tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91035839748029516772024-03-13T06:18:04.732-05:00Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts - Des MoinesJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-55662845603428062092013-02-07T14:29:00.001-06:002013-02-07T14:29:08.370-06:00<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On February 6th, 2013, Jacob Thompson was awarded the rank of Full Instructor in Aneh Palu Kali-Silat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jake has been training with me for over a decade and has taken in the information, made it part of his daily life and turned into his own. He has a great way of teaching and while the material can be complicated at times, he makes it comprehendible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am honored to have known him and even more so to call him a dear friend and wish him the best. </span><br />
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Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-82805461289200664402012-12-14T09:57:00.001-06:002012-12-14T09:57:24.506-06:00the downhillWe are moving into the final stages of having an official school location. The lease runs through March 31, 2013 and we will be spending march shutting down the school and moving things out. After that, we will be going back underground and returning to a more exclusive club with rotating locations.<br />
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I wish everyone a happy holiday season.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-55480746662600138202012-08-21T07:52:00.002-05:002012-08-21T07:52:35.934-05:00Summer's Over<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s that time of year again! You could be headed back to college or this could be your first time away from home with no one’s rules to follow buy your own. You’re excited and nervous, scared but invigorated. This exciting journey can be full of fantastic memories and discoveries, IF you stay diligent about your personal safety. For you upperclassman, this is a good review of what you’ve been doing, right?</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following are a few simple rules to always keep in mind while you enjoy the next four amazing years.</span></span></div>
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<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drink responsibly. If you follow any of these rules, follow this one. You make yourself a very accessible target when you are intoxicated. Always be aware of your drinks – even if you are drinking water or soda – an open drink is easy to drop something into.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be aware of your surroundings. Texting and wearing ear buds also make you an easy target. Watch, listen and be in the now. Know where you are and be sure to stay in well lit, well traveled areas.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secured buildings are secure for a reason – YOUR safety. Not to mention all the other people in the building. For that reason, do not leave outside doors propped open and make sure the door closes behind you.</span></span></li>
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<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your own door locked as well. Even if you will only be away for a short period of time. Leaving your door unlock opens up your personal space and everything that is in it.</span></span></li>
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<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your phone is not automatically equipped with ICE (In Case of Emergency) hot buttons, set it up manually. Most authorities know this is a common practice and will first look under ‘I’ if they need to get in touch with someone due to an emergency.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="color: #232323; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last, and certainly not least, always let someone know your plans. A friend or a roommate’s knowledge of your whereabouts could help find you if you happen to go missing.</span></span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be safe and be well!</span></span></div>
Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-30287699154721622252012-06-26T09:05:00.000-05:002012-06-26T09:06:00.616-05:00KSMA Summer Jam 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts 2012 Summer Jam was a success! Terry Trahan, co-director of KSMA and leader of KSMA Denver made the trek with two of his students, along with several of my students as well as a couple others who heard about us attended also.
The first day started off with Terry discussing and having us spend time in his Pikal methodology. This was good to participate in as it ties and blends in well with what we do locally as there are similar roots. The fundamentals help reduce telegraphing movement and encourage closing in. It’s the subtile movements that can be difficult to learn, but Terry has a way of loosening up those learning from him to get them to understand.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first session was a drill we call Nick’s Stick which is a modified medio sumbrada using two sticks which I took back to largo range. This is one of a few drills we use to help understand how to use each hand independently of the other. Aside from being tools of blunt force trauma, the movements of the sticks translate to other tools or empty hands and we also could see the way they integrate well with the Pikal Terry showed just before this session.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch, we kept the fun rolling with a session with hubud with switches and their applications within that. It was a good exploration in taking things outside the drill. An aside - if you have a number of drill-like components in your system, you really should look at busting out of that in ways that break the rhythm and allow you to move in on control the situation. Once the cognitive aspects of the principle movements are established, time to see what else you can do with it. Try it, you’ll grow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terry then led us through some flow sparring. This is always an eye-opener for some and a workout for all. The biggest hurdle most have to overcome is actually going slow. It is a great way to feel and understand how you move and how your opponent moves. We were all pretty spent. Johnny head-butted me in the nose...still hurts to blow it. Nice one, Johnny.
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That evening we had the hanging out time that has become such a regular feature of these gatherings we can’t think of not having it. Food, a little libation and good times all around.
