Maria DiDio Women's Self Defense

The Importance of Meditation

Our News headlines come at us at a fast pace and usually contain bad news. Now more than ever, it is important to take a part of your day for your "self".
Meditation is no longer a 1960s Hippe thing. Instead, meditation has increasingly become an important, modern lifestyle for most, mainly because findings prove that meditation has several health benefits for any practitioner or enthusiast.

So what are the health benefits of meditation?

• Meditation is a great de-stressor and tension-reliever. Recent researches show that meditation can in fact help people who have hypertension problems by minimizing tension in their lives. By reducing tension, meditation also reduces their blood pressure. It also relives depression and anxiety.
• Meditation allows for a deeper understanding of your inner self, since it provides you the opportunity to reflect and gather new insights on your personal life.
• Meditation helps you release the negative forces in your life by having a breathing room to rationalize the existence of negativity in life.
• Meditation gives you the chance to recharge, since its constant practice releases a wonderful feeling.
• Meditation quiets the mind and leads to a far more productive and creative life.
However, there are some important things to remember if you really want to pursue successful meditation. First is the location, because you need to find a peaceful place where you can be at ease and relax. Second is a soothing music that can help you to relax even more. Third is to remind yourself to shut off unnecessary disturbances around you, such as ringers of mobile phones. With all these before you, then you can go ahead with your meditation.

These and more have been said about the importance of meditation in one’s life. So if you think meditation is difficult, think again. Meditation is relatively easy and definitely a comfortable exercise for the mind and body.

Combat Autism Long Island Kickboxing April 24

Lauren Kickboxer and Ring Card Girl

American Academy of Self-Defense Supports Autism Speaks Charity

“In Long Island, autism is an epidemic–and it’s horrible!” says Mike Bertucci, president of the American Academy of Self Defense and Long Island Kickboxing Organization (LIKO). Mr. Bertucci and his organization have decided to give back to their community through supporting Autism Speaks, the biggest autism science and advocacy organization in the US founded by Bob and Suzanne Wright.

Autism Speaks is devoted to funding research of the causes, treatments, preventions, and cure for autism, to intensifying awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and to assisting the needs of autistic individuals and their families. Autism is a neural development disorder diagnosed as early as childhood and characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication and by repetitive and restricted behaviors. All these signs start before a child turns three years old. Bob and Suzanne are grandparents themselves to a child battling autism.

So as part of LIKO’s advocacy, Mike Bertucci announced that the proceeds of The North American Kickboxing Championship Event in April 24, 2010 at Deer Park Sportatorium at 435-13 Brook Ave Deer Park, NY would go to Autism Speaks. In fact, Dorian Murray, a two-time female kickboxing champion but now a special education teacher, has decided to go back to kickboxing after learning about the said event and its advocacy. She will donate her purse in support of autism. She came from a family of kick boxers, and her brother is a project manager at Autism Speaks. She will fight Michelle Gunderson, a kickboxing instructor at the Academy of Self Defense. The major event, though, is a tough fight between US Champion Tyson “TNT” Jones vs. Nyen the African Warrior. Shihan Jonas Nunez Jr. organized the said event.

Mr. Bertucci concludes: “It’s good to make money, but it’s also good to give back–because it’s the right thing to do.” For more information about the kickboxing championship event, go to www.likickboxing.com.

COMBAT AUTISM CHAMPIONSHIP KICKBOXING

Long Island Kickboxing
Organization Announces CHAMPIONSHIP KICKBOXING event at The Deer Park Sportatorium

Deer Park, NY (March 30, 2010) On Saturday April 24th at 6pm, The Long Island Kickboxing Organization will be holding a CHAMPIONSHIP KICKBOXING event at The Deer Park Sportatorium, located at 435-13 Brook Ave, Deer Park Long Island NY 11729 (631) 667-5001.

"With the amount of talent we have on this event, there is no doubt in my mind that this night will act as a springboard for taking Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts on Long Island to the next level" said Mike Bertucci, President Long Island Kickboxing Organization

The Main Event features Long Island Fan Favorite Tyson "TNT" Jones vs Nyen Walo for The North American Championship. The co-Main Event is Aron Schiflett vs Keith Petty WPKO World Championship

"These bouts are fully sanctioned by The PKF (Professional Kickboxing Federation), the USMTA United States Muay Thai Association and the WPKO World Professional Kickboxing Organization, ensuring a top rate professional experience for all involved" remarked Event Director Jonas Nunez.

