Concept of the Week
Last week I talked to everyone about "Tao" or "Do" in the martial arts.
In my opinion, the martial arts way is to teach principles that can be
used in everyday life. Yes, it is true that the motions we do are good
for our health and the repetition of the intermediate moves can be used
in self defense, but that is only the surface of what the martial arts
is all about. I have used the following example many times : If I could
teach you a technique that would work against any type of attack, but
that it only works between 5 and 6 PM on Sunday, how many of you would
spend a lot of time on that technique. Not many I am sure. This is
because we all want to learn things that work all the time in every
situation. This is called principle based martial arts instruction. It
is my hope that each and everyone of you can take the principles that
we teach and apply it to everything you do. For some it might empower
you to make better grades, others to improve their personal
relationships, and yet others will take these principles and improve
their job or business. The principles you learn in the martial arts are
adaptable to everything because they are based on life and death.
Next week I will begin talking about strategies and tactics that are
discussed by modern day warriors. Key elements such as timing,
positioning, attitude, planning and philosophy when applied to the
martial arts bring about a new way of looking and dealing with many of
the hassles and problems we face everyday. I encourage you to take each
of these weekly topics and step outside your box and look back at each
problem as a modern samurai might and I think you will be amazed at how
different the problem may seem. If nothing else, the simple process of
looking at the problem from someone else's perspective is a healthy
process.

Free Womens self Defense Seminar
We are having a free women's self defense seminar this Saturday from
10:30 - 1:00 at the north school. Anyone interested in coming please
call Kyoshi at 262-0147.

Our competition team did great at the tournament in Denver. With only a
handful of competitors, ABBA brought home more medals than any other
school. Great job team!

Kyoshi