Finding a Role Model series

Find a Role Model

We’ve been thinking a lot about how to get better, both in martial arts and in life. Here are some thoughts about finding and following a role model:

One shorter path to success is to follow someone who has already walked it. Find someone who has achieved what you hope to achieve. For many of you, this will be your Sensei (your “Master” in Tae Kwon Do, your “Sifu” in many Chinese martial arts). In traditional Asian martial arts, there is a centuries-old tradition of direct teacher-student relationships. The reason this tradition has continued to exist so long is that it works very, very well.

The quality of your instructor is critical. You may have heard the old axiom that goes something like this:

“If you spend ten years looking for the perfect teacher, your time will not have been wasted.”

Check out here for more.

Immerse Yourself in Martial Arts

The act of approaching your martial art with reserve means you’re dooming yourself to miss out on many of its most profound, valuable aspects. Those who completely immerse themselves in their martial art are the ones who enjoy them the most. If you dabble, you’re going to have less fun with it and get a lot less of its essence. Similarly, if you don’t find ways to immerse yourself in practice during consolidation periods, you’re going to fall short of your potential.

But you don’t have to fall short. You can change in exceptional ways. You can get that change by reading this book and taking decisive action. Keep in mind this truth: change can come from within, or it can come from what’s around you. Sometimes change comes from a combination of the two. Something will affect your thinking or your attitude and you’ll be able to use that push to improve. If you’re both lucky and diligent, you’ll improve far out of proportion to the size of whatever that push was. At other times, you’ll need a whole lot of push even to make small changes. If you need me to give you a gentle push, or a major shove, just let me know!

It's about the martial arts training, not the rank!

In nearly 50 years of martial arts training, competing, deep study, and teaching, I’ve seen it over and over. There IS a real difference between the exceptional martial artist and the average student. The exceptional martial artist keeps rank in its proper perspective. 

They know that the momentary joy of getting a new belt or certificate fades. Don’t go for that. 

The deep internal joy of learning and doing great martial arts changes you forever. Go for that.

For the full story, check it out here.

Effective Self-Defense ... Ancient and Modern

Interested in Japanese history? Want to learn self-defense? Just love cool stuff?

Satoh Tadayuki Sensei is one of the most respected world experts in history judo and Shodokan aikido. He rocked JMAC with two days of training in ancient and modern self-defense, including everything from judo throws to sword and spear. Day two featured some innovative use of the legs to off-balance and take down an attacker.

Visit JMAC to learn more about how you can be part of the next expert seminar!

World Renowned Karate Master Visits JMAC in Two Weeks!

Don't miss the chance to train with one of the foremost experts in karate on the planet today.

No matter what you study, you want to have this on your martial arts resume!

Nobetsu-Tadanori Sensei is 80 years old and is one the highest ranked masters in Goju-Ryu karate.

Enrollment is limited so all can have close encounters with this incredible talent.

For more information or to sign up, go here.

We look forward to seeing you "on the mat!"

Congratulations Successful Test Candidates!
____________________________________
"After the battle, tighten your helmet cords."
(i.e., to merit your new rank, train harder!)
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What have you done to become exceptional today?
*Dream, plan, train, reflect, train.*
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Good judgment comes from bad experience,
and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

Training Jiu Jitsu in Ann Arbor and Learning The Grind

Virtually everybody who works their way to success in Jiu Jitsu learns how to grind. That’s the daily work you have to do to learn new techniques, solve problems, keep your dojo going, push your own envelope of understanding, keep the creditors at bay, get stronger, and manage all the aspects of whatever you do while you try to get better and better at Jiu Jitsu - or Judo, or Karate, or whatever your chosen martial art may be.

Faith

Part of being in the grind is having faith that what you do will eventually pay off. That you’ll get that big submission, hit the hole in one, figure out to to deliver 5X more power in your round kick. But what’s really important is having faith that if you grind, you’ll keep getting better at what you do – that’s what really makes the grind worthwhile. The Jiu Jitsu journey IS the reward.

Serendipity

We all want success. Hey, today I pinned my toughest competitor. I finally threw that black belt who was giving me so much trouble. I bought such and such a stock at $173 per share and sold it a week later at $205. I presented our services at this business meeting and signed up 3 new accounts. It’s great when it happens.

