Ninja and Samurai Martial Arts Dojo

Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

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Martial arts awareness skills thwart possible robbery.

Our martial arts dojo is in one of the safest communities in San Diego County. Still anything can happen anywhere. A few nights ago I was in late to do some paperwork. I went to check the mail and noticed a hooded figure moving about the closed stores in the center we are located in. Having been a marine, I know a thing or two about guard duty and this person was not window shopping and my instincts went up. He noticed me coming out of the dojo and seemed to be taken aback that I was there (I had just arrived and entered through the back entrance). It seemed to me he had already checked the dojo and was confident no one was there (it is pretty open and he was right, when he looked in).

I had thought initially he was casing the plaza and he moved quickly to intercept me as I passed by another store in the center that was still open (I usually wave hello to the person running the store as I walk to the mail box). He made a brief mostly unintelligible comment and as I gathered my mail, I watched him watching me. I returned to my Poway dojo without incident but watched the man from the store front to see if he got into a car and I would gather its license plate number.
About that time the other store owner ran to the dojo door and attempted to open the door and then knocked quickly before running back towards his own store. I quickly left the dojo in pursuit to find out what was happening and how I could help. That was when I found there was a second person already in his store.

My arrival to the store caused the first hooded man to return to the store front quickly (I will not give out too many details here of what happened) but it was apparent my arrival caught the men off guard and the first man was not really casing the place but acting as a lookout (hence roaming more like sentry which caught my eye). Standing between the men and the store owner I remained calm and watched the men preparing for how I would respond to whichever man made the first move or drew a weapon.

At this point the man with the hood looked at me and said “Batman huh?”(I was still wearing a sweatshirt with the batman symbol on it from when I was playing with my kids earlier in the day.) I understood his indirect question, Are you going to play hero? I nodded and replied “Batman!” Already uncomfortable I was there and knowing I had come from the martial arts school, he was already uncomfortable, with my answer he simply called to his friend “C’mon, let’s just go! Let’s just go!” The other man then exited the store and they left. I watched them as they departed and alerted the authorities.

Being aware of your surroundings and paying attention to the details are important not just in the dojo with a kata or technique but how those skills translate into real life. I wasn’t looking for a fight and neither were they; they were looking for an easy robbery. If I had been confrontational or pushed anything could have happened. I simply stood and spoke to the owner quietly while watching the men. I used the philosophy of Sun Tzu, loosely translated here, to achieve a victory without causing anyone to be defeated. Everyone went home safe that night. The art of fighting without fighting the heart of true martial arts!

See you in the dojo!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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This Saturday February 27th starts “Bring a Friend to Class” day for the dojo. For one week, students can bring a friend to Qi Gong, Little Ninjas, Kids class, Adults class or Sword Class. The event starts Saturday February 27th and runs through Thursday March 4th.

Your friend can come to class and train with you for free that day. Please tell your friends and direct them to this blog post to learn more. You can bring more than one friend and you do not need to RSVP in advance, just bring them along!

Poway Samurai Martial Arts isn’t just a dojo, or training center, it’s an opportunity to see, hear, and experience training techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, learning the same movements as Ninja and Samurai of old. We’re not just a karate school, but San Diego’s finest school teaching “martial arts with meaning”.

Qi Gong is a series of exercises that integrates meditation, slow physical movements, and breathing, for improving the Qi (life energy) in your body. Numerous physical, and mental benefits can be achieved and aliments can be alleviated or eliminated, by practicing Qi Gong.

See you in the dojo!

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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This class will be held Sunday May 23rd, 1 – 3pm

I’m very excited to have been asked back to speak at the Japanese Friendship Garden again. The Japanese Friendship Garden is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama that binds the two cultures to create a unique experience for visitors from all over the world. In addition to the beautiful stone arrangements, Koi pond, tea house, ornamental tree collection, and display of Japanese artifacts, the Garden also serves as an educational resource to the community, providing a variety of seminars, classes and workshops as well as accredited horticultural classes.

I am pleased that they want to share the topic of Bushido with their members and guests. The topic that I have been asked to lecture on is called:
“Bushido: Why the Code of the Samurai Matters Today”

Bushido is the “Way of the Warrior”. I will be discussing how this ancient Japanese code of conduct is important in modern times. Bushido is defined as a unique philosophy that spread through the warrior class during the Muromachi period. It is the code of moral principles which the samurai were required or instructed to observe, which was frequently unuttered and unwritten.

It is typified by the Seven Virtues: Recitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honour and Loyalty. Codes of conduct and moral principles, like that of the Samurai, are lacking in the youth of today. Gangs and peer pressure have a strong influence and are putting children at risk. I will discuss how martial arts programs can aid in getting these kids back on the right track.

Those who learn the Samurai Way find it has a powerful effect on them. Their lives are changed as they learn things about themselves they did not even know they were looking for. Come and learn about Bushido and let it have a powerful effect on you!

