There was a man named Dale. Dale spent over 70 years of his life learning ways to win friends and influence people. He became highly skilled and well respected. In the process, he took careful notes and eventually wrote a book.
There was another man by the name of Vic. Vic went to college to become a doctor. He then continued his education and became a psychiatrist. He too spent about 70 years of his life researching and learning. He concentrated on learning the meaning of life and helping others find meaning in their lives. Along the way, he also took careful notes and wrote a book.
Once there was a young man who did not want to spend 70 plus years of his life learning how to do things the hard way. He wished there was some kind of pill he could take to make him smarter. One day, he was complaining to his dad about why someone had not invented such a pill. His dad said that there was something like a pill that would work like a short cut. In fact, he could get the knowledge another person spent a lifetime learning in just a few hours.
The young man got excited and said he'd like to see such a thing. His dad then took him to the library and picked out Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and Victor Frankl's book, "Man in Search of Meaning."
There was a problem though. This young man did not like to read. In fact, it annoyed him that his parents and teachers were always after him to read. He decided to try this new short cut. The more good books he read, the smarter he got. The smarter he got, the more he liked to read!
There was once a poor black girl who liked to read. Today Oprah Winfrey is one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the world.
Abe Lincoln liked to read and he is one of the most loved and well respected men in the world.
I am blessed to be an education activist and martial arts professional educator. Although it can be extremely challenging, the rewards are worth every bit of the hard work.
In order to have the maximum impact on my students, families, community and it's leaders today, I always remember that, first and foremost, I am a martial artist. I strive to be the person that my students think I am.
Next, I remember that I am an education activist and a teacher and I know that our (the martial arts' professional) product ISthe classroom. When I step on the "mat", whether I'm in the dojo or in the world, I am there to teach andserve.
Yesterday (2/11/12), I was given the honor to teach an Elite Leadership Training class at Dinoto Karate Center in Mount Laurel NJ. The level of commitment with the participants is high and everyone was there to absorb the lesson of the session and participate at a master level.
I want to thank everyone for their input and help in making this training session an exciting and rewarding experience for me. Getting up earlier and knowing that I will be hanging out with committed, like-minded and highly-motivated martial artist is what I live for! So thank you for your time and energy!
Thank you to those of you that contributed some great feedback. Mr. Altschuler for sharing how important it is to share your successes without being a "bragger". Ms. Gebremedhin, Mr. Gebremedhin, Mr. Sotland, Mr. Webb for stepping up and doing a great job projecting as they read, and contributed thoughts, on the lessons materials. A special thank you to Ms. Alexanderfor sharing her insight and wisdom from her professional and life experiences. All of you are truly a great asset to Dinoto Karate Center.
Here is a quick recap of what was discussed. Please review materials and familiarize yourself with the content (the "meat" of the concepts, ideas and success mindset) and assimilate them into who you are.
Dedicated, Motivated, with the Energy for Excellence!
Masters Elite Leadership Training - Session Three from Peter Liciaga.
One of the primary purposes that our organization has held true to form since the very beginning is the constant desire to better educate, motivate and demonstrate the values and benefits of leading life as a Black Belt Champion and becoming a successful achiever in life. Since our humble beginnings in 1975, we have always done our best to raise the standards of the Martial Arts and to develop our instructors to be positive and powerful Models of Excellence. Martial Arts begins and ends with RESPECT. By treating others in a FRIENDLY and COURTEOUS manner, we set the tone for great long-term relationships that will ultimately bring out the best in everyone.
Although there are those that argue that senior citizens should not take martial arts not only as a way to stay physically fit, but to learn how to fight.
....just don't say that to Mr. Bill Doneghy!!!
“If you’re a senior citizen, it gives you confidence,” said Mr. Doneghy. “Every time you go, you’re accomplishing something. Master Liciaga doesn't take it easy on me because I am an old man! He trains me smart and pushes me to my limit. Master Liciaga always reminds me to do my best. I love it!"
Find out about our group classes and private lessons for senior citizens by calling 856-235-0414 or emailing MasterLiciaga@dinotokarate.com
A student (name will remain anonymous) pointed out the other day, that it had been 6 months since he joined the martial arts program ---and, I'm assuming, he was making a statement about what's been learned, not-learned, done or not done, as the comment was said during our short conversation about the Student Creed, Black Belt Excellence and a commitment to black belt training.