 Sometimes we know exactly what we did to make it happen. It’s an accumulation of small things that make us better grapplers, more persuasive presenters, more effective fighters, so that we get the results we want.

But sometimes we don’t know why we achieve when we do. Sometimes it seems like serendipity. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I just got lucky. One way to guarantee you won’t get that lucky break, that momentary brush with god, is to quit. If you’re not doing it, you can be sure you won’t get lucky, whether we're talking about Jiu Jitsu Training in Ann Arbor, or about anything else.

Engagement

Part of being in the grind is that you have to do a lot more than just show up. You have to be engaged. You have to try to do the thing really, really well ... better than yesterday, better than the other guy, better than what’s in your comfort zone. If you just punch the time clock or the makiwara, you’ll get mediocre results. The more engaged you are, the more likely you’ll do the things, learn the things, and feel the things you need to a breakout.

What are you doing to get to the next level with your Jiu Jitsu?

Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship - Amazon Best Seller!

We're so proud of Suino-Sensei's book Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship. Current #1 bestseller in the Fencing category on Amazon!

To become an expert swordsman, one must pay close attention to detail, be highly self-critical, and practice diligently every day under the guidance of a good teacher. Unfortunately, contact time with a worthy mentor is limited for most. Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship fills this obvious gap in the training of the modern swordsman by providing bokuto (wooden sword) drills to supplement the formal class activity of forms practice. Both single and two-person drills are presented, some common to iaido and kenjutsu, others extracted from iaido forms by the author and used to teach his own students the proper ways of drawing, parrying, and cutting. Each drill is illustrated with step-by-step drawings to help students hone their techniques; together they provide a comprehensive system of general skills development for anyone interested in using the Japanese sword.

Would you like to learn more about Japanese swordsmanship? Visit the JMAC iaido page to start your journey!

2016 Kokusai Budoin, IMAF Americas Seminar

Date: June 03 - 05

Nobetsu Tadanori

• Karate-do Hanshi 9th Dan
• Chief Director, Kokusai Budoin, International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF)
• Karate-do Division Co-Shihan and Senior Examiner
• One of the world’s top proponents of Karate-do and traditional Japanese martial arts

Kokusai Budoin, IMAF Americas Renewal - the federation has been working diligently to rebuild its leadership, member services, and more - join our roll out celebration - the 2016 Kokusai Budoin, IMAF Americas International Seminar, June 3rd - 5th at the Japanese Martial Arts Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA. 

For more information on the itinerary and registration fees, visit this page (http://japanesemartialartscenter.com/events/karate/nobetsu-tadanori-sensei). 

Friday, June 03
6:00 - 6:30pm	Opening Ceremony
6:30 - 8:00pm	Open class
Saturday, June 04
9:30 - 10:30am	Junior Class (ages 7 - 13)
10:45am - 12:15am	Open class
12:15 - 2:00pm	Lunch Break
2:00 - 3:00pm	Open class
3:15 - 4:15pm	Tanbo class
6:00 - 9:00pm	Seminar Reception & JMAC 10th Anniversary Party
Sunday, June 05
9:30 - 11:00am	Open class
11:00am - 12:30pm	Break
12:30 - 2:00pm	Open class
2:00 - 2:30pm	Closing Ceremony

* Open Classes: Adult & Junior participants
(Open to Ages 14+)Register Now

Nihon Jujutsu at JMAC

Did you know that the leader of the jujutsu program at JMAC is the de-facto head of the system? It's rare for an American to be the leader of a Japanese martial arts system, but Gage-Sensei's place in martial arts history is no accident! He lived in Tokyo for nearly 30 years, and trained directly with Sato-Shizuya Sensei, the founder of Nihon Jujutsu.

What this means for you is that you can train in an authentic Japanese martial arts system without having to travel to Japan!

Whether you spell it "jujutsu," "jujitsu" or "jiu-jitsu," it's still a very effective martial art

Nihon Jujutsu is a system of self-defense, fitness, and personal development. It's based on techniques found in both ancient and modern Japanese styles of combat.