Sunday morning (usually a struggle but not this time - guess we are mellowing some) Terry and I began what became pretty much an all day lecture. Terry and I touched on the legal term, “self defense,” preclusion along with Means, Opportunity and Intent, your responsibilities, the OODA loop, E&E, and the realities of an attack. All of those were fleshed out pretty well through the day along with some medical things and the “check yourself jurus.” As a break from all that, a few guys from another school in the area came by and show us a small bit of what they do in the samurai arts (thanks for walking all over us, guys! If you were there, you’d know what I mean).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday evening was mediocre cajun food and then hanging out watching Metal Evolution episodes from VH1 Classic - a really good series by and by. Took Terry down memory lanes with that - always a good time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is in for the next one?</span>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-60059986522530691922012-05-24T10:49:00.000-05:002012-05-24T10:49:10.316-05:00Bad "Good" Habits<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Achilochus, Greek soldier - circa 650 BCE</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When you are training and practicing, you want to establish tools. Tools you want to be able to call on if you should ever need to use them. This takes time and dedication. Our training includes one-on-one work with a human partner. While we, of course, do not want to hurt each other, we do train as hard as necessary. After all, going all out every class would lead to attrition from injury. On the flip side of that, sometimes we are <i>too</i> nice, and this can lead to bad “good” habits.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The primary example of this involves helping someone up just after you have dropped them to the floor. Sure, you want to play nice and help your training buddy, but stop and think about what you are establishing in your head. Do you really want to help the guy who was trying to assault you back up? As much as you may want to assist, let your partner get themselves up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another example is not trying to hit your training partner. This develops an avoidance to actually hit if you need to. When you are training, regardless of what level of intent you are using, have that <b>intention</b> to hit. Swing like you mean it at the intensity level you are working at. You can only hinder the learning for both you and your training partner by pulling your attack.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Will you get bumps and bruises? Sure. But you know that’s par for the course in what we do. Can you pick yourself up after getting knocked to the floor? Yeah, that builds character. If, as Achilochus stated so long ago, we are going to fall to the level of our training, let’s make that training what we need it to be.</span></span></div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-81155280699615811632012-04-18T12:37:00.002-05:002012-04-19T07:07:47.834-05:00Button Pusher<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color:#16212a;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">How many of you, when at the crosswalk or elevator, hit the button more than once, or even push it and wait a little, then push it again?</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Be honest!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Now, how many of you push it once then kick back and wait knowing what you set into motion will pan out?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">What happens?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Well, both scenarios have the same result, right? The hand sign changes to a walking person allowing for safe passage, or the elevator doors open to ferry you to another floor.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">However, button pushers can begin to get frustrated and antsy, and quite possibly become impatient enough to jaywalk or take the stairs. Easily adding an unneeded anxiety to their day.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Why?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">For some reason, our society has become one of instant gratification. When we set out to accomplish something, we want the immediate results. We look for short cuts or alternatives to get done faster. However, letting things unfold the way they are meant to will have a better reward.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Think about that. Would you want the surgeon to cut through your liver to get to your heart? How about a contractor building your home using leftover bits on your plumbing to make it work? Sure, those are “big” ones. How about a cook not washing his hands, because the restaurant is hopping and he needs the food to go out? Unwrapping your breakfast while driving?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Take your time, be in the moment, set life in motion and see what happens. All these take a bit of faith in you </span><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px">--</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> in the plotting, in the goal and reaching it.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">With the martial arts, the training and practice have rewards along the way. Inspiration can come from the instructor or fellow students when you see how they move and you aspire (and perspire) to reach that level of experience. I still look at people I have learned from and with and am motivated to push myself a little harder in practice. The key is to not become frustrated with where you are on the path, it’s just where you are at the moment. The more you dedicate yourself to learning, the sooner things will begin to flow for you.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Overnight sensations are anything but. The hard fought battles are seldom seen behind the blinding success, but they are there. Every one of us sets our sights. Every one of us takes a deep breath. Every one of us pushes the button.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #16212a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Do you double tap?</span></p></span><p></p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-5020450813892131522012-03-09T11:56:00.004-06:002012-03-09T13:01:06.387-06:00Who is this guy?<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">When I was a kid I had a fascination with Japan. I mean it was the Eighties and ninja were everywhere from TV shows to movies and literature. I distinctly recall going to a martial arts-themed bookstore and buying books on ninja and a translation of The Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto Musashi. At the time, I was studying tae kwon do at a little school in Bellevue, NE. That ended when my instructor moved and I didn’t find a place to continue. I took a physical education elective in college with another TKD instructor and that was an easy A, but didn’t pursue anything beyond that semester. Ah, the dalliances of youth!</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">It wasn’t until a few years later that I was gaining weight and felt I needed to do something active again. I tend not to go to the gym, so I knew that was out. Then, one day on my way to work, I noticed a new place open up - The Ryan Academy of Martial Arts. When I walked in to check out the place, everyone was rolling around on the floor, so this was something new to me and I was intrigued. I found out they were training in something called, Jeet Kune Do (JKD) and was informed that was the art of Bruce Lee. Now, I had heard of Bruce Lee and remembered watching some of his flicks when I was a kid, but it never crossed my mind that there were schools training in what he did. So, I enrolled for two classes a week. Sifu Robert Ryan taught Jun Fan/Jeet June Do Concepts from the lineage of Sifu Larry Hartsell’s Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">It wasn’t long before that was nowhere near enough and I upped it to three times a week which evolved into six times a week soon after. It was immersion training and the best way to learn is to keep doing something. I had hurtles to overcome to be sure. I was overweight and ran out of breath easily and some of the movements were hard for my brain to tackle, but I persisted.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">I was jazzed to be exploring more and more; not only in the physical realms but I started touching on internal dialogues. I felt a kinship when reading the works of ancient China via the words of Bruce Lee and one of his philosophical influences, Alan Watts. One aspect of this was an emphasis on discovering who you are and living the best way you know how. Expressing oneself via whatever you are passionate about was a hallmark of the philosophy of Bruce Lee with his vehicle of Jeet Kune Do. This was something I could relate to!</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">A fellow student at the school, Brandt Smith, and I started hanging out more and more outside of class. We discussed a lot about the martial arts community and the arts. This reopened my fascination with Asian culture, but it was more focused to the Southeast now with our studies of Kali and Pencak Silat which we were both attracted to via our studies in JKD.