Friday, February 20, 2009
Women's Self-Defense
TRAINING LOCATION: MICHAEL ZONE RECREATION CENTER ON WEST 65TH AND LORAIN AVENUE (6301 LORAIN AVENUE, CLEVELAND, OH).
DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009 FROM 10:00 AM-2:00PM
*WEAR COMPORTABLE CLOTHING AND ATHLECTIC SHOES
MINORS WILL REQUIRE A SIGNED PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
INSTRUCTORS-
Ray Anderson, Sigung, Ohio Kajukembo
http://www.ohiokajukenbo.com/
Peter Whitt, 3N Martial Arts
http://3nsociety.com/
Leaston Chase, Soke Dai, Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu, Goshin Budo Bujutsu
E. Samuel Nieves, Renshi, Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu, Goshin Budo Bujutsu
Osu.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Self-Defense
Self-defense and one-step sparring is not a true test or the best training mechanism for fighting to defend oneself. The method in which we practice them are for learning purposes only. We want the students to know the technique and then understand it. By going full blast throughout the technique the student will not be able to learn the technique properly. Going slow through the technique to build muscle and mental memory allows learning to occur and allows students to apply the techniques for the appropriate situation. Over time, more resistance is applied so that the student can learn how to apply the proper leverage, torque, movement, etc. for the technique to work. As you go up in rank, the attackers will speed up, be stronger in their effort to penetrate your defense. In this manner defenders will become stronger and better technicians.
Understand when I say "create the threat" does not mean to incapacitate our partner. It means to create a situation by which the defender MUST react or chance being hurt or pushed around. Overtime, "creating the threat" takes on a new meaning as we learn how to take our techniques and create a "natural flow" in our fighting so that we can learn to react and counter the attackers movements and attacks.
Also understand that self-defense techniques are not "fixed". What I mean is that one should not think that the only time one will use Wrist Grab Self-Defense 1 is when the person grabs the right wrist. This technique can be applied on a push or as someone goes to grab you. You should strive to not just learn the technique but (as I said above), understand them and apply them to situations where they will work.
Osu.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Change Over
During our meeting we will be going over some changes
Summary:
1) Price list (reduction in prices for testing fees).
The testing fees have been reduced so that they are not as burdensome. There are ways in which students can reduce the cost of the fees (i.e.-via referrals and fund raising).
2) Tournament on November 1st – Master Chase and I would like it if every student competes. Note we do NOT expect every student to participate in sparring, but would like to see each student participate in kata. The tournament organizer has agreed to discount tournament fees up to $10 per person. Each student will be required to speak to Sensei Nieves directly regarding their personal situation so that the necessary forms are completed and the appropriate discounts are given. There might be ‘scholarships’ available to those students that qualify. Each case will be handled on a one on one basis.
3) Curriculum Refinement
Master Chase and I have been discussing over the last 2 years the streamlining of the Oriental Martial Arts curriculum. Master Chase’s teaching style involved the teaching of specific principles allowing the student to expand and evolve these techniques on his/her own. This has not worked as well as we would’ve liked with the bulk of our students. A set of fixed self-defense techniques will be taught to the students. This will give each student a true foundation in their self-defense while still allowing the student to expand on those techniques and apply to their own unique situations. All students will be required to bring their folders to classes and be prepared to write in their folders these techniques.
Attached you will find a new kata listing students will learn in their training at the two clubs. Katas were removed that were redundant and were not conducive to training and advancement. We feel these katas are more exciting and provide a stronger base from which to build upon for our teaching method.
4) Discounts
Each student will be given business cards which contains a free two week trial period. Please pass these out to anyone that is interested in karate training. Make sure to put the referring student’s name on the back of the card. If a new student registers with the program that was referred by a current student, the current student will receive one month’s worth of credit. In other words, for every student that is referred to our program that registers (pays their registration fee) we will credit/waive one month from the current student’s dues. If a student wishes to credit their testing fees instead of one month’s worth of dues, they are able to do so. That student must let the instructor know beforehand so it can be noted in their file. Note the new student MUST have registered and completed their paperwork before the referral will be credited to the current student’s account.
5) Dues.
We ask that all students pay their dues by the 15th of every month to ease the burden of book keeping. If a student can not pay their dues on time, please contact the head instructor at your earliest opportunity.
6) Student Progress
Periodically (ideally once a month or every other month), I will be passing out progress reports to each student so that they can know where they are in their trainings. I will be evaluating students constantly (“EVERY DAY IS A TEST!”) to assess their readiness for advancement. Note that major tests occur twice a year in June and December with progress and stripe promotions occurring between those tests. My goal is to be more consistent with the stripe promotions and inform students when they are ready for their next belt test as well as what they need to brush up on so they can move forward.
