Sensei Kalish writes:

In karate, we spend a lot of time on kata. Kata is a stylized system of movements that helps to demonstrate a karate practioner’s skill and technical mastery of specific precise movements. Kata is art. It can be very basic when you are beginning (step and punch), or it can be incredibly specific when you advance in rank and skill and learn the nuances of all of the moves (your hand is placed here, your foot is turned this way, etc). That’s what makes kata challenging and fun.

Kata teaches us many things. It teaches us discipline, focus, perseverance, the technical aspect of traditional karate moves, the ability to flow from one series of movements to the next. But most importantly, in my opinion, it teaches us that in our art (and in life) there is always room for improvement.

I have been doing kata for close to thirty years. Taikyoko Shodan was the first kata I ever learned. And I have learned and re-learned it from many instructors, and performed it thousands of times. Every time I perform it, I find something new, something that I can improve upon. It is possible that I may have mastered the kata, but I have never performed it “perfectly.”

This is the Heart of our Art: Hattatsu Ryu – “The System of Progressive Growth”

Sensei Ingallina writes:

UMAC will be hosting a seminar by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy at Victor UMAC on Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18. (There is also an additional “bonus” session for all registered seminar participants on Friday evening, July 16).

In this seminar, Hanshi McCarthy will introduce Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu and present its history and the practical self-defense applications of kata. The participants will learn the theory and the application of a variety of effective martial arts techniques, including pressure points & joint locks (Kansetsu Waza), chokes & strangulations (Shime Waza), takedowns & throws (Nage Waza), grappling & groundwork (Ne Waza), and escapes & counterattacks (Gyaku Waza). Hanshi McCarthy will demonstrate many two-person drills that will help the participants better understand the principle techniques and its effective use in self-defense.

Hanshi McCarthy’s old-school two-person practices are based upon the most realistic contextual premise imaginable — those original empty-handed and one-on-one acts of physical violence, which habitually plagued the culture in which this art evolved. The groundbreaking results of his study have saved instructors the time and trouble of wandering through an endless minefield of myth and mysticism, and the quagmire of half-truths and self-serving propaganda that so frequently impede the learning process. His old-school two-person drills leave no room for the kind of ambiguity exampled elsewhere in modern/traditional karate (i.e., the kind of ambiguity which has sometimes given kata “a bad name”).

Hanshi McCarthy is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on the civil fighting traditions (Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu) of Okinawa. He is one of few foreigners ever to teach karate-do in Japan and has received an 8th Dan Teacher’s License. He is a best selling author with his publication of, “The Bible of Karate: Bubishi.” He has authored, “The Classical Kata of Okinawan Karate”, as well as numerous other books, magazine articles and DVDs.

A gifted speaker and talented martial artist, Hanshi McCarthy has traveled the world to share his deep knowledge of the secrets of karate. He has captivated and opened the minds of thousands of martial artists, irrespective of “style”.

Registration forms for the event are available on our web site.

This is a fantastic opportunity to extend your knowledge as martial artists, and we would highly encourage everyone to participate.

Hanshi Patrick McCarthy’s Karate Application Seminar

Discover how the [Chinese] pioneers of quanfa developed solo fighting routines [kata] by using the HAPV-Theory [the habitual acts of physical violence] as its contextual premise. Learn the highly functional old-school two-person application practices and discover how their solo representations became linked together to create something greater than the sum total of its individual parts.

As traditional Japanese karate kata is linked to the ancestral kata of Okinawan karate — which, in turn, traces its origins back to southern-based quanfa, before the modern emergence of “styles” — it stands to reason that what applied to the fundamental meaning of those progenitor forms also applies to today’s practices. Having made a study of such history and conceptual practices, author & researcher, Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 8th degree black belt, has been successful unravelling much of the ambiguity that shrouded the inner-workings of Kata. This has resulted in a much clearer understanding of kata and the original art.

Rather than haphazardly teaching “fighting technique,” or kata, and then show the application practices, after the fact, Hanshi McCarthy first introduces the learner to the habitual acts of physical violence [HAPV]—historically representing the original contextual premise on which prescribed template application concepts were first developed—through two-person drills. After gaining a reasonable level of competency [against aggressive resistance] KU learners are taught how to rehearse the prescribed application modules by themselves — culminating the lessons learned. By linking together the individual modules into unique geometrical configurations something greater than the sum total of its individual parts appear – kata. McCarthy sensei also explains how, practiced by themselves, kata also serve as creative mechanisms through which to express individual prowess while strengthening one’s overall mental, physical and holistic conditioning.

