross training: Diverse, mixed-modality workouts designed to enhance overall athletic performance and endurance.

Features / Highlights

Beyond the class schedule, The Inner Circle offers several distinctive features that emphasize its commitment to the Connecticut community's well-being and inclusivity:

• Holistic Program Variety: The unique combination of five different martial arts styles (Jiu-jitsu, Karate, Kickboxing, Kung fu, Tai chi) alongside Gymnastics, Dance, and various fitness programs is unparalleled locally, making it a true one-stop-shop for health activities.
• Exceptional Staff and Leadership: The involvement of founder Michael Pelton, a highly respected local figure, long-time resident, and community servant (e.g., past Board of Selectman member and Lion’s Club President), ensures a commitment to local values and quality instruction.
• Inclusion and Safety Focus: The designation as an

  LGBTQ+ friendly

  and

  Transgender safespace

  is a crucial highlight, signaling a dedicated commitment to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all members of the community, an increasingly important factor for Connecticut families.
• Family-Centric Amenities: The school offers a

  Family discount

  , acknowledging the value of family participation and making it more affordable for parents to enroll multiple children or participate alongside them.
• High-Quality Facilities: The space is described as "a nice big space" in customer reviews and includes essential amenities such as a

  Gender-neutral restroom

  and a standard

  Restroom

  , ensuring comfort and convenience for all patrons.
• Flexible Payment Options: Accepting both

  Credit cards

  and

  Debit cards

  simplifies the registration and payment process for busy local users.

Contact Information

Local users in Connecticut seeking to begin their journey at The Inner Circle can use the following information to get in touch or visit the facility:

Address: 332 Marlborough St, Portland, CT 06480, USA

Phone: (860) 833-8045

Mobile Phone: +1 860-833-8045

Prospective students are encouraged to call ahead to discuss class availability, program details, and to potentially schedule a free introductory session. Checking their official website is also recommended for the latest schedules and registration forms.

What is Worth Choosing

For Connecticut families and individuals, choosing The Inner Circle is a choice to invest in holistic development within a truly supportive local context. It is worth choosing for three primary reasons that set it apart from typical gyms or specialized studios in the region.

First, the immense value in the sheer breadth of its offerings is unparalleled. Instead of commuting to multiple locations for different family members—one for the child's Karate, another for the parent’s Yoga, and a third for Gymnastics—all these core health and wellness activities are consolidated at the Portland facility. This convenience is a major advantage for busy Connecticut households.

Second, the evident commitment to community and inclusivity makes it a safe harbor for personal growth. The LGBTQ+ friendly designation and the commitment to a transgender safe space demonstrate a modern, welcoming attitude that many Connecticut residents prioritize. This is a place where every family and every individual is encouraged to find their "Inner Strength" without fear of judgment.

Finally, the quality of the instruction, led by passionate local figures like Mike Pelton, ensures that the focus remains on positive personal development. As noted in customer feedback, the instructors are patient and highly skilled, making it an ideal environment for young children (as demonstrated by the successful birthday party services) and adults alike. By choosing The Inner Circle, Connecticut users are opting for a local business with deep community roots, unparalleled program variety, and a profound commitment to health, discipline, and inclusion.

The Inner Circle

332 Marlborough St, Portland, CT 06480, USA