The techniques include evasion, strikes, throws, joint locks and submissions. We help you learn self-defense while you get in shape and become more focused and disciplined. Our approach helps you develop speed, balance and power by gradually teaching you more and more challenging and profound techniques.

Visit our page on Nihon Jujutsu to learn more about how this martial art can help you become more fit and more focused.

Karate-Do Seminar April 8th, 9th &10th

Extraordinary opportunity to study with

Alain Michaud Sensei

• Karate-Do Renshi 6th Dan
• Vice President IMAF France
• Diplômé d'Etat 2eme Degré
  (highest French national teaching license)

Michaud Sensei began studying karate-do in 1975, and opened Karate Club Morez in 1982. In addition to his teaching accreditation in France, Diplômé d'Etat 2eme Degré (highest French national teaching license), he is a regular participant and instructor at various international events in Europe and Japan.

Join us to expand your understanding of karatedo techniques, improve your striking and self defense, and study with an exceptional martial artist.

For more information on registration fees and an itinerary, visit this page (http://japanesemartialartscenter.com/events/karate/alain-michaud-sensei). 

Friday, April 8
6:00 - 7:30pm	Open Class
Saturday, April 9
10:00 - 11:00am	Junior Class
11:15am - 12:15pm	Intermediate Class
12:15 - 2:00pm	Break
12:30 - 1:30pm	Instructor Class
Saturday, April 10
10:00 - 11:00am	Junior Class
11:15am - 12:15pm	Intermediate Class
12:30 - 1:30pm	Instructor Class

Register Now

Commonly Asked Question on Self-Defense

Is Judo effective when it comes to self-defense?

Yes!

But first you have to get good at it. Judo means "gentle way", not because it is an easy martial art, but because everyone can partake and benefit from training. Judo focuses on using efficiency and technique in overcoming an opponent, rather than brute strength.

Judo was first established as an effective martial art when judoka dominated other reputable martial art styles in a Tokyo Metropolitan Police Academy tournament. From hybrid martial arts to street fighting, Judo holds its reputation as an effective martial arts style.

Standing choke demonstration in Nihon Jujutsu

Is Nihon Jujutsu effective when it comes to self-defense?

Yes!

But first you have to get good at it. Nihon Jujutsu is a system of self-defense techniques that uses modern and historical Japanese martial arts.

Nihon Jujutsu was forged from the most effective self-defense Japanese martial arts of its time: Judo, Karate, Aikido, and Taihojutsu (Japanese police immobilization and arresting techniques). "The founder of Nihon Jujutsu, Sato Shizuya, established this system based on his extensive studies with leading Japanese budoka (traditional martial artists), many of whom introduced ancient bujutsu methods into modern budo" (Source).

For more information on self-defense, Ann Arbor local Japanese Martial Arts Center has answers!

The Empty Cup Principle

Badass Chokeholds | Intersections Between Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ann Arbor)

Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu share an arsenal of effective, deadly chokehold techniques. These dominating submissions are popular in the military, MMA, and self-defense. The beauty of the chokehold is that it requires minimal amounts of force and provides leverage against bigger opponents.

The similarities between the Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu chokeholds are no coincidence. At the turn of the twentieth century, a group of second generation, Kodokan judoka toured Brazil. Their show was erroneously marketed as "Kano Jiu Jitsu", but was actually a dazzling display of Jigoro Kano's best Judo techniques against South American fighters. Mitsuyo Maeda, one of the best ground fighters from Kano's school, influenced Hélio Gracie. Hélio went on to found Gracie Jiu Jitsu, a groundwork and submission centric adaptation of Judo.

The nine chokeholds are some of the most popular submissions from Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu repertoire. For more information, check out our article.

Unless executed under proper instruction, please do not attempt these chokeholds on your own! For more information on Judo or Jiu Jitsu, Ann Arbor Japanese Martial Arts Center is happy to answer your questions!

The Crucible

A substance, having undergone the intense heat and pressure of a crucible, emerges as a completely different substance.

A person, having undergone the intense reflection and training of a crucible, emerges as a completely different person.

More focused.
More efficient.
Mentally stronger.
More physically capable.
More effective.
12 hours of deep work on your mind, body and spirit.

“I agree to attend!”
“I agree to stay for the entire 12 hours!”
“I agree to judge on results!”
“I agree to participate fully!”
“I agree to support other participants!”
“I agree to take a giant step up!”

