Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

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Summer is almost here! If you want a fun activity for your kids, check out the classes and camps we’re offering this summer.

Samurai Summer Camp

Samurai Summer Camp

Your kids ages 7 – 13 will learn to be “Jidai Knight” as we cover the traditional martial arts skills from the samurai of the sengoku jidai period of Japan for a 2 week camp that meets every day. They will learn martial arts training, self defense and awareness training PLUS in-depth look at the philosophy, art appreciation and history of these historical figures. We are the only school able to offer this program and each session will be limited to 15 participants. Our Jidai Knights program offers a one of a kind look at some of the most central inspirations in modern mythology!

Date: Samurai Summer Kids Camp is two weeks long. Monday, June 14 through Friday, June 25th
Time: 9am – 12pm each day.
Ages: 7 – 13
Class limit: 15 kids, so, sign up now as spaces will fill quickly!
Cost: $300 which can be paid in two installment of $150 per week. (A $50 deposit is required to hold your space)
Uniform fee: $30 (if you are not currently a student)
Number of class meetings: 10
Update 6/9/10: Enrollment for Samurai Summer Camp is now closed. Please email us with your interest for next year.

Little Ninjas Summer Classes

Little Ninjas (ages 3 – 5) meet once a week to learn martial arts movements, games and activities designed to help build coordination, listening, teamwork, discipline and awareness. The class includes tumbling exercises, rolling and stances that develop stability and strengthen the core. This is a 4 week session that meets once per week.

Monday Classes – Once a Week, 5pm
Session #1 Mon 6/28, 7/5, 7/12 & 7/19
Session #2 Mon 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 & 8/23

Tuesday Classes – Once a Week, 4pm
Session #1 Tues 6/29, 7/6, 7/13 & 7/20
Session #2 Tues 8/3, 8/10, 8/17 & 8/24

Ages: 3 – 5
Cost: $60 per 4 week session
Uniform fee: $30 (if you are not currently a student)
Number of class meetings: 4

To enroll call #858-486-0059 or email info@powaymartialartsschool.com to learn more. We offer a multiple child discount of 10% for each additional child.

Update 6/9/10: We are still accepting summer enrollment for Little Ninjas. Please call to schedule a free class.

I’ll see you in the dojo for summer fun!

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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Yesterday we held our last scheduled Women’s Tools for Personal Safety and Self Defense Class. Again I was glad that women who attended “learned more than they expected.” Some said, “I was expecting to learn to fight, but I am very glad I did not.” That is because our class is about techniques to help you escape and avoid dangerous situations, not how to beat someone up. No one can teach you to defend yourself in a one day class. Self defense takes months and years of training.

This year saw such a demand for Women’s Safety classes, and helping women become empowered with their personal safety is so rewarding for me to teach. I was also pleased to incorporate Sealed Mindset into the awareness portion of my class. For so long I felt like I was the only one out there pointing out the difference between Self Defense – learning a martial art and practicing it regularly, to Awareness and Tools for safety, which is what I teach in this particular class.

Visit sealedmindset.com for online personal safety training.

Lt. Lawrence Yatch, former Navy Seal with 11 years experience in special operations and his wife, Anne who holds a Masters in International Security, created SealedMindset.com to allow people to educate themselves, online and at their own pace, about personal safety. If you are interested in more information about their program, please visit sealedmindset.com and use coupon code PSMA for a $10 discount on their online lesson program. They even offer a free awareness test for you to try it out.

They are providing an in depth and valuable resource dedicated to personal safety and their expertise enhanced my curriculum of the Women’s Tools for Personal Safety class immeasurably!

Another student that what she remembers most from the class is to, “Be aware of your surroundings!” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

See you in the dojo.
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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We’re excited to announce some new classes and the Martial Arts Summer Schedule for Little Ninjas classes (ages 3 – 5)!

With such an overwhelming response to the Tuesday 4pm class, we have opened up a second day for Little Ninjas classes starting on Monday May 17th at 5pm. Those currently enrolled in the Tuesday 4pm day and time are welcome to move to the new day if they prefer, or, stay in their current spot. If you are not already a student, this is a great time to try a free class and see how your child can get a head start on success in all they do!