7) Intermediate / Advanced classes
The Saturday classes have not had the adult attendance we had hoped for. Also, we noticed that the intermediate and advanced students were not getting the attention they deserved for their own advancement. Starting September 13th the Saturday classes will be for intermediate and advanced students only (green belt and above). All students are welcome to participate in classes at both Zone Recreation Center (W. 65th & Lorain) and the HUMADAOP Youth Center (3115 Scranton Road in the old St. Michael’s Gruss Hall). All students will be expected to participate in at least 2 classes with the green belt and above students being asked to participate in 3 classes (2 during the week and the Saturday class). We understand that families have schedules to maintain and we will not be unreasonable with their circumstances. We would ask that they discuss with the head instructor to make sure the student receives the appropriate instruction for their level. Please call the instructor and let him know if that student will not be attending class that day. Sometimes the instructor will have specific teaching for a student and would like to know if those plans need to be put aside for that day.
8) Sparring
We have not had the regular sparring sessions required to apply the techniques we learn in class. We plan on having sparring conducted on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Michael J. Zone. We will have quick sparring sessions at the end of class Wednesdays with more detailed sparring instruction in the last hour of Saturday’s class. Acquiring one’s own sparring gear is recommended but not required. We have sets of sparring gear that we will have available for student’s use. Note that we will assist students in acquiring their own sparring gear if they wish to have it but the cost is prohibitive for them. We do recommend, however, that any student that is deemed eligible (ready) to spar have their own mouth and groin protector. Those students that are ready to spar will be notified. No student will be made to spar that is NOT mentally or technically ready to do so. Safety is # 1 with me and I will not allow a student to be in a situation I do not believe they are ready to handle.
9) Fundraising
As everyone knows, we are a non-profit whose main focus is to provide martial arts instruction at a very low cost to our students. We will be asking students and their families to assist in the fund raising activities to help continue to provide uniforms and equipment to future students (“paying it forward”). Note that NOONE will be REQUIRED to assist in fund raising activities but will ask that you do what you can to help grow the program.
10) Purchasing of Equipment
We ask that students purchase their equipment through the program. We strive to keep our prices low and pass those savings along to the students. The equipment we have chosen is approved by your head instructor and meets his standards. Note that we require a minimum $50 order or we will be charged an additional $10. We will attempt to gather a larger order to avoid this cost. Prices on the price list do NOT include shipping charges. Usually shipping charges are an additional $5 for the item. If the charge is higher, we will let the purchaser know before an item is purchased.
1. Mouth Piece $ 3.00
2. Athletic Supporter – Male $10.00
3. Athletic Supporter – Female $ 25.00
4. Karate Uniform and Patch (Adult / Child) $ 35.00
NO BLACK UNIFORMS ALLOWED UNDER BLACK BELT
5. Oshirokan Patch $ 5.00
6. Foam Dipped Protector Gear (Sparring) Set (Head, hand, and foot; mouth piece included).*
$ 50.00
*Optional but recommended.
Above prices do not include shipping. Shipping is usually $5 unless otherwise indicated by the insructor.
FEES FOR TESTING
Green Belt $ 30.00
Brown Belt $ 45.00
Black Belt 1st Degree $100.00
Black Belt 2nd Degree $150.00
Black Belt 3rd Degree $200.00
Black Belt 4th Degree $250.00
Remember that these fees are mandated by the organization and pay for the fees necessary to certify the rank with Oshirokan.
Osu.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tournament Fundraiser
Revenue
$460.00 Tournament Fees
$316.00 Raffle+Entrance fees+food sold
$776.00 Total
Expenses versus Revenue
$507.93 Total Tournament Expenses
$776 Total Revenue
$268.07 (Revenue - Expenses)
Narrative:
The last tournament fundraiser we had saw us making about the same with less participants and spectators. The reason for this is we had less expenses at the time and had better paricipation from our own students. Total, we had 4 students from our two clubs pariticipate in the tournament compared with 20 for our in house one in February. Although this was an open tournament and we were able to have 23 total participants and 41 spectators this past Saturday (which made up for the shortfall for our own students not coming), I am disappointed we didn't get the support I was hoping for from our students.
A parent made the (correct) comment that we should not be talking to the kids about supporting our non-profit venture and talk to the parents. The thing is, we did talk to all the parents we could and even handed out flyers with information on the tournament and the reason for it.
On the positive side, we had a few students come to watch the tournament and support us by paying their spectator fee.
One of the things I knew was going to happen is the lack of a lot of competitors because we could not allow sparring at the tournament due to the By Laws of the HUMADAOP Youth Center stating: 'no sparring/fighting allowed on the premises'. The Program Director stated that maybe we could convince the Executive Director to allow it in our next venture. I will have to talk to them about it next time.