What has or has not happened in the last 6 months is already a mute point, as there's no getting time back. What you are capable of doing in the next 6 months (or 3 years) is where the focus MUST be, as it's worth a healthy life-style, confident and peaceful mindset --or so --to you.
Some suggestions:
3 martial arts classes / 1 journal entry or 1 video of you training a week for the next 6 months
= 114 GREAT stories to share with your family, friends and co-workers
= 114 opportunities to talk about how you improved your health, your mind and that so elusive “indomitable spirit” we always talk about in black belt training (you know the one that will give you what you need when you need to get through one of life’s challenging moments!)
= 114 chances to talk about the highly committed people you meet in your black belt training
= 114 things you did to improve your ability to serve your family, friends and your community
= 114 chances to support and help other people, just like you, live the life of a black belt in training, and the 114 things that are important to you and those that love you.
6 months is 114 teaching moments for you and your family, friends and co-workers, using something I/we have discussed, or written via our blogs / newsletters, or seen via our video tutorials/stories, or are currently working on (Kids teaching Kids, Diabetes, Bullying, Verbal Self-Defense, Societal issues, etc...).
6 Months is your chance to share your lessons learned (and taught) on your own page here on the Dream 100. It could be 50 journal entries of you sharing about your training, what you want to achieve, and the posting of questions to make you/us think about challenges and solutions.
6 months is 114 opportunities to focus in on the different aspects of your growth.
6 months is 114 reasons how martial arts has changed your life.
If 10 of our students make 1 post a week, in blog, twitter, or film, that's 360 posts about their journey to black belt and our schools’ value to the community.
6 months is more than enough time to completely master your schedule and time management skills --and to exemplify and motivate everyone in your circle of influence to the same level of commitment.. to life.
6 months is in-depth, open discussions of your ups & downs in your martial arts training to black belt, to really, I mean, REALLY focus on what to do each and every day of your life (different action, different results).
6 Months is time to educate yourself in self-defense, healthy eating, communication skills, healthy learning habits, in bullying issues, and to train yourself to represent ANY material, excellently, in your community.
6 months is time to shed the need to do it all yourself --and learn the power of delegation and people management. It's also time to help 6 other school family members or neighbors to overcome their weaknesses, as they help you overcome yours (reach out).
6 Months is six (at least) invitations to your friends to come and observe and watch you train.
Every single day you have a chance to renew your focus, pay attention to details, and change your course.
The 4 things that can/should occupy your days are:
1. Basic Fitness Training
2. Practical Healthy Eating
3. The Mastery Mindset
"I am 100% committed to constant and never-ending improvement and this challenge is my way of living that conviction," says Master Liciaga. "There is nothing greater for my children and my students as a master teacher than for me to lead by example. This challenge is yet another way that I can teach the importance of fitness, health and the mastery of mind for living life fully with an energy for excellence!"
Follow Master Liciaga's progress on his Satori Fitness Challenge Video Channel (first video scheduled for 8/15/11)
“This is a brain race,” said MSNBC contributor, Jenny Lynn Zappala in her article "Where will the jobs be in 2012?".
As we parents prepare for back to school and for what might be an interesting (and dare I say it "challenging") future, it's more important than ever that we empower ourselve and our children with the mindset that they WILL need as we move into our new tomorrows.
Commitment to lifelong learning will be the key to unlocking the future, today. It’s not warm and fuzzy. Lifelong learning, techological savy and progressive thinking partnered with a balanced, healthy lifestyle AND the right mindset will be --in this education activist's humble opinion-- the great separator. If you don't have the right mindset and stop learning, you will become unemployed and unemployable very quickly.
What does this have to do with martial arts? Well, I'm glad you asked...
As yours truly works to meet the everyday challenges of life in our new world, I am constantly drawing on my discipline and my master's mindset.
As a Martial Artist and an education activist, I continue to work on ways to strengthen and develop myself, making sure that I am in the best shape I can be - mentally, physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. In the past few years I have placed a special emphasis on refining and embracing a set of mental exercises that will help me and my students practice and benefit from the power of proper focus. What has evolved is a series of nine affirmations designed to improve the way we view our life. These affirmations are called, "The Mastery Mindset”.
Let’s begin by discussing the first Mastery Mindset affirmation. It is “I Can. I Will.”
