Ninja and Samurai Martial Arts Dojo

Posts Tagged ‘poway samurai martial arts’

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There’s no need to get stuck in long lines at the mall on Black Friday, just call Poway Samurai Martial Arts and get great deals on gift certificates for martial arts and Qi Gong (Chi Kung) training, now, through 12/18/09. As part of our “Best Holiday Gift Ever” promotion we’re offering some incredible prices on martial arts training just in time for the holidays and New Year’s resolutions. Martial Arts classes make great gift, especially for that hard to buy for person who has everything.

If you’ve ever been considering martial arts classes for yourself or your kids, you owe it to yourself to consider Poway Samurai Martial Arts. We teach traditional martial arts with modern world applications from ethical instructors who really care about the origins of the training. Our teachings come directly from the ancient Samurai scrolls and those who train with us find that learning about Bushido (The Way of the Samurai) changes their life. At Poway Samurai Martial Arts, “The Difference is in the Tradition!”

Best Holiday Gift Ever Offers

Adults Basic Martial Arts Class: Only $49.00 for 3 months (regularly $300!)*.
Kids Martial Arts Class (ages 5 – 16): 1/2 price or 2 for 1 when you buy 3 months (regularly $300).*
Little Ninjas (ages 3 – 5): Save $50 on an 8 week session (regularly $150)*
Qi Gong Class: 1/2 price or 2 for 1 when you buy 3 months (regularly $180).*

*Equipment and uniform costs are not included. While supplies last. Certificates must be redeemed by January 15, 2010.

These special prices will not be offered again, so, call today and take advantage of our Best Holiday Gift Ever! You’ll be glad you did.

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Instructor Tony Whetstine Demonstrates How to Escape When an Attacker Grabs You From Behind

A couple of times per year I offer a customized class for women that covers not only self defense tips but touches on some critical awareness tools and some of the most common and current methods used by predators. I call this class “Tools for Personal Safety for Women.”

This class is never more important than during the holiday season. It gets dark earlier and there are lots of shopping trips and very busy stores and malls. It is easy to get into a rush to go from one place to another or one store to another. That’s why it is important to recover some things you perhaps already know and learn some new tools to keep yourself and your children safe this holiday season.

This course is unique and will cover some tools that are not taught anywhere else and I have been told by past participants how useful and how different this course is from any other self defense course they have taken.

I always enjoy meeting people and getting good critical feedback on this course and am looking forward to teaching it again this December. Read this for more details on the “Tools for Personal Safety for Women” class and see testimonials from past students.

March Women’s Self Defense Class Details:
Cost: $30 per person. SAVE $5 when you BRING A FRIEND!
Date: Sunday March 21st, or Sunday March 28th, 1 – 4pm
Where: Poway Samurai Martial Arts located at 13160 Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 (In the Library Plaza)

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Our New Location at 13160 Poway Rd.

We’re so excited to announce our new location at 13160 Poway Road in the Library Plaza. We’re already getting to know our new neighbors very well. In celebration of our new venue we are holding a “Grand Re-Opening / 2 Year Anniversary” event on Saturday, November 21st from 1 – 4pm.

If you’ve ever been considering martial arts classes you owe it to yourself to attend our free event for your chance to win prizes and giveaways! We’ll have wonderful Oriental and Green Tea provided by Blisssville.com throughout the day as well as demonstrations and personal safety tools from the classes we offer.

Those in attendance will have the first opportunity to purchase gift certificates at reduced rates, as part of our “Best Holiday Gift Ever” promotion!! Just in time for the holidays and New Year’s resolutions, Martial Arts classes make a GREAT GIFT!! Just $49.00 for 3 months of the Adults Basic Program (regularly $300!)*. Kids class (ages 5 – 16) and Qi Gong certificates will be offered at 1/2 price or 2 for 1 when you buy 3 months.**

Here’s the schedule of events:

1:00 pm Doors open
1:30 pm Giveaway
2:00 pm Tools for Personal Safety Demonstration
2:30 pm Giveaway
3:00 pm Qi Gong Demonstration
3:30 pm Samurai Sword / Kobudo Demonstration
4:00 pm Giveaway – 3 Months of FREE Training in the Adults Basic Program*! A $300 Value!

