Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Years Eve!

Wishing you and your family
all the best health
and
happiness
in 2010!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's


Wishing you all
The best health and happiness
and
a wonder-filled Christmas Holiday!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Another Holiday Party photo

Lily, Pat (Lily's Mom) and Colleen at this years Party

Thursday, December 10, 2009

All dressed up for the Holiday Party

This is the first of a bunch of photo's that I have of this years Holiday Party. Little Dragons student Taylor got all dressed up for it! Nice shoes;>)

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Tristen and Oscar promoted to Yellow belt

Promoted last Thursday Dec. 3rd - Tristen K. and Oscar G. - also in photograph are staff members Marcia G., Teryn C., Sifu, Dennis G. and Colleen G.
This is the wonderful crew of staff that contributes greatly to teaching the Thursday Little Dragons and the beginner's Youth Karate classes. Congratulations to everyone an a job well done!

Monday, December 7, 2009

New video clips of this years holiday party on my youtube channel

Two new video clips have been uploaded to my youtube channel (jrroysifu) check 'em out!

http://www.youtube.com/user/jrroysifu

To see my private collection ...subscribe and request to become a friend....enjoy!

Friday, December 4, 2009

J. R. Roy Studio Holiday Party is tomorrow 10-1pm

Come one, come all!
to the
Holiday Party
tomorrow (Saturday Dec. 5th) from 10am-1pm
Bring your friends!
Everyones Welcome!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Three Mini-relaxations

Managing stress is one of THE most important aspects of living a long and healthy life. Especially around the holiday's ....managing stress is a way to increase our happiness and get the most out of the time spend with family and friends.
At the Studio we practice many kinds of meditations...from I Ch'uan Standing and Forms with and without weapons, to simply lying on our backs and watching our bellies breath with the Little Dragons classes. Here are a few simple techniques from the Harvard Health Publications.....Meditation: Don't knock it 'till ya try it!!

3 Mini-relaxation Techniques
from the
Harvard Health Publications
Mini-relaxations can help allay fear and reduce pain while you sit in the dentist’s chair or lie on an examining table. They’re equally helpful in thwarting stress before an important meeting, while stuck in traffic, or when faced with people or situations that annoy you. Here are a few quick relaxation techniques to try.

1.When you’ve got 1 minute. Place your hand just beneath your navel so you can feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in slowly. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out. Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing for a count of three after each inhalation and exhalation.

2.When you’ve got 2 minutes. Count down slowly from 10 to zero. With each number, take one complete breath, inhaling and exhaling. For example, breathe in deeply saying “10” to yourself. Breathe out slowly. On your next breath, say “nine,” and so on. If you feel lightheaded, count down more slowly to space your breaths further apart. When you reach zero, you should feel more relaxed. If not, go through the exercise again.

3.When you’ve got 3 minutes. While sitting down, take a break from whatever you’re doing and check your body for tension. Relax your facial muscles and allow your jaw to fall open slightly. Let your shoulders drop. Let your arms fall to your sides. Allow your hands to loosen so that there are spaces between your fingers. Uncross your legs or ankles. Feel your thighs sink into your chair, letting your legs fall comfortably apart. Feel your shins and calves become heavier and your feet grow roots into the floor. Now breathe in slowly and breathe out slowly. Each time you breathe out, try to relax even more.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

JRRMAS Holiday Party - Saturday, Dec. 5th 10-1pm


Come one ...Come all!!
To this years JRRMAS Holiday Party!!

The Holiday Party will be on Saturday Dec. 5th from 10am-1pm. All past, present and future students family and friends are cordially invited.

Pot Luck lunch (sign up in hall way) and Holiday Gift Swap (bring one small/funny gift to share)

Sign up for volunteers to help set up and/or clean up in the hall way.

Help pass the word;>)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Sharon McGuinness is a Mom! Picture of son "Aiden" below

Congratulations to Sharon (AKS 2nd degree Black belt) and her fiance Chris!
Sharon wrote:
"Aiden is here!!!! 7lbs 6oz. 20.5 inches. Born at 11:15am."
November 20, 2009

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health Publication - "Exercise and Arthritis"

Does exercise contribute to arthritis? Research says no
If you’re putting off getting into a regular exercise routine because you’re worried that exercise contributes to arthritis, think again. Studies show that exercise can be safe for joints, both in older, overweight folks and in athletes.
The knees of Framingham
In 1948, more than 5,200 residents of Framingham, Mass., volunteered for the Framingham Heart Study, which has produced major insights into the causes of heart attack and stroke. In 1971, scientists began a new study of the children of the original volunteers and the spouses of those children. Between 1993 and 1994, 1,279 members of the Framingham Offspring Cohort enrolled in a study of exercise and arthritis. Their average age was 53.
All the volunteers were free of arthritis when the study began. Each answered detailed questions about their patterns of exercise, including walking, jogging, being active enough to work up a sweat, and their overall exercise level. All the people provided information about knee injuries and symptoms of knee pain and stiffness. In addition, all the volunteers were weighed and measured, and they each had a full series of knee x-rays.
Between 2002 and 2005, the subjects answered the same questions about knee pain and injury, and the x-rays were repeated. All the x-rays were independently evaluated by two experts who had no knowledge of the subjects’ exercise histories.
When the results were tallied, the researchers found no link between exercise and arthritis of the knee. The most active people had the same risk of arthritis as the least active, in terms of both symptoms and x-ray abnormalities.
Exercise was as friendly to the knees of joggers as walkers, even though jogging subjects the lower body to much higher impact and stress than walking. And even though obesity is an independent risk factor for arthritis, physically active overweight members of the study group fared just as well as their slim peers.
Australian knees
Although the Framingham study goes a long way toward dispelling the idea that exercise causes arthritis, it did not confirm a fond hope of exercise enthusiasts: that repetitive exercise could be good for joints.
However, a high-tech Australian investigation of 297 men and woman without knee injuries or disease showed that people who performed the most vigorous weight-bearing exercise had the thickest, healthiest knee cartilage.
Runners’ knees
A 2008 study that compared 284 dedicated runners with 156 nonrunners also found little evidence that exercise causes arthritis. After a remarkably long 21-year follow-up period, the runners experienced significantly less musculoskeletal disability than did their less active peers — and the runners also enjoyed a 39% lower mortality rate.
The research is impressive, and it confirms earlier studies. Former varsity runners, for example, are no more likely to develop arthritis in their legs than former college swimmers, and champion runners are no more likely to end up with arthritic hips than nonathletes.
Exercise as therapy?
Exercise is often prescribed for patients with arthritis. Exercise may be safe for healthy joints — but is it also safe for arthritic joints?
In 2005, British researchers found that both walking and muscle-strengthening were safe and effective, reducing pain and disability in people with arthritis. And in 2006 and 2007, scientists in the Netherlands and the U.K. reported that graded exercise programs are safe and effective for patients with arthritis of the hip or knee.
Healthy body, healthy joints
To prevent problems caused by exercise, be sure your general health is good; older people and patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other significant problems should get medical clearance. And all of us should get in shape gradually. Listen to your body as you exercise and report any problems to your doctor.
Warming up and cooling down will help protect your heart and your joints. Stretching exercises, good shoes, and good technique will also reduce your risk of musculoskeletal injuries. With these simple precautions and a dose of common sense, exercise will be safe for your joints.
Next excuse?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Peter performs the first three Kata's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwG4sJ4Wjxc

Students Promoted

Back row: JRRMAS Staff members, Marcia G.. 1st degree Black belt, Sifu Roy 8th degree Black belt, Jason K. 5th degree Black belt
Front row: Promoted to Yellow belt Alexis D. and her brother Peter promoted to Purple belt - Congratulations to them on their accomplishment.....the Staff too! Alexis is a Little Dragons graduate and has been practicing for 2 1/2 years and Peter has been practicing for 4 years....