Plus, adding to the festivities, there will be a SPECIAL CHARITY EVENT – COMBAT AUTISM to benefit "Autism Speaks" featuring top female competitors Dorian Murray vs Michelle Gundersen. An "Autism Speaks" Information and donation table will be in the lobby and The Long Island Kickboxing Organization President Michael Bertucci will donate proceeds from this match to "Autism Speaks" as well.

The Best and toughest Kickboxers from Puerto Rico to Portland Maine will be competing in this event; we also expect movie personalities from the martial arts world to be in attendance.

Tickets are $30 for General Admission or $50 for VIP and can be purchased at the door on the night of the show or by logging on to http://www.LIKickboxing.com

*Tickets purchased online will be available for pickup at the front door will-call table on the night of the event.

For more information check out http://www.LIKickboxing.com or call (631)6675001

Championship Kickboxing Event: Tyson “TNT” Jones vs. Nyen “African Warrior”

Championship Kickboxing Sat April 24th our Instructor Tyson "TNT" Jones vs. Nyen "African Warrior" for The North American Kicboxing Championship event Director Shihan Jonas Nunez. Go to website LIKickboxing.com.

The American Kickboxing in the US is quite different from European kickboxing and Muay Thai–its Asian counterpart. Nevertheless, this one-of-a-kind sport is getting more and more popular these days. So are you one of those who are getting addicted to this action-packed sport?

Well, this coming April 24, 2010, the Long Island Kickboxing Organization will hold The North American Kickboxing Championship event at Deer Park Sportatorium at 435-13 Brook Ave Deer Park, NY. Competing kickboxers are United States Champion Tyson “TNT” Jones and Nyen “African Warrior.” Jones is a fitness and kickboxing instructor in a Kickboxing program offered at the American Academy of Self Defense. Recently, he has in fact scored a technical knockout over a top kickboxer at the Superfights event held at Sports Plus in Lake Grove. Shihan Jonas Nunez Jr., The North American Kickboxing Championship event director, organized this kickboxing championship event.

Doors open at 6:00pm, and show starts at 6:30pm. You can purchase advanced tickets for $30, while VIP tickets sell for $50. You can get your advanced tickets at the American Academy of Self Defense at 175 Bayshore Road, Deer Park, NY. Interested parties can pay through Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for online purchases.

Moreover, if you are interested in competing in Long Island’s Most Exciting Kickboxing Shows, in show sponsorships, or in event and website advertising, you can phone them in at telephone numbers 631-667-5001 or reach them through email at webmaster@longislandkickboxing.org. You can also check out http://likickboxing.org/ for more details.

Contact Details:
The American Academy of Self Defense
175 Bay Shore Rd
Deer Park NY 11729
Telephone No.: (631)667-5001

Email Address: info@aaofsd.com

Tyson Interview from the GARV

The Importance of Stretching in Martial Arts

In martial arts, or any sport for that matter, stretching is important, because it becomes a warm-up for any martial artist that loosens up the body before a rigorous training ahead. Stretching provides one major advantage: flexibility of the body. Flexibility is of course a necessary component in martial arts or in any sport. Without flexibility, you may be working your way toward failed martial art mastery.

Below are further explanations of the importance of stretching in martial arts.

1. When the body muscles are stiff, the whole movements in martial arts become ineffective.

2. The fact that body muscles are stiff and forced to move at once, the body muscles are therefore most likely under a lot of stress, too.

3. Since stretching provides flexibility, flexibility in turn boosts power and speed and brings support to each technique in the martial arts.

4. Stretching enhances performance in the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the body. Take for instance, the joints and muscles in your feet and legs are in charge for sustaining a solid stance.
Your core, on the other hand, adds to your striking force and to the mobility of your torso. Your hands, shoulder, and arms require flexibility, too, to be able to deliver fast and powerful strikes and to raise blocks and counters. When all these body parts are cold and stiff, your reaction time is going to come slow considerably, thus affecting your overall performance.

