J. R. Roy Martial Arts Studio Blog

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. Mark Twain

2012-02-01T05:31:00.001-08:00

Adult Karate Class 1-30-12 independent stretching

2012-02-01T04:55:00.000-08:00

Scott combo 1-23-12

2012-01-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

Adult Karate 1-23-12

2012-01-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

Chelsea's promotion to 7th Kyu - Yellow Belt

2012-01-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Sensei, Chelsea, Scott and Colleen

Sensei, Chelsea, Scott and Teryn

Colleen and Teryn work one on one with the Little Dragons class

2012-01-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

Colleen's side kick stretch

2012-01-16T08:37:00.001-08:00

White belt practicing 5-way slow kick and balance drill with adult karat...

2012-01-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

Teryn and Hanna line work with light blocking

2012-01-09T04:06:00.000-08:00

Backward throw with Scott and Teryn

2012-01-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

Scott and Teryn - six and eight count drill - empty hand

2012-01-07T04:39:00.000-08:00

Adult Karate montage 1-2-12

2012-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Defensive side kick drill with Scott and Skyler

2012-01-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Teryn works with Hanna on front thrust kicks

2012-01-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

Colleen works with Gianna and Shawn

2012-01-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

Teryn works with Hanna on front snap kicks to the pad

2012-01-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

Thomas working with two students with the focus pads

2012-01-01T05:55:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from the staff and students of JRRMAS

2012-01-01T05:10:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all the best health, happiness and prosperity in 2012!

SCOTT WORKS WITH SKYLER II

2011-12-31T15:36:00.000-08:00

SCOTT WORKS WITH SKYLER

2011-12-31T06:05:00.000-08:00

the Studio will be closed Saturday 12.31.11 in observance of the New Year

2011-12-31T04:51:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best

health, happiness and prosperity in 2012!

Angus 5-Way Kick

2011-12-30T14:31:00.001-08:00

Excellent for training the proper form, strength, balance and endurance needed for kicking

Daoist Bagua Master Lu Zijian (116) - Taiyi Huolong Palm.

2011-12-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

The Studio will be closed Saturday Dec. 31st in observance of the New Year

2011-12-30T06:05:00.001-08:00

Merry, Merry Christmas from the staff and students at JRRMAS

2011-12-24T04:59:00.001-08:00

Contentment is the only real wealth.

2011-12-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

Alfred Nobel

Dojo Holiday Party 2011

2011-12-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

2011-12-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

2011-12-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

2011-12-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

First photo from the Dojo Holiday Party 2011

2011-12-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

Winning team for the funny clothing/hat race....great job from Sally Ally - The Friendly Moose

JRRMAS Dojo Holiday Party - Saturday Dec. 3rd, 10am-1pm

2011-11-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

Dojo Holiday Party

Saturday Dec. 3rd from 10am-1pm

Pot Luck (sign up sheet in hallway)

Gift Swap - bring one wrapped gift for each person that will be participating

There is also a sign up sheet for helping to set up and tear down

As of this afternoon, Monday 10.31.11 the electricity is on at the Studio

2011-10-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Classes are running as normal today....FYI

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Albert Einstein

2011-10-28T04:34:00.001-07:00

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." — Aristotle

2011-10-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to students and staff on yesterday's American Karate rank promotions!

2011-10-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

Promoted to Yellow belt in the front row left to right:
Tristan, Taylor and Tucker

Second row:
Andrew to Green Belt, Yianni to Purple Belt with Honorable Mention Overall, Hanna to Yellow best with Honorable Mention Overall, Dylan to Green Belt and Scott to Green Belt with H. M. in Self-Defense

Back row standing:
Sensei Kratz, Dennis Gobiel, Colleen Golrick, Sifu, Teryn Citino and Scott Minor (not pictured is Angus Reid)

Youth American Karate Rank Evaluation this coming Saturday 10.22.11 from 9am - Noon

2011-10-17T08:11:00.001-07:00

Please come and support these young students - All AKS Black and Brown belts are strongly encouraged to be present -

If you want to get somewhere you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never, never give up. - Norman Vincent Peale

2011-10-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

Martial Arts conditioning trains for:

2011-10-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

Flexibility, strength, power, speed, muscular endurance,

balance and cardiovascular fitness.

JRRMAS training theme for October: Conditioning

2011-10-03T06:47:00.001-07:00

Lily promoted to Brown III and Ben promoted to Brown I

2011-10-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Back row Black Belts: Mr. Reed, Sensei Kratz, Sifu, Ms. Gobiel, Ms. Golrick
Front row: Lily S. and Ben M.