Monday, November 9, 2009

Swine Flu/H1N1 - Update

We have had a fair amount of sickness reported this past week...both from students and staff.
I hope you are all healing, with no further complications.....so far so good on the complications!

I've got a few tips that I've come across that I would like to share. Thank you Janee, Wes, Lisa, MaryColleen for the input and articles.

Besides the main points of washing hands often and trying to "Keep Hands-off-the-face", sanitizing common things that we touch....like keyboards, phones, door knobs, hand rails...etcetera.

*Twice daily gargling with warm salt water (or Listerine type products)

*Nettie Pot or salt water spray along with a good old fashion hard nose blowing at least once per day.

*Drink as much of warm liquids as you can (green tea especially). Drinking warm liquids has the same effect a gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

*Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C and D - If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets that has Zinc to boost absorption.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions.
It takes a few day's for the virus to proliferate to sufficient levels to give you symptoms (your still contagious though). If you get them out of the nose and throat before they can proliferate...It could make the crucial difference or at least mitigate the viral load..... and .....it can't hurt.

Wash clothing often, especially after any exposure to the virus. The virus is contagious for 2-3 day's before any symptoms and I've heard from reliable sources...up to a week after the fever breaks (without med's)...Yikes!

I so appreciate it when those that are sick stay home and take care of themselves. It's very important, considerate and respectful to everyone at the studio.

Be well....stay healthy....practice Qigong!!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Symmetry - Balance - Yin/Yang - Wuchi

"In everything....... uniformity is

undesirable. Leaving something incomplete

makes it intersting, and gives one the feeling that

there is room for growth......

Even when building the imperial

palace, they always leave one

palace unfinished."



Japanese Essays in Idleness

14th Century.

Great talk on Symmetry on TedTalks YouTube Channel - link is below


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=415VX3QX4cU

Friday, October 30, 2009

Students promoted

Front row: Lana promoted to Blue belt, Marcia G. to 1st degree Black belt and
Andrew to Yellow belt
Back row Black belts: Sifu Roy 8th Dan, Mr. Milcarek 1st Dan, Mr. Kratz 5th Dan, Mr. Levesque 3rd Dan, Mr. Gobiel Probationary Black belt
Ryan earns his White belt after training for one month!
With Mr. Kratz, Sifu Roy, Black belt candidate and Staff member Colleen G.
Jianna earns her White belt after training for one month!
With Sifu Roy




Saturday, October 24, 2009

Light in a plasma cake!

Jeff Levesques wedding cake!
Posted by Picasa

Jeff Levesques wedding cake


The formula that Jeff wrote out and gave to the baker to put on his wedding cake is the frequency of light in a plasma! Cool!!
Posted by Picasa

Little Dragon graduate is promoted to Yellow belt in American Karate-do

Shawn D. was promoted to Yellow belt this past Thursday afternoon. He is flanked by JRRMAS Staff members from left to right, Marcia G. myself and Colleen G.
Congratulations Shawn!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sharon M.and Chris visit the Studio

Sharon M. and her fiance Chris visited the Studio this past Saturday morning. Sharon is an American Karate-do Black belt (second Dan) and former JRRMAS Staff member. Their baby (Aiden) is due in 4-5 weeks. Next time they visit they will have young Aiden with them!!
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Maintaining a strong immune system during cold & flu season

Eleven steps to maintaining a strong immune system during cold & flu season
The miserable symptoms of a cold or the flu are actually signs that your immune system is working to fight off the offending virus. You get a fever, for example, because your immune system’s cells work better at a higher body temperature, while germs don’t reproduce as well at higher temperatures. The swelling in your sinuses is due to the fact that armies of immune cells are rushing to the area to fight the germs. A runny nose allows your body to flush out germs along with mucus.
Your immune system is your best defense against infectious illnesses. Keep it in optimum shape with healthy-living strategies such as these:
1. Don’t smoke. If you already smoke, try to quit, even if you’ve been unsuccessful at kicking the habit in the past.
2. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat.
3. Take a multivitamin if you suspect that you may not be getting all the nutrients you need through your diet.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Maintain a healthy weight.
6. Control your stress level.
7. Control your blood pressure.
8. If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
9. Get adequate sleep.
10. Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
11. Get regular medical screening tests for people in your age group and risk category.

*copied from this months Havard Health publication

Friday, October 16, 2009

American Karate-do women Black and Brown Belts

American Karate-do Black belts Jennifer L. and Sharon M. pose with one of our currently active Green belts Lily S.
I have an earlier version of this photo from when Sharon and Jennifer were both White or Yellow belts...If I can find a digital version I'll post it!

Posing with currently active JRRMAS Staff member and Black belt candidate Colleen G. - It's so helpful for our Studio community when Black belts that have moved away or just become inactive for one reason or the other come back and visit...it adds so much depth and history to the students experience.
Calling all American Karate-do and Modern Arnis Black and Brown belts as well as all 5+year T'ai Chi and Bagua practitioners to please come in and visit!! You are all welcome to come and visit .....ANYTIME!!


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Jeff and Annette Levesque wedding photo's

I'll be posting more wedding photo's and perhaps a video or two from Jeff and Annette Levesque's wedding on 10.11.09 in Binghampton NY to my personal blog at:
www.jrroy.blogspot.com

Monday, October 12, 2009

Jeff and Annette Levesque - married Sunday 10.11.09

Yesterday, Jeff Levesque (AKS Black belt) and Annette Giuffrida were married. They met while at college at RPI where they both did their undergraduate studies. Jeff in physics and Annette in architecture. They currently live in NY City and will be leaving for their Honeymoon to New Zealand on Wednesday.

Congratulation's and best wishes to Jeff and Annette and their families!

The wedding and the reception were just wonderful. It's so great to see Jeff and Jennifer doing so well in life. Norm and Carol are so fortunate to have brought up such exceptional children ...they have both turned out to be such great people and I know that that makes both Norm and Carol very happy.

I have more vid's and photo's to come!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Chinto Kata

Second degree Black Belt staff member Jeff C. leads the adult Karate-do class through a round of Chinto Kata the fifth Kata in the system.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Grand Master T. T. Liang's T'ai-Chi Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfp-T4jDeRI

Grand Master T. T. Liang's T'ai-Chi Dance - performed by Master Ray Hayward and Sifu Paul Abdela.

Two students are promoted to Yellow Belt

Two students were promoted to Yellow Belt on Saturday.

