STUDENT MANUAL
THE ACADEMY MISSION KAIZEN DO KAI UNIFORM & BELT FIRST CLASS OUR FOUNDER LOCATIONS INSTRUCTORS SYSTEM STYLE ARTS TRANSLATIONS KATA ESSK
THE ACADEMY
THE ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS Established in 1988, the Academies of Martial Arts are a collective of professional schools committed to the propagation of traditional Martial Arts. We believe the study of these Arts to be both a physical and philosophical challenge with abundant rewards for all who embark on the Martial Arts Way. Children and young adults hold an important position in today’s society and will play a vital role in tomorrows. At the Academy of Martial Arts we believe in developing strong bodies and minds in a positive and challenging environment. Strong and secure children possess the confidence in themselves to avoid many of the pitfalls facing today’s youth. It is our goal to help our students develop the skills to defend themselves and the confidence to walk away. Children and adults benefit from self-defense instruction, physical conditioning and the structured discipline associated with Martial Arts training. Their needs vary however, in how this information should be communicated. Our program accommodates separate classes for children and adults allowing these two groups to learn at different levels. Our Executive Martial Arts program is structured to meet those specific needs of the mature student. Here, the physical and philosophical elements of the Martial Arts are taught at a level of diligence that can be appreciated by adults. These Arts include the hard and soft external or physical styles of Karate, Kobudo and Jiu Jitsu, along with the soft internal arts of Tai Chi and Pa Kua. Once again, in addition to scheduled classes there are numerous lectures, training seminars; and retreats offered throughout the year for the benefit of the mature student. For all students, community support is a vital component of the principles cultured at the Academy of Martial Arts. With the support of our student body we participate in many community events throughout the year. These include district social gatherings, local charity events, fund raising benefits and other community happenings. We are involved with many of the local high schools; where we teach self-defense as an aspect of their physical education curriculum and have continually done so since 1988. Committed to the propagation of traditional Martial Arts, we believe in a strong conviction towards community and the improvement of self. At the Academy of Martial Arts we work towards the development of rational and physical abilities, everyday skills that relate to all areas of life regardless of age. The study of the Martial Arts is a physical and philosophical challenge with abundant rewards for all who embark on the Martial Arts Way.
ACADEMY MISSION
Committed to the propagation of traditional Martial Arts, we embrace a strong conviction towards community and the improvement of self, to better prepare our students to succeed as outstanding contributors ready for life’s opportunities
Committed to the propagation of
TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS At the Academy of Martial Arts we work towards the development of rational and physical abilities, everyday skills that relate to all areas of life regardless of age. The study of the Martial Arts is a physical and philosophical challenge with abundant rewards for all who embark on the Martial Arts Way. For all students, community support is a vital component of the principles cultured at the Academy of Martial Arts. With the support of our student body we participate in many community events throughout the year. These include district social gatherings, local charity events, fund raising benefits and other community happenings. We are involved with many of the local high schools; where we teach self-defense as an aspect of their physical education curriculum and have continually done so since 1988.
KAIZEN DO KAI
Constant improvement is a quality that embraces the spirit of the Traditional Martial Arts. As an organization, it is the mission of the Kaizen Do to assist professional Martial Art schools in all facets of their operation. The collective knowledge of this organization in: Karate, Tai Chi, Kobudo, Jujutsu, Pa Kua, self defense tactics, and physical training sciences; provides it's members with many valuable resources. These shared resources advance all members of the Kaizen Do to the forefront of Martial Arts education, for both children and adults. Professional skills define the longevity and success of any business. The Kaizen Do provides its members assistance from this perspective also. Offering business strategies and marketing plans, one of the fundamental aims of the Kaizen Do is to help its members to become more successful. The Kaizen Do provides the best possible opportunity for the long term success of the Martial Arts professional. This success ensures that committed students have a place to train for a lifetime.
UNIFORM & BELT
The Belt is tied in a square knot. If it's your first try make sure that your ties have been properly secured, and that the left side of the jacket overlaps the right. (fig. a. & b.). The next step is to fold the belt in half, to determine the center, then place the centerpoint at the front of your waist (fig. c.). Wrap each end of the belt around to your back (fig. d.) then continue around to the front. You can match the ends of the belt at this point to ensure evenness. Taking one side of the belt in your left hand and the other in your right cross the right part over the left and then wrap it underneath both pieces of the belt (fig. e.). The new left end goes over top of the right (fig. f.) and is pulled through the loop created (fig. g.). Taking both ends pull the belt out to your sides to tighten your knot. It is considered a matter of pride for the ends of your belt to be of equal length after the square knot is neatly tied (fig. h.)
RIGHT over left UNDER both LEFT over right PULL the belt tight
FIRST CLASS
ARRIVE AT LEAST 20 MINS EARLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE UP FRONT STAFF LOCATE CHANGE ROOMS, BATHROOMS AND TRAINING SPACES INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE INSTRUCTOR BE IN THE TRAINING SPACE 5MINS BEFORE THE CLASS IS TO START ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE !
SHIHANBRIAN CYR To accomplish a personal goal of providing the highest quality of Martial Arts instruction available, Shihan Cyr has trained with some of the top Martial Artists found in the world today. This study of traditional and modern systems has taken him across Canada, the United States, down into Brazil and to the birthplace of many great Arts: Japan, Okinawa, Thailand, and the Shaolin Temple in Hunan Province, China. A humble beginning in 1983, Brian Cyr embarked upon his Martial Arts training at a small Dojo in Southern Ontario. Operating under the supervision of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, it was in this Dojo that Mr. Cyr would learn much of his primary Martial Arts skills. It was here too that Mr. Cyr was first introduced to Tenth Dan, O’Sensei Richard Kim, the head of the Butoku Kai. A mentor to Mr. Cyr for nearly twenty years, Sensei Kim’s knowledge of the Martial Arts was unprecedented. Training and teaching under the tutelage of Sensei Kim until his passing in the fall of 2002, Mr Cyr was honoured with a Fourth Dan rank in Karate and Kobudo along with a First Dan in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. More important than rankings, Mr. Cyr believes that the greatest gift Sensei Kim had to offer was his understanding of the philosophical and psychological principles of the Martial Arts. It is an honour to be able to pass this information along to new generations of Martial Artists, although Sensei Kim’s knowledge and application of Budo can never be replaced.
Martial Arts training has taken Mr. Cyr to many locations around the world, one of particular interest is Okinawa; the birthplace of Karate. During the spring of 2005, he lived and trained at the Dojo of Teshiro Hokama Hanshi - Ninth Dan Goju Ryu Karate. While in Okinawa, Hokama Hanshi tested and promoted Mr. Cyr to the rank of Sixth Dan (Renshi) and presented him with the Senior Teaching title of Shihan. Mr. Cyr is looking forward to a continuous training relationship with Hokama Sensei, and will be incorporating some of this information into his own teachings. Believing that a good teacher must be an avid student, Mr. Cyr has complemented his study of the classical Martial Arts with modern self defence systems. He has trained in contemporary styles of Jiu Jitsu with Rickson Gracie, and is PPCT certified in defensive tactics, pressure point control, and weapons control. Throughout the year, Mr. Cyr instructs seminars for the Ontario Provincial Police and a number of regional forces in: personal protection, assailant control, standing and ground self defence. These contemporary defence systems along with his continuing study and teaching of classical Martial Arts allow Mr. Cyr to offer many practical skills to his students. In harmony with these studies of the physical or external Arts of Karate, Kobudo and Jiu Jitsu, Mr. Cyr is a student and teacher of the soft or Internal Arts. Commencing with the instruction of Sensei Kim he studied Pa Kua and Yang Tai Chi. More recently a student of the Wu style of Tai Chi, Shihan Cyr offers an extensive Internal Arts program to his students.
With his wife Kim standing by his side, Mr. Cyr began a life long commitment to the Martial Arts in the spring of 1988, when they opened the first Academy of Martial Arts. Today with over 2,000 students, the Academies of Martial Arts are a collective of professional schools committed to the propagation of traditional Martial Arts and the personal development of its students. In addition to his personal training goals, Shihan Cyr continues to commit the majority of his time to teaching and is currently writing two books on the technical and philosophical application of the Martial Arts. He wishes to acknowledge that without the support of his senior students and family, none of this would be possible.
“...his study of traditional and modern systems has taken him across Canada, the United States, down into Brazil and to the birthplace of many great Arts: Japan, Okinawa, Thailand, and the Shaolin Temple in Hunan Province, China. A humble beginning in 1983...�
BRAMPTON
The
first Academy of Martial Arts location was 1500 sq feet in the Old Brampton mall; opened 1988. We expanded twice in that mall over 8 years and then moved to our downtown Honbu Dojo in 1997. North Brampton AMA opened in 2003. It expanded and moved across the street to its current location in 2008. South Brampton AMA opened in 2013. The 3 Brampton dojos have a student body of approximately 1100. A Dojo is always a reflection of who you be! In 1988 it was a young couple with a dream who grew into a husband/wife team. Over the years it has become a true family dynamic with 2 kids that complete the winning formula! Our Senior Instructors are: All the Black Belts have a responsibility to give back and further there training by assisting with junior classes. Our full time instructors are: Sensei David Johnson…4th Dan. Sensei Kim Sue 4th Dan. Sensei Carrie Percival 3rd Dan. Sempai Paul Svensson 2nd Dan. Sempai Mike Percival 2nd Dan.
In almost 30 years there is not much we have not done!! 1…Raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the Oncology unit at the Brampton hospital all by shaving heads!! 2… Held a 24 hour non- stop training session with over 120 students! 3… Black Belts biked from Brampton to Collingwood and then trained for 12 hours! 4…Raised Over $100,000 for JDRF. (goal is $250,000) 5…Developed the B.R.A.V.E. (bully resistance anti violence education) program which has been taught in over 100 elementary schools since 2000. 6… Travelled with 30 students to China and Japan. 7… As of 2014 Graded 169 for Shodan( 1st degree) 55 for Nidan (2nd degree) 18 for Sandan (3rd degree) 7 for Yondan (4th degree) 2 For Godan ( 5th degree)
MISSISSAUGA Dojo has been serving the community since March 1996. We are in our 20th year! We opened the business
when
we
were
newlyweds. We now have both our teenage children working with us. Senior instructors Renshi Ian Jay Sensei Michelle Jay Instructor Team Sempai Stephan Abratis - Sandan Sempai Libby Yuil - Nidan Chris Gormley - Nidan Elie Kobain - Nidan Andrea Linhares - Shodan. Renshi Ian Jay has an extensive endurance and fitness background. We also offer Pilates, strength and conditioning classes. Sensei Michelle Jay has been educated on and spent years to understand injury rehabilitation and fitness anatomy.
