Helpful Japanese Shotokan Hints

HOW TO TIE YOUR BELT









COUNTING

Ichi = one
Ni = two
San = three
Shi = four
Go = five
Ruko = six
Shichi = seven
Hachi = eight
Ku = nine
Ju = ten


STANCES

Shizentai = natural stance
Zenkutsu dachi = front stance
Gyaku zenkutsu dachi = reversed front stance
Kiba dachi = horse stance
Kokutsu dachi = back stance
Neko ashi dachi = cat stance
Jiyu kamae = freestyle stance
Shiko dachi = square stance
Fudo dachi = rooted stance


BLOCKS

Gedan barai = downward block
Age uke = rising block
Soto uke = outside to inside cross block
Uchi uke = inside to outside cross block
Shuto uke = knife hand block
Osae uke = pressing block
Otoshi uke = downward forearm block
Sukui uke = scooping block
Chudan barai = middle level downward block
Nagashi uke = flowing block
Haiwan nagashi uke = flowing block with outside of arm


PUNCHES

Choku zuki = basic punch
Oi zuki = stepping punch
Gyaku zuki = reverse punch
Kizami zuki = snap punch
San bon zuki = three times punch
Ura zuki = upper cut punch
Kagi zuki = hook punch


PUNCHES

Mae geri = front snap kick
Yoko geri keage = side snap kick
Yoko geri kekomi = side thrust kick
Mawashi geri = roundhouse kick
Ushiro geri = back thrust kick
Hiza geri = knee kick
Uru mawashi geri = reverse roundhouse kick
Ushiro mawashi geri = back roundhouse kick
Fumikomi = stamping kick
Ren geri = two kicks in a row


STRIKES

Shuto uchi = knife hand strike
Empi uchi = elbow strike
Mawashi empi uchi = roundhouse elbow strike
Uraken uchi = back fist strike
Nukite = spear hand thrust
Haito uchi = ridge hand strike
Otoshi = striking downward



COMMANDS

Seiza = formal kneeling position
Mokuso = meditation
Mokuso Yame = finish meditation
Rei = bow
Shomen ni rei = bow to shomen
Sensei ni rei = bow to sensei
Sempai ni rei = bow to sempai
Dojo kun = rules of the dojo
Yoi = ready
Hajime = start
Kamaete = move into stance
Mawate = turn
Yame = finish
Naore = relax

MISC

Sensei = instructor
Sempai = senior
Kiai = yell originating from diaphram
Kata = set movement pattern
Jodan = head target area
Chudan = chest target area
Gedan = lowest target area
Kihon = basic techniques
Kumite = attacking/defending technique
Kyo = pause between consecutive techniques
Zanchin = awareness
Sen no sen = seizing the initiative earlier
Go no sen = seizing the initiative later
Tate = upright
Hikite = pulling hand

Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun Li

Coming out the end of this month (Feb 27th) There is a new remake of the Street Fighter movie originally taken from the classic video game series. The cast is actually pretty interesting, with KRISTIN KREUK (from Smallville), MICHAEL CLARKE-DUNCAN (from The Green Mile), CHRIS KLEIN and NEAL MCDONOUGH.

Below is a youtube video trailer of the movie and the imbd.com movie info page:

imbd.com (Street Fighter: Legend of Chun LI)

NEW Pictures!

Stop By and take a look at some of the new Photographs we've added to the Official Site earlier this week. They are under the Shotokan, Ninjutsu, Art Of Combat, Aerobic Kickboxing, and Tiny Tiger Karate sections within the site. Also give me feedback on the new photo slideshow layout change as well please.

Additional Photos located within the Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy website

www.3citiesmartialarts.com

Photos were taken by brother in law & Professional Photographer, Addison Geary Of Philadelphia PA. Addison Geary Photography

Getting The Most Of Out Your Training

The following is another interesting article i came across that i would like to share

7 HABITS OF A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL MARTIAL ARTISTS

Regardless of how old you are or what rank you have earned, most martial arts students share a common goal … to be the best they can be. What matters is that you are striving toward your personal potential. Follow the Seven Habits of Highly Successful Martial Artists to help you get there.

• Be There: Getting to class is important not only to continue your learning but to provide your body with the routine of physically and mentally utilizing your knowledge.
  
  
• Practice: Reviewing at home is critical if you want to master your skills. Furthermore, home practice makes your class experience more beneficial. Practice anything new you learn in class for five to ten minutes as soon as you get home that day.
  
  
• Eat Right: Eat healthy and your body will pay dividends when challenged. Good nutrition is a necessity for peak performance.
  