A Little Dragons graduate is promoted to Yellow Belt

SK showing the stretch that she has been working on. She was promoted to Yellow Belt this past Saturday.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Link to Master Haywards YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/tctaichi01

This is a link to my teacher Master Haywards YouTube Channel (thanks Read). There are some really great, very educational video clips here. Good quality video and excellent content. Enjoy!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

New T'ai Chi Ch'uan Class on Wed. 5:30-6:45pm

Looking for a few new students to share this marvelous health maintenance art with.

Enjoy robust health, inner peace and confidence through the daily practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan in a friendly, supportive and peaceful atmosphere.

Feel better, live life to the fullest! Call the Studio at 413-774-2888 to register or log on to our Stuio web site for more information at www.jrroy.com

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health Publication - "Swine Flu" Q and A

Information on the Swine Flu, that can help us all stay safe this Flu season. Please read:

Q: What is “swine flu”?
A: Flu is a disease caused by the influenza virus. Humans, pigs, birds, and other animals all can be infected by influenza viruses. Typically, influenza viruses can infect only one species, so the influenza viruses of humans are different from those of pigs and birds. However, pigs sometimes can be infected not only with pig influenza viruses, but also with human and bird influenza viruses. Then these viruses can swap genes, creating new viruses that have a mix of genes—from human, pig, and bird viruses. That is what has happened with this new swine flu virus, which contains some genes from human, swine, and bird influenza viruses.
Sometimes this swapping of genes changes a virus from one able to infect only pigs or only birds to one that also can infect humans. When that happens, we refer to the illness as “swine flu” or “bird flu.”

Q: Are swine flu or bird flu viruses dangerous?
A: When swine flu or bird flu viruses develop the ability to spread from human to human, they can be very dangerous: they can cause a pandemic, and they can produce severe disease.
One reason that pandemic illness often is more severe than the regular winter flu is that the virus is so new. The regular winter flu viruses that circulate each year are human influenza viruses and are similar to the viruses that have caused the flu in years past. As a result, most people have some degree of immunity to the latest regular human flu virus. The unusual swine flu or bird flu viruses that develop the ability for person-to-person spread are so different from regular human flu viruses that many people have little or no immunity to them. That is what experts think has happened with the new swine flu H1N1 virus.

Q: How contagious will this virus be?
A: So far, this virus appears to be somewhat more contagious than the usual seasonal human flu virus. About a quarter of people who have had close exposure to someone with swine flu have gotten the virus. However, all flu viruses love cold weather: cold, dry air makes flu viruses both more contagious, and more likely to cause serious illness.

Q: How serious is the illness caused by this virus?
A: The normal winter flu kills about one out of 1,000 people who are infected with the virus. In the United States, that amounts to about 35,000 people every year. Early estimates indicate that the new swine flu virus may kill about two out of 1,000 people, about twice as many as normal seasonal flu. However, there is reason to believe that it could cause more severe disease in the late fall and winter of 2009–2010.

Q: How do I know if I’ve caught swine flu?
A: The initial symptoms of this flu virus are like those of the regular flu: fever, muscle aches, runny nose, and sore throat. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be more common with this swine flu than with the regular flu. If this epidemic hits your community and you develop flu-like symptoms, it is likely your doctor will take samples from your throat or material you cough up for testing.

Q: How do I protect myself?
A: To protect yourself from catching swine flu from others:
Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand cleaners frequently. For a thorough hand washing, use soap, and scrub all parts of your hands, front and back, and between, for about 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”).
Don’t touch your hands to any part of your face: if the virus is on your hands, it can spread to your throat and lungs from your nose and mouth, or even your eyes.
When you greet people, don’t shake hands or exchange kisses. Instead, bump elbows, wave, or just say “Hi.”
Avoid contact with people who are sneezing or coughing. To the extent you can do so, avoid crowded situations. Stay at least three feet away from others.
If you are in public places, remember that when your hands touch what other people’s hands have touched, the virus could be passed to you. For example:
On a bus, don’t hold on to an overhead strap or to a pole. Instead, wrap your arm around the pole to support yourself.
When climbing stairs, don’t hold on to the railing unless you absolutely have to.

Q: How do I protect others if I get sick?
A: If you develop symptoms that could be swine flu, like those mentioned just above, and if your local health department says there is an epidemic in your community, you should pay close attention to the specific advice of the health department. Our general advice is:
Stay at home!
At home, try to stay away from others as much as possible. If you can, try to stay in one room and have others avoid that room. If you have multiple bathrooms, claim one as your own and don't share it with others.
If you are coughing and sneezing, don’t sneeze into your hands. Instead use tissue and deposit the tissue in a wastebasket or toilet. Wash your hands immediately after.
Don’t shake hands with people, or kiss hello.
If you have to go out, avoid crowded situations—public transportation, movie theaters, and the like.

Q: How long are people contagious?
A: Adults should be considered contagious until at least 7 days after the start of symptoms; with children, it may be 10 to 14 days.

Q: I hear the virus seems to be losing its punch. Is that true?
A: Probably not. The virus did seem to produce more severe disease in Mexico than in the United States and most other parts of the world. But that could be because the weather was getting warmer, and because people in Mexico—not knowing the danger—waited longer to seek medical help. As explained earlier, many experts worry that the virus could produce more severe disease as it spreads in the cold, dry air of fall and winter. That has happened with past pandemics: a summer reprieve was followed by a major outbreak in the fall and winter.
Also, influenza viruses change their genes so frequently that epidemics caused by influenza viruses can change their character quickly. The genetic changes could make the virus cause either more or less serious illness.

Q: Are there vaccines to prevent swine flu?
A: It appears that the first doses of the vaccine will be available in late October 2009. Almost certainly, there will not be enough vaccine for everyone, at first, and so some priority groups will get the vaccine first. In the United States the highest priority groups will be:
Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity.
Children 6 months through 4 years of age, because they are at higher risk of complications
Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions, because they are at higher risk of complications.
If the vaccine supply is more plentiful, then the CDC recommends vaccinating these same groups plus:
All people from 5 years through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because many cases of novel H1N1 influenza occur in children and because children are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of novel H1N1 influenza occur in these healthy young adults, because they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and because they are a mobile population; and,
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
Once these people have been vaccinated, then everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years can begin to be vaccinated. Research shows that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups, probably because healthy people in this age group are more likely to have some degree of immunity against the virus.

Q: Can you get swine flu from eating pork?
A: Absolutely not. But, as you probably know, you need to cook pork thoroughly to avoid getting other illnesses that can be spread by undercooked meat.For more information on swine flu and influenza, go to Harvard Medical School's Flu Resource Center at www.health.harvard.edu/flu.


Swine flu symptoms
For adults, teens, and kids aged 3 to 12, the most worrisome symptoms are:
Shortness of breath
Persistent vomiting
Confusion
Dizziness
For children younger than 2, the most worrisome symptoms are:
Very rapid breathing
Not interacting normally, not eating or drinking normally, being unusually irritable, or appearing unusually sleepy
High fever and rash
A bluish color of the lips and skin

Reprinted from Swine flu: How to understand your risk and protect your health, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, © 2009 by Harvard University. All rights reserved.

