Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Saturday, December 14, 2013
How Judo Saved My Life
By Kaily: the following post describes one experience
and how martial arts training affected my response. Due to the potentially
controversial nature of the topic, I will avoid any discourse on whether what I
did would work for everyone.
I said, “No.”
I
said it three times. If not for the verbal warnings, I was also pushing his
hands from me.
On a fall night, my junior year of
college, a peer of mine attempted to sexually assault me. He was a collegiate hockey player with an
over 90 pound advantage to my 110-pound frame and at least a foot taller.
When we met up, he kept touching my
shoulders and arms, which didn’t bother me. Throughout the night, he became
continually aggressive, until I told him that I didn’t want him to touch me.
“Isn’t this what you want?” he asked.
“I really f*cking don’t. Stop.”
He shrugged it off and laughed. That
should have been a red flag bigger than Belgium’s waving around in my face.
Later on that night, he picked me up
and threw me down. He got into a mount position and pinned my wrists to the
floor with one hand, fumbling to undo his pants with the other. It was all
happening very quickly, but my mind slowed down to assess the situation,
something I had been trained to do during grappling or randori sessions.
I stretched my arms away from his
body and my head, until he was forced to let go. I clenched one arm around his
neck and the other around his upper arm, wrenching my shins against his pelvis
with the newly created space. He tried putting a hand against my throat to get
out of my clench. I locked his thumb, shoved off again, and gained some back
control, which let me dig my heels hooks into his thighs. I had his arm
wrenched behind his back.
“Do
that again, and I’ll kick your nuts back into kingdom come,” I spat. I felt a
couple of pops in his finger before I ran out. He didn’t bother to chase me.
The next day, he texted, “I was
drunk. What happened last night?”
I have yet to respond and never
will, but I’ll say this: Judo happened that night. Judo saved my life.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Amazing Transformation!
My 7 year old daughter and I have
been JMAC family members for over year, and within this period I have witnessed
an amazing transformation in my daughter.
Although she has always been an exceptional and wonderful child, as anyone would attest to, she has mild ADHD and focus and concentration have always been a challenge for her. When we started at JMAC, I had hopes that it would help her with these problems, but it would be a gross understatement to say that it met my expectations!
JMAC is truly a place of holistic self enhancement. All the instructors here are dedicated and professional martial artists. The children’s program is truly phenomenal. Since my daughter has been at JMAC, her focus has quadrupled. Her teachers at school have noticed a huge difference in her ability to concentrate, and stemming from that, her reading and math skills have gone from average to an entire grade level above. Every morning she says her affirmations that are taught in class in order to remind herself to “try my best!”
They spend circle time every class session to discuss issues vital for today’s youth such as strangers, respect, community involvement, and bullying. The children have a wonderful time, and it is amazing to watch the level of skill they develop in a short amount of time. Due to the untimely death of my husband, my daughter has lacked a male role model and Sensei Suino has been a Godsend for us. My daughter adores him and looks up to him; she takes his words very seriously and even at her tender age applies them in her life. I cannot recommend this place enough. Thanks JMAC!!
-Tiffanie Alexander
Although she has always been an exceptional and wonderful child, as anyone would attest to, she has mild ADHD and focus and concentration have always been a challenge for her. When we started at JMAC, I had hopes that it would help her with these problems, but it would be a gross understatement to say that it met my expectations!
JMAC is truly a place of holistic self enhancement. All the instructors here are dedicated and professional martial artists. The children’s program is truly phenomenal. Since my daughter has been at JMAC, her focus has quadrupled. Her teachers at school have noticed a huge difference in her ability to concentrate, and stemming from that, her reading and math skills have gone from average to an entire grade level above. Every morning she says her affirmations that are taught in class in order to remind herself to “try my best!”
They spend circle time every class session to discuss issues vital for today’s youth such as strangers, respect, community involvement, and bullying. The children have a wonderful time, and it is amazing to watch the level of skill they develop in a short amount of time. Due to the untimely death of my husband, my daughter has lacked a male role model and Sensei Suino has been a Godsend for us. My daughter adores him and looks up to him; she takes his words very seriously and even at her tender age applies them in her life. I cannot recommend this place enough. Thanks JMAC!!