“I Can. I Will.” refers to your Attitude, your Belief and your Commitment. It is an affirmation that you WILL get through any challenge that you are currently facing. It is about being stubborn in a positive way. Allow me to illustrate this mindset with a story.
Last Christmas, I decided to purchase the cedar chest my wife has been asking for for over 10 years. I one that that happened to be the exact one my wife wanted. It was on sale, so I bought it on the spot. When I brought my receipt to the warehouse for pick up the clerk asked me what kind of vehicle I was driving. It hadn’t occurred to me until that moment that I had driven my Toyota Carolla that day. Upon telling the clerk this, he said that there was “no way” I would be able to get my cedar chest home in "that" car. Normally, I would have agreed, but something in his voice caused me to take this as a challenge and I knew that somehow, some way, I would get the treadmill home in my Toyota – no doubt about it.
So, with all the seats moved forward and the cedar chest out of it's carton, I squeezed and maneuvered that bad boy in my back seat. With my face nearly pressed against my steering wheel I drove out of the parking lot. I couldn't see out of my rear view mirror and I was barely able to move my legs for the gas and brake pedal, since the big box was jammed up against the back of my seat which was pushing me forward... but I made it home. I still remember stopping at red lights and seeing other drivers shaking their heads, obviously thinking, “What is that guy doing?”.
Now I’m not claiming it was a very bright thing to do and I would probably try to discourage friends from attempting similar endeavors today. But I think it illustrates perfectly the concept of “I Can. I Will.”
Every one of us at some time in our life, has shown the ability to be stubborn, to refuse to take “No” for an answer. Tobe fully committed to the completion of a task.
As for me, being stubborn comes naturally; the concept of “I Can. I Will.” is part of the way I’m wired. What I’m working on is using it in the right way for the right reasons. Instead of insisting on carting home a cedar chest in a pocket size car, can I insist on teaching the very best class possible? Can I refuse to lower my standards regarding my diet and exercise habits? Can I be absolutely committed to taking care of my team, my family and my community? I don’t always get it right, but I like to think that I’m mindfully trying.
What about you? What are you stubborn about? What are you fully committed to? I challenge you to take some time to figure it out. I’m sure that in some ways you are just as stubborn as I am. Are you channeling this attribute in the right direction or wasting it on trivialities? I challenge you to adopt the first Mastery Mindset – “I Can. I Will.” – and apply it to the things that matter most in your life.
To see the other 8 Mastery Mindset affirmations, visit the Mount Laurel Martial Artist's Dream 100 resource site HERE.
Students from Dinoto Karate Center, your Mount Laurel martial arts school, will be meeting at Laurel Acres Park this Saturday to have a fun martial arts class...and the whole community is welcome!
As a change of pace, the instructors from Dinoto Karate Center decided to change up the venue to benefit the kids, according to Master Peter Liciaga. "We wanted to have a lot of fun and introduce the students to a new environment," said Liciaga. "It's important, because, for the most part, kids are outside, playing in the park, and they're not always aware of their surroundings. Here we are teaching them how to look around, how to behave if approached by strangers and do it in a fun, positive way... in a real life setting."
During the karate class (see times below), the children will play martial arts versions of relay races, discuss stranger danger safety, and then finish off with Water Balloon Target Training (very WET & FUN!)
Master Peter Liciaga, a parent of two children–Alexandra, 10 1/2 and Christian, 7 1/2, said he thinks the change of scenery is not only fun, but important. "It gives my kids a new perspective on things. It's not just about their moves in the classroom; it's about how to use what they're learning in a less controlled environment that's more 'real life'," he said.
All are welcome to out and join in. Here are the details:
Karate in the Park Schedule
DATE: SATURDAY AUGUST 13th, 2011
TIME: 9:45 AM Adv Instructor Training (CIT)
10:45 AM Little Champions (ages 4 to 5 1/2 yrs old)
11:15 AM Beg / Int Kids (Ages 6 to 11 yrs old)
12:00 PM Int / Adv Kids ( Ages 6 to 11 yrs old)
12:45 PM Adults (Ages 12 and up)
WHERE: LAUREL ACRES PARK CHURCH STREET ENTRANCE. (Main Entrance)
NOTES:
1. Be prepared to get wet;
2. Bring five filled water balloons;
3. WEAR SNEAKERS (Lots of Geese)!!! NO FLIP FLOPS! We are going to do some more activities!!!!
CONTACT: If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Erika Dinoto at 856-235-0414 http://www.dinotokarate.com/
Peter Liciaga, your Mount Laurel Martial Artist and instructor at Dinoto Karate Center shares this great video for parents from Kyoshi Dave Kovar (see video below).