New T'ai Chi Ch'uan Class on Wed. 5:30-6:45pm

A new T'ai Chi form class is forming on Wed. evening 5:30-6:45pm
call 774-2888 or email Sifu Roy to register at jrroysifu@gmail.com

Monday, September 14, 2009

Bo/Staff twirtling

This is the first YouTube video clip that I have been able to upload from my new Cannon HD video camera.
It's an experiment with titles and a sound track. The sound track is way longer than the video track....and I could not figure out how to edit the sound track to be the same length... Please bear with me as I work out the details.
This HD camera, the software interface and succesfully uploading to blogs and YouTube and certainly exercised my patience and fortitude to the maximum. Very good for my internal practice:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QckCaHJ_IG8
Bo/Staff basics #1 - Full turn right and left

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Wudang Sword basics - Lazy D

Sifu and JRRMAS Staff practice a Wudang Sword basic - The Lazy D

Lesson 1:

Practicing lines of basics is a long tradition in Martial Arts

Most modern Forms were born out of such practices

After decades of practicing the basics

The Master would string together a series of his/her favorite basics,

in a specific order,

to create a new Form

Lesson 2:

Basics in Martial Arts are like the scales and rudiments that a dedicated musician practices,

Through these basic practices, musicians develop the knowledge, technique and facility

needed to play Songs.

Depending on the type of music this can be a long process.

The amount of time and effort, needed to reach a level of musicianship, to play jazz and classical music is considerable.

One would need a complete knowledge of all fundamentals and have a regular practice in place.

Internal Arts like T'ai Chi and Bagua are the Jazz and Classical music of Martial Arts

Lesson 3:

The Lazy D uses six energies:

Cross or Intercept

Coil

Press Down

Palm Up or Palm Down Slice

Saturday, September 12, 2009

How to teach a young student to tie a Karate belt

This is a method that Sifu has developed to teach young Karate-do students how to correctly tie a Karate (or Arnis) belt. This method allows the young student to see the belt being tied and also to participate in the tying. Encourage the student to participate and tell them when it's being tied correctly.

Lesson 1:

The main goal in teaching is always the same........the student learns to become independent of the teacher!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Wansu Kata

JRRMAS Staff member and 2nd degree Black belt, Mr. Chaisson leads the adult Karate-do class through a round of Wansu Kata last night. Mr. Chaisson started his study with Sifu Roy when he was just a young boy and has been studying, practicing and now teaching consistently, ever since. His many years of practice are evident in the quality of his basics and his poise and demeanor.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

How to tie a Karate-do or Arnis belt properly

Dylan R. demonstrates the correct way to tie a Karate (or Arnis) belt. Dylan is a graduate of the Little Dragons program. He has been studying since January 2007.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Open Weapons Class resumes on Thursday's from 5:30-6:30pm

The Open Weapons Class this Thursday Sept. 10 from 5:30-6:30pm
This semester I'm teaching Broad Sword basics, two person exercises and form (Bagua Knife). I'll be sprinkling in and reviewing Staff and Straight Sword (Jian).
Email me if you plan on attending.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

10 Execises #10


Here is the final installment #10 of 10. Please refer to the "10 Exercises #1" post for some history and comments on these truly marvelous exercises. If you click on the Label "10 Exercises" on the left, all 10 exercises will be grouped together on one page.

The 10 Exercises are required material in the American Karate-do (youth and adults), Little Dragons and Bagua Zhang programs.

Thank you Master Leung Kay-Chi for sharing them with me all those years ago [Bow].

Lesson 1:

Learn them,

commit them to memory,

continue to refine them,

then, do them daily.....

Monday, August 31, 2009

10 Execises #9

YouTube - jrroysifu's Channel

YouTube - jrroysifu's Channel: "jrroysifu"

Afternoon Youth Karate-do classes resume on Tuesday's and Thursday's


The afternoon youth Karate-do classes will resume this week on Tuesday's from 4:30-5:30pm for Blue belts and above and on Thursday's from 4:30-5:30pm for new students (ages 7-13) and all ranks White belt and above.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Family vacation photo

I'm just getting back from a family vacation. Here's a shot us towing MR and GR in the double kayak. We had light wind the whole week, not so good for sailing but excellent for the kayak's and canoe.....and of course ....swimming!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Monday, August 3, 2009

10 Exercises #2

This is the second exercise of ten, eight more posts to go.

Please refer to my first post on the 10 Exercises for background and lessons on this set.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

10 Exercises #1

At a recent Bagua Zhang class Sifu leads the group through the '10 Exercises'.

I learned this set from Master Leung Kay-Chi in the park in Boston during the summer of 1979, when I first started to study Bagua Zhang.

These 10 Exercises are shot in real time (with 10 repetitions each exercise) and will be published one per post. This is the first of ten posts: #1 Exercise, nine more posts to come.

I have a number of variations that I use for the various martial arts and classes that I teach. This particular set of posts will be the originals (as I remember them) that I learned from Master Leung.

Many thanks to Master Leung for sharing these very special exercises with me all those years ago. I've been practicing them regularly now for three decades and have taught them a few thousand times. I have seen excellent results, especially for those that have practiced them regularly (daily), over an extended period of time (decades).

Lesson 1:

The 10 Exercises are excellent calisthenics!

Do 100 repetitions each and see what I mean!!

They are also an excellent set of Qigong exercises....

With T'an T'ien Breathing..

Do them slowly with mind intention...

They will help you to develop correct inner and outer principles and feelings

that lead to excellent martial arts skills, balance and whole body power!

They will help you to cultivate robust health:

A strong, flexible, coordinated body and.....

a calm and centered mind......

Saturday, August 1, 2009

How to tie a Karate or Arnis belt

Sifu helps his grand daughter Genna R. learn to tie her White belt. Thanks to Dylan R. for his excellent camera work!

Lesson 1:

Starting at the T'an T'ien (Hara - Middle) of the belt, place it on the T'an T'ien of their body (Belly button).

While holding the belt at their middle, take the left side all the way around first and put that end under.

Then take the right side all the way around, on top, (no twists please) and keep that end on top

Adjust the tightness

Then take the 'right' side which should be on top and go under both

Flip the bottom one over

Take the top one over the bottom and up through the middle

Pull side way's carefully,

to 'set' the knot

adjust the 'ears' downward

The opening in the knot should be facing to their right side

at Black Belt we change the knot so that the opening goes to the left

Lesson 2:

Originally, all belts were white

they were what held the Samurais underwear together

it's called a Gi (sounds like key with a softer K)

belts should not be washed

after each workout the Karate-Ka would wipe their brow

the new knowledge would then go into the belt

the sweat, tears, blood and dirt from the workout becomes part of the belt

as time goes on....

eventually the belt would turn yellow...then green....brown and finally would be BLACK!

If you saw a Karate-Ka with a Black Belt you knew that they were a serious practitioner having earned that color belt by actually practicing!

Lesson 3:

After their belt turned black and the Karate-Ka continued on the path to mastery

The black outer casing would wear out

and the inner white part would show through...

The Karate-Ka had made a full cycle

returning back to the beginning!

Lesson 4:

If you see a Karate-Ka with a Black Belt

and the outer casing is wearing off

and the inner, white part, is showing through

If the belt is ragged and worn

You know that they have practiced a lot

continuously, for decades and decades......

You're now looking at a Master!