Why The Samurai School? Our classes teach Leadership, Teamwork, Discipline, Fitness and Focus to Adults and Kids. We also offer Qi Gong classes for health, vitality and stress reduction. Get fit and be healthy without the repetition of a gym and gain some practical real self-defense tools and skills. Learn more online at: www.theSamuraiSchool.com and see why “The Difference is in the Tradition!”

We look forward to seeing you there!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)

*Equipment costs are not included. Must be redeemed by January 15, 2010.
**While supplies last. Best Holiday Gift Ever promotion ends December 18, 2009. Certificates must be redeemed by January 15, 2010. Call for details on reduced rates for Little Ninjas classes (ages 3 – 5), now forming.

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Professional Martial Arts Instructor Anthony Whetstine of Poway Samurai Martial Arts, has used his years of study and research in the samurai martial arts and the code of Bushido, (The Way of the Warrior), to create a series of lectures that capture the “Virtues” of the code of Bushido. In these lectures, Mr. Whetstine will provide a historical look back, and a modern view, to see how the lessons of some of the most renown and enigmatic warriors of the past can offer a “code” for today that aids in rebuilding respectful disagreements, dialogue and encourages respect.

Bushido: Why the Code of the Samurai Matters Today
Our Most Popular Lecture looks at the origins of the Samurai and Bushido, examines the Seven Virtues as listed by Inazo Nitobe: Recitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honour, and Loyalty and offers a look at them in a modern perspective. This lecture is aimed at moving Bushido back out of the dojo of Japanese martial arts schools and using them as seeds that can become the “soul” of the modern world just as it became the heart and soul of Japan.

Business and Bushido: How the Code of the Samurai Made Japan an Industrial Super Power
A must for any company that considers ethical business and responsible business practices as important as the quality of their product or service. This lecture examines how the code of Bushido gave not only a rebirth to a post-World War two Japan and built it into an economic super power but how those same virtues can help turn around a worldwide economic downturn. If your organization has an ethics department or has ethic requirements as part of its’ company handbook, then this lecture is a must!

Bushido and the Law: Restoring Ethics and Respect to the Field of Practicing Law
This lecture should be part of every law school in America. This in depth look at the code of the samurai and how it was used not only as a personal code of ethics that is nearly universally respected, but how it took common soldiers, mercenaries and warriors and turned them into a respected class of Japanese society that fought for, administered and most importantly served justice and the laws of ancient Japan and how these same virtues can help restore respect and ethics to the field of practicing law.

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Whether the Ninjutsu is a Koryu martial art is a question I’ve read and been asked many times and there a plethora of opinions about this. A very common cited source for one opinion is Koryu.com and I have been asked my thoughts on this site.

In the interest of full disclosure, at my dojo, Poway Samurai Martial Arts, we practice the samurai and ninjutsu arts of the Takamatsuden as trained under the Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan.

It is important to recognize that despite the tremendous work and research done by Koryu.com and its primary sources of the Skoss’ and Dr. Karl Friday, they specifically state that they “Koryu.com” do not include ninjutsu and some related schools because they “…do not fall into OUR DEFINITION of the koryu bujutsu.” They go on to say “…just because we don’t share the same OPINION doesn’t mean that we are not all doing useful and good training.”

These are the key points. Neither the Skoss’ nor Dr. Friday have ever seen or examined the Takamatsuden related scrolls. Dr. Karl Friday, when confronted with the idea that he should ask Dr. Hatsumi to examine the documents for authenticity himself, said he was unqualified to make such a judgement.

The Kobudo arts of the Takamatsuden, have been recognized as Koryu by serveral Japanese organizations that are qualified to authenticate such scrolls, such as the Zen Nippon Todo Renmei among others.

