Superhero Training at the Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA)

Superhero Training at the Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA)

Superhero Training at the Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA)

How many of you have watched Kungfu Panda, the Karate Kid or other exciting action movie? How many of you have played video games with the role of a superhero, someone strong and brave? Do you ever wonder what it would be like if you had those awesome powers???

Well, I’m here to tell you- it’s not all make believe.  It’s not all pretend.  You can be a martial artist, a Kungfu master. You can be your own superhero!

Just like Po and Sifu from Kungfu Panda, Dre and Mr. Han from the Karate Kid and Ra’s al Ghul and Batman- I am here to help you, to train you, and give you those skills.

Four Main Areas of Training:

At CMAA we will emphsize four main areas of training including:

Martial Arts, Physical Conditioning, Martial Morality and Education.

Martial Arts:

You will need to learn how to use your body and any object to protect yourself and others. At CMAA we specialize in Kungfu and typically emphasize kicking skills. However, you will be expected to learn a wide variety of skills and techniques including:

1. Empty Hand: Kungfu - Long Fist
2. Short Weapon: Broad Sword, Straight Sword,
3. Long Weapon: Staff, Spear

(plus animal styles, internal arts, meditation and more!)

Physical Conditioning:

1. Endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility.

2. Power, Speed.

3. Coordination, Agility, Balance, Accuracy.

Martial Morality:  

1. Humility

2. Respect

3. Righteousness

4. Trust

5. Loyalty

6. Will

7. Endurance

8. Perseverance

9. Patience

10. Courage

Education:

This is what you go to school for! Study hard, learn more, be smart.  No superhero ever got far without using his brains. Think of school as part of your training.  You must be prepared for all situations where intelligence beats muscle, where brains beat brawn. In China, this is one of the highest ideals-combining martial arts with academics- known as the “Martial-Scholar”, these were the most adept individuals skilled with both weapons and books!

Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA)

There are many other things you’ll need and need to develop to become a real superhero but CMAA can help you.  At CMAA you’ll meet other kids also in their superhero training.  Many will quit before they become Kungfu masters.  However, a few will make it.  They will become your teammates.  You will train until you earn your Black Sash, a symbol which represents something valuable, and honorable. It is a symbol of your dedication and skill acquired through hard work and time. It is a symbol of your Kungfu!

If you’ve made it this far and are still interested, I applaud you.  I am as excited to begin your training as you are.  If you practice hard, I will help you become great.

Good luck!  See you at Superhero Training Class soon.

Shifu

Superhero Training Daily @ The Chinese Martial Arts Academy

To learn please call (518) 755-7512.

A note to the parents:

When I was 5 years old I was obsessed with the Ninja Turtles.  It is what inspired me to begin my training in the martial arts.  I went through different phases, finding inspiration in Batman and Rocky.  Eventually, my interests were more specific to Chinese martial arts, as I read Mark Saltzmen’s “Iron and Silk” and got hooked on old Shaw Brothers’ Films.  I know what it is like to want to be a super hero.  I lived vicariously through these fictional characters, with hopes of beating the bad guy and saving the day.  I know how it feels to want to achieve something others only dream of or fantasize about. I know how great it feels to represent my country and win a medal for the USA.  I know the sense of accomplishment ones feels having finished at the top of my class when earning my MA degree.  That’s why I do what I do, because I want to help your child achieve their goals.  That’s why I want to teach your child Kungfu!

Sincerely,

Shifu

CMAA and CrossFit

CMAA and CrossFit

CMAA and CrossFit

My name is Lucas Geller. I am the owner of a new martial arts school in Albany, NY- The Chinese Martial Arts Academy. I teach Kids Kungfu, Adult Freestyle Chinese Kickboxing (Sanshou), and Taichi. In one day I train 5 year olds to become super heroes, tattooed bodybuilders sport fighting and help seniors in their pursuit of longevity. Let me explain to you why I know Crossfit will be a powerful addition to our current course offerings.

I’d like to take you back a few years. I started karate at 5 years old, but it wasn’t until I began training in Wushu (Chinese Kungfu) at age 13 that I found my passion for martial arts. By 16, I was waking up at 3:30am to begin each day with 2 hours of running, stretching, and martial arts practice before school. After school the training continued. It was a dedication few others could understand but I was consumed.