Congrats to the newly promoted Brown Belts and to the teaching 'team' too!!

John G. promoted to Brown III

2011-10-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sensei Kratz, John G., Sifu, Colleen G. - Congrat's to John and the team!

Sensei Sullivan promotes two students to Blue Belt in Springfield VT

2011-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Chris and Julie newly promoted Blue Belts in the American Karate System and Sensei Sullivan for a job well done!

Accepting new students in the Youth Karate (ages 7-13), Little Dragons Karate (4-6) and Adult Karate (13 and up) programs

2011-09-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

All beginners start:

Little Dragons:
Thursday 4:00-4:30pm

Youth Karate:
Thursday 4:30-5:30pm and Saturday 9:30-10:30am

Adult Karate:
Monday 6:30-8:00pm, Thursday 6:30-8:00pm
and Saturday 10:30-11:30am

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.

2011-09-12T10:24:00.001-07:00

George Bernard Shaw

Or as Master T. T. Liang wrote:

"Imagination becomes reality"

Colleen demonstrates to the SD group

2011-09-12T08:53:00.001-07:00

Lily presenting to the SD group

2011-09-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Angus en suit!

2011-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ryan defends against the full body suit guy

2011-09-12T08:51:00.001-07:00

Teryn getting assistance from Angus, Lily and Scott - Suiting up for scenario training

2011-09-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. -John Wooden

2011-09-11T08:55:00.001-07:00

Off to teach the first Little Dragons class of the season from 4-4:30 Thursday - Now accepting new students - Hope to see you there

2011-09-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

Now accepting Tai Chi students on Wed. at 5:30pm

2011-09-08T03:17:00.001-07:00

Youth Karate today at 4:30, followed by Tai Chi at 5:30 and Arnis at 6:45 - Come join me! Sifu

2011-09-07T12:35:00.001-07:00

Little Dragons Program (ages 4-6) resumes this Thursday Sept. 8th from 4:00-4:30pm

2011-09-06T08:51:00.001-07:00

Hope to see you there!

Youth Karate program is accepting new students

2011-08-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

starting this Thursday Sept. 1, from 4:30-5:30 pm and Saturday from 9:30-10:30am - ages 7-13

Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week's value out of a year while another man gets a full year's value out of a week.

2011-08-12T06:25:00.001-07:00

Charles Richards

Weathersfield Karate Camp - Sensei Sullivan

2011-08-05T05:29:00.001-07:00

Dale defending against the full body suit guy

2011-08-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Defending against the full body suit guy

2011-08-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Pat defends herself against the full body suit

2011-08-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Colleen explaining bear hug self defense

2011-08-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

Self-Defense Seminar Saturday July 30th from 9am to noon

2011-07-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Self-Defense flyer

This Self-Defense Seminar is open to the general public and all JRRMAS students - email Sifu: jrroy@jrroy.com or sign up at the Studio to pre-register - print the flyer, hand them out, email them, post them up, help pass the word anyway you can....Hope to see you there!

Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon... must inevitably come to pass!

2011-07-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Paul J. Meyer

Tips from Harvard Health Publications on how to keep you mind sharp

2011-07-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

To stay at the top of your game, stay on top of your health

A healthy mind relies on a healthy body. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, excess weight, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to cognitive declines. Working to stay healthy helps you stay sharp.

Stop smoking. In 2010, a National Institutes of Health panel noted that current smokers were 41% more likely to exhibit cognitive declines than former smokers or nonsmokers.

Challenge your mind. Engaging in challenging board games, reading, working crossword puzzles, playing a musical instrument, and acquiring new skills may help keep your mind fit. These activities seem to expand the web of neuronal connections in the brain and help keep neurons nimble and alive.

Challenge your body. Brain cells crave a steady diet of oxygen. Physically active people lower their risk for developing dementia and are more likely to stay mentally active.

Get your rest. Too little sleep can affect memory. Six hours may be the minimum needed, although researchers testing college students found those who had eight hours were better able to learn new skills.

Watch your weight. Staying within a normal weight range lowers your risk for illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and stroke, which can compromise the brain to varying degrees.

Check with your doctor. Are there any factors — such as medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, depression, or chronic conditions — that could be better managed to help you stay as mentally sharp as possible? Discuss these issues with your doctor.

RIP Prof. Wally Jay

2011-07-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to Prof. Wally Jay's obituary - Our thoughts are with Bernice, Leon and his entire family - he was truly a pioneer in modern martial arts and will be sorely missed.

