January 2014 Newsletter

Website Update

Our site is now mobile friendly! Now you can view our site on any mobile phone or tablet with ease! Check it out and email any feedback you have regarding the new look of our website.

Training Tips

I recently completed filming of the Complete Matsumura Shorin Ryu Kata Reference DVD. It wound up taking about 3 hours of intense workout to get all the kata filmed. I can honestly say that I was completely exhausted after the process! This made me realize that even though I train every day, it is rare that I put in that level of intensity in a single workout.

I have decided that at least once a week I will strive to put in such an intense session to boost my training to the next level. It is often quite easy to merely train to a level of comfort, and not push ourselves to the limit in our everyday workouts. This intense training workout is now as a Shugyo in Japanese - best translating a a "test of will." When I ran my dojos, I would often run these sessions on a routine basis for myself and my students. Now that I primarily train on my own, or instruct only private lessons, I find that it is easy to skip this type of hard workout on a regular basis.

I therefore encourage everyone to incorporate a mini-Shugyo in your own individual workouts and see how it can ramp up your training in a very short time!

Instructor Insights

In the same line of thought as above, it is also very easy to become redundant as an instructor hen you teach 5-6 hours each day every week. It is your job to keep the classes fresh and exciting for your students. Mix up routines, change the intensity of the workout, add fun activities, or try out some new techniques to spice up your classes. This is especially important when teaching children. Retention is a key area, especially in tough economic times. It is your responsibility as an instructor to keep students motivated, your business depends on it!

Practical Street Survival Mindset

Violent crime seems to in the news more and more these days. A recent trend called  "The Knockout Game" has seen groups of youth punching unsuspecting strangers and filming it for You Tube. The best prevention for this type of attack is MENTAL AWARENESS. When out on the street, shopping, or conducting your routine business; always be aware of your zone of personal safety. This area is usually the immediate distance you can reach with a punch or a kick around your body. Avoid walking directly close in front or behind another individual you don't know. In crowded areas, always have a defense plan in place and constantly survey the crowd for potential threats.

This is not to say you should be paranoid, just have a healthy suspicion of strangers and unknown circumstances. Avoid areas with known criminal activity if possible, and always be ready for the unexpected when out and about. Remember, the best self defense is never having to fight in the first place.

 Special Offer of the Month

Pre-order the new Complete Matsumura Shorin Ryu Kata DVD before Feb 1st and get it at the discount price of only $25. (Normal retail after that date will be $35)