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">Over time, we both left the school and moved from Nebraska. We stayed in contact during those times and when Brandt formed Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts in 1998, I was onboard and we started to host seminars with a variety of players - primarily from the arts of pencak silat and kali. The largest influence on our growth was when we started having more frequent gatherings where a large variety of people could come together and share thoughts and just hang out in general as any tribe should. These continue to this day and are a great opportunity to stay in touch as well as meet new people. I became the director of KSMA in 2006 and have studied with world class instructors from around the country and continue to explore my own expression of the arts I have learned which evolved into the art Aneh Palu Kali-Silat and that is what I primarily teach, but I occasionally bust out the Jun Fan Gung Fu for some fun! In 2011, I stepped back slightly from leading the global group and brought in my friend, Terry Trahan to assist with running the group as a whole which allows me to focus more on the Des Moines school.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">I get the most satisfaction from a student reaching an understanding of a movement and being able to make it their own. That’s when I begin to see real change in the person. They tend to move to being more of who they are meant to be and start leaping lines in the sand, striving to live a more fulfilled life. Seeing that happening in people led me to become a certified life coach which I found to be a natural progression out of the martial arts. I am able to draw on that to help people see the barriers that may be holding them back and give them tools to get past them.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:100%;">I love what I do immensely and look forward to sharing it with you.</span></p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-48149232274998308312012-01-23T09:48:00.000-06:002012-01-23T09:49:12.035-06:00KSMA Summer Jam<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">KSMA has had a long standing commitment to coming together to share what we know with others in tandem with learning from whom we are able. In that tradition, we are having the first KSMA Summer Jam in Des Moines, IA, on June 23 and 24 of 2012.<br /><br />This is a chance to train with a variety of people, see old friends and make new ones.<br /><br />A major part focus for this event is for instructors to share aspects of their arts with those outside their normal circle. We welcome any who wish to participate. We will be following a format similar to past successful events. There will be a series of sessions throughout the weekend from the various instructors. While we encourage you to attend all sessions to get a full appreciation of the event, it is not required. Please contact us if you have an interest in sharing what you know, and we can establish a time for you to do so during the Summer Jam.<br /><br />Co-directors Terry Trahan and Jay Carstensen will be teaching elements of Aneh Palu Kali-Silat. Others will be announced as they come on board.<br /><br />Saturday evening will consist of a hang out session/potluck dinner as breaking bread and sharing water is an essential aspect of our community. This is a time for us to swap stories of high adventure and just kick back and build relationships.<br /><br />Cost will be $50. Contact Jay about lodging options.</span>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-73544236326274047292012-01-16T11:55:00.003-06:002012-01-16T12:44:54.834-06:00ImprovI heard two stories recently about how the skills of improvisation comedy apply to everyday life and business. One of those referenced Tina Fey’s book, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bossypants">Bossypants</a>, specifically the section, “Rules of Improvisation That Will Change Your Life and Reduce Belly Fat”. This struck a cord with me. I feel a few of those points can be applied to martial arts and then back to life. Let’s go down her list and compare.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“Agree and say yes.”</span> In Fey’s words, she means to keep an open mind and start with yes and see where that takes you. You may not agree with what is happening, but it is a place to start. To me, this means accepting what is happening right now and acknowledge it is occurring. An apt analogy could be, “man that looks like a fist coming my way. And it’s getting bigger.” It may not be physical either. The verbal equivalent could be if someone is getting in your face, check yourself. Don’t escalate the situation. Keep control of the situation by repeating back what they are telling you, let them know you hear what they are saying and attempt to de-escalate the scene.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“Yes, And...”</span> Ms. Fey suggests at his point, we add something to the conversation. In the case of the fist above, you could see it and (re)act (to)on that stimulus with something you have practiced for just such an instance. With de-escalating, you may agree with what they are saying and offer a way to defuse what’s going on.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“Make statements.”</span> Ms. Fey suggests now is the point to offer your opinions and be part of the solution. In the case of a non-verbal confrontation, you will be hitting and doing damage. Verbally, you can state clearly that you are going to make things right by leaving.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“There are no mistakes, only opportunities.” </span>Here, Ms. Fey states that you have to make to best of the situation you are in and recognize that things could go wrong. In a physical confrontation, actions performed by you may not go off they way you had hoped, but you can’t linger on that. You need to keep plugging away to get out of the circumstance. In the verbal situation, you may say the wrong thing at the wrong time, so you need to accept that, apologize, and move on.<br /><br />As is true with improvisation, the same goes with martial arts: practice. The more you explore, the more you are able to adapt to the moment and just flow with it to get what needs done, done. Join us at Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts to learn the skills you need to get out of a situation when you have to.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-75495165976833945172011-12-27T09:56:00.001-06:002011-12-27T09:58:19.522-06:00My AHA MomentCheck out my <a href="http://ahamoment.com/moments/1182">Aha Moment</a><br />Stop by the school and start discovering more about yourself!Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-90381598905230384092011-10-31T07:00:00.001-05:002011-12-27T12:11:34.922-06:00Rule #16<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">I have a list of rules that has come down through a few people and I heard of it first in 1999 from Marc MacYoung and Mushtaq Ali Shah. At the time it was referred to as the Rules of Gerakan Suci Pencak Silat. It is great, and I refer to it often in class. For this post, I want to look at Rule #16. It reads as follows and has commentary (in italics) by Mushtaq.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>I am so dangerous I can afford to be polite, reasonable, and mellow.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><i>Only the weak, insecure, and those who live in fear need to woof. Always treat others with respect, strive to understand all points of view, and never let yourself be controlled by negative emotions.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 36.0px; text-indent: -36.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i></i></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">I thought of this rule outside of class during a conversation about teaching and training the martial arts. The subject came up that the public persona of a martial artist can be that of a thug (their word) or a person looking to prove themselves. The person who brought this up had studied an art in college and was saying how the majority of his classmates became more gentile over time and sought resolution over aggression. They did, however, have the ability and willingness to use what they knew should they need to. That being said, this doesn’t mean there aren’t people with <i>Cobra Kai</i> attitudes out there, they just don’t come from my school.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Because of the nature of what we do, I took away a lesson long ago from <a href="http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/">Marc “Animal” MacYoung</a> about injecting humor into the lesson to keep things from getting to that point where aggression is the overruling emotion. One other lesson about humor I learned along the way is that humor helps the brain retain more information because you relax and things happen more easily without the tensions of various stresses. Ultimately, we want to enjoy and have fun with what we do, so we have a good time while training with the understanding that we are doing something <a href="http://chirontraining.com/Site/Home.html">Rory Miller</a> refers to as the practice of “creating cripples and corpses.” Dire, I know.