The shared knowledge
lends itself to specialized teaching and understanding of our students.
The
MILTON
Academy
of Martial Arts has been serving the community since 2001 and is currently 300 students strong. We are a husband and wife team with 9 instructors including ourselves. Senior instructors are: Sensei Shawn Creighton Sempai Julie Creighton Shodan Instructors are: Mr. David Lewis – Shodan Mrs. Michelle McClafferty – Shodan Mrs. Lesley Lewis-Shodan Mr. Brendan Lewis – Shodan Mr. Patrick McClafferty- Shodan Mr. Terry Houlder-Shodan We also have 3 enthusiastic instructors in training. Our Junior instructors are: Greg Dunn Kristofer Saleh Izaan Zafar We are active in our community and attend many trade shows, and fundraisers providing a number of functions one being a range of demonstrations with our Rep Team. We are advocates in the community and offer support and education regarding bully resistance and the benefits of martial arts to mental health.
ERIN OAKS
The Dojo has been serving the community since 2010, in its new location since 2011, and we are currently 140 students strong.
We are a collection of families training together for many reasons, the common one is that “familes that train together gain together�. No matter where life takes us, we will always have our training to bind us. Senior instructor Sempai Salhia The Instructor Team David Di Natale Shodan Rami Masri Shodan Mikial Hudda Shodan Warner Moczulski Shodan Our dojo is very active with the community and has participated in many fund-raising events with the other Academies such as: Karate Chops Diabetes Karate Chops Cancer AMA Goes Pink We also take part in raising money for orphaned Children annually and will continue to do so. Our help in the community also includes demonstrations for a variety of kids’ events and we frequently hold self defense and bully resistance seminars. We are known for our family atmosphere and a fun learning environment.
SHIHAN BRIAN CYR When did you start training? October 4th 1983. How old were you when you started training? 17 years old. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? The whole mystic of the Martial Arts and of course Chuck Norris!! What do you remember most about your first class? Being with a few friends as we all started together. We did headlock self-defenses!! (This is a tradition that every new dojo does for their first class!)
When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? I wanted my Black Belt after watching my first Chuck Norris movie. When did you achieve Black Belt? June 1987. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Where have you traveled to train? Montreal, Vancouver, New York, California, Japan, Okinawa, Brazil, and China. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? Read a book that said that if you can find a way to do what you love you will never work a day in your life. What complimentary qualifications do you hold?
Starting University and working was a tough balancing act to keep the training at an intensity that was expected. When you want something bad enough you find a way. I was also a senior student of a brand new Dojo so the expectations were a huge motivator.
Professional Life Coach (Adler faculty member) (PPCT) Pressure Point Control Tactics instructor certification. What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students?
What is your Current Rank? Inspiration. 4th Dan Karate ( O’Sensei Richard Kim) 1st Dan JuJitsu ( O’Sensei Richard Kim)
What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts?
What most excites you about your training?
It’s connecting with people and being a part of their journey as the martial arts impacts their lives in so many ways.
The depth of it as there is always something to learn.
If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be?
What does the training do for you?
It’s all worth it.
7th Dan karate/Kobudo ( Hokama Sensei)
I do not think there is anything it does not do. It is my physical fitness, life-philosophy, career, family, and friends.
MRS KIM CYR When did you start training? October 1986 How old were you when you started training? 19 years old What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? My boyfriend was training and encouraged me to start!! What do you remember most about your first class? Being the only girl and thinking what have I gotten myself into! When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? Probably around green belt is when I first thought about it and this desire just became stronger with every other belt achieved. When did you achieve Black Belt? 1990
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? There were not many women training back then. Being the senior female my challenge was also my greatest motivation as I felt I needed to show that women had a place in line! What is your Current Rank? 5th Dan Karate What most excites you about your training? Learning and challenging myself. What does the training do for you? A sense of balance and presence in everything that I do. Where have you traveled to train? Vancouver, Florida, Mexico, Japan What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? I wanted to share what the Martial Arts had to offer to EVERYONE! What complimentary qualifications do you hold? Stott Pilates (Adv Mat/Reformer/Injury specialist), Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS), Nutrition for Weight Loss (NWL) What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Support/Direction What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? It’s about connecting with people and changing their lives. If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? Have fun and stick with it. It will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do for yourself!
RENSHI IAN JAY When did you start training? April 15, 1989. How old were you when you started training? 18 years old. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? In the Martial Arts madness of the 70s and 80s; Kung fu Theatre on Sundays, Chuck Norris movies and the Ninja craze, I watched every movie and read every magazine I could find. After much pleading, my parents enrolled me into a Community run Judo program when I was 10. It wasn’t a good fit for me. Fast forward 8 years when I am pursuing a career in law enforcement as my father was a Mountie in the RCMP, and I thought Martial Arts experience would look good on my application.