-Tiffanie Alexander
*We can't promise that every child will do as well as Tiffanie's daughter, but we do have a lot of success stories. Stop in or call us at JMAC - we'd love to chat about how we might be able to be a force for good in your child's life!
Martial Arts Ann Arbor - Kids Karate - Japanese Martial Arts Center
(734) 645-6441
info@japanesemartialartscenter.com
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
WHICH MARTIAL ART IS BEST?
It seems that one of the most frequently asked questions on the budo forums is "Which martial art is best?" or "Which martial art is best for me?"
The truth is, there's no single best martial art. The one you should study is the one that that most suits your goals. Want to compete? Choose judo or a karate style that promotes competition. Want to develop intense focus? Choose iaido (swordsmanship) or kyudo (archery). Want to do really high kicks? Choose tae kwon do.
Whatever you do, find a school and get started. There's no better way to understand what martial arts practice is like than to practice martial arts. Or, as Randy Dauphin Sensei says, "There's only one way to know what it's like to get hit! Want to know what it is?"
But seriously, if you're in or near Ann Arbor, stop in to JMAC to watch a class or visit our website today!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Judo Camp - Ann Arbor Martial Arts - Japanese Martial Arts Center
Ann Arbor Martial Arts
Japanese Martial Arts Center
Judo camp - Saturday July 20, 2013 - 11 am - 2 pm
1. Core movements
2. Relevance of core movements to curriculum techniques
3. Application of core movements in free practice
No cost for JMAC students.
Japanese Martial Arts Center Ann Arbor
Judo • Jujitsu • Iaido • Kids Karate
We believe in your potential!
Japanese Martial Arts Center
Judo camp - Saturday July 20, 2013 - 11 am - 2 pm
1. Core movements
2. Relevance of core movements to curriculum techniques
3. Application of core movements in free practice
No cost for JMAC students.
Japanese Martial Arts Center Ann Arbor
Judo • Jujitsu • Iaido • Kids Karate
We believe in your potential!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
When the young upstart Bob Santoni challenges his drinking ability, the old master, Russell Aldridge, agrees to a contest that will last for six months and end up completely changing both their lives. Filled with "fish stories," social commentary, and wry humor, THE DRINKING GAME is a character study of a man born in an age long past, when honor and dignity were valued and mastery was a way of life.
Destined to become a New York Times Bestseller?
Purchase on Amazon.com.
Visit the webpage.
Visit the Facebook page.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Martial Arts Social Contract (Reprise)
By popular demand, we're re-posting this with a few tweaks. Thanks for asking!
Between the martial arts teachers at the Japanese Martial Arts Center in Ann Arbor and their students, there exists a social contract. The contract - mostly implied, sometimes written down - goes something like this:
As the teacher, I agree to give you, the student, the absolute best training opportunity I can give you, be it in judo, jujutsu, or iaido. I promise to offer you the complete martial art I know, including all its best aspects: physical techniques, theories of physical power, mental strategies, cultural aspects, and any spiritual benefits that are part of the art. I promise not to deceive you with martial arts mumbo-jumbo, and I promise not to try to falsely build up your self-esteem without providing any basis in real martial arts skill. I promise not to ask you to pay absurd dues rates, but will ask you to pay a fair rate in keeping with the expenses of the dojo and my need to earn a modest living. I won't give you a black belt unless you deserve it, but at the same time, I won't unnecessarily prolong your journey to black belt by making the standards impossible. I will try my best to help you develop yourself - mind, body, and spirit - so that you can excel in the dojo and in life.
As the student, you agree to attend classes as often as you can, putting forth all your effort, and practicing with energy and a positive attitude. You promise to consider the teachings I put forth, taking time outside of class to think about the relationship between my words and the techniques of your martial art. You promise to respectfully raise any issues you may have with your training, and give real consideration for my answers to your questions. You agree to practice safely to help prevent injury to yourself and other students. You agree to pay your dues on time, and agree not to take advantage of our policies to help you avoid paying a fair dues rate. You agree to work hard to learn your art, and to trust my decisions about when you are ready for promotions. You agree to commit yourself to the learning process, and to pass on the positive lessons you learn while at the Japanese Martial Arts Center.
Occasionally, a few students will come along who wish to learn what the teacher is teaching without honoring their side of the social contract. Such students may wish to learn to fight without taking part in the character development aspects of the martial art. They may train selfishly, failing to give due consideration to the needs of other students. They may try to trick the dues system by taking strategic leaves of absence, hoping to save a few dollars but still desiring all that the teacher has to offer.