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">The further down the road of studying the martial arts you go, the more you come to understand Rule #16 and see that it is not a statement of contempt but of compassion.</span></p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-60481406662946292192011-10-25T07:51:00.004-05:002011-10-25T08:18:49.651-05:00Benefits of martial arts training<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">In my experience, both personal and what I have seen develop in others, nothing helps to ignite an indomitable spirit more than training in the martial arts. The cool thing is this resolute spirit expands <i>way</i> beyond the dojo.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Here are some things you can expect to pick up over time.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>Balance</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Balance is being able to do what you need to do regardless of the precariousness of the situation. Initially, this could be staying on your feet or establishing a connection between your upper and lower body so you can move efficiently. Certainly this will improve those who think they are blessed with two left feet. Often, this idea of physical balance can be called coordination.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">As you progress in training, the idea of balance will transcend the physical and reach a psychological state. Here you will develop an understanding of who you are, how you interact with others and what you can do to maintain your integrity. This mindset can help you excel at any endeavor as well as accept setbacks as a lesson. This will lead to a state of balance in every aspect of your life so that you are present in every moment.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>Relationships</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">One of the coolest things that came out of my martial arts training is meeting and becoming friends with a great number of people. We are all there for various reasons, but we have the underlying theme of the arts connecting us. I look forward to seeing and training with all of them.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>The art of being humble</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Braggarts are not a product of a good school. Confidence radiates out of a person of humility without the need to be contemptuous.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">This is definitely a “lead by example” trait that some schools drop the ball on. When you are looking for a school, trust your gut on how the instructor and students make you feel. If you feel intimidated by the people, it’s not the arts that are at fault.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Self-confidence and self-esteem both get a boost through accomplishments, and the humility of training keeps us in check from getting an inflated ego (there’s that balance thing again...).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>(I need your) Discipline</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">For years, I used to not push this aspect, but then it hit me that I was approaching it from the wrong angle. I used to think it was some mode of teaching self-control and limiting the student in some way and my semi-rebellious nature, well, rebelled. I came to understand it not as a method of conditioning, but as a method of dedication to the task. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">By being able to focus on learning a technique in class, I am able to take that same methodology and apply it to many things in my life and that makes everything a lot more fun. This opens the mind to be able to better focus on every day tasks or challenging ones at the office.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The very nature of learning a martial art inspires people to not stop - you get up, brush yourself off and go again. Martial arts are a way to stay vibrant and active by learning something new, reach an understanding of the material and excel at doing it. An aspect of the training in martial arts is the process of learning circles back on itself repeatedly and keeps challenging you to be better.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>(You’re just too) Physical</i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">It is no secret that, as a society, we are becoming less healthy. The main thing is lack of movement. The thing is, it doesn’t take a lot to stay mobile and active. Training in a martial art hits all the good points to be a healthy person.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">One benefit of exercise is it keeps your mind focused and awake. Exercise releases endorphins which help us not only feel better but think better. By their nature, the martial arts work a variety of muscle groups. Add to that different body types and this really pushes your body. This means the workout is never exactly the same, and we use more of our bodies and get a better workout.</span></p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-4213477975720993472011-09-09T08:38:00.001-05:002012-07-26T11:01:25.752-05:00What do you teach?One question I am consistently asked is “How is your art different?” This is a legitimate question, especially since the majority of people in the midwest really have only heard about tae kwon do, karate and of late, MMA (mixed martial arts).<br />
<br />
The variety of martial arts today is pretty astounding. It took a little time to discover what I wanted, where to seek out instructors and what style to train in. I traveled to seminars or brought instructors to me to learn. I really enjoyed the aspects of the arts that differ from what we normally see. The fluid nature and movements of Filipino and Indonesian martial arts compared to the linear approach of tae kwon do which I learned as a kid had me hooked. Please note that I’m not saying one art is better than another art. In you are interested in martial arts, you will have the one that calls to you and will reflect your character. The evasive and efficient movements of kali and pencak silat really appealed to me and reflected who I am. Okay, that’s one answer to how KSMA is different: we focus on being evasive and fluid over linear.<br />
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While there are instructors who are above reproach, I have been fortunate to train with those who wanted me to understand the material and not just regurgitate it back to them. These instructors looked forward to my questions. That is an aspect, especially of the Filipino arts, that I respect. The name of the art isn’t as important as the principles and essence of the art. They encouraged me to find my own expression within the art. Yes, there are basics that are the foundation of the arts that should be learned within the structure of the arts. Once those basics are integrated into your movements, they become part of how you move. Each situation, while different, will have a base similarity that you will recognize. That’s two: We want you to integrate the art into your life and express yourself, make it your art.<br />
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I asked one of my long time training partners how he felt we were different. His response was that tae kwon do and karate are more sport oriented (for the most part, there are some schools out there that really bang) and kali and pencak silat are more about getting out of a bad place. In that context, we take a step back from the physical, non-verbal conversation that is a fight and start with attempting to de-escalate the situation. This isn’t always possible, so that is why we train what we do. It’s an <a href="http://ksmadsm.blogspot.com/2011/03/insurance-policy.html">insurance policy</a>.<br />
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Ultimately, the differences are superficial. Bruce Lee pointed out that we are all human and have similar body types with equivalent movements. Therefore, any martial art has similarities with attack and defense. What I believe it comes down to is intention in the expression. If your ultimate expression is to break boards and have a form that you can do flawlessly, and that’s your thing – do it and do it well. If you want the knowledge of what happens, why and what to do, great. I offer the latter. The choice is yours.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-14294333301254230132011-08-25T09:54:00.001-05:002011-08-25T09:56:25.606-05:003 Points<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCt3rIOOFw8/TlZiQOZ2ayI/AAAAAAAABGU/NuDSfuc7Hkk/s1600/triangle.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCt3rIOOFw8/TlZiQOZ2ayI/AAAAAAAABGU/NuDSfuc7Hkk/s320/triangle.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644807213839444770" /></a>
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<br />An important aspect of training in martial arts is the ability to move. This fundamental needs to be practiced and developed; that takes doing. In class, we routinely go over several footwork patterns. One training tool used a lot in many martial arts is a geometric pattern. From the simple to the ornate, these can help students reach a level of understanding of the movements that is integrated into their everyday activities.