What do you remember most about your first class? What I remember the most about my first class was the traditional cultural elements of it: the uniforms, the formal line up, the instructor’s (Shihan Cyr) teaching style, the rankings, the etiquette. I was hooked. When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? Prior to joining AMA, I had always admired and respected what a Black Belt represented. The week I started at AMA, I knew I would not stop until I had achieved it. When did you achieve Black Belt? March 25, 1994. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was that although I was over 6 feet, I was under 140 pounds. My fellow Karate ka were much bigger and stronger making all partner training challenging for me. What is your Current Rank? GoDan, 5th Degree. What most excites you about your training? I love that there is so much to discover within the Martial Arts. Both in the technical elements themselves as well as what we learn about ourselves in the process. What does the training do for you? Training is grounding, empowering and a form of play for me.
Where have you traveled to train? I have travelled to Japan, Okinawa, China, Thailand, US and Caribbean. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? Shihan Cyr taught me to find something I was passionate about and create a career of it. Martial Arts became that passion and therefore I excelled within it, which was a great sense of purpose and achievement. What complimentary qualifications do you hold? PPCT Instructor Certification, National Level 1 Coach, Personal Trainer, Yoga Teachers Certification. What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Moving a student’s understanding from where they currently are to the next level of understanding. What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? Martial Arts have had the most profound impact on my life. I am most excited to offer others the opportunity to improve their lives through Martial Arts. If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? What may seem like an unattainable goal can be achieved with effort and persistence. You can do more than you think you can!
SENSEI DAVID JOHNSON When did you start training? I trained Karate in the 1970ds as a kid, earning a yellow belt before quitting; however I can’t recall why I stopped. I always intended on going back though. After finishing University, entering the workforce, and getting married; I was introduced to AMA by a friend and started Karate for the second time in 1988 at the age of 27. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? Although it was something I always intended to do again, I was attracted to the confidence exhibited by the Karate instructor (Shihan Cyr), so I would have to say self-improvement from an internal perspective.
What do you remember most about your first class? We did Tai Chi - my second class was Karate, and I remember how I had to stop part way through the warm-up. This became my first training goal, “To make it through an entire warm-up without stopping. When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? That would have to go back to when I was first training as a kid, and as an adult I can’t think of a time when I did not want my Black Belt. When did you achieve Black Belt? 1994, this was actually a difficult question to answer; I had to look it up. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? Performing beyond the limitations I set for myself. I don’t think I will ever truly overcome this; however, there are moments when I do. What is your Current Rank? I currently hold a YonDan (Fourth Degree Black Belt) What most excites you about your training? The blend of physical and mental challenges presented by Kata training. What does the training do for you? Training gives me focus and clarity. The ability to immerse myself in a class is both physically challenging and a mental vacation at the same time.
Where have you traveled to train? I have not really traveled over the course of my training; I have found everything I ever wanted in one place. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? Simply when I had the opportunity to do something professionally that I love to do and would be doing anyway…. What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Years of experience that comes from years of practice and study. What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? Physical and intellectual, or spiritual, selfimprovement – taught from the perspective of applicable actions. You can lift weights at a gym and get in shape through actions that have little application to your daily life. You can research self-improvement from an academic perspective and find it difficult to apply to your real world situation. Traditional Martial Arts offers physical education with applicable skills and these same abilities offer focus for intellectual improvement. If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? If you have always wanted to study Karate – “Start Now” don’t let preconceived notions get in your way. If you are looking for a way to practice or apply goals – then Karate is for you “Start Now”. If you have begun and quit numerous physical activities for any reason – the class structure of Karate will help you follow through “Start Now”.
SENSEI KIMBERLEY SUE When did you start training? I started training November 1989. How old were you when you started training? I was 15 years old. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? The main reason was my father wanted me to learn how to protect myself. What do you remember most about your first class? My first class was very challenging as I seemed to be the youngest in the Adult classes, I was shy but I made it through.
When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? After my yellow belt grading I knew it was a goal I wanted to achieve. When did you achieve Black Belt? 1994. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was during my black belt training with a knee injury. I was scared that I could not go on, but with perseverance, and a lot of meditation, I conquered it. What is your Current Rank? Yondan. What most excites you about your training? Bettering myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. What does the training do for you? This is my outlet for recharging myself and become a better person than yesterday. Where have you traveled to train? Florida, Vancouver, Mexico. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? At Orange belt I was put into a leadership position and started to assist and this made me feel great as I was learning to become a role model for the junior students.
What complimentary qualifications do you hold? Certified Stott Pilates Instructor since 2008. What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Since training with a Pilates background, I have learned to expose the students to stretching and to core strengthening exercises. Also teaching them to make adjustments and modification of the techniques for any injuries or rehabilitation purposes. What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? Giving back and sharing the knowledge of the Martial Arts If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? Anyone can do AMA Martial Arts, all you need to do is bow into the dojo. We are all here to help you.