Master Liciaga believes that public praise and private reprimand is not only a best practice for parents, but also for karate teachers.
Master Liciaga, as part of his committment to being the "best of the best" karate instructor at Dinoto Karate Center, has designed Mount Laurel's only resource website for martial arts instructors, Dream 100. This is a members only site, but you can definitely visit us at www.AmericanBlackBelts.com
Here is a video by Kyoshi Dave Kovar on Public Praise, Private Reprimand. Enjoy... :)
When I met with Kyoshi Dave Kovar to do his instructor training workshop, one of the first things he said was, "I Have Great Comprehension!"
Kyoshi Dave Kovar
"I have great comprehension. When I finish reading a book, I understand it extremely well…probably better than most people. Do you know how I know that? That’s easy…Mrs. Austin, my sixth grade teacher told me I did. After giving an oral report to the class on an assigned book, she pulled me aside and said “That was a really good report. You have great comprehension. Don’t ever forget that”.
Well I haven’t…and to this day, if I read a book, I’m confident that I will understand it really well. Now the honest truth is that my comprehension is probably just average at best, but I still hear the message Mrs. Austin instilled in me 40+ years ago. Her message helped to shape me. We should never underestimate the power our words can have with the people we share our life with, especially those who look up to us."
As an educator, I am constantly aware of how my words help shape the people in my life. Whether I am at home, at work or teaching martial arts, I am always looking for opportunities to encourage, motivate and inspire.
As a master instructor at Mount Laurel's Dinoto Karate center, one of our my main objective's is to seek out and train future teachers and instructors.
Here is a short list of what I look for in a potential teacher/instructor:
The Gift of Gab. Love to talk and share their knowledge.
The Gift of Words. Love the power of words to encourage, motivate and inspire others.
and...
They must LOVE People. A teacher must love to work with people, especially children if they are going to WORK with children!
How are you and your words helping shape the people in your life?
Our Dream 100. resource site is designed not only for our black belts and advanced students, but for our future instructors as well.
Studies show that the excitement of video games makes playing them addictive. Parents of preteens and teens hardly find the realities of video game addiction surprising.
Ask any preteen or teen how they love to spend their spare time, and chances are you'll get an earful about video games. But why do they love them so?
Is video game addiction real? According to some studies it would appear that the excitement of video games causes the brain to release a chemical that is, in essence, addictive. For any parent who has seen the fervor by which some kids play video games, this news is no surprise.
What makes video games so addictive? Media literacy specialist, Dr. Charles Ungerleider explains that "they're very compelling with increasing complexity, so a child becomes more facile, yet wants to know more and apply new skills." While wanting to improve their game isn't a problem in itself, it becomes one if video games are "taking a youngster away too much from other activities," says Ungerleider. "Then the parent has to intervene and limit the amount of time the youngster spends with the video game."
Professor of Computer Science, Maria Klavee feels video games, if not too violent, can "offer some real opportunities for puzzle solving, strategic and critical thinking". But she adds that it's important that video and computer games are played in moderation. Klavee says parents should "provide a selection of activities, not just the ones that have the most action or are addictive. Choose some that involve problem solving or good story lines. Also aim for a balance in your child's life. Sports are important, reading's important. Just think of computer games as one more component in a child's exploration of what's out there in society."
As for video game addiction? Ungerleider believes that "a parent can prevent youngsters from becoming addicted to too much TV or too many video games by establishing a pattern of selective viewing or by using video game material early in a child's life so that by the time a youngster gets to be an adolescent and there's very little surveillance or control, it's less likely to occur."
Finally, Ungerleider remind parents that "if a youngster becomes addicted to video games it can be a problem and the parent does need to intervene and provide attractive alternatives."
A structured and discipline environment like martial arts offers, CAN help with video game addictions.
If you ever wonder about the symptoms of computer game addiction, here are the red flags based on my stories…
If you can’t concentrate or lack focus doing anything when not playing the video game. If you don’t play just for a day your mind can’t think straight and the sound to play just ringing in the head.
You play not because you enjoyed it, but you need it, you depend on it. Sure for the first or three hours you still enjoy playing it, but many hours later you probably has diminish the fun factor and play just for the sake of it.