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<br />Aside from straight line movement, the first pattern taught is on a triangle. This is an easy one for newer students to understand. We work it on what are referred to as male and female triangles. The male pattern - /\ - has the lead foot on point toward the opponent with the rear foot off on an angle away from the opponent. This can be used as an evasive retreat to set you up to move in or away. The second is referred to as the female triangle - \/ - which has the lead foot moving at an angle alongside the opponent or across their centerline. Over time, the pattern is closed and students learn the sweeps that are present in the movements in combination with handiwork.
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<br />As a solo drill, you can create an hourglass with the pattern. By using pendulum, step-n-slide and push shuffles along with the basic male and female angles, you can create a dynamic and randomized exercise.
<br />Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-77817277359471465352011-08-15T09:45:00.000-05:002011-08-15T09:47:12.174-05:00YouTubeI have a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/KSMADSM?feature=mhee#g/a">YouTube Channel</a>. I will be uploading videos as I get them shot or rediscovered.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-1468385654314007072011-05-05T10:04:00.005-05:002012-07-26T11:05:00.023-05:00Know The Law!It is a great disservice to students training in the martial arts if the instructor does not inform and reiterate the laws of your state regarding what you can and can not do in physical altercations. When training in any art where you can seriously hurt and even kill someone, you need to have that message sink in.<br />
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In Iowa, your first legal obligation is to remove yourself from the situation. Most often referred to as a “duty to retreat.” A quick internet search for my state found the following:<br />
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A couple highlights from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/1999SUPPLEMENT/704/%E2%80%9D">Chapter 704 Force - Reasonable or Deadly - Defenses</a> are below and I encourage you to read them all and keep them in your brain!<br />
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704.1 as an example reads as follows: “‘Reasonable force’ is that force and no more which a reasonable person, in like circumstances, would judge to be necessary to prevent an injury or loss and can include deadly force if it is reasonable to believe that such force is necessary to avoid injury or risk to one's life or safety or the life or safety of another, or it is reasonable to believe that such force is necessary to resist a like force or threat. Reasonable force, including deadly force, may be used even if an alternative course of action is available if the alternative entails a risk to life or safety, or the life or safety of a third party, or requires one to abandon or retreat from one's dwelling or place of business or employment.”<br />
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704.6 reads: The defense of justification is not available to the following:<br />
1. One who is participating in a forcible felony, or riot, or a duel.<br />
2. One who initially provokes the use of force against oneself, with the intent to use such force as an excuse to inflict injury on the assailant.<br />
3. One who initially provokes the use of force against oneself by one's unlawful acts, unless:<br />
a. Such force is grossly disproportionate to the provocation, and is so great that the person reasonably believes that the person is in imminent danger of death or serious injury or<br />
The person withdraws from physical contact with the other and indicates clearly to the other that the person desires to terminate the conflict but the other continues or resumes the use of force.<br />
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Other important divisions to become familiar with are 724.4 Carrying weapons, 702.7 Dangerous Weapons, and 724.1 Offensive Weapons.<br />
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These laws are on the books and freely available for you to learn and you should, even if you do not train in a martial art.<br />
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What most fail to understand is that Self-Defense is a legal term. This means you are admitting to being guilty of an illegal act. It is also up to you to prove and justify your actions, one slip in your story and you are done. As an example, if you are out at your local pub and some rowdy hooligans start harassing you and you do not remove yourself from the scene via a de-escalating verbal communication (“Sorry man, I am leaving.”). Then you proceed to get physical. That is not self-defense, but mutual combative assault and you could become bunkmates behind bars.<br />
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Self-defense is, in the words of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.chirontraining.com/Site/Home.html%E2%80%9D">Rory Miller</a> in <a href="http://ymaa.com/publishing/meditations_on_violence_rory_miller">Meditations on Violence</a>, “...recovery from stupidity or bad luck, from finding yourself in a position you would have given almost anything to prevent.” Self-defense is an option in the chain of events and your best course is to verbally de-escalate and walk away. If it does comes to blows, you will have a long journey ahead of you. It may not be in your favor in both legal and civil realms. Rory encapsulates this well in the same book and gives a guide for avoiding a civil lawsuit with this sentence, “The legal essence of self-defense is that you are required to use ‘the minimum level of force’ which you ‘reasonably believe’ is necessary to safely resolve the situation.” If you go to court you will need to clearly state<br />
<ul>
<li>What you did</li>
<li>Why you did it</li>
<li>What you could have done to make it worse</li>
</ul>
You must also articulate three things: the bad guy had the intent, means and opportunity to cause harm to you. Another thing that may arise is showing preclusion and that is you were unable to escape the situation or walking away would put you at greater risk. This last one is associated with the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_doctrine%E2%80%9D">Castle Doctrine</a> as you are not expected to run from your own home.<br />
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And remember, once the guy is down, you’re done. No adding a “AND THAT’S FOR MESSING UP MY DAY” kick when he’s down. Get away to a safe location, make sure you are not severely injured and call the police and/or ambulance, say you have been assaulted and wait for them to arrive. Say only what you have to and do not start talking about what happened without a lawyer if it is very bad. Your adrenaline will be flowing and this can make you say something like, “this guy got in my face and I decked him,” instead of articulating the whole story as it happened.<br />
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These are situations we discuss at <a href="http://www.ksma.us/desmoines.html">Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts</a>. They are nearly priceless to understand. Having a good understanding of the actions and consequences is an insurance policy for if (and some may say when) you find yourself having a bad day.<br />