SENSEI MICHELLE JAY When did you start training? I began training in July 1989. How old were you when you started training? 18 years of age. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? To learn self defense as I was living on my own. What do you remember most about your first class? I recall the incredibly empowered feeling of putting my uniform on.
When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? The moment I saw another woman with her black belt, at my first tournament in 1989. When did you achieve Black Belt? I achieved my black belt in August 1996. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was a knee injury and thus a mental road block. I just kept coming to class to be around the people who supported me. What is your Current Rank? I am a Sandan. What most excites you about your training? Even after more that 25 years of training I’m still learning things about myself. I’m still finding new skills and abilities. What does the training do for you? My training keeps me grounded and humble. Where have you traveled to train? I’ve travel to Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Florida, Mexico. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? I knew I wanted to be a teacher, way before I started training. I am privileged to be able to inspire others now, while I continue to be inspired in the art.
What complimentary qualifications do you hold? I have a Pilates teaching certification and have been a Yoga practitioner for more than 25 years. Certified for to work with in rehabilitating injuries, and have competed in endurance sports such as running and cycling. What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? I’d like to think I provide encouragement and inspiration for my students to be the best they can be. What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? What excites me is knowing that on some level I may have made someone’s life a little better, made them feel good about themselves or motivated them to try something new. If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? I know what it is like to be a beginner. It’s the best time to train, because if your come to every class with an open mind you will learn not just how to do martial arts, but how to be a martial artist!
SENSEI CARRIE PERCIVAL When did you start training? March 12, 1992. How old were you when you started training? 10 years old. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? I wanted to learn something new with my brother. Everything I was put in was separate from him (piano, gymnastics). What do you remember most about your first class? I remember being welcomed at the front door by the instructors and introduced to Shihan who walked me to my first class.
When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? I knew that I wanted to get my black belt after watching a group of our black belts compete at a tournament - I was still a white belt. When did you achieve Black Belt? June 3, 2000.
What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? When I got my Red belt I started to assist in classes and upfront. At that point I know that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, and have never done anything else (career wise) since. What complimentary qualifications do you hold? Nidan in Kobudo, CPR Certified.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? Highschool. I was bullied and wanted nothing to do with going to school any more. Biggest thing that helped me get through that part of my life was the dojo. The friends I made here and my training allowed me to push through and finish school.
What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Never ask the students to do something that I have not done. When I train, I keep that in mind. I train hard every time, so they train hard every time.
What is your Current Rank? Sandan.
What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? Sharing something that I love and that I know will greatly impact a persons way of life.
What most excites you about your training? I love learning - doesn't matter what it is I love receiving new knowledge. What does the training do for you? My training allows me to center myself, and connect with others. Where have you traveled to train? Vancouver, Florida, Alberta, Mexico.
If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
SENSEI SHAWN CREIGHTON When did you start training? I started training with Renshi Jay at the Mississauga Academy of Martial Arts in How old were you when you started training? I was 21 when I started training in the martial arts. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? Karate is something I was interested in from a young age but never had the opportunity to try, I attribute my initial enthusiasm to the movie The Karate Kid.
What do you remember most about your first class? I was very nervous, but excited to finally be in a dojo and trying something I’d wanted to do for a long time. When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? It didn’t really sink in until about six months before I went to my test, but I’ve wanted a black belt since I was 10. When did you achieve Black Belt? I tested for my 1st degree in 2001 What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was and still is procrastination, and I overcome it every day by scheduling everything and being a diligent goal setter.
Where have you traveled to train? I have traveled throughout the GTA and the State of Florida to participate in various seminars and certifications. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? At my core I believe the martial arts can improve peoples lives as it did mine, and I chose this lifestyle so I could pass on the gift that was given to me by my own instructors.
What complimentary qualifications do you hold? PPCT Spontaneous Knife defense Instructor PPCT Defensive Tactics Instructor
What is your Current Rank? I am currently a 3rd Degree Black Belt.
What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? I believe the best thing I can provide my students is a learning environment and instruction that can adapt to their learning needs while providing managed challenges that will build confidence in their abilities.
What most excites you about your training? There is always something new to learn or improve. Even as an instructor we should always be students first.
What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? Knowing that I am helping people improve their lives.
What does the training do for you? It keeps me charged and rejuvenated. It allows me to give more to my students mentally and physically.
If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? Enjoy the mystery and have faith that your instructors will guide you in the correct direction; it makes the whole experience more fun. Jump in with both feet because a year from now 12 months will have passed either way.
SEMPAI MIKE PERCIVAL When did you start training? February 1992. How old were you when you started training? 12 years old. What was the main reason for starting? My father wanted me to learn self-defense and I was a big Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Fan... It was a win win situation. What do you remember most from your first classes? I remember feeling that the Dojo was unlike any place I had been before and that the training was unlike anything I had done before. There was a focus and purpose in everything we did. Even the fun activities we did called for all your effort. Every single second of class was an opportunity to push yourself and improve.