You play to run away from real life problems. Many people when nervous or have troubles with their life go to the place where they can feel safe like foods, alcohol or smoking and this applies for games too. Game can temporarily make you feel safe and doesn’t have any problem at all.
There is a feeling of guilt every time you play the video game. Playing too much video games can make you feel guilty for some reason. I believe the reason for this is that deep down, you know you played too much video games.
Loss of control. How many times have you said to yourself “okay this is the last game” or “I’m gonna stop playing after an hour”, but you end up playing a lot more games or a lot more hours than what you promised yourself?
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1. Combat Fitness Training Module (total Time: 9:40:00 Minutes)
a. Kelly Workout (see video above)
2. Striking (Pad Work) Hand & Feet:
a. Combo: Jab/cross/hook, Round kick
3. Take Downs:
a. Double leg take down
4. BJJ/Submission Grappling Drills: (with consideration for punching. COVER UP)
a. Putting it all together - From standing guard: Jab/cross/hook, Round kick, Double leg take down, Take Side mount or Top mount
5. “Mat Time” – using standing combination to double leg take down - 5 x 2 minutes w/20 sec break
Recommendations for Martial Arts Curriculum, for Young People, For Today’s World
This curriculum is assembled, structured, in order to teach what I consider to be “good martial arts.” What I teach today as a man of 50, a man with children, with a grandchild, a man who has outlived one of his children father, and who has outlived some of his friends, is not what I was taught at the age of 30.
What I teach today, with nearly 40 years of experience, is not what I thought I knew when I got my black belt or when I had 15 years or 20 years or 30 years of experience. What I teach today has been shaped, in part, by my many failures, my occasional successes, by my work with inner-city kids, by Nick Vujicic, by Dr. Patch Adams, by Theresa Burroughs, by Tom Callos, by the war for oil in the Persian Gulf, and by the explosion of information technology.
Self-defense, today, is so much bigger than we ever thought about in 1973 or ‘79 or ‘84 or at any time in recent history. It is predicted that 1 in 3 children will be affected by type II diabetes in the next decade. Obesity is considered a national epidemic. And not one of the top 10 killers of men, women, or children has any relation to anything involving a kata, a block, a choke defense, a kick, or reality-based self-defense training.
In the 1950’s and ‘60’s, self-defense books showed defense from soldiers sporting bayonets. If it didn’t show soldiers, it showed men in suits with ties and women in dresses with bonnets like my mother use to wear. In the 1970’s and ‘80’s, self-defense was David Caradine and Bruce Lee. It was Joe Lewis teaching Playboy bunnies in the pages of Black Belt Magazine. It was “the death touch” and really weird guys from Chicago. We spent a lot of time debating what style was most effective on the street.
Today’s self-defense isn’t about “style” at all. It's about what we eat and where that food comes from. It’s about what we consume and where it goes when we throw it away (and where is “away?”). It’s about obesity and diabetes and domestic violence, bullying, ageism, sexism, positive self-images for girls and boys, racial and gender prejudice, Wall Street and corporate greed, pesticides, cancer, drugs, attachment, nationalism, hyper-aggressive masculinity, oil, and so many things that aren’t about the martial arts I grew up on that it is, literally, a whole new era for “self-defense.”
When my young students leave my care, whether after a month or years of practice, I want them to know as much about real fitness as I have the ability to impart. That’s not just physical fitness I’m talking about, but mental, emotional, spiritual, and social “fitness,” as ill health isn’t only a disease of the body. If I knew nothing about the world, I might be content to teach the martial arts I grew up with. Fortunately, I have grown --and so has my martial arts.
I want my students to know real, pedal to the metal self-defense, but not just physical self-defense. Attitude and beliefs about other people, about relationships, about money, about food, about our obligation (or lack thereof) to our communities, about waste, about conformity, violence, and about education, well, these things are just as, if not MORE relevant to personal protection today, than any physical maneuver of “the martial arts.”
As a “Sabom” (master martial arts teacher) in today’s world, my martial arts --and as a result, my curriculum, has changed and evolved as much as the world has between the time President Theodore Roosevelt practiced judo in The White House (1903) and today, July 23, 2011.
Curriculum for Kids.
Community Involvement
Each belt a student advances should require the student to have conceived, planned, and executed a “project” that exemplifies the idea of “out of the dojang and into the world.” The project should engage the student in something they’re interested in, but it MUST help someone or something in the community. Each project should be kept in an on-line “project portfolio.”