Friday, July 31, 2009

The Youth Class at the Wells Street Studio

This picture was taken at the Wells Street Studio in the early 1980's
Look closely....if your in your mid to late 30's ...you might be in there!
That was truly an outstanding group of young students!
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 30, 2009

American Karate-Do - Self Defense Technique - Def. Ag. single lapel grab

Students LS and SG practice a Self-Defense Technique based on movements from Nihanchi Kata. It's a defense against a single lapel grab.

Lesson 1:

After trying to break the hold

LS needs to soften the opponent with an angle kick to knee/shin

She then follows up with a back fist/hammer fist

Then backs up with a defensive hand position

asses the situation

and escapes!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Modern Arnis - double stick against single stick Tapi Tapi

JRRMAS staff member PR and Sifu practice a double stick against a single stick Tapi Tapi (counter their counter) drill that Sifu learned from Chuck Gauss (Thanks Chuck) a few years ago. The drill has an excellent flow to it.

Lesson 1:

This type of drill trains the sensitivity of your hands, wrists and arms. Training sticks greatly assists in the development of your bodies sensing abilities (Tien Jing - Listening Skill). Once you can feel, follow and lead through the inanimate stick...the skill of listening with just your body will be greatly enhanced.

Lesson 2:

One of the great gifts from Prof. Presas was the idea that working with a single and double stick serves to speed up the developement of you empty hand skills....The Prof. was absolutely right!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Little Dragons photograph

Having fun with the photo op.... Little Dragons student OT and Sifu set up for an 'action photo'.

OT has just completed several months of the Little Dragons program (ages 4-6).

This Thursday morning at 10:30am (July 30) will be the last Little Dragons class until the first week of Sept. The class will resume the first Thursday in Sept. from 4:00-4:30pm
The class will be limited to 10 students.... so sign up early to reserve your spot.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Modern Arnis - Tapi Tapi - Counter their counter

Sifu and JRRMAS staff member PR practice a baiting and locking series. The idea is to counter their counter (Tapi Tapi).

Lesson 1:

Tapi tapi is an excellent platform for skill aquisition

training the 'live hand' to seak the path

Friday, July 24, 2009

Internal Exercise Set - Part Six

This is Part Six, the conclusion of the Internal Exercise Set based on Master Haywards Twin-Cities Warm Up's.

If you click on the Label to your left, named Internal Exercise Set, all six parts will be grouped together on one page. Part one will be at the bottom.

Lesson 1:

The Internal Exercises in these six video clips

are in 'real time'

just follow Sifu as he does the exercises:

With as much awareness of your body as you are capable of.....

Pay attention to:

The point of balance in the middle of you foot (feet)

The alignment of your entire body - follow gravity -

Be relaxed

Balance between Peng expansion energy and Sung releasing, opening, rooting (rubbery - not stiff)

Distinguish between the exercises that use the whole body "One unit"

and those where you are isolating a particular part or area of you body

Breath using T'an T'ien breathing (abdominal breathing)

Now the real part........

Do them once per day and enjoy Robust Health!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Two students promoted to White Belt - 8th Kyu

After one month of consistent training, two students were promoted to White Belt 8th Kyu this morning. One from the Little Dragons on the left CT and his sister from the Youth Karate-Do program ST. Their mother to my left was (re)recognized as a 2nd degree Brown Belt which she earned as a teenager.
This an extra special promotion for me as they are family: My sisters grand children and daughter, respectively.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009

Internal Exercise Set - Part Four



This the fourth part of the Internal Exercise Set based on Master Haywards Twin Cities Warm Ups. I tried to upload a longer segment but I can only upload a 100MB clip! So after 5 or 6 tries this is all I could get to upload.

If you look at the 'labels' to the left side of the blog. Click on the 'Internal Exercise Set' and all the Parts will be grouped together in reverse order with the first Part last on the page.

"Practice everyday and do your best"

Grand Master T. T. Liang

Blocking for Self-Defense

JRRMAS adjunct staff member TS from Potsdam NY gives a presentation on Self-Defense blocking. TS started training with me in 1979 and is one of my senior most Black Belts (4th degree) in the American Karate-Do System, he is also a Black Belt in Modern Arnis. He is currently teaching T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Self-Defense and Aerobic Kick Boxing at the University in Potsdam. With over 30 years of consistent training, TS has a lot to offer. It was wonderful to have him assisting with the youth classes in the morning and participating in the Seminar in the afternoon this past Saturday. I only wish he lived closer!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Thoughts about martial arts and the toughest of times


This is an abridged version of a note, that I recently emailed a young student, who has just been through an ordeal and had to rely solely on himself for the first time in his life. In that situation he reflected on how his martial arts training, at JRRMAS, has had an effect on his ability to deal with the stress of it all.
Him sharing his thoughts with me reminded me of why I've dedicated my adult life to teaching this stuff, in spite of all the hardships that, that entails.


"After reading your letter, I can appreciate that you now have a deeper level of understanding that one of the main ideas, in what we practice and teach at JRRMAS is to help one get through the toughest of times.
Once a practitioner recognizes that and contemplates it in their daily practice, than things really start to change. At JRRMAS the main purpose of training is to maintain (or develop) 'robust health', mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually and to train for those times of great pressure and crisis.
So consequently, we train to stay calm, first and foremost, as that will allow us to be balanced, centered and strong, to believe in our self, keep a clear head and act decisively, with compassion"


Sifu
"Martial Arts training doesn't start until we confront ourselves"
Sifu

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Internal Exercise Set - Part Two

The second installment of the Internal Exercise Set based on Master Haywards Twin Cities warm ups. This portion of the Set mainly involves stretching the neck, shoulders, arms and back.

Lesson 1:

Do these exercises daily!

with proprioceptive awareness

and proper alignment

with 100 percent concentration on observing and adjusting

and a relaxed muscular effort

celebrate when ever thing moves effortlessly and pain free!

Trouble uploading video to Studio Blog:(

Yep! I've thrown a few hours at the Studio Blog this morning....having tons of trouble's uploading another video clip of the 'internal warm ups' I shot yesterday morning. So.....I'm going to go practice now!!
I'll try again later....thanks for tuning in and thanks for your patience.

FYI - There is still time to sign up for the 'Special Training Seminar' I'm offering this coming Saturday 7/18 from 1-5 at the Studio. Fun time for all!!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health Publication - "Simple life style changes can have enormous impact on our longevity and quality of life"


Harvard Health Publications July 2009
We all know aging is an inevitable process, yet most of us are eager to maintain our health and enjoy our life in the most vibrant, vigorous way possible. We want to age gracefully, while retaining our vitality, energy, and memory. The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can have an enormous impact on our longevity and quality of life (*).
One of the most important factors to aging gracefully is avoiding the onset of common medical conditions. From heart disease and stroke to Alzheimer’s disease to hearing and memory loss, sidestepping these conditions can add years to your life and life to your years. It’s important to know the steps you can take to prevent these conditions and other common threats to your good health.
But it’s not just physical ailments that can impact your health in your later years. Keeping a sharp mind and memory is equally important. As many as two-thirds of people age 50 and over notice greater difficulty remembering names, appointments, and other details. But research has shown that our brains can keep growing new neurons (brain cells) and making new connections throughout life. People who keep learning (*) and stay mentally active increase their odds of retaining good brain function as they age. The more you use your brain (*), the stronger it gets — and the longer it stays strong.