When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? It was sometime in my first year of training after achieving my yellow belt. Before that point Black Belt seemed so far off it was almost too much to even think about. After my first grading I could see the belt levels as small steps to a big goal. I knew that all I had to do was take it one step at a time and I would get there. My Goal was set! When did you achieve Black Belt? June 2008. What is your Current Rank? NiDan. What does the training do for you? My training Keeps me focused and energized inside and outside the Dojo. Where have you traveled to train? Alberta, CAN - Florida, USA What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? When the opportunity to work full time at the Dojo presented itself, I already had experienced working full time in restaurant, warehouse, and office settings... “normal” career paths. I already knew that “normal” was not for me. The day Shihan Cyr offered me a position at the Dojo was the day I decided to embrace a Martial Arts career.
What complimentary qualifications do you hold? PPCT Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor Active Member of the Canadian Forces. What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Honesty, in my teaching and feedback. I am straight forward and except it right back. What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? I love being a part of people becoming stronger, mentally as well as physically. If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? Starting out in the Martial Art world can be a little scary because of all the unknowns but stick with it and try new things and the fear will become excitement, in side and outside the Dojo.
SEMPAI JULIE CREIGHTON When did you start training? I started training in late 2000. How old were you when you started training? I was 29 when I started training. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? I always wanted to start lessons ever since my early childhood. What do you remember most about your first class? Being excited and nervous at the same time. When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? I wanted a black belt right after I saw the 1st karate kid movie at the age of 13.
When did you achieve Black Belt? I received my black belt in 2006.
What complimentary qualifications do you hold? I am a Nutrition and Wellness Specialist.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was becoming afflicted with depression after my 3rd child was born. I overcame it by utilizing all the martial arts skills that I had acquired throughout my training to Shodan.
What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? I provide a classroom environment that embraces all learning styles without judgment or ridicule. Students are reminded that they will all learn in their appropriate time and comparison to another student can obstruct and interfere with learning.
What is your Current Rank? I am currently a 2nd degree black belt in Karate and a 1st Degree black belt in Kobudo. What most excites you about your training? That the learning seems limitless in the dojo and in life. What does the training do for you? The training brings balance to all aspects of my life. Where have you traveled to train? I have trained in Canada and the USA. What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? As a previous homecare nurse I helped care for the sick and ailing. One day I realized that I wanted to help educate people on ways to increase and maintain health so that our society can have healthier senior citizens in the future.
What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? I am most excited by witnessing the “ah-ha� moments that students have when they can take a lesson that they have learned in the dojo and apply it to their everyday life and understanding. Seeing that gleam in their eyes like they have discovered something sweet; that is what excites me the most. If you could give any advice to the new student starting what would it be? My advice to a new student would be to embrace this new chapter of their life with no expectations of themselves. If they can just come in and learn every day with a fresh set of eyes without selfcriticism the experience will be much better. The call to action would be to step outside their comfort zone whenever they can, in the dojo and especially in life because that is where the most growth happens.
SEMPAI MAI SALHIA When did you start training? I started training in 2004. How old were you when you started training? I had just turned 30 years old. What was the main reason(s) or motivation(s) for starting? The main motivation for getting started was I wanted to know more self defense if I ever had to protect my kids. I was motivated to start after I found out that the dojo was run by a husband and wife that have 2 kids, it showed me a good example. What do you remember most about your first class? My first class highlights where feeling like I was back in school, learning and laughing and not once did I think about anything outside of class. |During that hour was just total focus.
When did you know you wanted to get your Black Belt? I knew I wanted to get my black belt when the teacher said” look to the right and look to the left when you grade for black belt they will probably not be there most people quit before they get their black belt” I was thinking not me I will be there.
What made you decide that you wanted to make the Martial Arts your career? After teaching at my Sensei’s dojo I felt that teaching is a great way to build a healthy community and loved connecting with the kids, and so I talked to my Sensei and he helped me make martial arts my career.
When did you achieve Black Belt? Graded for my Shodan in 2008.
What complimentary qualifications do you hold? Certified Restaurant manager all help with working with people and managing your own business.
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? The biggest obstacle I overcame was facing my fears. I still have some but now I know how to suppress it and deal with it using my Martial mind set.
What’s the one thing you are best at providing for your students? Providing a learning family environment for students they call it a home away from home.
What is your Current Rank? I am currently a Second degree black belt (Ni Dan) and a first degree weapons black belt. What most excites you about your training? I love training sweating has a great feel and I met great people and lifetime friends doing that. What does the training do for you? Training helps me help people. It also helps me focus and I have achieved many of my personal goals because of that focus. Where have you traveled to train? I have traveled to Disney to compete twice.
What most excites you about teaching Martial Arts? Teaching martial arts has many exciting moments. To me, if I am able to help someone overcome an obstacle or save them from making a bad decision in life, it excites me.