The schools are listed in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten, which is a catalogue of Koryu and Gendai Budo and due to its’ meticulous cataloging, formatting style and methods used in creating it, it has become THE standard academic reference for anyone doing research into the field of martial arts.

Basically what you have here are disagreeing opinions not unlike getting a Business Degree. For example, in California, the University of California has requirements that are different from the California State University system. Both are fully accredited but when transferring from one university to the other for the same business degree of study not all credits etc. transfer or are included in the curriculum of each university. Both have their own “opinions” of what a Business Degree requires and while there are differences there are typically more similarities.

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Wow, the last year has gone by fast! With that, it is time to turn our focus to a new sword school. We have been studying the sword work of the Kukishinden for the past year touching on the first scroll of the school in great depth. Those that have been with us for much of that year have blossomed beyond my wildest expectations. Having studied the “samurai” sword work for the past couple of years at Poway Samurai Martial Arts, we are now turning our attention to the sword work of the often misunderstood “ninja”.

Starting on August 4th, 2009, we will be spending the next few months studying the basics of the Togakure Ryu school’s “ninja” sword work to familiarize students with the understanding of its fundamentals and how it was used against “samurai” sword work. This is a rare opportunity to learn a historically accurate aspect of “ninja” training with the same kata taken directly from the scrolls the Tokagure Ryu Ninjutsu practioners used for hundreds of years. If you are sword enthusiast, samurai enthusiast, ninjutsu enthusiast or someone who wants to experience authentic ninjutsu training in the San Diego area, now is a rare opportunity to learn some material we will not cover again for two or three years!

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

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We call ourselves The Samurai School because we maintain the heritage of the Samurai and Ninja lineage by teaching these Japanese arts directly from the ancient scrolls. This is different from any other school you will find offering Karate and Martial Arts in San Diego. Our teachings of kobudo (old martial arts) traditions harkens back to field combat tactics that involved large groups and complex strategies to win battles.

Too often the “modern” martial arts of today fail to provide much skill, focus or purpose in life other than to fight. They have thrown away the traditions, lessons and philosophies their arts were based on. The focus of the Japanese warriors was not simply to be a good fighter or warrior (bushi) but to temper those skills with the lessons and philosophies for a fundamentally more full, abundant and happy life. That is why Samurai means essentially “to serve” and Ninja essentially means “to persevere or be patient”.

When you choose to study the traditional and authentic Japanese martial arts of the Samurai and Ninja, you learn martial arts with meaning. By following Bushido, (the way of the samurai), our students find meaning in their lives they did not even know they were looking for. The traditional arts of the Samurai and Ninja teach effective skills for self defense and combat from techniques that have been practiced for hundreds of years. And, they also build character, self esteem, focus and self discipline skills which help increase mental agility. This can give those who practice it an advantage in the workplace and build a solid moral and ethical approach to life which leads to a safe and happy existence. Plus, as a physical activity, our training provides a non repetitive form of exercise that can relieve stress both physically and mentally.

Come to The Samurai School and train with us to change your life. It’s not just martial arts, it’s Bushido!

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Owner/Instructor of Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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The Bushido Guy

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In my life, I follow the ancient code of the samurai, know as Bushido. Bushido, or the way of the samurai warrior, was the code of moral principals the Samurai were required or instructed to observe. It is not a written code, but rather one that was handed down from mouth to mouth, and grew organically over decades.

This unspoken “code” was the instinctual sense of divine virtues that through their martial careers and practice, the samurai came to not only follow or observe, but it actually became part of them. The most common virtues of bushido: Recitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honour and Loyalty were unuttered or written as a specific set of instructions, but were common throughout Japan and its many Samurai families.

The most common virtues show us a better way to live and interact with each other and live within modern society. In this age of technology there is a freedom of information and idea exchange that is unprecedented but, has its drawbacks. Lack of civility is the biggest problem. Too often things are said on screen or by e-mail that a person would never say to someone’s face. This behavior degrades our society and all of us.

Living the Samurai way, we can disagree and still be polite. We can interact on matters of common good and remove any hostility about the things we do not agree on. We can be of service to each other and honor and respect our differences.