• Stretch Daily: Muscles that are stretched regularly are less prone to injuries. Flexible muscles can help your body perform techniques with an amazing degree of speed, accuracy and power.
  
  
• Meditate: Just take five to ten minutes a day by yourself; close your eyes, relax, and breath deeply. See yourself performing challenging techniques perfectly. Doing this can help you fine- tune your techniques.
  


• Teach: The teaching process actually “hard- codes” information into your brain and helps you learn faster. Stand in front of a mirror and verbally teach yourself how to perform a technique. Make necessary corrections and positively reinforce yourself.
  


• Set Goals: Have you officially set black belt as your goal yet? Have you set a specific time-line to achieve that goal? A goal set is a goal already half completed.
  Follow these seven habits of highly successful martial artists and you’ll achieve your true martial arts potential… and you may surprise yourself at how incredible your potential actually is.
  

Keep smiling, keep training and I’ll see you at the TOP!

7 Habits of a successful Martial Artists

Stress Management

The following is an interesting article on stress management i came across today from another site and thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you.

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it."

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, set them down for a moment if you can." "Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!

And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

• Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.


• Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.


• Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.


• Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.


• If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.


• If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.


• It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.


• Never buy a car you can't push.


• Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.


• Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.


• The second mouse gets the cheese.


• When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.


• Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.


• You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.


• Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.


• A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Stress Management Article

NEW Expanded Aerobic Kickboxing Classes At TCMAA!!!

Come check out the new Aerobic Kickboxing classes at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy! We have expanded our class size and number of classes offered throughout the week!

Mondays: 6-7pm

Tuesdays:6-7pm

Thursdays:6-7pm

so come check it out and maybe make a friend or two, exercise, get in shape and learn self defense all at the same time.....its like killing 3 birds with 1 stone (we dont promote any animal cruelty by any means, this is us just trying to be funny..LOL)

New classes being instructed by Jen Bishop

Fight the rain (litterally) with this Samurai Sword Umbrella

Check out this Samurai sword (handle) Umbrella from ThinkGeek.com. Apprently it uses Space-age plastic material and is priced at about $30 bucks.

This is for the true warrior-within!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Have a fun and safe holidays everyone!

Hear Us on the radio!

Be sure to keep an ear out (lol) for us on the radio during the week after Christmas (12/26/08-1/2/09) on WILD 104.1 in the Broome County area.

Site Update!

***NEW WEBSITE UPDATE***

AS OF 12/23/2008




www.3citiesmartialarts.com

Fortune Cookie...

One must be available, alert, active, and adaptable

....this is so true

The Art-Full Samurai

Here is some cool alternative Samurai artwork. Some are drawings and some a cartoon-ish. Either way there definitely interesting.

Don't Be A Scaredy-Cat

Come to find that majority of the people that want to, or are interested in practicing in the Martial Arts, or at least giving it a try seem to be hesitant (scared).

Some reasons for this might include:

1. Some feel they are physically not in shape to train in the Martial Arts

2. Some don't have the time or energy to get out and train

3. Some don't know anything about Martial Arts and would feel embarrassed if they where to train with other experienced student

4. Some may not know of any good credible Martial Arts schools in their area

5. Some think that the Martial Arts is all about fighting and nothing else, and they are unaware of the physical and emotional benefits that the Martial Arts has to offer.

I would like to take a minute and bring light to some of these reasons (excuses) that people may have for not training in the Martial Arts

Response to #1:
If someone feels they are not physically in shape enough to engage in Martial Arts training i would respond with: You don't need to be in world class shape to train, anyone has the ability to engage on some level and train in the Martial Arts. Also training in Martial Arts gives you the physical ability and tools to get into shape and stay in shape.

Response to #2:
If someone feels that they don't have the time and or energy to train in the Martial Arts i would respond with: Training at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy has it's advantages; this is because we offer a wide selection of styles that are offered throughout the week days and at different times throughout the evening day. So if you could only fit in a a couple hours a week of training and typically towards the later part of the evening then you might want to consider our Art Of Combat Fighting System and or Traditional Japanese Ninjutsu. Also Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy offers private lessons to suite anyones needs and or schedule. (call for pricing 607-729-4826)

Response to #3:
If someone feels that they would be embarressed training with other highly skilled or more experienced students my response would be: Once again to consider private lessons at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy, where the student can learn one on one instruction at their own comfortable speed and pace. Also in general, training at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy is fun no matter what your skill level is. We have students that are beginners all the way up to World Champion Black Belts and at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy we do not judge the ability of fellow students. Garunteed you are not alone in your worries of feeling embarrassed. But with continuous training you will see and feel yourself getting better, stronger and more confident after every class.