What:   The Crucible
When:  Saturday, November 21, 2015
            6am – 6pm
Where: Japanese Martial Arts Center

Ages 16 & Up Only.

Comprehensive waiver and participation agreement required.
I have only one question ... why are you afraid?

Choke Series: Hell Strangle | Jigoku-jime

The attacker locks the opponent's arms before opening the lapel (top left). The attacker feeds the opponent's lapel to the hand that will execute the choke (top right). This close-up shows the forearm pressed like a blade against the opponent's carotid (bottom left). The choke is applied when pressure is put against the artery (bottom right).

For more information on this insane choke, check out our page on the Hell Strangle.

Choke Series: Front Lapel Stranglehold | Kata-juji-jime

In this set, the attacker has pulled the opponent into his guard. He shows the position of the hands for demonstration purposes (top left). This image shows how far his hands have to sink into the opponent's collar and that palms face opposite ways (top right). The choke is situated (bottom left). The choke is applied when the elbows move away from the opponent and the forearms garret the neck (bottom right). For extra leverage, the attacker should breathe in and expand his torso.

For tips on executing this choke, check out our page on kata-juji-jime.

Choke Series: Reverse Cross Lock | Gyaku-juji-jime

In this set, the attacker has pulled the opponent into his guard. He shows the position of the hands for demonstration purposes (top left). This image shows how far his hands have to sink into the opponent's collar and that both thumbs are up (top right). The choke is situated (bottom left). The choke is applied when the elbows move away from the opponent and the forearms garret the neck (bottom right). For extra leverage, the attacker should breathe in and expand his torso. 

 

 

For more information on Gyaku-juji-jime, check out our link here.

Interview with Highest Ranking Jujutsu Martial Artist | Trends Between European and Japanese Martial Arts

John B. Gage Sensei

[The following is an excerpt from the interview found here: Interview]

The Japanese Martial Arts Center did an interview with John Gage Sensei, head of the Nihon Jujutsu system, on his upcoming trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. Gage Sensei is teaching at a seminar from October 16-18, 2015 through the International Martial Arts Federation [IMAF].

What are trending differences between European and Japanese martial arts?

The differences are pronounced. Jujutsu has become an eclectic term outside of Japan that generally encompasses two schools of thought; one being Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the other being a self-defense oriented training system.

While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become internationally popular in recent years, Jujutsu in Europe has been widely practiced in various countries since the late 1960's - early 70's. The majority of European Jujutsu styles comprise basic techniques taken from Aikido, Karate, and Judo, and focus on striking, as well as definitive means of disabling an assailant i.e. they are primarily methods of self-defense.

The Japanese concept of modern jujutsu, and by modern we mean the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912), focuses primarily on maintaining control over an opponent with minimal harm. Nihon Jujutsu, in particular, has its basis in the basics of Judo, Taiho-jutsu, restraining techniques used primarily by the Japanese police, and early teachings of Tomiki Kenji (1900 - 1979). It focuses on throwing as a means of self-defense, immobilizing, joint control, evasive stepping, and control with minimal harm as appropriate to the situation.

Methods of control, primarily used by Nihon Jujutsu, focus on off balance (kuzushi), in order to set up a technique with minimal resistance, as well as striking to control the opponent or creating an opening to apply a technique rather than inflicting catastrophic damage. The footwork is characterized by maintaining a natural standing position (shizentai), in order to maximize mobility. This flexibility allows one to respond in the strategically most advantageous manner.
For more information on Nihon Jujutsu (sometimes spelled 'jiu jitsu'), Ann Arbor-located Japanese Martial Arts Center has a page on the differences between Nihon Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Gage Sensei Internation Seminar (General Announcement)

This event involves three days of training with international martial arts masters in Copenhagen, Denmark! Gage Sensei, head of the Nihon Jujutsu system, will be sharing his expertise with people from around the world. For more information on the seminar, visit:

http://imaf.dk/index.php/en/seminars/european-seminar-2015

Choke Series: Single Wing Choke | Kata-ha-jime

The hand under the arm opens the lapel and feeds it to the other hand [top left]. The opposite hand sinks into the collar, thumbs in, with the forearm against the neck [top right]. The hand under the arm slides behind the neck until the fingers can touch the opposite arm's bicep [bottom left]. The wrist across the neck levers against the opponent's check [bottom right]. 

