Ninja and Samurai Martial Arts Dojo

Posts Tagged ‘martial arts’

Don’t Miss this Special Seminar – May 19th & 20th: Shoden of Koto Ryu Koppojutsu and Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu

For the first time, we are honored to bring to San Diego Dojocho Amanda Charrier, from Jinenkan Baltimore, to teach this special 2 day seminar series covering Kotu Ryu and Takagi Yoshin Ryu.

Sat. May 19th

Sign in 8:30am – 9:30am
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu – Shoden (basic level) 9:30am – 12:00pm
Lunch Break 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu – Shoden & Eri Jime (chokes) 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Optional Dinner – Location TBD 6:00pm – ???
Please join us for dinner and camaraderie after training!

Sunday May 20th

Sign in 8:30am – 9:30am
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu – Shoden 9:30am – 12:00pm
Lunch Break 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu – Shoden & Eri Jime 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Location

Poway Samurai Martial Arts
13160 Poway Road
Poway, CA 92064

Pricing

Pricing for students: $55 both days or $35 1 day. Jinenkan Members: $60 both days or $35 1 day.
General Public: $75 both days or $40 1 days. Space is limited. Please RSVP by May 11. Non-students are welcome.

About Koto Ryu:

The school can be translated as “Knocking down the Tiger School”.
This is a Japanese martial art school that utilizes of koppojutsu, (骨法術) shurikenjutsu, and kenjutsu. This school specializes in using larger bones to strike weaker ones of your opponent. Koto ryu’s core is breaking the opponent’s balance, posture and movement using Tai Sabaki (to block and counter body movement), Kyushu (Attacking vulnerable points), attack to different heights, unexpected punches and deception. The two focus points of this school are first, disabling the opponent’s attacking abilities, and second is the creation of an entrance into the opponent’s weak points and posture.

About Takagi Yoshin Ryu:

The School can be translated as “Heart of the Willow Tree School”.
This school of Japanese martial arts was one of the original forms of samurai grappling, known as Jutaijutsu (more commonly referred to as jujutsu today). It is mostly recognized as a “Bodyguard School” that contains quick and effective jujutsu techniques, and daishosabaki (jujutsu while wearing two swords in the belt). Other techniques are based around bojutsu (using the 6′ staff).

Takagi Yoshin Ryu uses many techniques that appear similar to judo or aikido, but are applied in ways that make it difficult for the opponent to escape by rolling or breakfalling. These are close quarter techniques with the opponent held close.

About Dojocho Amanda Charrier:

Dojocho Amanda Charrier began training in 1996. She initially met Manaka Sensei at the first international Jinenkan seminar, which was held in the spring of 1997. Impressed with the attention to detail and respect given to proper fundamental movements, she shortly thereafter joined the Jinenkan.

In the years prior to Manaka Sensei’s announcement that he would be moving to America to live and teach for a time, she took trips to Japan to train with him. She was extremely fortunate to already be living in Baltimore when Manaka Sensei announced that Baltimore was the very city he had chosen to make his home for the duration of his time spent living in America. So from April of 2001 to May of 2004 she had the great fortune to live less than 10 miles from the Honbu dojo and Manaka Sensei.

Since Manaka Sensei has returned to Japan she travels there again to train with him, as well as to locations around America and Europe when he was teaching abroad. She received her dojocho license in March of 2004, just two months before Manaka Sensei returned to Japan.

I recently had the opportunity to talk about our Jidai Knights program and Samurai Summer Camp on San Diego 6, the CW’s program San Diego Living. The kids did a fantastic job backing me up with demonstrations of their training, with various ages and skill levels present.

It was great to see the kids having fun demonstrating their practice, and to be able to talk about the history of our arts and their connection modern culture with their real life connection to Star Wars.

I want to thank the kids: Langston, Maddie, Jack, Kai and Jim and their parents again for helping and making this a very enjoyable presentation!

Looking for a fun birthday party that your child and their friends will always remember?

Have a Ninja Birthday party at Poway Samurai Martial Arts!

The kids will have fun while learning real stealthy ninja techniques during a 1 hour special training party. You can even inspire your guests to wear ninja costumes and or head bands to really get into the fun. (See photos from our previous parties).

Along with the physical activities, such as throwing the rubber shuriken at a Ninja, and learning how to strike an opponent with soft “swords”, the kids will be very intrigued to learn about various ninja weapons and have their shapes and uses explained.

Besides a really big smile!!!!, each child will leave with a plastic Ninja figure and Ninja sticker, included with all party packages.

Choose the Party Options that’s Best for You:

Basic Party = 1 hour class (outlined above).
Gold Party = In addition to the class, we include salad & pizza for your guests, with catering from Denali’s Pizza, next door. You bring the drinks. 1 hour 45 minutes.
Super Party = A fun class, pizza, salad and drinks are included PLUS, we provide all the Ninja Party décor (see photo below) and balloons too. All you do is bring the cake!

Ninja baseball caps are also available, sold separately.

Join us Sunday June 12th from 11am – 4 pm.
We’ll have martial arts demonstrations and giveaways all day long, information about our Samurai Summer Camp…
PLUS… Receive a 10% discount on any class you sign up for on this day only! (Good for 1 month of classes for existing students and NEW students.)

Event Details Include:

• Students: Get your photo taken in your uniform by Zeena Gregg Photography only $30!
  (*Includes one 5 x 7 photo and a gift card for $100 off a family photo session! Sign up before 6/10 to get your preferred time slot.) Zeena is the official Photographer for 92064 Magazine.