Response to #4:
For someone that feels they don't know where to start in regards to which school to begin training at my response would be: look on the internet (Google & Yahoo) for local Martial Arts Schools in your area. But if you live in the Broome County area and find yourself not knowing where to start, Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy is perfect for you! We have programs for everyone and anyone, and also are the ONLY Martial Arts School In Broome County to be officially certified to teach Traditional Japapnese Ninjutsu. We are also the only officially certified Martial Arts school in New York State to teach the Art Of Combat Fighting System. We also are great with children and offer Tiny Tigers Karate which helps with children's confidence and concentration. We also offer Aerobic Kickboxing. Which is where you can learn self defense techniques and get into shape all while having fun. We have credentials and experience in training past World Class Champions and also World Class People!

Response to #5:
For someone thinking that Martial Arts is all about fighting and defending yourself my response would be: This is not true at all! Martial Arts is a way of life. From the way you train, to the way you think, to the way you handle yourself with the outside world, to how you treat people and how you all around live your life. Yes you will learn how to defend yourself if you ever need to for any reason. However at Triple Cities Martial Arts we do not just teach our students to fight. We train them to become better people within their family, society and succeed later in life. Training at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy you get both physical and emotional benefits.
Improved Reflexes and Coordination which increases your performance in all physical activities.

Physical Benefits

• Increased Strength and Stamina, boosts energy so you feel great all day
• Increased Flexibility & Weight Control for better overall fitness
• Great Cardiovascular Work Out keeps you in good shape physically.

Mental Benefits

• Improved Concentration for better work and study habits
• Stress Reduction & Increased Levels of Relaxation for a longer, healthier life
• The Peace of Mind that comes from knowing that you are able to Protect Yourself & Your Family
• Increased Self Confidence & Self Discipline to develop a positive attitude toward life.

.....So if you found yourself using these reasons for not training in Martial Arts.....well now you cant (lol). Seriously though i just hope to shed some light on what Martial Arts can do for people of all types, abilities and ages. Also letting you know what Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy can offer you and how it is the best place to consider starting your training.

For information about classes, enrollment and pricing please contact Instructor Rick Henderson:
(607) 729-4826
3CitiesMartialArts@Gmail.com

AND CHECK OUT THE TRIPLE CITIES MARTIAL ARTS WEBSITE:
www.3CitiesMartialArts.com

Shout Outs..

I would like to take some time out and shout out a few other Martial Arts related web communities for 2 reasons:

1. To let people be aware of other people who are trying to create a Martial Arts internet "together-ness" (yea i may have made this word up) like i am trying to do.
2. Because I get inspiration from these forums/blogs and would like to give credit to them. they all do a great job!

Forums:

1. http://www.martialartsplanet.com/
2. http://www.karateforums.com/
3. http://www.budoseek.net/vbulletin/index.php

Blogs:

1. http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/
2. http://www.martialviews.com/

If any other Martial Arts themed/related blogs, sites or forums would like to be added to this list, please email me at 3CitiesMartialArts@Gmail.com and i will review your forum/blog/site and add to this list.

Cops nab "Ninja" vigilantes

Two “modern day Ninjas” calling themselves Shinobi Warriors on a quest to rid the area of drug users and drug dealers have been put out of business by police. Officer before dawn yesterday approached a car parked in the left lane of Route 46 east and found two Clifton men dressed in black claiming to be Ninjas. The men were wearing tactical vests and armed with knives in sheaths at their waists along with Ninja throwing knives, Chinese throwing stars, four-pointed tacks, swords, bows and arrows and nunchucks, said Detective Capt. Robert Rowan. Jesse Trojaniak, 19, and Tadieusz Tertkiewicz, 20, told police they were “modern day Ninjas” also called Shinobi Warriors on their way to deliver warning letters to known drug dealers and drug users to stop their “impure” activities. They told police they planned to leave the letters on the front doors of these individuals they had singled out. Their weapons, Rowan said, were to be a precaution in case they were confronted by the drug dealers. The letters warned drug users and drug dealers that the “Shinobi will stop your cruel and sadistic intentions with justified yet, merciful force.”

Visit this link for more details on this story

I guess its good to see civilians trying to pick up where local law enforcement leaves off or dosent concern themselves with, however i don't necessarily agree with this approach.

1. They wont be taken seriously
2. It's EXTREMELY dangerous
3. It's not even really about being "Ninjas".....They don't understand the true concerns & ways of a legit Ninja......but once again that just my opinion

.........What do You guys think?????


(CLICK HERE) to visit the Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy Website To Find Out What REAL Ninjutsu Is All About, and Enroll In Classes. (Johnson City, NY)