By the age of 26 I had spent almost 4 years in China training with the elite professional martial arts teams. During this time, I became a member of the USA Wushu Team and won a silver medal at the Pan-American Wushu Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

As a serious martial artist, conditioning has always been a central aspect of my practice. To be well rounded my regimen has always included a variety of sprinting/plyometrics, compound strength training exercises (deadlift, ATG squat, pull up and bench press), gymnastics oriented body weight strength training (parallel bar, uneven bar, rope climbing, etc.) and explosive power/hang versions of Olympic lifts. It was hard to explain my training regimen to those unfamiliar with professional martial arts strength programs, which is to say until I found Crossfit.

After I finished school, earning my MA in Chinese from The Ohio State University and returned to the States I decided to take a break from Wushu and began Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). During this time I trained at two gyms DC area which both offered Crossfit (Capital Jiujitsu and Lloyd Irvin’s NOVA MMA). It wasn’t exactly how we trained in China, but it wasn’t far off. In fact, after more analysis, it was BETTER!

Chinese martial artists are professional martial artists. The Chinese only do very basic exercises (deadlift, squat, pull up, bench press, sprints and plyo’s). However, they begin their training at a very young age, train daily and at a high intensity. As you know, functional movement at high intensity is a powerful combination. However, there is very little variation, and limited ways of measuring progress. Crossfit’s emphasis on both constant variation and not only increasing weighted loads, but also decreasing rest time and timing both rounds and complete workouts – and comparing them to previous results, ensures greater progress. The seemingly ‘chaotic’ approach is actually a much more systematic methodology.

Last year I decided to follow my passion and open my own martial arts school, The Chinese Martial Arts Academy. In teaching martial arts, I realize that one of the limiting factors in performing techniques correctly and a frequent cause of injury, is simply a lack of physical conditioning. Executing explosive jump kicks, and double leg takedowns requires not only correct technique, but also prerequisite stamina,strength,flexibility, power,speed and coordination

For the sake of my students, and the health of the general public in the local community, I need to give them the alternative to running on a treadmill and doing curls in a squat rack. I need to offer the highest quality conditioning component available. This is why I need Crossfit.

This September, I will be expanding our ‘part time’ school in to a ‘full time’ school (in Latham, NY). In addition to offering Kids Kungfu, Adult Kungfu Kickboxing (Sanshou/Sanda) and Taichi, we will be offering strength and conditioning program as well. My plan is to turn the generic strength and conditioning for martial artists program into a full-fledged Crossfit program.

I initially chose Crossfit because I believe strongly in the science which supports the training protocol and because I know from personal experience that it works. I have chosen Crossfit because I believe the online community and resources surrounding Crossfit are invaluable to those in search of fitness and happiness. With Crossfit as a central component to the course offerings at The Chinese Martial Arts Academy, I am confident that CMAA is on our way to giving back to our community, by providing a positive and healthy environment for people of all ages to pursue their interest in fitness and wellbeing.

To have a better idea about what Crossfit Latham would be coming a part of please visit:

www.MartialArtsAlbany.com

CMAA Competition and Demo Team

 

CMAA Competition and Demo Team!

As a member of the CMAA Competition and Demo Team you will receive additional training and more individualized training attention.

Kids who are on the team will be allowed to train up a level.  This means select 5-7 year olds may be allowed to train in the 8-12 year olds and that group may be allowed to train in the 13+/Advanced class.

The team will be given additional after class instruction and specially trained for performances and competition.

Do you have what it takes?

Who can be on the team?

ANYONE can be on the team!  All you have to do is put in the hard work.  Anyone can be on the team, but there are requirements!

To be a member of the team it is required is that you train at least 3 times per week at CMAA. It is required that you be available to assist with performances, demo's and/or competitions - annually!

Remember if being on the team is not possible now, do not fret.  Keep up the hard work and maybe you’ll find yourself able to dedicate more time in the future.  Hard working teammates are always welcome!