Also, with summer vacations on the way, we’ve broken up the Summer Sessions into two 4 week programs. We are now accepting pre-enrollment for the summer. Here is the schedule:

Monday Classes – Once a Week, 5pm
Session #1 Mon 6/28, 7/5, 7/12 & 7/19
Session #2 Mon 8/2, 8/9, 8/16 & 8/23

Tuesday Classes – Once a Week, 4pm
Session #1 Tues 6/29, 7/6, 7/13 & 7/20
Session #2 Tues 8/3, 8/10, 8/17 & 8/24

Little Ninjas is a program to help introduce martial arts skills, develop focus and coordination as well as discipline to help children excel at their own pace. Little Ninjas uses a rotating curriculum of 8 week cycles to reinforce the skills practiced and also varies the skills and drills to keep the training fresh and exciting! Each 8 week session is different, so, your kids will find new games and lessons every time they enroll.

Give us a call at #858-486-0059 to switch classes, or enroll in any of our new sessions. We offer a multiple child discount of 10% for each additional child and the first class is always free to try.

I’ll see you in the dojo.

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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How is Poway Samurai Martial Arts School different from other martial arts schools?

This is a good question is often asked by people calling or coming to check out our dojo. The answer is that not only do we teach traditional martial arts of the samurai and ninja but we hold true to their philosophies. We do not need to pressure people who inquire nor do we try and force students in to long term binding contracts.

It is our philosophy that if you train here, it is your school. We facilitate the school and help you excel in the arts we teach and how those philosophies and skill can help you be successful in other areas of your life. The effort and commitment must come from you and be to yourself. Without that purity of heart and intent then all if the skills and kata will not help you succeed.

The Code of Bushido was not simply a set of rules but truly a way of life and living that went beyond martial skills and we place that same focus here. There are no trophies or weight divisions at our school and the contest is: are you better today than you were yesterday.

See you in the dojo.
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)

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The Tools for Personal Safety Class on March 21st was a big success with 25 women in attendance. It was a pleasure to once again present the important tools to remain safe. I don’t like to call the class a “Self Defense” course because this goes far beyond that and no one can teach you how to fight off an experienced attacker in just 3 hours. For those very serious about Self Defense, they must take part in a regular martial arts program on an ongoing basis.

That being said we covered quite a few physical tools that compliment truly being aware of one’s surroundings. One comment from a woman who has trained in 4 martial arts systems was that she had never been exposed to these simple ideas before. I taught the women leverage techniques over fighting skills. These skills worked no matter the size or age of the woman, and the women left the class feeling empowered and in control of their personal safety.

Here’s a few video clips from the event.

See you in the dojo!

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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We’re very excited to announce our 2010 Samurai Summer Camp!

We will be covering the traditional martial arts skills from the samurai of the sengoku jidai period of Japan. A time period of the samurai that helped inspire a modern mythology and phenomenon. Our “Jidai Knights” program offers not only martial arts training, self defense and awareness training but an in-depth look at the philosophy, art appreciation and history of these historical figures. We are the only school able to offer this program and each session will be limited to 15 participants. Our Jidai Knights program offers a one of a kind look at some of the most central inspirations in modern mythology!

Date: Samurai Summer Kids Camp is two weeks long starting Monday, June 14 through Friday, June 25th
Time: 9am – 12pm each day.
Ages: 7 – 13
Class limit: 15 kids, so, sign up now as spaces will fill quickly!
Cost: $300 which can be paid in two installment of $150 per week. (A $50 deposit is required to hold your space)
Uniform fee: $30 (if you are not currently a student)
Number of class meetings: 10

RSVP: #858-486-0059 or email info@powaymartialartsschool.com to learn more.

Update 6/9/10: Enrollment is now closed. Please email us to be on the mailing list for next year.

See you at Summer Camp!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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Daisy Scout Troop 8007

My student Hannah Pittman and I were very happy to donate our time last month to help Daisy Scout Troop 8007 learn about strength and courage at our martial arts school in Poway. Courage and Strength was the topic they needed to learn in order for them to receive their red petal.

We talked about how being strong can be physical or inner strength and what it means to have the courage to be strong and do the right thing for ourselves and others. We went over how to stay safe, how to be strong, and how to be assertive. And, of course we had some fun drills and exercises that reinforced those lessons. It’s important they learn to stand up for themselves and others by physically demonstrating and saying “no” if they feel endangered and also learning how to safely ask for help from parents and teachers, when they or others need it.

Girl Scout Daisies meet in groups of 5 to 10 with two or more adult leaders in a nurturing, inclusive environment. They go on trips, learn about nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities.