• Raffles and prizes given away every hour! Gift certificates and prizes donated by: Floaties, Signature Dance, Power Shoes, BlissSville and more!
• Pizza, salad and breadsticks from Denali’s
• Enjoy Japanese tea from BlissSville.com
• See the rare clips from “Shinobi Winds”: The most in-depth and comprehensive documentary covering the events and history of the legendary Ninja warriors of medieval Japan.
• Martial arts demonstrations every hour (see details below)

Demonstrations on Sunday June 12th , 11am – 4pm:
11:30 am Women’s Self Defense – “Tools for Personal Safety”
12:30 pm Fighting Fit Boot Camp (Introduction to our NEW class!)
1:30 pm Kobudo (Japanese martial arts)
2:30 pm Ninjutsu (Ninja martial arts)
3:30 pm Samurai Sword

Learn more about Shinobi Winds here.

We’d love to see you there! All students, their families and the public are welcome.
Poway Samurai Martial Arts
13160 Poway Road (In the Library Plaza)
Poway, CA 92064

#858-486-0059

Connect with us online at:
www.TheSamuraiSchool.com
info@PowayMartialArtsSchool.com
twitter.com/bushidoguy
facebook.com/PowayMartialArtsSchool

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June is Men’s Health Month and summer is a great time to start a fitness plan. If your good health has not been a primary concern, take a moment to reflect on what you are doing for health and fitness in your life and see if you can make any changes for the better.

The American Heart Association reports that heart disease is still the leading cause of death among men in the United States. Men’s Health Month was created to heighten awareness of preventable health problems in men and boys. With a statistic that one in three men can expect to develop some form of cardiovascular disease before the age of 60, there is no better time than now to start a fitness routine.

Poway Samurai Martial Arts has several ways men can improve their health and fitness:

1. Martial Arts
   Martial arts classes can be a great way to incorporate exercise into your weekly schedule and wont give you the same routine each time so you’ll be anticipating each session and not getting bored.
2. Sword Classes
   Learning the Samurai and Ninja sword is an activity where you can not only break a sweat with physical activity, but also gain mental acuity as well and improved focus.
3. Qi Gong
   Qi Gong is a slow set of exercises great for reducing stress and also eliminating other physical “dis-ease”.

We invite you to try one or all our classes for a new exercise program that will keep your interest and never be boring. Plus you can improve your health and fitness with traditional and authentic martial arts.

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

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The release of the new Karate Kid movie has caused me to take a look back at the original movie, which I enjoyed very much as a teen. At that time, it helped to bring more attention away from the martial arts action films from China and Japan and placed much more focus on the reasons for practicing the art.

In many ways this opened up the eyes of those who were not exposed to the philosophy of traditional martial arts and its value beyond self protection and/or tournaments. It helped to show the importance of the relationship between the teacher and student and the heart of what it means to be a martial artist rather than a fighter.

While the new movie might be more aptly called “The Kung Fu Kid”, as the boy in the film is taught Chinese Kung Fu rather than Karate from Japan or Okinawa, hopefully it will not only be entertaining but also increase interest in its’ predecessor. Paraphrasing from the At The Movies hosts at the time of the original movies release, the Karate Kid movie was “not a martial arts film but rather it was a film about martial arts”.

The more people can learn about the “why” aspect of learning this art as opposed to the “how” can I fight, the better off our community will be. Self-improvement, self-esteem and personal growth is why martial arts practice is so valuable. Yes, you do also learn self defense and fighting skills, but, it’s the internal focus that brings you so much more. Please read my older post titled: Why Practice the Traditional Martial Arts of the Samurai and Ninja.

I’ll see you in the dojo.

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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The City of Poway is going to build a Veteran’s park on Midland Road and they need your help. On June 6, 2010, there is going to be a Motorcycle Benefit Ride to help raise money. As a Marine Corps veteran and Poway Citizen, I am donating 1 month of free martial arts training as a raffle prize (a $100 value). You can participate in several ways: riding in the benefit or donating directly. Donating $25 gets you a raffle ticket and ride entry and $1 more enters you in the poker hand for the Bike run.

Ride Details:

1. Ride will take place on Sunday, 6 June 2010.
2. Event will start and end at Poway VFW Post 7907 (12342 Old Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064)
3. Registration begins at 0830 and ends at 0925.
4. Riders depart at 0945.
5. Ride will make stops at: Moreland Choppers, Vista VFW Post 7041, Escondido Cycle Center, Ramona VFW Post 3783, Poway Veterans Park Future Location
6. Ride completed no later than 1300.
7. Prize awarded for best hand and raffle conducted at end of ride.

It is a poker run. People start at the Poway VFW and then at each stop, they draw a playing card which is recorded on their “poker hand card.” At the end of the run they will have drawn enough cards for a poker hand and the best hand wins the “pot”. At the end of the run, back at the Poway VW, there will be free hot dogs and hamburgers, music, and the raffle prizes are given away (along with awarding the poker hand pot).

To Sign Up for the Motorcycle Ride:
Ride Point of Contact is Joe “Gunner” Vaineharrison at: vaineharrison@aol.com 858-722-9206
To participate in the Motorcycle Ride, email Joe for the entry form.

To Send a Check:
Make checks payable to “City of Poway” (write “Veteran’s Park” in memo). Donation is tax deductable. The receipt will come directly from the City of Poway.
If you cannot attend on June 6th, please mail your donation to:
Joe Vaineharrison
12247 Buckskin Trail
Poway, Ca 92064

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

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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

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.

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