Monthly Newsletter - August

Chinese Martial Arts Academy

Monthly Newsletter August, 2012

Dear Students,

Major Announcement

The Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA) will be moving to a new location- our very own home! Find out what this means for you! Read more here:http://www.martialartsalbany.com/889/

Class Cancelations

8/4- Kids Kungfu 9-10, Beginner Tai Chi 10-11

I will be attending a CrossFit certification seminar/exam for the weekend in NYC August 4th-5th. To learn more about what CrossFit is and why you should be excited about this, please read more here! http://www.martialartsalbany.com/crossfit/

8/18- All classes will be canceled for the quarterly Pil-Sung Tae Kwon Do School Testing

Why I teach Kungfu

When I tell people I teach Kungfu they think I mean I teach a kind of martial art. After all, Kungfu is what Bruce Lee did, it’s the stuff in Kungfu Panda, the action in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, right? It is a martial art, isn’t it? What if I told you the truth, that it’s all a big misunderstanding? What if I told you that Kungfu isn’t a martial art at all? Read more here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/why-i-teach-kungfu/

Watch and Learn, Kungfu Documentaries!

Did you ever wish you could just sit back, relax and learn Kungfu from the comfort of your couch? Well, now you can! “But how much does it cost?” NOTHING! Thats right, you can learn more about Kungfu, for FREE from the comfort of your own home:) Read more here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/807/

CMAA Monthly Challenge, August

Having addressed many areas from flexibility, exercise, meditation and diet, I’d like to focus this month’s challenge on an entirely separate area of martial arts development. While nothing is better than actually training at the Academy, these monthly challenges can help us develop outside of the school setting. To read more about this month’s challenge read more here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/monthly-challenge-august/

Chinese Cultural Gala 7/29

Thank you for coming out and supporting the school! For those of you who demo’d for your first time- you did excellent! I was so proud of all of you. I will be posting pictures of the event to Facebook soon! We impressed a lot of people and have already been invited to perform at several large venues! More details to follow. To read more about the event please go here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/cmaa-at-the-chinese-cultural-gala-day-729/

I apologize for any inconveniences the schools closing may cause you this month. I am working very hard to bring you new and exciting classes, courses and events! Good things are on their way!

Best-

Shifu

Monthly Challenge - August

CMAA Monthly Challenge, August – Read More!

Having addressed many areas from flexibility, exercise, meditation and diet, I’d like to focus this month’s challenge on an entirely separate area of martial arts development. While nothing is better than actually training at the Academy, these monthly challenges can help us develop outside of the school setting. For the month of August, I’d like you to take the time and read a book about martial arts. No matter what your specific interest in martial arts is, there is most certainly a book out there that can help you progress in your own practice.

I wholeheartedly recommend reading both fiction/non-fiction martial arts books (for different reasons). However, for this month’s challenge we are going to focus on non-fiction. Listed below are two books that I have found to be very influential. While I have read many books over the last 15 years, these are two of the more important ones I’ve come across.

Taichi: The Tao of Tai Chi Quan (Zhou Zong Hua)

Kungfu/Sanshou: The Book of the Five Rings (Miyamoto Musashi)

These are just two books that I've liked in particular. I've got dozens of books on nutrition, strength training, stretching, wrestling, striking, and meditation for martial artists. I am a firm believer that you always get something out of reading. Please feel free to recommend any books you have read and have found to be informative.

I look forward to having a CMAA library full of wonderful books for everyone to share in the near future!

Best-

Shifu

CrossFit

Dear Students,

I will be attending a CrossFit certification seminar/exam for the weekend in NYC August 4^th-5th.

You may be asking yourself, “What is CrossFit and why does this matter to me?” Well, the short answer is CrossFit is the greatest strength and conditioning program ever designed. The following video will give you a little bit of an idea:

Please note, that while incredibly impressive, all the exercises/routines are scalable.  This means anyone, of any age or fitness level can reach unimaginable levels of fitness.

Still interested?? Good! For the longer, more complete answer keep reading.

“CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide.

Our program delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist.

The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. We’ve used our same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts. We scale load and intensity; we don’t change program.

Thousands of athletes worldwide have followed our workouts posted daily on this site and distinguished themselves in combat, the streets, the ring, stadiums, gyms and homes.

-          Quoted from CrossFit.com

Workouts are typically short—20 minutes or less—and intense, demanding all-out physical exertion. They combine movements such as sprinting, rowing, climbing rope, weightlifting and carrying odd objects; they use barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics ring, pull-up bars, kettlebells, medicine balls, bodyweight exercises.