For more information on this classic choke, check out our Single Wing Choke page.

Choke Series: Triangle Choke | Sankaku-jime

A brief breakdown of the choke:
    ⁃    One of the opponent's arms and his/her neck is between your legs.
    ⁃    Drag the opponent's arm across your body and bite down on the neck with your leg. This gives you control over your opponent's posture!
    ⁃    Make sure that the opponent's head is down.
    ⁃    Cross your ankle under the opposite knee.
    ⁃    Your legs should create a garrote around his/her carotids.

For more information, visit our Sankaku-jime page.

Test Date Reminder

Choke Series: Front Arm Triangle | Mae-hadaka-jime

The bottom arm is fitted under the neck, so that the carotids are pinioned between the bicep and the forearm (top left). The free arm acts as a fulcrum, as the fingers on the opposite hand slide down the bicep (top right). The choke is applied (bottom left). An alternate view of the opponent's head (bottom right).

Want a more detailed explanation? Check out our page: Mae-hadaka-jime.

Choke Series: Rear Naked Choke | Hadaka Jime

The choke is set up in the traditional way (top left). The choke is applied, creating a garrote around the neck at the carotids (top right). In the second version, the fingers of the free hand more towards the bicep (bottom left). The hand tucks behind the neck, completing the choke (bottom right).

For more information on this killer submission, visit our page on Hadaka-jime.

Tameshigiri

On July 18, starting at 1:00pm, the Iaido members are invited to cut tatami mats. Last year had an excellent turn-out. We look forward to seeing you again!

May and June News!

It has been a busy past two months. Here are some of the highlights:

Gage Sensei and His Family at JMAC!

After spending nearly 28 years training in the Greater Tokyo area, the head of the Nihon Jujutsu system, John Gage Sensei, has moved to Ann Arbor, MI. It is a privilege to have the most accomplished living representative of the late Sato Shizuya Sensei teach and train at the Japanese Martial Arts center. The Ann Arbor martial arts community is honored!

The Lotus Blossom Fundraiser

The Japanese Martial Arts Center did an excellent job raising funds for the Nepal Earthquake Relief. Almost $2000 were raised between the Dexter Rotary Club and JMAC.

Kids Karate Promotions

On June 6, the Kids Karate class had a belt promotion. Congratulations to promoted candidates!

9th Anniversary

On June 20, the Japanese Martial Arts Center will celebrate its 9th Anniversary! It will be a potluck-style event, complete with a bouncy house and games. This is a family-friendly event and certain to be the talk of the year!

In the morning, there will be a special Gage Sensei Seminar. This is open to JMAC members exclusively.

Upcoming 2015 Summer Events!

Get ready for a ROCKING summer!

• May 9, Saturday @ 3pm - Nueve de Mayo
   This killer workout is made to celebrate the number 9! All JMACers are welcome! (Parents and families who want a killer workout are welcome, too!)
  
• May 22-25, Friday-Monday - Memorial Day WeekendJMAC is closed!
  
• May 31, Sunday - Dexter - Ann Arbor RunSuino-Sensei is signed up for the 10K! For more information, check out this information on the run. 
  
• June 6-7, Saturday-Sunday - JMAC is open!Suino-Sensei is teaching iaido in Kitchener, Ontario. JMACers are welcome to join!
  
• June 20, Saturday - The Japanese Martial Arts Center's 9th Anniversary!
• Special Workout from 9:30am-noonMore details to follow...
• Potluck Celebration from 5:00-7:30pmSocializing, bounce house, and bragging rights on the best dish for the rest of the year! More details to follow...
  
• July 3-6, Friday-Monday - Independence Day WeekendJMAC is closed!
  
• August 23, Sunday - Subaru Down and Dirty Mud RunSign up with the JMAC team! Contact Sensei for more details.
  
• September 26, Saturday - Tough Mudder
  Sign up with the JMAC team! Contact Sensei for more details. 

For more information on our Ann Arbor Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Iaido, or Karate programs, contact info@japanesemartialartscenter.com.