Without question, these old-school practices represent a pathway through which to improve your understanding of karate.

If you always knew that karate offered more than what you were being taught, and are willing to look outside your peer group, this seminar will definitely appeal to you. If you’re looking for progressive mentorship, while not losing any of the value of tradition, attending McCarthy sensei’s seminar might be just what you need.

More information about Hanshi McCarthy and Koryu Uchinadi is available on the Koryu Uchinadi web site.

]]> http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/koryu-uchinadi-kenpo-jutsu-seminar-is-coming/feed/ 0 http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/911/ http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/911/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 13:40:03 +0000 admin http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/?p=911 Please accept our invitation to participate in this spring’s Get Ready for Summer 24 Day Challenge, this Sunday, May 23, at the United Martial Arts Center.

This program has allowed our participants to lose up to 20 lbs. in 24 days the RIGHT way. We will teach you the Three Pillars of Success. They are:

* The right way to implement an exercise regimen (this will surprise you)
* Proper nutrition (not restrictive dieting or wacky programs)
* Optimal supplementation (this will be the catalyst to your success)

A proper balance of the three pillars is essential to achieving success and we promise to deliver a program you can implement immediately.

Feel free to invite anyone. This is the perfect time of year to get a group together, get in shape and feel the absolute best you have ever felt! The Kickoff is absolutely FREE whether you decide to join us in the program or not. You’ve got nothing to lose other than a few unwanted pounds.

If you’re interested, shoot us a quick email response back and just say “put me on the list.”

See you this Sunday,

Mary Ellen & John Ingallina

Sensei Ingallina writes:

We will be hosting Rory Miller at Brighton UMAC on Tuesday, May 25 from 7 – 10 p.m. This seminar is for any and all students and falls right in line with our Survival on the Street training philosophy. There will be training in the lower level for students that elect not to attend this seminar.

I would highly recommend that you attend though. You will take a ton from the experience.

]]> http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/rory_miller_may2010/feed/ 1 http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/reflecting-on-graduation/ http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/reflecting-on-graduation/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:23:34 +0000 Matt Healy http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/?p=884

Sensei Wright writes:

This past Friday evening we had the pleasure of graduating our Brighton students. As we only get this group together every 6 months, it’s a great time to reflect on what we have accomplished. Our Little Dragons, as usual, get out there with gusto and happily perform to show off for family and friends. I am always so pleased with their good behavior and attentiveness. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised – it is what we are working on in every class, it’s just so “in your face” when they do it as such a large group. They are amazing! We had students who were willing to lead the large group, yelling commands out loud in front of “all those people”….a feat I know many adults would be too shy to do! Good for them – their confidence and assertiveness will serve them well as they grow up.

I know it can’t go unnoticed to anyone who watches our Junior students as they progress in their ranks – they are growing up to be leaders. As karate instructors, we get to spend many years getting to know our students. Issues or struggles they had when they first arrived to try karate can be worked on together for longer periods of time. Students who start as Little Dragons and continue on to Juniors show us that our investment as their teachers can be the most fulfilling job we could ever have. Watching our kids grow in the dojo shows us the powerful influence of having positive role models in our children’s lives. As a karate mom myself, I know for a fact this is one of the best things I have done for my son. Ask me sometime – I’ll be happy to tell you all about it!

Congratulations to all the students who continue to work so hard to reach their goals. Your new ranks are proof that all your efforts are worth it! You make your instructors proud!!!!!

Sensei Ingallina writes:

Avi Nardia will be coming to the Brighton dojo to teach weapon defense (knife & gun) this Tuesday, March 23, from 8-9:30. We have testing this Tuesday in Brighton but will be done by 8:00.

A second session (at a TBD date) will also be taking place sometime in the very near future.

This is open to all adults in either the karate or jujitsu programs.

Avi is an unbelievably knowledgeable instructor and has traveled the world teaching. I have had the benefit of going through his KAPAP training and I will tell you that you won’t want to miss this training. If you are interested in learning more about him, be sure to check out his website.