Wally Jay Obituary: View Wally Jay's Obituary by San Francisco Chronicle

An article by Sifu Paul Adbella

2011-07-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE WHAT YOU REPEAT
by Paul Abdella
The sun rises slowly over the horizon, moving
steadily toward its zenith at solar noon and then
descends in the western sky to complete a cycle of
light at sunset. The onset of darkness brings forth
the moon in one of its nine phases only to recede as
the sun begins its illuminating arc for yet another
period of daylight. This circadian rhythm repeats
until we transition through the seasons only to return and begin again a year older and hopefully
wiser.
As night falls, our brain waves diminish from alpha
waves to the dreamlike theta waves. They descend
to their lowest point during deep sleep, then elevate
during the REM sleep that follows until resuming
the full electrical charge of the beta state upon
awakening, when the brain is at high alert around
midmorning. The heart beats a steady cadence some
2 billion times in an average life and is mirrored by
the expanding and contracting pulse of the breath -
our most important source of energy.
Life as we know it is based on rhythm. Our world is
a symphony of rhythms produced in nature, the universe, and our selves. We can set our own rhythms
in an attempt to control nature and each other,
sometimes with negative results, as modern life has
lost much of its attunement to the natural cycles.
The practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan can return us to the
natural cycles within us. The gentle and natural
rhythm of the form with its expanding and contracting nature, slow, deep breathing and hypnotic repetition of postures overcome the stresses and offrhythm nature of a life that is driven by mechanical
time. As practitioners, it is important to continually
refine our movements through repetition and the
attention to detail that brings about this return to the
natural rhythm and vitality within us. The best time
to practice is to practice at the same time every day.
Let this time become the foundation for your daily
schedule and you will establish the rhythm of your
day rather than letting external events dictate the
rhythm you have to follow.
Let T’ai Chi serve your purpose and not contribute
to your stress. If you don’t have time one day for a
complete practice, do the short form, a section or
two of the long form or even a few postures during
your practice time. T’ai Chi done with intention and
rhythm will bring us into balance and deepen our
enjoyment of life.

RIP Robert W. Smith

2011-07-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

On July 1st Robert W. Smith a legendary practitioner, teacher and author of Chinese internal martial arts passed away. Below is a link to an article about him a few years ago. It is still pertinent today.

http://www.taichicenter.com/RWS80th.shtml

New locking sequence June 26, 2011

2011-06-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Find purpose, the means will follow. -Gandhi

2011-06-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Tips for pain free hands in modern times - If you do a lot of work on a keyboard, check this out!

2011-06-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Tips for hand health from Harvard Health Publications

Stay Young My Friend

2011-06-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is a message that was recently sent to me by a good friend and long time student....Thanks for the reminders Lenny!

Stay Young My Friend

We all need to read this one over and over

until it becomes part of who we are!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice.
On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
"Tried everything twice.

Loved it both times!"

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

3. Keep learning !
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, dancing, whatever...
Never let the brain get idle.

'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud.

Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,
spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen .
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life,

is ourselves.
LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever..
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips..
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,
to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them,

at every opportunity.
I love you, my special friend.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance..

Remember! Lost time can never be found.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Thomas P. standing on the big blue ball

2011-05-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is nearly impossible to do! Wow!! And you should see what this extreme balancing practice is doing to the rest of his Art!!!!

Congrat's to all the new 1st and 3rd degree Black Belt's and the two new Brown Belts and the whole group of new Blue Belts in Modern Arnis - The Prof. is smiling down on us:>)

2011-05-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

First row from left:

Colleen G. - Blue Belt

Teryn C. - Blue Belt

Scott M. - Blue Belt

Jack F. - Blue Belt

Thomas P. - Blue Belt

Jeff C. - promoted to Black Belt

Phil R. - promoted to Black Belt

Marcia G. - promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt

Jessica L. - 1st degree Brown Belt

Dennis G. - 1st degree Brown Belt

Second row from left:

David - Blue Belt

Norm L. - Black Belt

John S. - Black Belt

Sifu Roy - 5th degree Black Belt

Luke S. - promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt

Justin L. - promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt

Angus R. - Blue Belt

Modern Arnis rank testing 5.18.11

2011-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Modern Arnis form 5 - Black Belt Jeff Chaisson

2011-05-20T12:37:00.001-07:00

Modern Arnis forms 6, 7 & 8 - Black Belt Jeff Chaisson

2011-05-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Master's B. P. Chan and Kenneth Cohen - circa 1985 - Colorado

2011-05-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Peter shuffle forward leg round house kick 5.9.11

2011-05-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

Yianni shuffle forward leg round house kick 5.9.11

2011-05-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

World T'ai-Chi and Qigong Day Celebration - Saturday April 30, 2011

2011-05-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Video by Angus Reid

World T'ai-Chi and Qigong Day Celebration - Saturday April 30, 2011

2011-05-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

Photo's by Angus Reid

Can group meditation bring World Peace? Quantum Physicist, John Hagelin ...