5. Stretching prevents injuries during trainings or practices. Since it enhances blood circulation, it minimizes the possibilities of severe bruising from the strikes of your opponent. It also assures that your legs and arms are flexible, thus preventing joints and muscle sprains. Take for instance, the risk of tendinitis, wherein your repetitive motions can put stress on your underlying tendons and bring inflammation. Worse is to suffer dislocation from powerful or forced trainings without stretching.You have to understand, as a martial arts practitioner, that many techniques in the martial arts, such as high kicks, can become difficult to perform if you do not have the right amount or level of flexibility, which you can only acquire by proper stretching.

Contact Details:
The American Academy of Self Defense
175 Bay Shore Rd
Deer Park NY 11729
Telephone No.: (631)667-5001
Email Address: info@aaofsd.com

Championship Kickboxing Event: Tyson “TNT” Jones vs. Nyen “African Warrior”

Championship Kickboxing Sat, April 24th our Instructor Tyson "TNT" Jones vs. Nyen "African Warrior" for The North American Kickboxing Championship event Director Shihan Jonas Nunez. Go to website LIKickboxing.com.

The American Kickboxing in the US is quite different from European kickboxing and Muay Thai–its Asian counterpart. Nevertheless, this one-of-a-kind sport is getting more and more popular these days. So are you one of those who are getting addicted to this action-packed sport?

Well, this coming April 24, 2010, the Long Island Kickboxing Organization will hold The North American Kickboxing Championship event at Deer Park Sportatorium at 435-13 Brook Ave Deer Park, NY. Competing kickboxers are United States Champion Tyson “TNT” Jones and Nyen “African Warrior.” Jones is a fitness and kickboxing instructor in a Kickboxing program offered at the American Academy of Self Defense. Recently, he has in fact scored a technical knockout over a top kickboxer at the Superfights event held at Sports Plus in Lake Grove. Shihan Jonas Nunez Jr., The North American Kickboxing Championship event director, organized this kickboxing championship event.

Doors open at 6:00pm, and show starts at 6:30pm. You can purchase advanced tickets for $30, while VIP tickets sell for $50. You can get your advanced tickets at the American Academy of Self Defense at 175 Bayshore Road, Deer Park, NY. Interested parties can pay through Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for online purchases.

Moreover, if you are interested in competing in Long Island’s Most Exciting Kickboxing Shows, in show sponsorships, or in event and website advertising, you can phone them in at telephone numbers 631-667-5001, or reach them through email at webmaster@longislandkickboxing.org. You can also check out http://likickboxing.org/ for more details.


Contact Details:
The American Academy of Self Defense
175 Bay Shore Rd
Deer Park NY 11729
Telephone No.: (631)667-5001
Email Address: info@aaofsd.com

Sumo Wrestling, a Tradition of Danger

Sumo wrestling is a sport of discipline and physical power which originated in Japan. In the old times, the sport was held to amuse the Shinto gods. The rikishi or the sumo wrestlers live in a manner of certain strictness and strong organization in the way they dress, eat, sleep and train, following the teachings and standards of their coach or otherwise called their stable master. Their costume varies depending on their rank. The belt worn is called the ‘mawashi’, while the cloth worn when they enter the ring is called the ‘kesho-mawashi’. The customary meal of a rikishi is a sumptuous poaches of meat, fish and vegetables called the ‘chanko-nabe’ they undergo a rigorous training of human combat from time to time to be stronger and competitive.

The wrestling ring is called the dohyo, accentuated with two parallel lines, which are the starting point for every wrestler before each bout. A referee or a yobidashi calls the bout on. The rules of the sport are simple. The first wrestler to bring his opponent outside the ring or dohyo, wins; and the wrestler who can bring his opponent’s body down other than the soles of his feet down wins. It is indeed a rough sport.

By the influence of the Shinto religion, rituals are performed before a fight. It is still being practiced until now, apart from professional sumo wrestling. Opponents do not meet each other before the fight, their rooms are separated, that is, setting up of an East and West rooms. The yobidashi will be calling the fight on. Each rikishi will step up to the ring and perform a traditional clapping and stomping of the feet when called, and is believed to drive away evil spirits. The wrestlers will have to go back to their respective corners to get a handful of salt, go to the starting lines and squat, throw off the salt for purification then the bout begins.

