“You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you have to overcome to reach your goals.” ― Booker T. Washington
Osu! Very proud of our Kohai ranging in age from 5 to 40+ for their hard work and dedication during Saturday's test. You all did an amazing job and we are very honored to have you as part of our IKU family!                                                                                                                                                                                                         Teaching children karate is more than teaching the proper way to execute a kick or punch. It is more than teaching children to count to 10 in Japanese or how to sit in meditation. It is about being a role-model and leading by example. Kids should pick their role models carefully. We hope that when children look up to Sensei Bobb or any of the other instructors they learn about all aspects of life, not just karate. Sensei Bobb's recent visit to Kohai Cole's elementary school class is a perfect example of leading by example. Sensei was honored to be Cole's chosen friend for the day and spent the morning with Cole and the other 1st grade students talking about karate, drawing pictures and answering any questions that the group asked. If he had a positive impact on just one child that day he did what any instructor of the martial arts could hope for, he made a difference! OSU!
Lessons Learned from Brownie Troop 1067 Kontakuto Martial Arts had the honor of hosting a Girl Power and Self Defense Seminar for some very special girls on January 26th, 2013. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. These skills are not that different than those we try to instill in our students through the art of karate. We were honored to provide these girls with some basic skills empowering them to be confident and strong. Discussing what to do in a threatening situations with strangers and bullies was rewarding not just for the girls in attendance but for the instructors as well. These girls are our future, we were honored to be part of an event that can help shape them into the powerful young ladies they each have the potential to become. If you are interested in having a group of young individuals participate in an event like this or to learn more about our karate program for children and teens please feel free to contact us. It is our honor to work with any organization that empowers children to be their best. Obi Ceremony 1.15.13 "Do it badly; do it slowly; do it fearfully; do it any way you have to, but do it!" Steve Chandler We are very proud of our kohai who try their hardest, overcome their fears and take great steps towards their dreams and wishes every time they set foot in the Dojo. Congratulations to each and everyone of them as they have each taken another step closer to the accomplishment of shodan (black belt). OSU!                                   Little Warriors...Little in Size but not in Heart. Tameshiwari is the art of using parts of the body, such as hand, elbow, head or foot to break wood, tile, bricks, stone, ice, baseball bats ... Tameshi also means trial, therefore tameshiwari means trial by the wood. The practice of breaking wood requires not only hard physical training but also great focus and concentration. If one believes oneself of being capable of breaking an object then one can release one's entire physical energies into the act. Any mental reservations, such as being concerned of hitting something hard or what if the wood doesn't break will inhibit the maximum use of power and potential of the technique. Our little Warriors are between the ages of 4 - 7. There ability to overcome their worries, their fear and their reservations is amazing. Watch as these little warriors smash through their boards, and their reactions after they break them. We are honored to work with these amazing individuals and love to see the confidence instilled in them each time they overcome an obstacle such as this. OSU! Kyokushin Obi (Belt) Testing 1.10.13 Tameshiwari is an important part of Kontakuto Martial Arts: RENSSELAER KYOKUSHIN's requirements for rank testing. Not only does it require good form but mental toughness. Very proud of our kohai's performances in this video. OSU! Tameshiwari is the art of using parts of the body, such as hand, elbow, head or foot to break wood, tile, bricks, stone, ice, baseball bats ... Tameshi also means trial, therefore tameshiwari means trial by the wood. The practice of breaking wood requires not only hard physical training but also great focus and concentration. If one believes oneself of being capable of breaking an object then one can release one's entire physical energies into the act. Any mental reservations, such as being concerned of hitting something hard or what if the wood doesn't break will inhibit the maximum use of power and potential of the technique. This quote from A Midsummer Night's Dream and this video say it all. Osu! This article was originally posted on Black Belt Magazine's Facebook Page. If you like it make sure you like their page for other great reads! Busy schedules mean we seldom have time to relax. When was the last time you sat down and simply took a deep, cleansing breath? If you’re busy with work and family in addition to your martial arts practice, you probably have a greater need for stress reduction than the average person. Here’s why: Stress can have numerous effects on the human body, triggeri...ng the release of hormones and catecholamine, which can lead to physiological damage. It’s possible to have “eustress,” or good stress that motivates you to get the job done or meet a deadline, but eustress is generally only 10 percent of our daily dose. “Distress,” or bad stress, makes up the other 90 percent. We often manage it poorly by getting angry, tense or worse. That’s why we need a healthy approach to handling it. One of the most common side effects of physical activity is stress reduction. Martial arts practice is uniquely suited for this. When we train our bodies, we generate endorphins, hormones and other byproducts that cause vasodilation (increased blood circulation to the central organs) and help reduce toxins. In Japanese dojo, misogi is a frequently encountered term. It loosely means “to purify the body and spirit.” Done right, martial arts training accomplishes this by emphasizing stretching, breathing and meditation in ways other sports do not. The deep breathing removes carbon dioxide, the major metabolic waste product of the body. It also boosts oxygenation, tissue recovery and focus. Taken as a total package, few physical activities move into the realm of stress reduction or relaxation the way the martial arts do. It’s often said that when you have a bad day, you should train. And when you have a good day, you should train. And when you are stressed out, you should train. You get the message. Most problems seem less daunting and more manageable after you work up a good lather. After all, it’s not about getting to the top of the mountain; it’s about the process of continually climbing life’s many mountains. Stress is one we never summit, but we can learn to deal with it better through martial arts training. —Dane S. Harden, Black Belt Magazine www.facebook.com/BlackBeltMagazine A press release for Kontakuto Karate was recently released! When will you get off the couch and kick something? | AuthorCasey Etter is the owner of Kontakuto Karate and Fitness Center in Castleton, NY. She has been a practitioner of martial arts for over 10 years.  ArchivesMarch 2013 CategoriesAll |
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