Due to the fact that I’ll be out of town the entire weekend:

The following classes will be canceled for Saturday, August 4th

Kids Kungfu 9-10am

Beginner Tai Chi 10 – 11am

Please note: that Adult Kungfu and Kungfu Kickboxing will still be held. In my absence, ShiXiong (Older Kungfu Brother) Stelianos will be taking charge in leading the training session.

Thank you for your understanding.  I am working very hard to continually learn new things and bring you the greatest programs and the highest quality of instruction to help you achieve your goals as a martial artist and living healthier, happier lives!

Best-

Shifu

Chinese Cultural Gala Day

 

Dear All-

Come join the Chinese Martial Arts Academy for a day of fun with Chinese culture at the Chinese Cultural Gala Day, this Sunday from 10:30am-3pm!

Please feel free to show your CMAA pride and wear your school shirt to the event:) I look forward to seeing you there:)

The Town of Clifton Park will host the first-ever Chinese Cultural Gala Day on Sunday, July 29, 2012. The FREE event is sponsored by the town’s Community Arts and Culture Commission in partnership with Clifton Park resident Xinhua Lee and Asian Culture Inc.

Residents of all ages will be able to participate in a hands-on Tai Chi work out, as well as Chinese ribbon and fan dances. Enjoy Chinese martial arts demonstrations, Chinese musical and dance performances and ethnic food (available for purchase.)

The Chinese Cultural Gala Day strives to bring Clifton Park residents together to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Chinese music, dance and culture.

I have asked several CMAA students who are also associated with the Chinese Community Center to help participate in a small demonstration. For those of you performing, please note:

1. Arrive at 10:30 am!

2. Bring your CMAA uniform (pants, shirt and shoes! - this is why it's important that we train in indoor shoes, so we can demo in footwear and feel the same as practice!)

3. We will be going on at about 11:30am.  Please meet at the stage at the Clifton Common, located at Vischer Ferry Road in Clifton Park. (Turn in Clifton Common, turn right is parking, go into the back end is the stage area)

https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&gl=us&daddr=Clifton+Park%2C+New+York&panel=1&f=d&fb=1&geocode=0%2C42.862221%2C-73.816386&cid=0%2C0%2C3784427641151899657&hq=clifton+common&hnear=0x89de1472b33f2cb5%3A0xef4ad0fafe733bd7%2CClifton+Park%2C+NY&ei=7Y4OUIKmHMjs2gX_g4Fw&ved=0CHgQngIwBA

Please contact me at (518) 755-7512 is you have any other questions about the event.

For more information about the event read more here! http://www.cnweekly.com/articles/2012/07/26/news/doc501154f20446b098128006.txt

Best-

Shifu

Major Announcement!

Major Announcement! Dear Students-

One year ago, with great excitement, I wrote to all our students announcing that Grandmaster Jiang had passed his legacy, the Chinese Martial Arts Academy, on to me. I accepted this honor with great pleasure and a huge sense of responsibility.

In the letter I spoke of making improvements to our school. We have added eight new classes to the schedule and have grown a substantial children’s Kungfu program. As promised, Shifu has continued to teach every day on which his classes are held.

It is now with the same excitement and pleasure as last year that I am making a very special announcement to you all today.

The Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA) will be moving to a new location- our very own home!

What this means for you!

1. We will have our very own home! Just as when Grandmaster Jiang originally founded the school we will again have our very own facility. With a new open space, specialized mat system, new bathrooms, ample parking and air conditioning (among many other wonderful improvements) you are sure to love our new home!

2. New classes at regularly scheduled and more convenient times! Not only will we be in a SAFE, new, clean and spacious facility of our own, we will be adding many more classes and new programs as well!

3. Convenient location just off the Northway! CMAA’s new home is located at The Crossroads Plaza in Latham:

The Chinese Martial Arts Academy 3A Johnson Rd Latham, NY 12110

4. Monthly Events! CMAA can now host events more easily than ever. You may now look forward to monthly Kids Kungfu Parties, Taichi- Kungfu documentaries/films, seminars (on everything from Simplified Chen Taiji and Traditional Shaolin Black Tiger to meditation and nutritional talks), Saturday Fight Night showings and many other great events!

We are working around the clock to make this transition as smooth as possible. While it’s hard to predict the exact date, we are hoping to be operational and make our move in to our new home by early September!

This is a very exciting time for all of us. Thank you for your continued support. I will keep you all updated with more information as we move forward on many new and exciting initiatives!

Best-

Shifu