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</script><fb:comments href="http://ksmadsm.blogspot.com/2011/05/know-law.html" num_posts="1" width="600"></fb:comments>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-86531452420716296882011-04-25T08:20:00.010-05:002011-04-27T10:06:42.966-05:00Recommended Reading List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmS3VdrjHWM/TbV4Twi0N_I/AAAAAAAABEQ/UCP0KckoUso/s1600/photo-22.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmS3VdrjHWM/TbV4Twi0N_I/AAAAAAAABEQ/UCP0KckoUso/s320/photo-22.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599513992548857842" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over the years, I have read a number of books relating to martial arts and Eastern philosophy along with books that could fall under the category of “self help.” For the most part, I took something new away from them all, but a few stand out as reference books that I return to time and time again. The following list are the books that I continually go back to to refresh and get new insights from.<br /><br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Martial Arts and Survival Related</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Meditations on Violence - Rory Miller<br />Taking it to the Street - Marc MacYoung<br />Combatives for Street Survival - Kelly McCann<br />Pencak Silat Pertempuran - Sean Stark<br />The Tao of Gung Fu - Bruce Lee, Edited by John Little<br />Jeet Kune Do - Bruce Lee, Edited by John Little<br />Jeet Kune Do, The Art and Philosophy of Bruce Lee - Dan Inosanto<br />The Gift of Fear - Gavin de Becker<br />Pentjak-Silat, The Indonesian Fighting Art - Donn Draeger, Howard Alexander, Quintin Chambers<br />Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts - Donn Draeger, Robert Smith<br /><br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eastern Philosophy Related</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Tao, The Watercourse Way - Alan Watts<br />What is Tao? - Alan Watts<br />Zen & the Beat Way - Alan Watts<br />Tao Te Ching - Lao-Tzu<br />Zen and the Martial Arts - Joe Hyams<br /><br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Self Help”</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Illusions - Richard Bach<br />The Way of the Peaceful Warrior - Dan Millman<br />The Warrior Within - John Little<br />Beyond the Known - Tri Thong Dang<br />Why the Chicken Crossed the Road - Dean Sluyter<br /><br />This is by no means a comprehensive list and there are other titles by Marc MacYoung, some Jeet Kune Do books I go back to from time to time and more anthropological readings on Filipino and Indonesian culture. However, for my students, these are some that will help you understand what you are studying and help you figure out where you may be headed with life.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yu5mRuujxNQ/TbV4UHmaUqI/AAAAAAAABEY/oeATTsh-QyQ/s1600/photo-21.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yu5mRuujxNQ/TbV4UHmaUqI/AAAAAAAABEY/oeATTsh-QyQ/s320/photo-21.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599513998737953442" /></a><br /><br /><br /><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:comments href="http://ksmadsm.blogspot.com/2011/04/recommended-reading-list.html" num_posts="1" width="600"></fb:comments>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-52410301317046680052011-04-18T07:00:00.003-05:002011-04-27T10:07:31.335-05:00The Belt That Matters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNGFAaCjyTo/TZSYDSsTrsI/AAAAAAAABDw/uCy46bqUIKs/s1600/whitebelt.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNGFAaCjyTo/TZSYDSsTrsI/AAAAAAAABDw/uCy46bqUIKs/s320/whitebelt.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590260219798335170" /></a><br />Way back, when I started studying martial arts, I enrolled in a local Tae Kwon Do school. I don’t recall exactly what got me interested in martial arts. Most likely it was Chuck Norris or Bruce Lee flicks as I recall thinking class would get bigger after Karate Kid was released. Maybe it was Dungeons & Dragons...<br /><br />Taking that step into something new was a lesson that stuck with me. The extent of understanding that lesson didn’t come until later. I remained with that school until I was almost a purple belt. Then my instructor closed down and left the country to pursue other things.<br /><br />I stopped training, but the seed was planted.<br /><br />When I was in college I took up Tae Kwon Do again as an elective course for P.E. I enjoyed the instructor and the class. Once again, it didn’t last. Primarily, as it was only a semester and being the rash youth I was, I wasn’t looking for something more at the time.<br /><br />The seed still needed germination.<br /><br />A few years later, I made the <a href=”http://ksmadsm.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-i-started-training-in-martial-arts.html”>decision</a> that I needed to become active again. Somehow, as luck would have it, a new martial arts school opened up down the street. I signed up and started down that path again.<br /><br />The seed took root.<br /><br />Some things in life that have moment when the time is right. This was that moment for me. Everything started to click and deep down, I knew this was the path for me. The arts of Kali and Pencak Silat reflect who I am, and Gung Fu was a fun technical art to learn. That balance helped me grow.<br /><br />I haven’t stopped learning or exploring and still am on that path. I look forward to the crossroads where new things can be introduced or my view becomes more clear-focused. It all goes back to when the seed was planted. When I took that first step. When I started studying martial arts. When I got my white belt. That started it all. That’s the belt that matters.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-72772645809764353932011-04-11T07:00:00.000-05:002011-04-11T07:00:17.231-05:00Walkin' the Tightrope<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">One of the major themes in martial arts is balance. This is more than just the physical capacity to stay on one’s feet; it is achieving it in life as well. For our purpose here, I will focus on the balance of martial art and self-defense.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We all want to have that level of ability to defend others and ourselves. My goal is for you to achieve an appreciation of the art but also have the tools to defend if necessary.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">With art, knowing yourself is the key. Expressing yourself is the door to open. This expression comes out when the skills are integrated into who you are and there is no delineation between you and the martial art. I share my expression of these arts and it is up to you to make it yours and own it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">In our school we have the art incorporated into the self-defense to achieve that balance. Within the art are skills applicable to self-defense. These step outside the physical nature of the art and into awareness. Knowing what is happening around you and being able to interpret those signals guide your actions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Whatever martial discipline you practice, using your brain is first and foremost. Any self-defense situation can be chaotic and things will happen outside your training and beyond what you may have imagined. In order to do what must be done, you need to have an almost instinctual application at your ready.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There are universal ways a body moves and you can put those to your advantage and keep your balance to get out of the situation and to safety.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My expression of these arts is mine and I share what I know in the hope that you will discover something outside my knowledge and contribute that to this thing we do and enjoy.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-225576643633371412011-04-06T14:29:00.004-05:002011-04-07T08:07:48.526-05:00Big Dream!I have attended and volunteered a couple of <a href:"http://www.bigdreamgathering.com/><span style="font-style:italic;">Big Dream Gatherings</span></a> and they are a great way to move toward your goals and they very much inspired me to reach the point I am at.<br />Here's a posting about <a href:"http://www.bigdreamgathering.com/bdg-blog/another-big-dream-is-realized-congratulations-jay/><span style="font-style:italic;">me!</span></a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-32427471555684241772011-04-04T07:00:00.001-05:002011-04-04T07:00:02.897-05:00The benefits of training in martial arts<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The benefits of training a martial art are plentiful. This is my experience; your mileage may vary.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When I started my dedicated training in the martial arts, I was overweight, sluggish and, for lack of a better word, unfocused. I hadn’t always been that way. I had settled into a routine that lacked everyday activities of moving which I used to do.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After I started training regularly, a change started. It was more than just body changes. Pushing myself physically had a side effect I hadn’t considered. I wanted to understand more and started reading. A lot.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The subject matter was somewhat varied and ranged from archeology to Eastern thought. I was eating it up. I was making weekly treks to bookstores, looking for something to jump out at me and feed the grey matter.