Lesson 1:

(*) Developing a daily martial arts practice
can have an enormous impact on our health
mentally and physically, our quality of life and overall happiness
To be effective, that practice should include:

whole body exercises (That especially includes the mind),

with proprioceptive awareness of principles,

for strengthening (especially legs) and stretching,

solo forms (especially T'ai-Chi, Bagua) and basics,

weapons forms and basics,

qigong and standing meditation
NOTE:
To be effective it's imperative that practices are done with correct principles and concepts.
"The mind directs, the body follows" - Old Chinese Martial Arts saying
"Observe, then adjust according to principles" - Sifu
"When practicing, awareness of oneself is key" - Sifu

Always practice with a mental focus on observing oneself,

then, adjust according to correct internal and external principles and concepts,

Your goal is to practice with the correct spirit (inward feeling).

"Strive to be present and in the moment" - Sifu


Lesson 2:

Pay attention to injury management,

properly attend to injury and illnesses

adjust your practice,

so that you can do it daily!


Lesson 3:

*A note to those that are on the ‘path’ to Mastery:

Eventually, your daily practice will become a daily routine just like brushing your teeth and bathing. With personal hygiene, one learns to adjust around injuries and illness.
There are occasions when it may be impossible to do our daily hygiene, because of illness or injury, but, as soon as you are able to, you would immediately get back to the daily routine of bathing and brushing, right?
For those that are on the ‘path’ to Mastery, if there was an interruption to their daily practice, they would return to it as soon as they were able to. Now their art has been elevated to the same status in their personal life, as bathing and brushing! That's a Master!!
Copyright jrroy productions - all rights reserved world wide

American Karate-Do - Self Defense Technique - The Lever

Studetns LS and SG practice the second Self-Defense Technique, The Lever.

Lesson 1:

This is an medium escalated version of the lever

defending against single lapel grab with a straight arm.

There is a de-escalated version with no counter attack

and a more escalated version with multiple counters

ending in a take down or throw

Lesson 2:

In a potential Self-Defense situation

asses the amount of force you need to defend yourself

with the use of force continuum in mind.

It's always better to avoid physical conflict whenever possible

and to use the least amount of force necessary to subdue the attacker

to allow you enough time to escape.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Modern Arnis - Slap off and re-grab drill

Sifu and JRRMAS staff member LS practice the Modern Arnis counter the counter, slap off and re-grab drill

Lesson 1:

The attacker (LS) strikes with one of the 12 angles of attack,

Sifu block, checks and counters the original attack,

The attacker stops the counter with their 'live hand',

either on the inside or the outside of the fore arm (Sifu's)

Then Sifu will either

'slap off'

then..... re-counter from the same side

or

're-grab'

then..... re-counter from the same side

Lesson 2:

A central theme in Modern Arnis is to 'Counter the Counter': 'Tapi Tapi'

.....infinitely....

until you steal their time

and achieve a superior body position,

Until you find

or create the opening

allowing you to successfully Counter their Counter!

Lesson 3:

This is an excellent drill for skill acquisition!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

American Karate-Do - Self Defense Technique - Crash of the Eagle

Students LS and SG practice Crash of the Eagle, a defense against a rear shoulder grab or push. This is first required self-defense technique for rank in the American Karate-Do system in it's medium 'escalated' form with a single back fist/hammer fist counter attack. It's more escalated form would have multiple counter attacks ending in a take down or throw.

Lesson 1:

In Crash of the Eagles 'de-escalated' form

students first learn to step forward,

turn quickly to face the attacker

and with a descending elbow,

break the hold (or regain balance from a push),

then,

withought countering,

but with awareness,

simply ......step away from the attacker

with your hands up in front of your face,

palms out,

fingers spread,

projecting a peaceful (but secretively defensive) hand position

then to look for a means of escape..........

then......ESCAPE!

Lesson 2:

The sole purpose of self-defense is to ESCAPE!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Internal Exercise Set - Part One

This is the first two exercises at beginning of what I'm calling the "Internal Exercise Set".

It's a set that I've based on Master Haywards Warm Up Exercises with a few additions and variations.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Trouble uploading better quality video...

Hi everyone....just to let you know that I've trying to upload a video clip from my new Cannon video camera....for the past 4 hours!

Anyway...thanks for bearing with me and for tuning in!

Just a reminder about the Special Training Seminar that I'm giving on Saturday July 18th from 1-5 PM
Click of 'Seminars' in the label column to your left to see more information on the Seminar

Well, I spent another few hours at it and I just can't seem to get the video to upload and now it's time to go in to the Studio to teach classes. So.....I'll try again tomorrow. Working through this computer/digital video stuff and keeping ones central equilibrium, is good for the practice. Breathing deeply in Leyden:)

Monday, July 6, 2009

Wudang Sword basic Stab practice

Sifu and JRRMAS Staff members WF, SK and BL practice lines of basic Stabs (Thrusts) with Broadswords.

Lesson 1:

Take any single technique

the more basic the technique is ....the better!

Choose your technique wisely.....

One, that is a common denominator to the Art or Form

Then.....while paying attention to principles and details

repeat the single technique in a line or row

amassing as many repetitions as you have the capacity for

Remember the idea is develop and refine .....

Changing the way you do the technique should happen daily...

Because:

Mastery is the goal!

Lesson 2:

To achieve Mastery in Martial Arts...

Correct practice is essential!

A basic level that is available to everyone is around 10,000 (correct) repetitions

Mastery is only available to those with a life long,

regular daily practice and is around 36,000 repetitions!

Repeating rows of the basic, is the main practice method

Rows makes it relatively easy to repeat the basic 100 or more times in one practice session

Then the secret is to do that practice daily......

It's amazing how quickly the repetitions will amass!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Modern Arnis - Redonda - Forward and Reverse

JRRMAS Staff member PH practices Redonda with Brown Belt student AG.

Lesson 1:

Redonda.....

one circle on the same side

two circle's on the opposite side

The first strike crosses over when going forward

and under when doing the reverse

train both sides simultaneously

Keep the beats even

especially in between side changes

and feel the one, two, three...it's a triplet.....without accents....

add in Rompida and Abinico

Now add stance work...forward, backward and to the sides

It's all there....study the nature of circles, timing and momentum

Truly marvelous practice!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Modern Arnis application from Stick Form 1

JRRMAS Staff member PR leads a recent class in an application exercise based on the first Stick Form (Anyo).

Lesson 1:

In order to lead the mind properly during solo practice...

it's imperative that the practitioner is able to visualize the application of the movement

Practicing the applications of the forms with a partner is the 'secret'

to higher level solo practice...

Visualizating the applications will give the practitioner the correct 'feeling' of the solo gesture

Lesson 2:

"The mind directs, the body follows"

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

6 year old practices Single Sinawalli

Sifu and his 6 year old (he is now 7) Grandson DR practice Modern Arnis' Single Sinawalli with padded sticks, before the Youth Karate-Do class. Besides stick work DR has been exposed to the Jian (double edged straight sword) and the Broadsword. He very much enjoys the weapons practices with Sifu.

Lesson 1:

When teaching younger students weapons...

The practice always starts and ends with respect!

The weapons should be fun ...but it's NOT play time.....

The practices should be formal and with a qualified teacher

Younger students should learns to hit weapon to weapon first..