Sensei Kalish writes:

I have been doing Martial Arts for almost my entire life. I have had lots of great experiences and made many lifelong friends along the way. In the past few years I have started to go to “Martial Arts Camps.” These camps have been some of the most fun and rewarding experiences in my martial arts education. Here’s what you need to know:

• It’s not just for Black Belts. Lots of people think that you need a lot of experience to get the most out of the camps. This is not true – the camps are very open and welcoming to students of all abilities, levels, and styles. Personally, I think that there are a large number of black belts at the camps because people love the camps so much, that they come again and again, year after year, and naturally, their belt rank increases every year they come….
• Which seminar to attend? This is the heart of the camps. Most camps have a variety of instructors who put on seminars with a wide range of topics. You get to choose what to take. Should you go with something you know well to see what they offer to improve your skills, or should you try something completely different? The choice is yours.
• Bonding with your instructors and friends: this might be the best part of camp. How often do you get to hang out with your colleagues from karate? Probably not enough. The camps are a great way to get to know everyone on a more personal level – find out what they are like outside of karate class.

The first camp you go to might be a little intimidating – you need a little bit of courage and might need “permission” to go. But it’s worth it. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

PS – Most of the camps are adult only – so please check with your instructors to make sure you are eligible to attend.

PPS – If you are not yet an adult, remember that we host Kids and Youth Camps every summer, and many of the same experiences can be had with your friends.

See you at camp…

Join us for our women’s only self-defense class at UMAC. We will present a comprehensive two-hour course of self-protection specific to a female’s needs. Violence against women continues to be on the rise. Take control of situations by learning how to fight back and WIN! You have a responsibility to protect yourself and your loved ones and this course will give you the necessary tools. Every participant will leave with a brand new perspective on controlling situations! This course is appropriate for women 14 and older.

Topic of the class – Defense on the Ground
Ground control is possibly the most important class we offer for women. Participants will learn how to use their strength on the ground to escape an attacker. Basic moves are taught and practiced that make it extremely difficult for anyone to control you on the ground! You have got to experience the transformation that takes place when you control the outcome of a situation.

What: Defense on the Ground

When: Saturday, April 3, from 1- 3 p.m.

Location: United Martial Arts Center, 1780 Monroe Ave., Brighton, NY

Attire: Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Cost: The cost is $25 per person which includes a NYS RAP Workbook. A
portion of all proceeds will go to Rape Crisis Services of Rochester.

This class will fill quickly so don’t wait to register.

Please call 461-1070, or register directly at the United Martial Arts Center. Also visit our website, www.selfdefensecenter.com, and register for updates on classes.

The instructors of the course are John Ingallina and Monroe County Sheriff Dave Nicchita. John has been teaching self-protection courses since 1988 and is the owner of the United Martial Arts Centers and a board member at Rape Crisis Services of Rochester. Deputy Nicchita brings real world experience and protective skills into the class to make your world safer.

]]> http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/womens_ground_defense_apr2010/feed/ 0 http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/anti-aging-presentation-coming-to-rochester-march-1st/ http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/anti-aging-presentation-coming-to-rochester-march-1st/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:03:11 +0000 admin http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/?p=808 We are extremely honored and excited to have one of the world’s most respected research professors, Dr. Robert Hackman, visit us for a free presentation on Anti-Aging and the effects AdvoCare’s nutritional product BioTools can have on our health. The Baby-Boomer generation is 78,000,000 strong and all of us want to live longer, look better, be healthier and stay active the rest of our lives.

Find out how and why the branch of science called “Genomics” is paving the way for huge advances in improving our ability to slow down father time.

The presentation is free but limited space is available. Please RSVP to ingallina@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Join us for our women’s only self-defense class at UMAC’s Brighton location on February 6th. We will present a comprehensive two-hour course of self-protection specific to a female’s needs. Violence against women continues to be on the rise. Take
control of situations by learning how to fight back and WIN! You have a responsibility to protect yourself and your
loved ones and this course will give you the necessary tools. Every participant will leave with a brand new perspective
on controlling situations! This course is appropriate for women 14 and older. Along with basic self-defense, we will
cover defense against weapons.

What: Strategies for Safety Seminar.

When: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 from 1- 3 p.m.

Location: United Martial Arts Center, 1780 Monroe Ave., Brighton, NY

Attire: Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Cost: The cost is $25 per person which includes a NYS RAP Workbook. A
portion of all proceeds will go to Rape Crisis Services of Rochester.

Pre-registration is required. A limited amount spaces are available so sign up ASAP. Please email back or call
461-1070 to register. Also visit our website, www.selfdefensecenter.com, and register for updates on classes.

The instructors of the course are John Ingallina, Pam Wright, and Monroe County Sheriff Dave Nicchitta. John has
been teaching self-protection courses since 1988 and is the owner of the United Martial Arts Centers. Pam has been
teaching with John since 1998 and Deputy Nicchitta brings real world experience and protective skills into the class to
make your world safer.

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