Call the Garden to RSVP for this event: #(619) 232-2721
The lecture will take place this Sunday, May 23rd from 1 – 3pm at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Cost is $10 for Garden members, $15 for non-members.

See you there!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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Martial Arts Class - Bowing In and Out

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There are number of ways and meanings of bowing in and out of a traditional martial art school and there are differing mantras or sayings as well. At Poway Samurai Martial Arts, we use the bow in before class to state a mantra that is really more of a promise to keep each other safe and honor the tradition handed down to us just as those who proceeded us in the arts did. At the end, we bow out and thank the instructor and each other for the training and keeping each other safe.

Remember the kanji for “Nin” in ninjutsu (or ninpo as it is more aptly called today) is the sword over the heart, symbolizing patience, persistence and a guarding of one’s heart against the things that would do it harm or lead it to evil or wrong actions. It is through our discipline and patience that we learn the essence of our art both in the physical skills and the greater meaning.

See you in the Dojo.
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

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Little Ninjas Martial Arts Classes

Our kids martial arts classes in Poway are going in full swing again now that we are mostly settled into our new location in the Poway Library Plaza. I am excited about the participation and growth seen in just a few weeks. There is still a lot to do but the kids are already learning so much, like basic counting in Japanese, basic tumbling, assertiveness, and how to move safely from being touched or grabbed. The skills are reinforced with fun drills and games designed to build muscle memory and correct movement while doing so in a safe and exciting environment that has them excited and asking to do the drills again and again.

When is the last time you saw a child asking to do their homework again because it is so much fun? If you stop by and watch our little ninjas in action, that is exactly what you’ll see! We offer one free class to anyone to come and check out our kids (and adults) martial arts classes. Just call us or stop by Poway Samurai Martial Arts to schedule your free class. See our martial arts class schedule to learn more.

See you in the dojo.
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)

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I’m excited to be speaking at the Mira Mar Rotary club this Thursday about how to reach At Risk Youths. Every year the number of kids who become “at risk” for getting involved in gangs increases. Especially in these tough economic times, parents are working as much as possible and unfortunately away from home for longer periods of time than ever before. Many parents cannot afford after school programs for their kids and some kids who do attend them, are not getting the attention and mental stimulation they need to stay out of trouble.

A traditional martial arts program can help kids of all ages stay out of risk and out of trouble. One of the main reasons it works is due to the focus on self-improvement. This leads to higher self-esteem and when you feel good about yourself, you are not looking for ways to act out for negative attention. Martial arts classes motivate kids to work hard and improve themselves, day by day. An ethical instructor provides a strong role model so the children learn important life lessons. When kids don’t have a role model to learn from, they try to learn right from wrong from their peers which doesn’t work. This can lead to gang situations and lots of trouble for society.

In a good traditional martial arts program like the one we teach at Poway Samurai Martial Arts, everyone participates and supports each other. Unlike many sports activities, there are no teams. Everyone learns together and excels together but each in their own way. Kids can even help each other learn as the older ones can become role models for the younger ones. All the students learn positive life skills and values to help them succeed in whatever they choose to do in life.

I will be emphasizing this information to the Mira Mar Rotary club tomorrow because it really is a simple matter of “Pay Now” by sponsoring kids to take martial arts classes and save them while there is still time or “Pay A Lot More Later” as their actions cause society to suffer with crime and violence. If you have a group interested in learning more about how to support “At Risk Youth Programs” or, if you know of an organization ready to provide a sponsorship for kids now, please contact me at #858-486-0059.

Thank you!
Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy)

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Have you been thinking about martial arts classes for yourself or your kids? Could you use 3 months of FREE training? Just become a Poway Samurai Martial Arts Facebook Fan to enter our contest to win free training (up to a $300 value*)!

Here’s How It Works:
Login to Facebook (or quickly and easily create a free account) and go to the Poway Samurai Martial Arts Facebook Fan page. Click the button “Become a Fan” before Dec. 31, 2009, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. While you’re in Facebook, post a comment on our wall telling us what you would do if you won the free training. We will select a winner at random on January 1, 2010. Winner will be announced on the Poway Samurai Martial Arts Facebook Fan page, the Samurai School blog, and the @bushidoguy Twitter page.

What You Can Win:
The Winner can choose from (1) one of the following (3) three training options:

1. Adults Basic Kobudo Martial Arts
   Kobudo is “Old Martial Arts” in Japanese. Students who take these classes find it fun, exciting and a great workout. In addition, the traditional martial arts training provides self reflection and this new focus and determination helps them succeed in all areas of their life, home and work. Three months of training is a $300 value!
2. Kids Martial Arts
   Kids ages 5 – 16 who take our classes find that they improve their focus and self esteem. They are not affected by peer pressure and can even get better grades in school, all while having fun in a supportive and safe environment. Your child may even discover leadership skills he /she didn’t know he had! Three months of training is a $300 value!
3. Qi Gong (Chi Kung)
   The practice of Qi Gong has innumerable health benefits. One area that effects most people’s lives is stress. Large amounts of stress to the body can cause “dis-ease” leading to poor health. Regular qigong practice can help prevent illness. Three months of training is a $180 value.