NOT weapon to body!

Lesson 2:

Correct weapons training

will greatly speed up the training process of your empty hand techniques,

proper relaxation

and whole body power.

It will help to strengthen you hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.....

it will also help to keep the joints moving properly with good flexibility and range of motion.

Lesson 3:

Weapons training is an excellent addition to an overall health maintenance program

as it will help to keep your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders strong and flexible.

Grand Master T. T. Liang was still able to write calligraphy when he was well over 100 years old and was still practicing double Dao (Broadsword) and Jian (double edged straight sword) forms well into his 90's! He still remains such an inspiration!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Solo Form - Part Six - Day 2,922 for Sifu

On June 30th 2001 Sifu was initiated as a 7th Generation Disciple in Grand Master T. T. Liang's Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan lineage.

I made a pact with myself that day, that I would do a minimum daily practice of at least a 'round' of T'ai-Chi Ch'uan with warm ups, Standing Meditation and Qigong. Today will make 8 years (2,922 days) that I have been blessed to be physically, mentally and emotionally able to do that practice daily without fail.

I am so grateful to my teachers and the knowledge and wisdom that they have shared with me. I'm grateful to them for giving me these truly marvelous health maintenance practices and all of their multifaceted parts; Warm ups, Standing, Qigong, Solo Forms, Weapons Forms, Two Person Sensitivity Exercises, Two Person Weapons training....etc. etc.

My main teachers in the chronological order that I met them:

Sensei Steve McCabe

Master Paul Gallagher

Master Ray Hayward

Grand Master Remy Presas

And all the other teachers that I have trained with over the years that have had a serious impact on my life and my art:

Master Ken Cohen

Master Leung Key-Chi

Master Zhang Jie

Sifu Jimmy Morris

Sifu Paul Abdella

Master Duan Zhiliang

And of course many thanks to Grand Master T. T. Liang for the way he handed down the 'complete system' and his words of encouragement for my daily practice. The music and Grand Master Liang counting one, two......assists me everyday I encounter difficulty in my daily practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan...as soon as the music starts and the Master starts to count....It's like domino's falling or like flipping a series of internal switches. Inside of me everything slows down and emotionally and spiritually things start to fall into place and I become more peaceful and tranquil inside. The Master helps me to 'arrive' at my practice.

Over these past 8 years, the daily practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan has greatly contributed to my "Joi de Vivre".

To all of my teachers .............[Bow]

I show my respect for you is in my daily actions, as I practice and research what you have taught me and reflect and meditate on what you've told me. I'm so fortunate to have been blessed with such wonderful teachers and I feel truly grateful. Thank you all! [Bow]

J. R. Roy Sifu

Monday, June 29, 2009

Fight...Flight ....or .....Freeze!

This post is an amazing story about JG, the1st degree Brown Belt Karate-Do student above, who is practicing defensive Hook Kicks against the stretching bar.

JG has studied at JRRMAS since he was a very small child. He has just successfully completed his first year at Deerfield Academy. He was also fortunate to get job at DA this summer as a life guard for the DA pool.

Now for the 'amazing' part; Last week was JG's second week as a life guard. He was guarding a 6th grade class swimming in the DA pool. All of a sudden he notices a 6th grader sinking below the surface. Much to JG's amazement the 6th grader was sinking below the surface without struggling at all! Simply sinking below the surface with limbs limp and the boy was taking water into his lungs. In that very instant of recognition.....Without panicking......or freezing....JG leaped into action and saved the boy's life. Wow....Amazing!

I only hope that the years of training at JRRMAS contributed in some small way to JG acting decisively in that moment of crisis. Correct Martial Arts training is not merely designed to kick and punch others in self-defense but is more accurately designed to give the practitioner that little bit extra that one needs in such a crisis situation.

JG's ability to use the Life Guard Training, the confidence in his own abilities to swim and help others, that enabled him to act decisively, instead of freezing or panicking! You never know if the training is going to pay off until push comes to shove.

Lesson 1:

In Martial Arts it's moments of crisis...

that the training is designed to prepare you for....

So that you...

Don't FREEZE!

Don't PANIC!

So that you are able to ACT,

able to stay CALM,

to stay CENTERED

and feel STRONG

and CAPABLE.....

So that you may act immediately and decisively!

In a crisis...

Yours or someone else's life may depend upon your ability to...... act!!

Sifu

JG ....All of us at JRRMAS are very proud of you......That SAVE was the 'real deal'. Bravo from Sifu!!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Youth American Karate-Do, beginners class, practice side kicks to body shields

Well...I had much difficulty posting today...three failed attempts to upload other videos and 4 hours later, I finally got this one to upload...whew!

Lesson 1:

The Side Kick is a very powerful kick indeed...

it uses two joints, the hip and the knee, unfolding, as in rising from a squat!

Initially you when you step up, make sure your supporting foot is pivoted!

Then, the best method is to......jump in and..... 'replace the foot'

To advance,

drive the rear knee up,

while in the air,

drive the kicking knee up,

simultaneously land with supporting foot pivoted and kicking foot landing on target

The advance, the landing and the kick........ all in one beat!

Lesson 2:

Remember to drive your kicking knee up high

then, kick from your hip, using your gluts to power-up the kick!

Your kicking leg should be straight 'in line' with your hip and supporting foot

Muscle lock the knee ...do not lock the bones!

Be aware of the 'Line of Power'!

Your supporting foots heel and your kicking foots heel and all that is in between form "One Line"

Remember, to keep your balance after the kick has landed and return to a well balanced and defend able position with your hands up!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Little Dragons Class Graduation

Sifu and Little Dragons graduate GR. GR has completed on full year (two semesters) of the Little Dragons program and now has two red stripes on her White Belt.
This past Thursday the Little Dragons class graduated from the winter/spring semester.
Four of our students were not able to be there for this picture because the families were out of town. Only three students graduated from the entire 6 month semester. The remainder of the students had started within the past several months. Out of the three that did attend the entire semester only one was present this past Thursday. GR received a certificate and a 'red stripe' on her belt in recognition of the 'time in rank'.
There will be a Little Dragons class in July, but it will meet on Thursday morning from 10:30-11:00 AM.
The Thursday afternoon 4-4:30 class will resume the first week of September.
The Youth Karate-Do and Little Dragons program schedule for July and August is as follows:
Wed. 4:30-5:30 PM (all ranks)
Thursday 9:30-10:30 AM (all ranks)
Saturday 9:30-10:30 AM (all ranks)
10:30-11:30 AM (Blue Belts and above)
Little Dragons:
Thursday 10:30-11:00 AM (July Only)


Friday, June 26, 2009

Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health Publication calls T'ai-Chi "Medication in Motion"

Harvard Health Publications calls T'ai-Chi "Medication in Motion"!

Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems.

Tai chi is easy to learn and you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health. In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions or martial arts moves. As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations.

Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several ways. The movements are never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

Tai chi in motion:

A tai chi class might include these parts:Warm-up. Easy motions, such as shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth, help you to loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breath and body.

Instruction and practice of tai chi forms:

Short forms — forms are sets of movements — may include a dozen or fewer movements; long forms may include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. A short form with smaller, slower movements is usually recommended at the beginning, especially if you’re older or not in good condition.