KOSEN BUJUTSU Over two decades of teaching, travel, training and research has guided the Academy of Martial Arts to the forefront of self defense education. Our system of “Kosen Bujutsu” is the result of an amalgamation of traditional disciplines, classical systems, and the contemporary sciences of kinesiology. It is the cumulative result of these independent parts working in harmony that enables us to offer you a program of exceptional merit. The name “Kosen Bujutsu” is in itself a union of two classical Japanese expressions. The first part “Kosen” represents the time honored traditions of the classical Martial Arts schools. Commonly translated as old school education, “Kosen” promotes an understanding of the correct application of Martial Arts to everyday life. This is a skill that we take great pride in at the Academy of Martial Arts, as the majority of life’s conflicts are not of a physical nature. The second part of this classical expression is “Bujutsu”. This is the physical application of technically proficient skills that allows one to focus their abilities to successfully defend what is truly important, those we love. The Academy of Martial Arts has taught over 20,000 students the difference between fighting and stopping an attacker through a balance of Karate, defensive tactics, Ju Jutsu, and Kobudo. The Academy of Martial Arts teaches traditional values with a modern understanding of technique working together to create a balanced system. “Kosen Bujutsu” is a system developed to maximize results, minimize waste, and get you in the best shape of your life. Truly this is a system that will equip you for life.
GOJU RYU Miyagi Chojun was born to a wealthy family in Naha, Okinawa on April 25, 1888. He began training in Karate at the age of 11, and soon was the personal disciple of Higashionna Sensei. Miyagi Chojun trained in Naha-te for many years under Higashionna Sensei. After the death of his Sensei, Miyagi Chojun turned to his natural surroundings for inspiration and began training in close contact with nature. Shortly thereafter Miyagi Chojun, as his teacher had done before him, traveled to central China where he studied the martial arts of that nation; including Pa Kua and the practices of Zen. Returning to Okinawa, Miyagi Chojun began to formulate the Goju Ryu system. He utilized the strong snap techniques of Naha-te, taught to him by Higashionna Sensei, and blended them with the soft elements of the Chinese arts. After Goju had been established, it was necessary for a symbolic insignia. Miyagi Sensei created the insignia for Goju, simply by copying his own clenched fist. This symbol is still in use today. The word Goju means hard and soft. "Go" is Japanese for hard and "Ju" means soft. Goju is based on an Oriental concept that all hardness and stiffness is not good; neither is all softness and gentleness. Instead, the two should complement and balance each other. It is this balance that Miyagi Chojun strived for in the development of Goju. From Okinawa, Karate was introduced to the Japanese in 1922. The Goju system of Karate followed shortly thereafter, where it was embraced by Gogen Yamaguchi. Becoming a student of Goju, Gogen Yamaguchi would later establish the first Japanese Goju Dojo in 1930. Under his leadership, the Goju system would spread out across the nation. Yamaguchi Sensei was not only a student of Goju, but would become an innovator as well. He would be responsible for fundamental changes in the Goju school that dramatically altered the course of Karate. Observing his students, Gogen Yamaguchi concluded that the Okinawan style of Karate was too static and limited. Believing that the practice steps in sparring inhibited too many students; Yamaguchi Sensei, devised a free style of sparring similar to boxing. This new form of sparring would eventually progress into Jiyu Kumite, which lends itself to the competitive element of modern Karate. Gogen Yamaguchi's many contributions to Karate eventually lead to a unique form of Japanese Goju, similar yet different from its Okinawan roots. In 1930, Karate was admitted into the Butoku-Kai, the official government headquarters for the Japanese martial arts. The Karate style of Miyagi Sensei was formally registered as Goju Ryu at the Butoku-Kai in 1933.
The Zen Buddhist Monk Bodhirma is commonly considered the originator of the martial arts including karate. In the sixth century he traveled across the Himalayan mountains from India arriving in Honan, province of China, where he began a monastery. Bodhirma noted that although his disciples were strong mentally, they were weak physically, and were frequently suffering under the attacks of bandits. Bodhirma developed a fighting system for his monks to help solve this problem. This system was created from Bodhirma's study of the hunting and fighting skills of animals such as the tiger, monkey, leopard, crane, and snake. Bodhirma also employed various breathing techniques to better the health of the monks. Merchants from Okinawa traded silks and spices with China. Some of these merchants learned the martial arts fighting system of Bodhirma while in China and took this knowledge back to Okinawa. At the time, all metal weapons were outlawed in Okinawa, and these fighting skills were badly needed by peasant farmers to defend themselves from ruthless samurai. The Okinawans with their martial arts knowledge, took ordinary farm tools and with a few modifications created new weapons, and a new fighting system. The Japanese were introduced to karate by the Okinawans in the early 1920's. From Japan, through Sensei Yamaguchi, Sensei Peter Urban brought Goju Ryu to The United States. Sensei Bob Dalgleish brought Goju Ryu into Canada in the 1960’s.
One of the aims of training with weapons, is to teach the difference between life and death. Realization of a weapons power, in relation to that of an empty hand, teaches one to respect its potential. The same thrust of a punch to the abdomen, will bring about an entirely different result if the hand were clutching a knife. While one will hurt or stun, the other will likely kill. With an understanding or respect, for any weapon, one can begin to learn how to properly defend oneself against an armed attacker. Kobudo training is designed to teach how a weapon can be used as an extension of the body. Most basic Karate moves can be duplicated with a weapon in hand. Only by first learning these basic movements, however, can weapons training begin. One of the most useful weapons, for present day defense taught in Kobudo is the either the Bo, or the Tonbo. The Bo, a six foot oak staff, can be fashioned from a broom handle or a pool cue, and the Ulesi, a short cane or bamboo stick, can be modified out of an umbrella or any loose stick.