2011-04-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

World T'ai-Chi and Qigong Day Celebration 2011- Saturday April 30th, 9:30-11:30 am - Beacon Field

2011-04-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

Greenfield- On Saturday April 30^th a wave starting on the other side of the planet will circumnavigate the globe and pass through the town of Greenfield, as tens of thousands in hundreds of cities, in over 70 nations will come together, breathe together and provide the world a healing image of our planet and our people. World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day begins at 10 am with groups in New Zealand, and then quietly spreads time zone by time zone across the globe, to finish with the final events in Hawaii.

The event will take place locally at Beacon Field in Greenfield from 10am to 11:30am, rain or shine. Students from J R Roy Martial Arts, for the tenth year in row, are welcoming the community to join them and people all over the world in a synchronized practice of T’ai Chi. People of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to attend.

T'ai Chi (pronounced TIE gee), also transliterated as Taiji, is a centuries old Chinese internal martial art practiced for health, relaxation and self-defense. It is characterized by rounded continuous movements directed by a calm yet concentrated mind. Qigong means Energy (Qi or Chi) Work (Gong or Kung). There are literally hundreds of Qigong styles from many different origins, styles, and families. These health and martial exercises were originally developed hundreds of years ago by Chinese Taoist monks.

T’ai Chi has become increasingly popular with ageing baby boomers & seniors. The low impact movement, and focus on proper balance bone alignment make it an ideal form of exercise for people with arthritis. The slow repetitive movements involved in T’ai Chi open the internal circulation helping with many cardiovascular and other health conditions. There are even studies in Beijing showing the benefits of T’ai Chi for managing type 2 diabetes. “T’ai Chi boosts the immune system and slows the ageing process,” stated Richard Roy, or “Sifu” (teacher) as he is known by his students at the J. R. Roy Martial Arts Studio on Osgood St. in Greenfield. “It is also known to lower high blood pressure, reduce the incidence of anxiety, depression and overall mood disturbances.”

On Saturday Sifu Roy will be will be teaching Taoist Longevity Breathing, Qigong, Push-Hands, T'ai-Chi form and Standing Meditation.

“While the individual health benefits of practicing T’ai Chi are great,” said Roy, “World T’ai Chi Day reminds us about the community health benefits as well. T’ai Chi uses the principles of Yin (soft) energy and Yang (hard) energy, and works to create an internal and external balance between them. This balance is worked toward not only in the movements of T’ai Chi, but in everyday life as well. I believe this makes the practice of T’ai Chi a tool for building a healthier, more balanced local & global community.”

In the spirit of building better communities, J. R. Roy Martial Arts will also be accepting monetary donations for DIAL/SELF Youth & Community Services while at Beacon Field. DIAL/SELF provides a broad range of services that foster youth empowerment by meeting basic needs, by creating opportunities for youth, and by advocating for youth interests in the community.

For more information about World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day contact Richard Roy at 774-2888 or online at www.jrroy.com. More information about DIAL/SELF can be found at www.dialself.org.

-30-

Cheng Man Ching, NYC, beginners class #1

2011-04-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Chen Manching & Robert W. Smith

2011-04-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

TLB with arms raising and lowering - Sifu

2011-04-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

Taoist Longevity Breathing exercise - raising and lowering the arms

TLB brining chi to the tan tien - Sifu

2011-04-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Taoist Longevity Breathing exercise - gathering chi and brining it into the tan t'ien

Line work 4.23.11

2011-04-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Qigong - shuffle forward and back, with roll back, press, pull, push etc.

2011-04-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

Qigong - tai chi intro - Sifu

2011-04-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

Qigong Wuji squats while holding the ball - Sifu

2011-04-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

qigong breathing with arms - sifu

2011-04-21T03:03:00.000-07:00

Qigong - raising up and releasing down - Sifu

2011-04-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

The first in a series of exercises I'm putting together for World T'ai Chi and Qigong Day. More to come!

John G explaining round house kick pad drill

2011-04-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

John G chinto

2011-04-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

John G wansu

2011-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

John G - nihanchi

2011-04-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

John G - Seisan

2011-04-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

John G - Seiuchin

2011-04-17T07:21:00.000-07:00