I am always happy to volunteer my time in the community and I encourage my students to do the same. I enjoy speaking and demonstrating safety techniques to groups of all ages, from Girl Scouts to Elementary and Middle Schools as well as Women’s Organizations and Senior Centers. If you know of an organization who would be interested, please have them give me a call #858-486-0059.

Photo shows from left to right: Daisy Scouts Cassie Ferguson, Paige Hartung, Danielle Corrao, Kaitlyn Foley, Lauren Marvuglio, Erin Kalinsky. Instructor Tony Whetstine and his student, Hannah Pittman.

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Below is the current schedule for the “Women’s Self Defense & Personal Safety Class”.

2010 Schedule:
Sunday March 21, 1 – 4pm (sold out)
Sunday March 28, 1 – 4pm (sold out)
Sunday April 11, 1 – 4pm (sold out)
Saturday May 15, 1 – 4pm (sold out)
Saturday August 7, 1 – 4pm

2011 Schedule:
Saturday March 19, 1 – 4pm (now accepting enrollment)

Women who attend this class learn physical techniques as well as unique strategies to help them control, avoid, evade and escape dangerous situations.

Here’s what other women have said about the class:

“Great information! Much more updated and relevant than the class I took way back in grade school over 20 years ago!!” – Michelle C., San Diego

“I highly recommend this class for all girls and women.” Robin H., Poway

“Tony is a big man, with a big heart, who can stay soft teaching hard concepts for women’s self protection.”

“Amazing, interactive class that creates possibilities for getting out of situations as well as teaching and promoting awareness.” Michaela V., San Diego

“This class was one of the most helpful classes I’ve ever taken. I’m so thrilled I made my Mom come!” Hannah P., Poway

Fee: $30 per person. If you bring a friend, you can save $5 each!

Participants should wear comfortable clothes. Please call Tony for more information or with any questions #858-486-0059. Or, email us at info @ powaymartialartsschool dot com.

See you in the dojo!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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Qi Gong (sometimes called Chi Kung) and tai Chi often travel closely together. Despite this fact, they are often confused for each other because they both cultivate qi (chi) or life energy. Without going into a full essay on the differences, both provide some health benefits and focus on relaxed movement. But, Tai Chi, if instructed properly, is a martial art and should be taught as such. Tai Chi is not just exercise. While it uses and can cultivate chi it does so in a manner of focus for martial purposes.

Qi Gong is exercise! It is a series of exercises intended solely for relaxation and health. Moving the energy and cultivating it to help attain optimal health. Its movements stimulate the internal organs and the meridians helping to keep the body in balance.

So if you are looking for exercise focusing on health and relaxation, Qi Gong classesare what you are looking for. Join us every Saturday at 9:30am to reduce your stress and get on the road to good health!

See you in the dojo.
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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How to Evade a Touch

The response to our March 21st Women’s Self Defense Class has been so great that we are opening up a second class on March 28th, 1 – 4pm because the first class is almost at capacity. Everywhere I go in Poway this week, I hear people talking about the recent Chelsea King incident. Parents are concerned for their children and women are concerned for their own personal safety.

The “Tools for Personal Safety – Women’s Only Self Defense” workshop has never been more important to learn than right now. I don’t know if you saw the recent article from March 1st in the Union Tribune about the attack on a jogger from December, but, it mentioned that the reason that girl was able to escape was due to her martial arts training that she had been doing since she was a kid.

If you’ve never considered taking martial arts classes before, you should definitely attend the Women’s Safety class on March 28th, and also seriously give some thought to signing up for regular weekly training. As it is with any skill, practice makes perfect and all the tools you will learn will be easier to implement in the heat of the moment, when you have practiced them before you need it. With regular martial arts training, your natural reflexes will take over and you will be able to perform the techniques without even thinking about it.

Women who attend the class on March 28th will learn physical self defense techniques as well as unique strategies to help them control, avoid, evade and escape dangerous situations. You will learn how to get away from being grabbed by the arm, from behind or even if you are pinned to the ground. In addition, you’ll learn how predators think so you can improve your awareness of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations entirely.

The “Tools for Personal Safety – Women’s only Self Defense” workshop is March 28, 2010, from 1 – 4 pm. We are located at 13160 Poway Road (in the Library Plaza Shopping Center).

Fee: $30 per person. If you bring a friend, you can save $5 each!

Participants should wear comfortable clothes. Please call Tony for more information or with any questions #858-486-0059.

See you in the dojo!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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