We are happy to say that the vast majority of the students who have trained at the Japanese martial arts center are diligent, serious, generous, and sincere. They are quick to recognize that their teachers have given a huge portion of their time and treasure to try to master their martial arts, and are supportive in a variety of ways (offering to help with dojo events, helping newer students learn, paying their dues on time, and recommending the dojo to potential new students).
Generally, the closer students adhere to the social contract, the less formal their written contract needs to be. Those who find their dojo implementing strict written policies may consider blaming their dojo-mates who have failed to honor the implied contract.
As the teacher, I agree to give you, the student, the absolute best training opportunity I can give you, be it in judo, jujutsu, or iaido. I promise to offer you the complete martial art I know, including all its best aspects: physical techniques, theories of physical power, mental strategies, cultural aspects, and any spiritual benefits that are part of the art. I promise not to deceive you with martial arts mumbo-jumbo, and I promise not to try to falsely build up your self-esteem without providing any basis in real martial arts skill. I promise not to ask you to pay absurd dues rates, but will ask you to pay a fair rate in keeping with the expenses of the dojo and my need to earn a modest living. I won't give you a black belt unless you deserve it, but at the same time, I won't unnecessarily prolong your journey to black belt by making the standards impossible. I will try my best to help you develop yourself - mind, body, and spirit - so that you can excel in the dojo and in life.
As the student, you agree to attend classes as often as you can, putting forth all your effort, and practicing with energy and a positive attitude. You promise to consider the teachings I put forth, taking time outside of class to think about the relationship between my words and the techniques of your martial art. You promise to respectfully raise any issues you may have with your training, and give real consideration for my answers to your questions. You agree to practice safely to help prevent injury to yourself and other students. You agree to pay your dues on time, and agree not to take advantage of our policies to help you avoid paying a fair dues rate. You agree to work hard to learn your art, and to trust my decisions about when you are ready for promotions. You agree to commit yourself to the learning process, and to pass on the positive lessons you learn while at the Japanese Martial Arts Center.
Occasionally, a few students will come along who wish to learn what the teacher is teaching without honoring their side of the social contract. Such students may wish to learn to fight without taking part in the character development aspects of the martial art. They may train selfishly, failing to give due consideration to the needs of other students. They may try to trick the dues system by taking strategic leaves of absence, hoping to save a few dollars but still desiring all that the teacher has to offer.
We are happy to say that the vast majority of the students who have trained at the Japanese martial arts center are diligent, serious, generous, and sincere. They are quick to recognize that their teachers have given a huge portion of their time and treasure to try to master their martial arts, and are supportive in a variety of ways (offering to help with dojo events, helping newer students learn, paying their dues on time, and recommending the dojo to potential new students).
Generally, the closer students adhere to the social contract, the less formal their written contract needs to be. Those who find their dojo implementing strict written policies may consider blaming their dojo-mates who have failed to honor the implied contract.
Monday, July 23, 2012
SATO TADAYUKI & JOHN B. GAGE U.S. SEMINAR
(Reprinted from the Journal of the Shudokan Martial
Arts Association, Volume 17 #2)
On August 17, 18, and 19 Nicklaus Suino Sensei, SMAA
Judo Division Director, will be offering a special seminar at his Michigan dojo
featuring budo experts Sato Tadayuki Sensei and John B. Gage Sensei. Both
teachers are coming direct from Tokyo to the U.S., and they’ll be offering
instruction in three important Japanese martial arts:
•The Kodokan judo of Kano Jigoro Sensei
•The Shodokan aikido of Tomiki Kenji Sensei
•The Nihon jujutsu of Sato Shizuya Sensei
Sato Tadayuki Sensei - Direct Student of Tomiki Kenji
Sato Tadayuki Sensei is one of the world’s leading
Shodokan aikido experts. He was taught by Tomiki Kenji Sensei, founder of
Shodokan aikido, in the living room of his house every Sunday before tea, and
so he has an in-depth knowledge of Tomiki Sensei’s aikido system. He is also an
accomplished judoka. Sato Sensei, sixth dan, was granted the position of Shihan
of Waseda University Aikido club in 2007. This position has been vacant since
Professor Tomiki’s death in 1979. He is an expert in his field, and in
particular, the link between Kodokan judo and Tomiki-style aikido. He also
teaches aikido at the Japan Police University, and he lives in Tokyo.