Just enter today by becoming a fan at http://www.facebook.com/PowaySamuraiMartialArts. We are the only martial arts school in San Diego teaching “Martial Arts with Meaning.” Come see how learning “Bushido”, the way of the Samurai, can change your life.

*Free training will occur at the dojo located at 13160 Poway Road. Uniforms and equipment (if applicable) are not included. Free training must be used before 1/31/10.

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Donate for the San Diego Food Bank

Poway Samurai Martial Arts has teamed up with KOHunger.com, a national coalition of martial arts schools who are committed to help end hunger in their own communities. Residents of Poway and San Diego are encouraged to donate a can of food to receive one free week of martial arts training.

Being of service to others is a key part of the training at Poway Samurai Martial Arts. Participating in the KOHunger program fits in well with our philosophy and is why we decided to help and offer the free week for a good cause.

The offer of one free week of martial arts classes is available until Dec. 18. All proceeds will be donated to the San Diego food bank (sandiegofoodbank.org). Those who make donations can redeem their free week of classes for any program, any time before January 15, 2010.

Residents can train in unarmed and sword martial arts as well as Qi Gong classes for health and wellness. Poway Samurai Martial Arts trains in the classical unarmed and weapons training of the samurai, which includes the traditional virtues that can help strengthen all areas of a person’s life and the philosophies of service to others.

For more information or to make a donation of dry and canned food items, you can call #858-486-0059 or stop by Poway Samurai Martial Arts at 13160 Poway Road (in the Library Plaza).

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There’s no need to get stuck in long lines at the mall on Black Friday, just call Poway Samurai Martial Arts and get great deals on gift certificates for martial arts and Qi Gong (Chi Kung) training, now, through 12/18/09. As part of our “Best Holiday Gift Ever” promotion we’re offering some incredible prices on martial arts training just in time for the holidays and New Year’s resolutions. Martial Arts classes make great gift, especially for that hard to buy for person who has everything.

If you’ve ever been considering martial arts classes for yourself or your kids, you owe it to yourself to consider Poway Samurai Martial Arts. We teach traditional martial arts with modern world applications from ethical instructors who really care about the origins of the training. Our teachings come directly from the ancient Samurai scrolls and those who train with us find that learning about Bushido (The Way of the Samurai) changes their life. At Poway Samurai Martial Arts, “The Difference is in the Tradition!”

Best Holiday Gift Ever Offers

Adults Basic Martial Arts Class: Only $49.00 for 3 months (regularly $300!)*.
Kids Martial Arts Class (ages 5 – 16): 1/2 price or 2 for 1 when you buy 3 months (regularly $300).*
Little Ninjas (ages 3 – 5): Save $50 on an 8 week session (regularly $150)*
Qi Gong Class: 1/2 price or 2 for 1 when you buy 3 months (regularly $180).*

*Equipment and uniform costs are not included. While supplies last. Certificates must be redeemed by January 15, 2010.

These special prices will not be offered again, so, call today and take advantage of our Best Holiday Gift Ever! You’ll be glad you did.

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Here we go again, a new movie about ninja martial arts is coming to the big screen and from the previews it looks to be an action packed ride of a martial arts movie. It also looks like it is going to be a fictional work with all of inaccuracies that modern practitioners of ninjutsu have to explain the truth about when students inquire about such training.

The reality is that there really isn’t very much legitimate ninjutsu around anymore. There are some traces in a few koryu (old school) Japanese martial arts and there is only one recognized unbroken lineage of a “ninjutsu” school still in practice, the Togakure Ryu, which I teach (although depending on who discusses the matter, there is debate on this too… but then again we are talking about ninjutsu so this is to be expected I suppose).

While teaching this school, among others, a lot of new students or even just casual inquirers have come to believe the “Hollywood” stereotype, based on the more popular Japanese anime and comic book portrayals, is the truth. The most gratifying return, for me as a practitioner and instructor is how well received the real training is once a student gives it a chance. Like most mythology, there are grains of truth as the seeds in the myths but understanding the reality vs. the fiction offers a very unique perspective on martial arts training and in life in general. It would be way too difficult to go into every detail of such a discussion of truth and myth in a blog but I am always willing to discuss these things in detail. If you are in the greater San Diego area feel to come and visit.

If you like a good martial arts movie with lots of “ninja” action, go see the new film Ninja Assassin. It looks like it will have plenty of it. If your motivated about martial arts and ninjutsu training, before or after seeing this film, feel free to contact me. If you do not live in San Diego, I will help you get in touch with a reputable instructor in your area.

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