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The combination of learning new ways to move and educating myself helped me to overcome that unfocused stasis. When I was younger, I could really focus on things without distraction. As I settled into an office job that became more and more mind numbing, I found that tedium eating away at my focus. When I started working out and moving more, I found that focus and drive again and became more efficient and found myself wanting more challenges.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I have always had the ability to dive deep into a subject and learn as much as I can about it. It’s about </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">passion</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">. When we enjoy something, we want it to become a part of who we are.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This is establishing a balance. When we work our bodies, more blood flows through our brain. More blood equals more energy. The brain wants something more to do, so it is best to feed it with good material. Your choice of material is up to you. I do suggest you make it something you are interested in at least, or perhaps it will be something entirely new to you. To me, that would be better as your brain will get a better workout!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I want you to experience this too. I want you to excel at whatever drives you. I believe that learning a martial art will only enhance who you are. Drop by the school to experience the rush.</span></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-53836622853699461932011-03-28T07:00:00.003-05:002011-03-28T07:00:16.220-05:00Insurance Policy*<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Why study a martial art when the odds are in everyday living you won’t need to use it? It is very much like insurance - you put in time and effort </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">in case</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> you need it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There are plenty of “plans” available to you out there, and they all have their pros and cons. The “policy” you choose is one based on your needs.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My preference on life insurance is to go with a whole life policy versus a term life policy. Term policies are limited. You put resources in to something that will run out, and you have no option to use any of that investment as needed. When you invest in a whole policy, you are required to invest a little more up front, but you are able to use that policy in more ways over time.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">How does this compare to martial arts training? Imagine martial arts training is like whole life insurance. It involves putting in effort and time upfront and the return on this investment is more than just the ability to have skills to deal with physical confrontation. The somatic movements can be applied metaphorically in dealing with familiar relationships.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Say you are in a meeting, and there is some disagreement on some issue. You have your thoughts and others have theirs. How they present their argument will dictate your response to make your point known and understood. To present your point, you may have to evade theirs or strike at it head on, or perhaps a bit of both. In this situation, there will most likely be a compromise needed so tact will be key. Avoid looking like a bully. The point being you will relate to the person and they to you and understanding that dynamic will help you maintain your balance.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It is that balance that a “whole” policy brings versus the limitations of a “term” policy. To put it another way, a term policy will limit its scope of the way things are presented. You will be expected to mimic what is presented. Whole policies expect you to take what is shown to you, understand it so you can use the principles to create your own way of doing it, and apply it outside the system in daily life situations.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">What’s your policy?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">*Props to <a href="http://themanwhonevermissed.blogspot.com/">Steve Perry</a> for the idea.</span></span></p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-41814301531386672272011-03-21T07:00:00.003-05:002011-03-21T13:03:05.981-05:00Thoughts for the seeker<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Do not believe a thing because many repeat it. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Do not accept a thing on the authority of one</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">or another of the sages of old,</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">nor on the ground that a statement is found in the books. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Believe nothing merely on the authority of</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">your teachers or of the priests. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After examination, believe that which</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">you have tested for yourselves</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and found reasonable, which is in conformity</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">with </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">your well-being</span></span></i></p><p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and that of others.</span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">-Kalama Sutra</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We all have our personal reasons to pursue these arts we practice. I will not bore you with conjecture over your reasons; suffice to say, mine is not the same as it used to be. Regardless of the original intent, a change comes over a majority of us. In light of the variety of individuals, that change is justifiably diverse. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> While it is perfectly acceptable to not want to look further and only focus on the outer aspects of a given Way, there is undeniably more for the seeker. Occasionally things just fall in your lap! Our views are inherently subjective, however if we leave ourselves open to the possibility of new thoughts or principles, we enrich our lives. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> It is the same with these arts. Each offers a dictate, which, if applied in general, can guide us through this ride of life. On the surface it can appear as all we do is combat orientated: a means to an end. It is instead more akin to finding ourselves by any means. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Often, because of the eccentricities of what we do, we are asked, “What do you train in,” or “What is your style?” The best answer I have ever heard to this was, “Whatcha got?” In other words, it is an experience to be had and shared, not a description to be heard. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> In our society, we categorize or name things to better understand the conceptual. By applying “this” or “that” to something we seek comprehension, and sometimes the endless divisions of criteria can bog us down. Names can be a guide or a guise. They can open a door just as easily as clearing the path to leave you wondering which is the way.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:22.5pt;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> The key is application of a principle espoused by several cultures and styles of martial arts the world over: water. Yes, it has become cliché in some circles, but its truth is not diminished. The clearest water flows, and to be like water you seek out new experiences, as well as continue to practice your interpretation of your art. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Taoists describe this idea beautifully. With the phrase mo chih ch’ü</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, which means going right along without hesitation. Here, the idea of water is expressed to its fullest. In more recent times, this is usually stated as, “going with the flow.”</span></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Things should be made as simple as possible, </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">but not any simpler. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">-Albert Einstein</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> While on our journey to the next step, a lot of breath is used on a word: simplicity. It is a lofty goal we move toward. Approaching this ideal is similar to my telling a new student, “I want you to forget what I show you.” That initially receives a quizzical look. In essence, move or evolve toward simplicity. When you learn something that seems complex at first, does it not, with practice, become easier? Integrating the art into everyday living is what happens and thus our own evolution reflects this change. Even as we learn seemingly more and more from different schools of thought, when we see the underlying principles used, what was once foreign becomes familiar. It’s that simple!