Sumo wrestling has been a part of Japan’s tradition and is a national sport. The emphasis being taught by the sport is firm discipline which affects the Japanese way of living. Yes, the sport simply teaches a great learning of true discipline, but apparently, there are great implications that go along with this tradition and sport. The roughness of the sport may be too dangerous for every wrestler participating in every fight.

The health of the wrestlers is compromised. Let us take into consideration that the wrestlers are required to be over weight or fat. In the recent studies made, diseases may arise in cases of being over weight or obese. Cardiovascular, renal, metabolic problems may arise because of that. Their life expectancy shortens in this case comparing to the general population. They die at an early age because of obesity.

Moreover, the roughness of the sport may lead to injuries to wrestlers and also, result to temporary or permanent disabilities and worse, death. Its hazard to wrestlers is often overlooked because the practice of the tradition dominates the real effects of it to the sumo wrestlers. The lifestyle that they have chosen is unhealthy and is too dangerous. It would be much better to gradually alter the requirements of the sport so as the life of the wrestlers will not be compromised and the importance of discipline will be more stressed out by teaching a variety of lifestyle modification, which is healthier and safe.

Contact Details:

The American Academy of Self Defense
175 Bay Shore Rd
Deer Park NY 11729
Telephone No.: (631)667-5001
Email Address: info@aaofsd.com

Tai Chi: A Mind and Body Practice

Tai Chi comes from the Chinese concept of ying-yang or what is often known as the dynamic duality (light and darkness, high and low, cold and hot). Chinese believes in the notion of contrary forces being interdependent to one another and that they believe in Supreme Ultimate Force. With Ying and yang as the basis of the Supreme Ultimate Force, it has been the main principle of Chinese Martial Arts and exercises.
Tai chi is best described as the combination of meditation and yoga. As practiced nowadays, Tai Chi has forms and moves often called as ‘sets’ that are derived from ancestral martial arts and from the natural movements of animals and birds. Tai chi is being performed in a slow and smooth manner and with graceful transition between movements.
For many, Tai Chi has been used primarily as a meditative exercise that animates the body and soul. The word ‘chi’ is a positive energy and performing Tai chi circulates this force all throughout the body for health and vitality. According to Mayo Clinic “Tai chi has many possible health benefits. The ancient art of tai chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today’s busy lifestyles and improve health”.
Moreover, Tai chi can also be used as a form of martial arts for combat and self defense. As we all know, Tai Chi movements has these martial arts origin thus it has some martial arts application. Tai Chi martial arts is executed in a slow- tempo combat. A person applying Tai chi in a form of self defense needs to be sensitive as well as responsive to another person’s movement. Tai Chi is a great form of self defense in which it channels destructive movement away to the extent that it is no longer dangerous. Tai chi promotes peace as it loves the mystical beauty of nature and tranquility.
Another goal of Tai Chi is to enhance a person’s self control. Tai chi provides a calm and tranquil mind that will enhance the mental concentration of an individual. A person performing Tai chi needs a focus mind to be able to perform the precise movements of Tai Chi. Tai Chi will help a person to have a sense of balance, rhythm, alignment, fine motor skill, so on and so forth.
Tai chi highlights technique over strength. As said earlier, tai chi is being performed in a slow and smooth manner thus it is suitable for everyone. Tai chi can be practiced regardless of age, gender, physical or mental ability. Tai chi is perfect for older adults who otherwise may not exercise.
So if you are interested to get stated with Tai chi, it is recommended to join Tai chi classes and be in a respected academy. ACADEMY OF SELF DEFENSE is the place to be! AAOFSD will allow you to enjoy Tai chi in a group and be guided by professional Tai chi instructors. They will help you practice Tai chi safely thus getting the full benefits of learning Tai Chi. You will really find Tai chi appealing as they reveal the real practice of perfect Tai Chi application.
For more information, visit http://www.aaofsd.com.










Contact Details:
The American Academy of Self Defense
175 Bay Shore Rd
Deer Park NY 11729
Telephone No.: (631)667-5001
Email Address: info@aaofsd.com