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

Benefits of Mastering Martial Arts

Martial Arts is one of the best way to have discipline. Parents enroll their kids to a martial arts school to be mentally alert and in good shape. It is an effective way of teaching children and making them ready to the outside world. Martial Arts teach kids on how to be a disciplined warrior with a perfect concentration.

Martial Arts is not a simple task that you can immediately follow. An instructor teaching Martial Arts needs the perfect planning as well as be properly equipped and skillful about the subject matter. Learning this kind of skill needs dedication and hard work.

It will be best to put children in to a Martial Arts School. In this matter, they will learn to control their energy and get the concentration that they need in school. Although Martial Arts can be very efficient when learned in a young age, I tell you that grown- ups can also take maximum benefit learning martial arts. As we all know, martial arts is a very effective self defense. Some people use it as a form of exercise and I tell you, martial arts can be a great way of rejuvenating the body as it enhances blood flow and makes the muscles strong and firm. Martial Arts is good for the mind, body and soul.

But as said earlier, benefits of martial arts can’t be attained without hard work. Martial Arts must give students the satisfaction of learning the skill and feel the pain of not learning or following it. As human beings, you must also bear in mind that Martial Arts must exude positive energy as people responses to positive influences compared to the negative ones.

Learning Martial Arts must be taught through positive encouragement, mutual respect and constructive criticisms. In that way, students will find the inspiration to continue and the benefits of martial arts will be fully experienced and enjoyed. There will be more people who will wish to stay long enough for them to experience quality Martial Arts advantage. But it is not wrong to push them to work harder. The challenge is to get every chance for people to like martial arts and promote the benefits of learning the skill.

There are lots of benefits of martial arts. It has a physical benefit in which it strengthen the muscles, increases flexibility, gives stronger bones and joints, increase stamina, boosts energy, have a sense of coordination and balance. In the mental sense, it enhances focus and learning that is why it is best to enroll kids to join martial arts school. Martial Arts has also behavioral benefits in which it teaches good moral and right conduct aside from having discipline and respect. And the most important benefit and highlights of Martial Arts is self defense. There will be no greater peace than having sense of security wherever you go. Self- defense is an important element of martial arts.

If you are interested to grasps the benefits of martial arts, it is best to visit http://aaofsd.com/ and enroll at American Academy of Self Defense. Here you will fully understand and experience every benefits of learning Martial Arts.

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

Sensei Says by Instructor Sifu Michael Bertucci

“Martial comes from a Roman word which means MARS referred to as the Roman God.”

Martial Arts rooted from a deep world history. Ancient people indulged in hunting, war and fighting as a form of survival. Thus martial art has variety of forms that came from different civilizations. These training combats encompass different styles designed for the purpose of defending oneself. Time after time, Martial Arts evolve as they adopt the modern technology. Now, martial arts styles are not only for fighting or defending. They are also used for different purposes such as sharpening one’s mental ability, being physically fit, and a form of exercise to relieve stress. Thus, Martial Arts are still applicable in the present times. It is relevant to all fields of life such as education, health and sports, entertainment and more.

There are many systematized combat methods present in the world today. These are called to be the “Martial Arts Styles”. Martial Arts are broken to categories like striking, low impact, grappling, weapon based and sports style. American Academy of Self Defense focused in the field of defending oneself, enhancing the mental, physical, and emotional ability of an individual and applying Martial Arts in to sports. Mastering a specific style or category will give you a full grasp of what martial art is all about. These will provide you maximum advantage as you apply the wonders of Martial Arts. Learning martial arts starts from basic to complex, gentle to steeped moves and traditional to modern martial art styles.

American Academy of Self Defense is concern about your Martial Arts Learning Process and improvement whatever field of martial arts or style you wish to pursue. They make innovations and continuously do research to improve their way of providing you with the best education with regards to Martial Arts and Self Defense. AAOFSD offers their students with the most effective ways of learning Martial Arts. With their professional and well-trained instructors, for sure, you will grab the best preparation for Martial Arts and Self Defense.

There are key elements or advises that you need to keep in mind when you are in the field of Martial Arts. This will certainly assist you in the achievement of your own goals. These will be very helpful in your own training and will guide you all the way with your step by step process while you are in the learning field of Martial Arts.

Chief Instructor Michael Bertucci of The American Academy of Self Defense has these advices for his students and all Young People.

SENSEI SAYS

* Practice Your Karate in a Safe and Responsible way.

* Do Your Homework and Study Hard in School

* Treat others the way you like to be treated.

* Help your parents with chores around the House.

* Start a Karate Scrapbook.

* Call or write a family member or friend you haven't seen in a while.

* Bring a Friend to Karate class.

* Think Green and be Eco-Friendly towards our Earth

Furthermore, there will be rules provided by AAOFSD. These rules are perfectly accurate for most of the martial arts and defense situation.

* Follow the Five Rules of The School.

1) Respect 2) Honesty 3) Effort 4) Discipline 5) Self Control.

If you are interested to join this thrilling world of Martial Arts and Self Defense, join the American Academy of Self Defense and surely, you will never regret making use of this perfect time to indulge yourself in the power of Martial Arts. For more training Tips and monthly Newsletter go to http://aaofsd.comand subscribe to our Newsletter and RSS Feeds.

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