John Gage Sensei - Direct Student of Sato Shizuya
Sensei
John Gage Sensei has been studying and teaching
Japanese martial arts in Tokyo since 1986 when he joined the American Embassy
Judo Club, which was lead by the late Sato Shizuya Sensei. Following the death
of Sato Sensei, he became the leader of this well-established dojo, and he has
been a member of the Kodokan Judo Institute since 1991. He has earned a seventh
dan in Sato Sensei’s system of modern jujutsu, and he has a fifth dan in judo.
He has taught seminars in judo and jujutsu in Belgium, Denmark, France,
Germany, Hungary, Romania, the U.K., and the USA.
Outstanding Opportunity
Contact Suino Sensei soon to get more details about
this world-class training in world-class judo, aikido, and jujutsu. He can be
reached at info@japanesemartialartscenter.com
or (734) 645-6441.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Endlessness of the Way
There is one transcending level [of study], and this is the most excellent level of all. This person is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into a certain Way and never thinks of himself as having finished. He truly knows his own insufficiencies and never in his whole life thinks that he has succeeded. He has no thoughts of pride but with self-abasement knows the Way to the end. It is said that Master Yagyu once remarked, "I do not know the way to defeat others, but the way to defeat myself."
Throughout your life advance daily, becoming more skillful than yesterday, more skillful than today. This is never ending. - from Hagakure.
Throughout your life advance daily, becoming more skillful than yesterday, more skillful than today. This is never ending. - from Hagakure.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Do your (martial arts) thing!
Wouldn't you agree that fear of failure is one of the biggest
obstacles to staying on track to greatness? And that patience (or a lack
of it) is a close second? I think that's why a lot of people stop
trying - they're not sure all the effort is going to be worth it if
there's no payoff, and real success can take a really, really long time.
I've read two books lately that really help sort out these two issues
in a way that may help get your ass kicked back into gear.
The first is The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson. Olson points out how most real success is the result of small, relatively easy actions done consistently over a long period of time. The payoff for those tiny actions is so distant (and invisible at the time they are done) that it's easy not to do them. There are dozens of useful insights in the book, but one point I took from it is that it's possible to study past success, figure out what those small correct actions are, and to stay on track with them even though the benefit is not easily apparent. Keep that perspective helps with all the daily jobs that may not be exciting or highly motivating.
The other book is Talent is Overrated, by Geoff Colvin. Colvin's point is that most extraordinary achievement can be explained by lengthy, concentrated work rather than by the miracle of genius. He advocates a very specific type of practice for virtually any activity that can lead to success. If the overall sequence is done correctly, incredible gains are virtually guaranteed if you keep at it long enough.
We're well into a century of achievement science, and the research is starting to stack up. The best of us are far more accomplished and our skills far more developed than most people were 100 years ago. One reason is that we understand much better how to achieve. Do your thing, do it well, do it often, and do it for a long, long time!
The first is The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson. Olson points out how most real success is the result of small, relatively easy actions done consistently over a long period of time. The payoff for those tiny actions is so distant (and invisible at the time they are done) that it's easy not to do them. There are dozens of useful insights in the book, but one point I took from it is that it's possible to study past success, figure out what those small correct actions are, and to stay on track with them even though the benefit is not easily apparent. Keep that perspective helps with all the daily jobs that may not be exciting or highly motivating.
The other book is Talent is Overrated, by Geoff Colvin. Colvin's point is that most extraordinary achievement can be explained by lengthy, concentrated work rather than by the miracle of genius. He advocates a very specific type of practice for virtually any activity that can lead to success. If the overall sequence is done correctly, incredible gains are virtually guaranteed if you keep at it long enough.
We're well into a century of achievement science, and the research is starting to stack up. The best of us are far more accomplished and our skills far more developed than most people were 100 years ago. One reason is that we understand much better how to achieve. Do your thing, do it well, do it often, and do it for a long, long time!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Nihon Jujutsu • Renaissance Judo • Tomiki Aikido
Do you know about the seminar we're hosting at JMAC in August? This is the one martial arts event of 2012 that you absolutely should not miss! You can get more info by visiting our seminar page.
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