Just as bushido was not forced upon the Samurai warrior or Japan but was a natural and organic way of living, so too can we find a new “code” for our modern society in the world today. The virtues are already known to us we simply have to choose to practice them. If we can do this, one at a time, we may find that just as Bushido became the heart of Japan so might this new “code” become the heart of the world. Those who learn the Samurai Way find it has a powerful effect on them. Their lives are changed as they learn things about themselves they did not even know they were looking for. I invite you to come and learn about Bushido and let it have a powerful effect on you!

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Owner/Instructor of Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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2011:

Star Wars Sabre / Sword Jedi (Jidai Knight) demonstration on San Diego Living Show, July 25, 1011.

Women Evolution Event Scheduled for Feburary 5th 2011 at the Dojo, promoted Women’s Self Defense and Safety Tips on KUSI TV News January 24, 2011 and on Fox 5 San Diego News, January 27, 2011. (see video clips on The Samurai School YouTube Channel)

2010:

Tony was quoted in the San Diego Union Tribune Article Self Defense Class Enrollment Surges, March 10, 2010. Robin Hirsh, who is also quoted, is the mother of our student and took our Women’s Tools for Personal Safety Self Defense Class.

2009:

Article on Poway Martial Arts School Teaches Ninja Sword Techniques in the Poway News Chieftain, August 13, 2009.

Spoke to Rancho Penasquitos Rotary club on At Risk Youth programs, May 28, 2009.

2008:

See The Bushido Guy on the CW San Diego 6 Morning News, from October 18, 2008. This was a demonstration of the Tools for Personal Safety Class taught later that day. This 3 hour class of women’s safety tips is available to any group of women, 10 or more, who would like to hold it for their group. It is also available twice a year at the dojo. Schedule to be announced.
Women’s Safety Tips

Part of the first Southern California Martial Arts Convention and Tradeshow, October 11-12, 2008 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Biggest Martial arts event of its kind in San Diego!

North County Times article from July 26, 2008, referencing the Knife Fighting Self Defense Workshop where students learned tested techniques on fighting with and surviving being accosted by an assailant with a knife. The Japanese call this training Tantojutsu.

2007:

San Diego Family Magazine quotes Tony Whetstine in their Raising Leaders article, September 2007. Tony says, “Martial arts are exceptionally suited to building self-confidence. Leadership development is another key benefit for students. While learning to respect the instructor, senior students can mentor younger students.”

Article in Poway News Chieftain paper, September 13, 2007 showing warrior techniques learned at the August 26th, 2007 Yari Workshop (a yari is a nine foot staff with a razor sharp double edged blade at the end). Title of article, “Train Like a Samurai in Poway.”

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It’s not too late to get on the road to good health and join Poway Samurai Martial Arts in observance of June being Men’s Health Month. One aspect of this national program is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems in men and boys, and, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is still the leading cause of death among men in the United States. They also report that one in three men can expect to develop some form of cardiovascular disease before the age of 60.

“In terms of preventing heart disease, we´re talking about controlling all the risk factors,” says Howard Hodis, M.D., professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. “This means living a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, avoiding heavy alcohol use, smoking and foods high in fat, and controlling lipid levels and blood pressure.”

For men who want and need to exercise, but, are quickly bored by the gym, martial arts can easily be part of their exercise program and healthy lifestyle. And martial arts practice is not just for young men in their 20’s. Studies published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine show that people in their 40’s and 50’s who regularly practice martial arts demonstrate tremendous physical fitness compared to those who don’t exercise at all. Those who were part of the study also had 12% less body fat and were able to do twice as many sit-ups as the subjects that did not practice martial arts. They even showed enhanced flexibility, balance, leg strength, and demonstrated a stronger immune system.

So, kick off your summer with a great new exercise program that is fun, never boring and will keep you in great shape. Join us at Poway Samurai Martial arts for a traditional and authentic program that’s a great workout and can assist you with your good health goals for years to come.