TAI CHI The main style of Soft Internal Martial Arts that we study at the Academy is Tai Chi. This art emphasizes slow controlled movements, developing balance and concentration, along with relaxation and controlled breathing techniques. Tai Chi deals with a combination of circular and linear movements. Tai Chi is designed to absorb and redirect an attack. The entire Tai Chi set consists of 108 flowing movements. Tai Chi can be performed by anyone regardless of age and present physical condition because of their slow movements. It will help increase flexibility, strength, blood circulation, peace of mind, and give the practitioner better overall health. All Karate students should make Tai Chi a part of their training, as it complements the soft aspects of the Goju style.
JU JUTSU The term Jiu Jitsu means "Gentle Art". At a white belt level you will begin to learn the art of Jiu Jitsu in your regular classes. The emphasis on AMA Jiu Jitsu is on good technique, timing and leverage, not just strength alone. For this reason, the size of the student is irrelevant, so big and small people can work together and both benefit from the system. Jiu Jitsu involves basic rolls and break-falls, joint locks, pressure points, chokes, takedowns, throws, holds and a variety of ground positions. Jiu Jitsu's in-close contact and Karate's strong techniques and stability, these two arts compliment each other very well.
TRANSLATIONS
KIHON KATA Tensho Turning Palms Taikyoku Jodan First Course Upper Taikyoku Geidan First Course Lower Taikyoku Kake Uke
First Course Hooking Block
Sanchin Three Battles Geki Sai Itch Attack And Smash One Geki Sai Ni Attack And Smash Two Geki Sai San Attack And Smash Three Pinan Sanda Peaceful Mind Three Pinan Yondan Peaceful Mind Four
A Kata, which is generally translated as 'Form', is a predetermined series of fighting techniques (Blocking, Punching, Striking, & Kicking) against imaginary opponents. The first and last step of a Kata are the most important. The essence of Karate is in the Kata. The Kata has been the traditional method used by the masters to hand down their techniques over the ages. The Kata allows the student to fully express the four basic tenets of Karate: speed, strength, beauty, and technique.
ELECTIVE KATA Naihanchi Shodan Holding Your Ground one Naihanchi Nidan Holding Your Ground two Naihanchi Sandan Holding Your Ground Three Arakaki unsu
Cloud Hands
Wanchu Flying Swallow Wankwan Emperor’s Crown Bassai dai
Extract and Seize
Empi ha Form of Elbows Shorin Seisan 56 Movements
Most Katas begin and end with a block. This symbolizes the defensive nature of Karate training. The Kiai points in a Kata usually fall on a finishing technique. The Kata is not a dance. You must try to visualize your opponents. All self-defense techniques and applications are in the Kata. When you train your Katas for a long time they will reveal themselves to you. Katas begin and end at the same point. This point is called an Embusen. The Kata is the means of self perfection.
Every Student Should Know To be a great partner you must stimulate and simulate. Awareness and avoidance are the first steps to self defense. Some other Martial Arts are: judo, ju jutsu, kendo, taekwondo, kung fu, sumo, aikido, and hapkido. Ju Jutsu is based on technique, timing and leverage. Biomechanics is the study of the human being in action. Specifically how movements can maximize the techniques. Karate begins and ends with courtesy and respect.
In the Martial Arts, Samurai swords have had the most influence of all weapons. The five major styles of karate are Goju Ryu, shotokan, wado Ryu, shito Ryu, and kyokushin kai. The animal that represents our style is the dragon. Ippon kumite teaches you timing and distancing. The ultimate aim of karate is the unity of body, mind, and spirit. The best self defense is not to be there. A martial artist is someone who is liberated from fear.
Every Student Should Know Seek to learn the principles and concepts not just the technique. A martial artist is an artist for life. You learn by doing, not by asking. The person who thinks about doing something is usually passed by someone doing it.
Three things to demonstrate in Kata, (1) Hard and soft movement, (2) Fast and slow movement, (3) Expansion and contraction in movement. In training to obtain the maximum benefit you must train in a serious light.
3 phases of the punch are force, speed, and impact
It is not enough to hit with just the body, you must hit with the MIND and SPIRIT.
You learn from the bad times.
A weapon is just an extension of your arm.
Power is rooted in the feet, developed by the legs, directed by the waist, and expressed by the limbs
After you use a foot sweep, you must punch.
Every Student Should Know If a person can use his hands well it will be easier to learn to use weapons as many of the moves are similar on a theoretical basis. To develop power, lift weights and strike the heavy bag. Escrima, meaning Fencing, is a Filipino Martial Arts using sticks, knives, and other edged weapons. This Art is also know as Arnis or Kali. Honor, Integrity, Loyalty, and Time are the Four Possessions of the Samurai. Time is the most valuable possession.
Basics (KIHON) are the most necessary part of your physical training. Gichin Funakoshi is the one man many consider to have had the most influence in propagating Karate in the world today. “Once a kata has been learned, it must be practiced repeatedly until it can be applied in an emergency, for knowledge of just the sequence of a form in Karate is useless.” - Gichin Funakoshi “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants.” - Gichin Funakoshi You get what you give.