Dietary Self-Defense
Each student should be well trained --and practiced --in dietary self-defense. It is absolutely unacceptable that a child should move into his or her high school years and not have a solid understanding of what healthy eating is --and is not.
Peace and Non-Violence Training
Attitudes about conflict, gender roles, race, and the media affect mental health and society’s propensity for violence. No student should go through authentic martial arts training without learning as much about the “art” of peace as they know about the physical aspects of their “martial” art.
Environmental Self-Defense
We can no sooner ignore our impact on the environment as we can walk into a lion’s cage wearing a steak suit. Every young person who goes through the belt ranks of a martial arts “system,” should know the basics of environmental self-defense as well as they know the basics of physical self defense.
Mindfulness Training
The opposite of "being mindful" is "being mindless." Every young martial arts student should know what mindful living is --and have a very full toolbox of resources for all that living as a mindful, aware, and high-functioning human being involves. Furthermore, knowing what mindfulness is, doesn't have 1/1000th the value of knowing how to practice mindfulness. The student who spends any significant amount of time studying the martial arts, should be as proficient at living mindfully as he or she is in the "art" in question.
If you are a parent or someone interested in a curriculum / program that instills the discipline of martial arts that is practical for the world today, contact us using the comments section below. Or, contact Peter Liciaga at pliciaga@gmail.com
Your Mount Laurel Martial Artist and Dinoto Karate Center are on an endless quest for martial arts excellence. To enhance service to our members and our community, we promise to: Help individuals achieve their goals as a person and a martial artist. Provide a positive, safe, and clean environment for all our students and our families. Keep the safety of our students as our primary concerns. Always teach self-discipline above self-confidence. Instill the values of respect, discipline, confidence and self-reliance. Build and enhance our system of martial arts. Provide the atmosphere of unity that extends out to our family and community.
All Martial Arts Schools Are Not Created Equal.
Mount Laurel martial arts Dinoto Karate Center are celebrating its 18th year in business in Mount Laurel, changing the lives of their students one class at a time. Those who study and train at Dinoto Karate Center enjoy the additional benefits of improved health, a new body awareness and a sense of accomplishment that comes from learning something truly worthwhile.
It’s Great For Kids
Martial Arts is good, clean fun for kids…and a great way to give kids a head start in life. At Dinoto Karate Center, they’ll learn the positive benefits of self-discipline and confidence, develop coordination and increase strength and flexibility. Because a structure of respect is built into martial Arts, children develop the ability to listen, learn, and achieve within a highly related environment. This proves to be an excellent reinforcement of study techniques for school.
It’s Not All Serious
Just ask the kids. We regularly have social functions, pizza parties, sleepovers and movie nights. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of success and accomplishment, making sure all kids feel great about themselves as they make their journey towards Black Belt. We make learning challenging as well as enjoyable. Not only do our students learn the most, they have the most fun too!
Winners Don’t Wait
Now is the Time. Why put it off? Sign up right now for the trial program. Get your child or yourself on the road to self-discovery that will make every stage in life easier. So what are you waiting for?
This week your Mount Laurel martial artist, Peter Liciaga, will be starting the Combat Fitness Training routines in our MMA classes.
Over the next several weeks your Mount Laurel martial artist, Peter Liciaga, will be going through a series of fitness training exercises that are called Combat Fitness Training. These are short workouts, that are usually 10 or 11 minutes long, will be added to our MMA class, are martial arts specific workouts that are drawn from CrossFit, Tabada, Monkey Fit and other new concept gym fitness concepts.
The idea is to make sure that you get a great workout that is varied yet practical and functional for your MMA training. We're going to start the CFT this first week by going through what is referred to as our Bench Mark Fitness Test. This is a series of exercize that give you an idea of where your fitness level is at any given point of time. The series was designed by my friend, Dave Kovar. You can see a video of the workout and record your time HERE.
You can also participate in this training in our MMA class. For more information about our MMA classes go HERE.
This week in our mma program we will be warming up with hand/foot focus mitt drills (pad drills). If you have your own focus mitts bring them.
Our core training this week will be focusing on fitness and developing core strength.
We will also work on bjj partner drills. (see sample video below)
Unfortunately, we cannot train MMA/BJJ all by ourselves. I cannot tell you how important it is to have a good partner. There are training dummies out on the market, but once you learn the move you cannot get any resistance, thus making a good partner extremely important.
