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Master level instruction for all students. Call or text Leigh at (585) 354-8946 to get started.


Finding the Right Program

2/20/2017

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​Terms like "Karate" and "Ju-Jitsu" may seem standard, but they are not! There are soooooo many different styles of martial arts out there. That can be a good thing! It means that just because you tried training once and didn't enjoy it, you don't need to cross off martial arts for good. You may have just not found the right kind. 

Part of finding the right school also means finding a style of martial art you enjoy. 

Striking or Grappling?

There are arts that teach striking, which is punching, kicking, etc. And there are arts that teach grappling, which involves throws, ground-fighting, etc. In my experience, people tend to gravitate towards one or the other. However, that is changing with the popularity of MMA. Does punching a bag sound like fun? Or would you rather learn how to throw someone to the ground? Figuring out if you're a striker or a grappler is the first step.

How Competitive are You?

Some people thrive on competition. They want to get their moves to work on a fully resisting opponent. Others are looking for personal growth and development, and don't really care about besting someone on the mat. Different arts will have varying views on competition. For example, Aikido is non-competitive. Techniques are practiced and perfected, but generally the art is more about personal development. Judo, which is also a grappling art, is extremely competitive and has matches worked into almost every class. Other arts like Jiu-Jitsu and Karate have a little bit of both. Deciding what your goals are with the art will also guide you to the right program. 

How Much Punishment is Acceptable?

Martial arts are a contact sport. Other humans will be trying to punch you, choke you, and/or put you in various contorted positions. You'll get pinched and bruised. Your muscles will be sore the next day. However, the amount of physical punishment varies greatly. 

Keep in mind, much of this also depends on the instructors. There are also people who opt out of the combative part of class. Even in full contact karate, you can participate in everything except fighting. You'll work up a sweat, perfect your kata, but pass on the actual combat. People also do this in BJJ and Judo. As long as the instructors are fine with it, you shouldn't have a problem. 

Take some time to try out different arts and programs. This is one of the reasons why we have so many at our school! Different people will gravitate towards different kinds of styles and training. Never feel rushed to settle on one style. You'll be happier long term if you find a martial art that fits with your personality and preferences.
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Love and Training

2/14/2017

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In honor of Valentines Day, I'm going to rant about a topic plaguing the martial arts community: LOVE.

Maybe some of you are lucky and have a supportive partner. Some of you are not lucky. I know many of you need to fight, argue, and negotiate in order to train. I've also known many martial artists who quit because their partner wouldn't let them continue training. Despite being a martial artist myself... I get it!

Classes almost always take place during the evening, which is prime date/dinner/after work time. Unlike other sports that have a season, martial arts are ongoing. For those of you training in BJJ, I can only imagine how explaining THAT must go down. Plus the martial arts are far more time consuming than an average trip to the gym. Start throwing in seminars, tournaments, extra training sessions, and even the most easy-going of partners might start getting jealous for your time.  

So how do we maintain healthy relationships while still being able to train?

My first suggestion is to get your partner involved. Now this can be easier said then done. I'll have another post on just that. But there are many ways to help your partner feel involved besides getting them training with you. Invite her or him to come watch. Tell them how happy it would make you to have them there. That's a good start, and who knows? They may actually want to try it themselves.

Try merging a date into training. Invite your significant other to watch or try the class, then take them out for dinner, a movie, coffee, etc. Perhaps offer to leave early if you need to.

Look at ways to coordinate with your partner. This might look like scheduling your classes on the same nights he/she has an activity. Then you can always plan to meet before or after.

Communicate with your partner. Sometimes there might be something minor and stupid that makes your partner not want you to train. I remember one person who was a pacifist and had issues with her partner participating in something so violent. Issues like this can be cleared up with some communication and education on the martial arts.

I'm not a relationship expert or a psychologist. But in my own humble opinion, I don't think someone who truly cares about you would pressure you to quit something you love. That being said, it might take some compromise to work out your training time and relationship time. I'm very lucky to have found someone who shares my passion for martial arts, but even Brennan and I have had disagreements on training.
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Happy Valentines day! <3
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Confusion

2/6/2017

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​Are you confused in Jiu-Jitsu? Or Aikido? Or Karate?

That's okay, we all are. Or at one point we all were. These aren't easy things to understand. It takes time, and lots of practice. Here are some tips:

1. Record Classes

Ask permission first, but most instructors won't have a problem with it. Recording the explanation of the techniques for reference later can help a lot. It can also help to watch yourself. You may pick up on things you didn't realize you were doing.

2. Keep a Notebook

Writing and reflecting after classes also helps you retain and process things. Again, this gives you a reference to look back on.

3. Ask for Help

Don't be afraid to ask for help. This can be done before, during, or after classes. Instructors are always happy to help explain things to you, and it helps us refine our teaching skills.
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Super Class!

2/3/2017

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​Super Class is a games and fitness class we put together for Friday evenings for kids. It's important for kids to let loose and have fun with their fellow students. So Super Class helps our younger students bond and make friends. I think as adults we sometimes don't value playtime as much as we should. This is how kids exercise, build their social skills, and practice problem solving. So even if Fridays seem like a free-for-all, I know the kids are still developing valuable skills.
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Get in touch immediately to schedule an appointment or get more information by calling or texting Leigh at (585) 354-8946
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