Dear CMAA+FSK-North Family and Friends,
亲爱的朋友们，
Summer is here! From class cancelations, new classes and tournaments you definitely want to get all the info! Check out this month’s newsletter and see what’s going on at CMAA+FSK-North!亲爱的朋友们，希望大家一切安好！从讲座，比赛，表演以及其他精彩活动，每一项您都不容错过！。请看以下详细信息！
Read more below and get all the information on the following:
School Closings
停课安排
North East Open Martial Arts Competition
武术比赛
USA-IFK Summer Camp
美国-IFK极真会空手道夏令项目
Super Smash Bros Cross Training Event Recap
空手道和跆拳道交流项目
Shifu Lucas – Awarded Jiutjitsu Black Belt
师傅授予巴西柔术的黑带
CMAA 1st Generation Reunion
CMAA第一代学生聚会
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
关注FSK – North 还有CMAA的 Instagram和Facebook
Get all the news here:
详细信息请参考以下检索：
School Closings
CMAA will be closed Friday July 1st through Tuesday July 5th for a long weekend (re-opening July 6th) . Please be safe and enjoy your holiday!
Please note our calendar online through the Zen Planner App is LIVE. For any questions about class schedules or adjustments please refer to this calendar for the most up to date information.
North East Open Martial Arts Competition
Saturday Aug. 13! Put it on your calendars now
This competition is appropriate for ALL levels, ages and abilities.
Register now. Please message me if you have any questions filling things out.
http://northeastopen.com/?fbclid=IwAR0RomgkanEP9bge4iWyAW-mqCqI1Am_tPEJotlW11_s0T2wwPKiqpF36Ao
Why compete?
We learn important lessons when we compete and martial arts offer all types of competitions for those who seek to benefit from competition experience. From small tournaments to national and international tournaments, individuals can choose to compete in either individual forms or various types of sparring. From goal setting to developing the confidence to perform in front of a large group, it doesn’t matter which events they choose, the benefits remain numerous. From learning to deal with loss and disappointment, to winning gold, qualifying for a national team spot or competing internationally, important life lessons will be learned. Additionally, achievements can also be listed on student’s CV’s.
USA - IFK Summer Camp
One of the main reasons I wanted to affiliate with FSK (beyond Kyokushin itself being an amazing art, and FSKs amazing leadership, and culture) was its role in the Kyokushin community. Though FSK we have amazing access to opportunities to learn and connect with the Kyokushin community at large. These opportunities include seminars, tournaments, and training camps. Osu!
Be sure to check out this incredible opportunity to join in the official USA- IFK 2022 Summer Camp training with IFK President Shihan Pickthall!!!
Register here: https://www.uskyokushin.com/registration
Super Smash Bros Cross Training Event Recap
What can I say? Every bit as glorious I imagined. Simply a phenomenal meeting of the minds. As Master Grogin said, the event was a success because we connected on a deeper level as martial arts. Even compared to schools within the same styles who do things differently and cant open their minds enough to benefit from working together, we on the other hand were able to approach this kind of event with mutual respect, have a FUN and come away with greater knowledge and appreciation of the artsl.
Thank you to Master Grogin, and Master Collins of Pil Sung Tae Kwon do as well as Shihan Schenker of Fighting Spirit Karate for making this happen. Also, thanks to our students for having faith, making the effort to come and sweat!
I look forward to continued efforts in connecting the martial arts community, sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation to see the big picture! Osu!
CMAA 1st Generation Reunion
I had surprise visit from my first generation super ninjas. These kids were absolute winners from when I began working with them. I have many wonderful memories of our years together competing and performing. Outgoing, brilliant, talented, funny and thoughtful. Black belts in Kungfu and already on their way to black belts in life.
When I trained them they were so young and talented (fast learners, head to toe flexibility, aerial twists etc before age 10), all it made me wonder how I had any luck in competitive wushu compared to kids like this with such skill.
Now I sit back and look at these kids winning In life: Economics and CS at NYU, Systems Engineering at West Point, Statistics at University of Michigan and two others about to head off freshman years at Fordham and UNC respectively. It’s not just that though, it’s that they’re still thoughtful and engaging that makes it so enjoyable to see them continue to succeed. The future is bright!
Given this reunion occurred on Fathers Day weekend I appreciated it that much more. They say “一日为师，终身为父”, “to be a teacher for a day, is to be a father for a lifetime.”
It’s amazing how much pride you can have having been a part of their journey.
Shifu Lucas Jiujitsu Black Belt
It is with honor that I announce having been awarded my black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ). While I do not teach BJJ at CMAA/FSK North, I hope my continued training helps my students understand my own appreciation for martial arts. I believe strongly in the mindset of keeping ones cup empty and mind open. I also believe that its never too late and you’re never too old to start again as a “white belt” (in any area of life). I can say without a doubt that all my training gives me much greater insight in to the arts I do teach, including better perspectives about both technique and teaching methodology.
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On June 4th I had the honor of receiving my black belt in BJJ from Professor Bruno Tostes at Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiujitsu in Latham, NY. For those who may not know, a black belt in BJJ is considered the gold standard in martial arts black belts. I was told when I started, “it’s easier to get blood from a rock than a black belt from a Gracie.”
First and foremost with all my gratitude I have to say “Thank you” to my TEAM! First to my parents and wife for their support. I could not have done it without your own sacrifices, and encouraging (enabling?). I have too many instances in mind, from dad driving me and watching my practices (as an adult!), to mom yelling at me about how much time I spend training and how much she hated to see me getting hurt all the time, but still washing my Gis and leaving them by the door with a note ready for my next training. Zoey too. I told her when Gia was born I didn’t know how I’d fit BJJ in my life and she not only allowed me to continue but demanded it, and told me change my work schedule just to make it sure it happened. Words can’t express how grateful I am too have had your support and encouragement since day one.
Also, a huge “THANK YOU!” to my instructor Bruno for his positivity and encouragement. I’ve learned as much about cheering people on as I have about BJJ from this man. Thanks to all the upper belts who’ve brought me up (and smashed me up) including Shaun, Dave and Chad. Thanks to all teammates (past and present) who’ve been the iron that sharpens iron. BJJ might not be a “team sport” in competition but for sure its one in practice!
12.5 years, broken bones, cracked teeth, black eyes, sprained everything (neck, hip knees, fingers and toes) and skin infections and at times, a devastated ego. The journey has been far from easy, the end result far from a given.
For me, this black belt is a symbol of both my determination and my gratitude. It is a measure of my skill and will, as much as it is a reminder of what you can accomplish with the the support of your team.
Black belt in martial arts. Still a white belt in life, but learning as I go. Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. Osu!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Make sure to follow us on all our social media accounts:
CMAA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChineseMartialArtsAcademy
FSK-North on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FSKNorth
CMAA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinesemartialartsacademy/?hl=en
FSK North on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightingspiritkaratenorth/
Best-
祝好-
Shifu
师傅