In summary, we did not lose money and made over $268 for the program. That's a plus. The downside is we did not get as much support as I would've liked. The sadder part was our own students were the ones that didn't support us as much as I would've liked.
Next tournament we hope to make bigger and better with much better participation and sparring. Hopefully we can convince more of our own to help.
We have a demonstration tonight and one on Saturday. I hope some of you will step up to help us show our wares and drum up participation for the program.
Osu.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Today - August 10, 2008
The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity and 'goings on'. To say it has been challenging would be an understatement.
The St. Paul's program is no more and has moved to the Hispanic UMADAOP Youth Center. It was a much better location in terms of size and parking but deeper in inner-city Cleveland and some students were put off by the move. I can understand the trepidations, but overall the move was a good one. Besides, the St. Paul's location was not exactly a safe area either. I think people were comfortable at St. Paul's and didn't like going to a new place.
Some have asked me why I don't move to the suburbs with our program. The kids in the 'burbs can afford to pay the outrageous prices for Karate training (if they want to call that McDojo KarateKid day care that!). The inner-city is where our program is needed the most. Kids are at risk from drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships, etc. etc. By giving them purpose and direction, we hope to instill in them the sense that "yes I can!" in anything they wish.
I just wish many of the students would take the time to put more into the training. Sometimes I see that those that can pay for something actually appreciate it more. It's sad. But I say, if you come to class and do your best and give your most, you will be paying for it in sweat and effort. As I am known to say: "shut up and train" and get what you can out of what we do.
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August 23rd we will be having our 2nd fundraising tournament. Proceeds benefit the Hispanic UMADAOP Youth Center and our inner-city Karate program. We hope we can get as many participants as possible to raise money for our program and the HUMADAOP YC. As I mentioned previously, we were shorted $2,000 in our grant request this year and need to make up the shortfall.
We will be working katas and self-defense hard in the next two weeks. We hope that students will give their best to the training and work hard!
See you in class!
OSU!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Last Week's Message
- I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
What does this mean? Well, regardless of what your religious beliefs are, we only have one shot at living the current life we have now. Why not make it a good life? Why not do good for ourselves, our families and mankind in general?
"Fellow creature" can be taken to mean our fellow human beings. We can also apply that meaning to the creatures that share this Earth space with us. This does not mean you should be a Vegan and only eat vegetable and fruit foods. But we can respect the animals around us and not be cruel and mean to them. Caring for a pet can teach us much about ourselves and assists in learning patience and understanding.
Do things that are meaningful and lasting. Even if only small in nature, flowers given to a friend or family member "just because" can leave a memory that will be cherished and remembered fondly.
As it relates to our training, assisting our fellow students in advancing by challenging them with a good punch and/or good resistance will help them become better at their self-defense. This does not mean to punch with the intent to maim or destroy our partner. We want that partner to come back and 'play' with us. Creating meaningful threats and giving active resistance allows our techniques to be tested and verified. There is a fine line between a "meaningful threat" and a destructive technique. For example, a strong kick to the back of the thigh is sufficient to let our partner know they didn't defend properly. If we perform a strong kick with full force directly at the side or front of the knee, we will hurt that partner and take them out of training for a good long while (if they ever fully recover that is). Meaningful threat doesn't mean to maim, but to challenge and help our training partner grow.
Calling up a classmate for additional training builds comraderie and relationships. Questions can be answered when going through the movements, techniques and applications revealed in the classroom. Remember that Martial Arts is an eternal journey that never ends with "the perfect technique". "There is no such thing as a perfect technique, only perfect applications for the situation at hand".
Consider what I have just said that in life, we might only get one chance to do something right. Take the time to practice thousands of times so that if a dangerous situation presents itself, when you execute the appropriate technique it will be...perfect.
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We are going over fighting at both schools this week with a smattering of the following: 3 punch combination, lunch punch combination, elbow series, and kata for all and weapons with the senior ranks.
Osu.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday YMCA Kid's Health
I am feeling much better and can go over the things I failed to cover last week. This week we will cover:
-Kihon-geri (basic kicks) for all
-Fukyugata Ich for all and Nidan for the Green belts
Saturday the 19th Sensei Nieves will not be hosting an adult class. He was invited to assist another instructor with his belt test and he graciously accepted. It is a rare opportunity and a true honor for another instructor to ask one to assist in evaluating students progress.
We have purchased a Cabinet for the St. Paul's class. We hope to store much of our kicking and punching pads at St. Paul's so it is easier to carry back and forth. We hope to also store some of our handouts and forms in that cabinet.
Remember that we are planning another fund raiser in June. Details are to follow soon.
See you in class this week!
Osu.