Qigong (or chi kung):

Translated as “breath work” or “energy work,” this consists of a few minutes of gentle breathing sometimes combined with movement. The idea is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body’s energy. Qigong may be practiced standing, sitting, or lying down.

No pain, big gains:

Although tai chi is slow and gentle and doesn’t leave you breathless, it addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

Here’s some of the evidence:

Muscle strength:

In a 2006 study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, Stanford University researchers reported benefits of tai chi in 39 women and men, average age 66, with below-average fitness and at least one cardiovascular risk factor. After taking 36 tai chi classes in 12 weeks, they showed improvement in both lower-body strength and upper-body strength. In a Japanese study using the same strength measures, 113 older adults were assigned to different 12-week exercise programs, including tai chi, brisk walking, and resistance training. People who did tai chi improved more than 30% in lower-body strength and 25% in arm strength — almost as much as those who participated in resistance training, and more than those assigned to brisk walking.“Although you aren’t working with weights or resistance bands, the unsupported arm exercise involved in tai chi strengthens your upper body,” says internist Dr. Gloria Yeh, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. “Tai chi strengthens both the lower and upper extremities and also the core muscles of the back and abdomen.”

Flexibility:

Women in the 2006 Stanford study significantly boosted upper- and lower-body flexibility as well as strength.

Balance:

Tai chi improves balance and, according to some studies, reduces falls.

Proprioception:

— the ability to sense the position of one’s body in space — declines with age. Tai chi helps train this sense, which is a function of sensory neurons in the inner ear and stretch receptors in the muscles and ligaments. Tai chi also improves muscle strength and flexibility, which makes it easier to recover from a stumble.

Aerobic conditioning:

Depending on the speed and size of the movements, tai chi can provide some aerobic benefits. But in the Japanese study, only participants assigned to brisk walking gained much aerobic fitness. If your clinician advises a more intense cardio workout with a higher heart rate than tai chi can offer, you may need something more aerobic as well.

For more information on the health benefits of exercise, order our Special Health Report, Exercise: A program you can live with, at www.health.harvard.edu/E.

Harvard Medical School's Harvard Health Publication, May, 2009

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"Tai Chi & Qigong will play an important role in global awakening."

Eckart Tolle, author of A New Earth (Oprah's Book Club Pick)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

American Karate-Do students sparring at a recent Belt Testing

Students sparring at a recent Belt Testing. TP shows good kicking form during the match.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

J. R. Roy Seminar - Saturday July 18th - 1:00-5:00pm - Greenfield, MA

Master J. R. Roy (Sifu) would like to invite all of you looking at the Studio Blog to a:

'Special Training Seminar'
with
Sifu J. R. Roy
on
Saturday, July 18th from 1-5pm
in
Greenfield, MA
Tuition:
$70 non-members (bring 5 and the sixth is free)
$65 for JRRMAS members
JRRMAS Staff members 10% off

Master J. R. Roy (Sifu) will be presenting a "Special" blend of material that will include empty hand and weapons training for skill development and sensitivity training.
He will be teach techniques and drills to help your internal energy cultivation and energy release (Fa Jing) with a "Special" training sequence and auxiliry drills. He will also be teaching a blend of joint locks, disarms, baiting and set ups.

This Seminar is appropriate for students at all levels of development, from beginner to the more advanced and for students from any art, external and internal.

This is a rare opportunity to train with Sifu J. R. Roy and learn the "The art, within your art"

Email me to sign up.....today!

Hope to see you there....

Sifu

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Modern Arnis, Anyo Tatlo, Empty Hand Form 3

Sifu practices Modern Arnis's Empty hand form 3

Lesson 1:

Modern Arnis is truly a remarkable Martial Art!

It combined the Soft and the Hard,

the Internal and the External,

the straight and the curved.

It flows but is punctuated with strength!

Lesson 2:

Modern Arnis is relaxed,

then strengthens when it issues

then it returns to relaxed again.....

In order to be prepared:

to flow,

to follow,

to control,

to be ready,

to issue again!

Example:

The checking hand of a Modern Arnis adept has a very heavy feeling. When practicing Trapping Hands, the checking hand strikes (stregthens), it does not push, but rather it relaxes after impact and listens, in order to flow, follow, control and then position to strike again.

"The live hand seeks the path"

Prof. Presas

Monday, June 22, 2009

Joint Locking, how to practice it safely and have it contribute to health maintainance

JRRMAS Staff member JK assists Sifu in an explanation of how to correctly practice Joint Lock's.

Lesson 1:

These practices can injure your joints if not practiced properly,

Always practice with respect for each others range of motion limitations.

Injury is guaranteed if you practice to quickly and use too much external muscular force....

Instead, concentrate on the exactness of your fulcrum and lever....

and proper body positioning, listening skills and leverage.

Speed is good.....

up until the point where the slack is taken out of their joint

then you must go slowly giving them time to 'slap out'

Going slowly at the point that the joint lock is 'activated' ......

will gradually increase the strength and the range of movement in the joint

Then instead of injuring the joints

they are slowly being strengthened and stretched!

Sifu

Sunday, June 21, 2009

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Dance, Part Three, Issuing Side

JRRMAS Staff member BL and Sifu practice Part Three of Grand Master T. T. Liang's T'ai-Chi Dance. Sifu is practicing the issuing side.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

American Karate-Do, Black Belts Side Kicking practice

JRRMAS Staff members NL, JC and DG practice defensive (not stepping in) Side Kicks in a recent Adult American Karate-Do class. NL is leading the class. All are demonstrating excellent form.

Lesson 1:

Side Kicks are both a classical and a modern basic technique

The kick also crosses over to real life self-defense

from both a standing and a lying position.

It is one of the most powerful techniques in Martial Arts, especially for women.

For men the legs are twice as powerful as their arms,

but for women the legs are four times as powerful as their arms!

So learning to kick is a must for women's self-protection,

especially the side kicking action

that uses the joints of the hip and the knee working in unison.

The Side Kick is a very powerful kick indeed!

Lesson 2:

Remember to drive your knee straight up (as in a front kick)

and learn to use the momentum of the initial vertical action of the knee

changing it from vertical to horizontal

The 'secret' to a quick and powerful Side Kick

is keeping the knee up as the initial power of the vertical knee drive

turns the 'corner' to a horizontal thrusting action using the hip and the knee joint

Be very clear about the 'line of power' at the end of your kick!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Dance, Part Three, Receiving Side

Sifu and JRRMAS Staff member BL practice Grand Master T. T. Liang's T'ai-Chi Dance. Sifu is on the receiving side of Part Three

Lesson 1:

When practicing,

at first go slowly,

Concluding your gestures with your whole body ONE unit!

pausing slightly as you synchronize your movements

as the Yin/Yang flow and exchange

The Dance is truly marvelous and infinite

as you learn to SEE with your touch,

and not merely your eyes!

Lesson 2:

The eye is easy to fool, but to fool the touch of a T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master, is very difficult, indeed!

Once you know the 'sequence' of a solo or two person set, then try practicing with your eyes closed. Remember to meditate on the principles, your balance point and your breathing!

Practicing with your eyes closed is an excellent way to practice anything from solo forms to Trapping Hands and Chasing Hands, as well as any of the Pushing Hands and Da Lu variations.