</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Your truth is not my truth. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> -Larry Hartsell </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> There are plenty of people and schools who profess some sort of truth. The problem I witness with them is that their idea is just that: “their truth.” Therefore, be wary of those who offer subjective truths (and the price they may be asking), and search out those who are still seeking. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Truth lies in experience, and can be analogous to enlightenment, satori, or shouting “Eureka!” It is as elusive as the Holy Grail, and most only hint at its destination. A word of caution, though, do not get so full of what is right that you cannot see what is good. Or to put it another way: do not cling so tightly that you blind yourself to the possibility that what is true today, may be false tomorrow. In the end, the truth you seek, and the truth you discover, is yours. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">First, learn your instrument. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Then forget all about that- </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and just play. </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">-Charlie Parker</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Do not concern yourself with “this” art or “that” way; be committed to who you are. In this age of instant gratification, the study of discovering who you are can take a lifetime, and odds are it will. You will invest a significant amount of time, for nothing worth so much will take anything less. Come to understand that you are now. Not yesterday, not tomorrow. NOW. The moment it happens, you will understand. It is beyond you, beyond me, beyond martial ways. It is indescribable.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> All steps are revealed at the correct time, and it is your choice to take them. I welcome you on our journey, one that needs no destination. Bring something of yourself along and discover something more. You will walk and cross many, many paths. Then one day you will look back, see them disappear, and be on your own. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Admit it and change everything! </span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoBodyText2" align="center" style="margin-top:.75pt;margin-right:22.5pt;margin-bottom:.75pt;margin-left:22.5pt;text-align:center"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> -Rumi</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Ultimately, the most advanced aspect of the martial ways is development and definition of character. As I stated, a change comes over most practitioners. These arts tend to bring out the best in the individual. By dedicating yourself to advancement in whatever art, style, system, or Way that is chosen, you can then contribute more to your community. This could be by volunteering in some way or by just being a law-abiding citizen. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> By breaking down physical and mental barriers, we can reach deeper into ourselves to find an understanding. Look and you will find the link. The marriage of the physical and mental drives us toward the mystical. I am not saying that you are forced into anything against your will, here. It merely becomes an internal, or spiritual, quest to better you. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> When you reach the point where your body cries out to stop, but all that you are pushes you on, then you will understand what drives us. It is the point that you do not “feel” like working out, but your body demands it. Rites of passage are few and far between in this “modern” society. However, through hard work and commitment, a sense of accomplishment is achieved. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:22.5pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> Having this sense, you come to see all of life’s boundaries erode to reveal the true nature of those around you. Also, you begin to see what they can show you, so that you can further improve upon yourself. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:22.5pt;margin-left:22.5pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> In most cases, this will take the admission that the poet Rumi was inferring. In order to change, you must accept what is before you, now. Come to know you are not in the moment -- you are the moment.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-38560783947094298172011-03-14T07:00:00.000-05:002011-03-14T07:00:02.797-05:00Why I started training in the martial arts<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color:#424242;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Since I was a kid I have had a fascination with martial arts. I trained in Tae Kwon Do a little in high school and college. By the time I was out of college and working in a job that had me sitting around all day, I was, as one friend put it, “pushing the deuce.” I needed to get back in shape.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color:#424242;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">About the time that I decided to get off my butt, a new school opened just down the road from home. When I walked in, the class was rolling around on the ground which was a new look to me and I was instantly intrigued. I learned the school taught Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do Concepts. This is a branch of the art and philosophy of the late Bruce Lee.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color:#424242;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Now I had heard of Bruce Lee the movie star, I mean who hadn’t? Yet, I had never considered that people were still teaching what he trained in. I signed up to train twice a week at the Ryan Academy of Martial Arts. By the end of the first month, I had upped that to three times a week and within six months, I was training six days a week. I was hooked.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color:#424242;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It was hard work and I initially earned the nickname, “Smelling Salt,” although I never had to use them, I definitely was pushing myself. Hard. I started gaining energy again and was moving back away from that 200-pound mark.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color:#424242;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I discovered that there is a line in the sand we establish in our heads that seems to hold us back. We reach that point where things just stop and it seems we can’t go any further. The thing is, that first divide is only in our heads. We can jump past it and push ourselves farther; draw the line again, just a little bit more ahead of us. It is always there and that’s okay. It gives us a place to aim for and that new target is always just beyond the line.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color:#424242;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">To me that is what makes martial arts a life long endeavor: that constant striving to discover and improve.</span></span></p>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103583974802951677.post-53354919457809842542011-02-28T12:06:00.005-06:002011-03-09T08:17:51.404-06:00Coming Soon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfLNy_bGf_A/TW8BHzflxEI/AAAAAAAABDY/82DxSlEu3SY/s1600/KSMA-DSM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfLNy_bGf_A/TW8BHzflxEI/AAAAAAAABDY/82DxSlEu3SY/s320/KSMA-DSM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579679696928752706" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Des Moines Metro school for Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts will be opening on April 4, 2011.<div>Come in for training in Kali-Silat or non-classical Gung Fu!</div><div><br />We will be located at 4930 Franklin Ave in Des Moines, IA.<br /></div><div>Check out the <a href="http://www.ksma.us/desmoines.html">Website</a> </div><div>Like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kapatiran-Suntukan-Martial-Arts-Des-Moines/204266329583969?sk=wall">Facebook Page</a></div><br />We look forward to training with you!Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17153918861604759338noreply@blogger.com0