What is a good partner?
A good partner will learn the moves with you and work through the motions, slow, and step-by-step with you. This doesn’t mean your partner is a “dead” body, or limp. Maintaining good base, and posture is helpful when learning a new technique. If your partner just lays with all their weight on you, it is far from a learning simulation. Since you are learning the technique, sometimes you may do something wrong, or be “loose” when you should be tight. Your partner should learn how to tell you when and where your mistake is.
Once you have the technique down, and can drill flawlessly, progressive resistance should be applied.
A good partner understands that progressive resistance is not an all out sparring or grappling match. Your partner should take advantage of your mistakes. If you are drilling an armbar, and you forget to keep your knees tight on the transition, your partner should counter/escape. A discussion should then take place as to why he escaped.
So...make sure to contact your friends, ask them to try a class with you and see if you can find a "good" partner.
Safety Equipment
Be sure to bring your safety equipment. Groin protection MUST be worn. Shin guards, gloves for pad work, mouth guard are a must. Forearm guards are optional. You can order all your equipment needs with us.
Here is a video of some sample drills.
Below is a workout I did yesterday with one of my students.
If you are interested in joining our mma program or getting more information, go HERE. If you would like to schedule a free class, go HERE.
After a busy day, you're walking though the parking lot to your car. Just as you open the door, someone approaches you unexpectedly with a knife to your throat. You respond quickly and aggressively, defending yourself, controlling the weapon and neutralizing the attacker.
That is Self Defense!
Your child is having his lunch at school, suddenly he gets slapped in the back of the head by a larger, stronger and threatening kid that is well known as a bully. Your son stands up to him with confidence and courage, backs the bully down without using his physical skills.
That is Self Defense!
Here's a real story: Several years ago, I was traveling with my mentor to do a series of seminars in the UK. We were sitting at an outdoor cafe waiting for our lunch, when suddenly I noticed an intoxicated patron a few tables away starting to argue loudly with another gentleman. It was obvious to me that it was soon to become violent.
I asked my mentor to get up quickly and put his back up against a wall. (Mr C. is in his eighties and doesn't really like to do anything quickly :-) I positioned him between the wall and used myself as a protective shield. Just in time because a physical fight did break out and pretty much wiped out the table we were sitting.
Neither of us was harmed and we soon resumed our lunch and had a good laugh.
That is Self Defense!
If you or one of your family members were involved in any of these situations...
Would you rather be trained or untrained?
Our dojo's are filled with friendly, respectful and caring people. Sometimes the real world is not so friendly, respectful or safe. Unfortunately, there are many dangers lurking in the world around us. You don't need to look far to realize violent crimes do occur in your own community, perhaps in your own back yard.
Be ready...be aware...be trained!
Our program specializes in teaching practical, real world Self-Defense skills for men, women and children. As your body gets in better and better shape, you'll also be learning valuable skills that raises your awareness and will give you the confidence and skills to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from danger.
SAFE...FIT & FOCUSED!
As Mount Laurel's number one martial arts family center, Dinoto Karate is committed to self-defense. Find out how we can serve your family by calling us at 856-235-0414 or visiting us at www.DinotoKarate.com
Call your Mount Laurel Martial Arts Expert Dinoto Karate at 856-235-0414 and find out how you can receive your complimentary copy of Dave's book, "A Dad's Toolbox for Better Parenting", or... Click here to see what our program can do for you.
Hello everyone! Hope your Memorial Day was as great as mine! Parents Night Out is going to be on Saturday, June 11th from 5 to 8PM. Space is extremely limited so see Mrs. Dinoto right away to reserve your spot. The cost is as follows: Basic Members $20; BBC $10; LP/CIT $5; Friends and Family $10. Feel free to email me with any questions.
There was a man named Dale. Dale spent over 70 years of his life learning ways to win friends and influence people. He became highly skilled and well respected. In the process, he took careful notes and eventually wrote a book.
There was another man by the name of Vic. Vic went to college to become a doctor. He then continued his education and became a psychiatrist. He too spent about 70 years of his life researching and learning. He concentrated on learning the meaning of life and helping others find meaning in their lives. Along the way, he also took careful notes and wrote a book.
There was once a poor black girl who liked to read. Today Oprah Winfrey is one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the world. 
