Many others could potentially do the same as what this brave, seven year old girl did by escaping her would-be kidnapper. If you can remember the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy who murdered many young women, one of his smallest and tiniest victims ended up surviving because she fought back. The number one self defense technique depends on your own aggression. This little girl was on her own for a brief time in Walmart. During this attack, she defended herself by striking her assailant. Be aggressive and learn how to strike if you want to survive, do not attempt to learn how to twist someone’s arm until you become aggressive, balanced, powerful, and grounded. Many people could learn a thing or two from this young girl who was smart enough to know when she was in danger and had the presence of mind to know when to show her fighting spirit.
Calasanz is a master martial artist that has spent over 30 years developing and perfecting his system of martial arts and fitness training. His unique teaching methods have helped countless men, women, and children of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels enjoy martial arts while becoming physically fit in the process. The Calasanz System develops mind, body, and spirit as a whole. At Calasanz’s dojo, you will learn something to take home every day that will last you a lifetime. Start your training at Calasanz by calling him at (203)-847-6528, by visiting the dojo at 507 Westport Avenue, in Norwalk, Connecticut, or by checking out the website at http://www.calasanz.com/. Come on by for a free trial class.
CALASANZ PHYSICAL ARTS® evolved out of the martial arts tradition. It is the fastest way to get into shape and learn self-defense. Our system grew out of two programs I established to accommodate students who asked for special training. The first program was primarily used to improve athletic performance, called the YOUNG ATHLETES. Parents who trained with me or heard about my school asked if I could do something to improve their children’s athletic performance. I took the best the martial arts had to offer and combined them in a training system to maximize athletic conditioning and skill in a relatively short time. I worked with athletes specializing in tennis, soccer, football, basketball, ice hockey, dance, gymnastics and baseball to get fast results.
Another component of CALASANZ PHYSICAL ARTS® is the self-defense piece. This came out of a request from law enforcement officers; fire fighters and military personnel who wanted to get into shape and learn hardcore self-defense without having to spend years studying a traditional martial art. These people had no time for belts or tournaments. They had to worry about survival. I devised a one-month intensive to accomplish these goals.
Both programs were so successful that I decided to combine them into one program for the benefit of the general public. CALASANZ PHYSICAL ARTS® is popular because of its ability to get quick results and to keep you interested in your training. In creating this system, I designed a collection of exercises and techniques that focus on developing power, grounding, balance, endurance and flexibility.
There are so many different exercises in the system that boredom is impossible! I have created many variations on the basic exercises…from moving in different directions to working out in a seated or standing position. I love to change up the exercises from time to time to keep your workout fresh and to keep your muscles guessing.
CALASANZ PHYSICAL ARTS® is a great alternative to working out at a gym on machines, free weights or with a personal trainer. It’s a system that gets you into shape, teaches you how to defend yourself and keeps your workout fresh and exciting.
The basic and founding principles of the Calasanz System are extremely straightforward, intuitive and logical, yet, unfortunately, they are almost universally ignored in traditional Martial Arts training. All techniques must have three fundamental components to be effective: power, speed and focus (a technique that misses the target, is easily avoided, or is simply brushed aside clearly isn’t very effective). In order to develop power, speed and focus it is absolutely essential that there be balance, flexibility and strength throughout the entire range of motion. These qualities don’t mysteriously emerge. They must be systematically and carefully developed.
In most traditional schools, the drills and exercises have been passed from teacher to student and have become part of the “tradition”. The techniques usually require a very advanced degree of training to do well or even partially well. Unfortunately, doing something partially right is obviously doing it partly wrong. The cumulative stress and damage to joints, tendons and ligaments in this process of “learning” frequently results in long term and /or permanent degenerative injury. This is especially true after adolescence, when the body has stopped growing.
There is another equally dangerous flaw to this type of rote practice. When techniques are done incorrectly they are simply not effective. Blind repetition won’t magically transform this or make them work. Calasanz is continually reminding students that practice does not make perfect. Practice makes habit. Only perfect practice makes perfect.
Eventually, the student may approximate something that looks correct, but in actuality, the problem areas and weaknesses have only become much more subtle and difficult to correct. The end result is that the vast majority of students will never progress beyond a very mediocre level. Sadly, more practice will only compound the problem and just increase the chance of injury.
The Calasanz System was designed, among other things, to address these two fundamental and critical failings in traditional Martial Arts training. As stated above, it is a scientific and systematic approach to Martial Arts training and mastery designed to take virtually anyone to their highest potential as a Martial Artist in the shortest time possible without brutality or injury. This is a very strong statement to make, but it has been continually proven again and again with people of all ages (men and women) and in all ranges of physical condition. It is a direct result of how unique and effective the system is that helps explain why we are currently the largest school in the country and the quality and diversity of our students. Calasanz sums up the success of the school and its acclaimed international reputation in two favorite phrases: “Martial Arts for Everyone and Traditional Concept with a Modern Approach”.
Hopefully, the first is clear from the discussions above. With systematic development and skillful practice virtually anyone can learn the Martial Arts. Many traditional schools feel brutality and/or intimidation is essential to develop the necessary physical and mental qualities and stamina required in the Martial Arts. This is simply not the case. There are many ways to accomplish this – brutality/intimidation being among the least effective. Some schools are run, in the name of discipline, as if they were actually para – military organizations. Again, not only is this unnecessary but ineffective for the vast majority of people. Students from other styles find the supportive atmosphere of mutual respect at the school a very welcome change. Calasanz has found over the years that “change” brought about through fear or intimidation is seldom permanent. Change brought about by cultivating and developing the requisite “inner” qualities, on the other hand, is not only permanent, but has a transforming effect that touches every aspect of an individual’s life.
The Perfect Fit was created by martial arts master, fitness teacher and film star, Calasanz. The Perfect Fit operates as a division of Calasanz Karate & Kung-Fu System, Inc. located in Norwalk. Through his experience, Calasanz discovered that martial arts can be intimidating to many people, therefore, they lose interest in learning more about it. The Perfect Fit is personal training program through martial art and is done in the privacy of your own home. This eliminates the feeling of intimidation, yet offers the complete benefits of the martial art.
Calasanz created a well-rounded system of martial art which offers, at the same time, extensive exercise routines which are tailored to the needs of any individual to accomplish a complete work-out and, at the same time, target specific areas in need of exercise.
This type of training is much different from the traditional routines followed in a gym. We do not use equipment except for free weights and, for some people, ankle weights. For those who prefer to use their exercise equipment, we incorporate this into their program. But eventually, most people prefer to learn more and more of the exercises we have to offer because they are incredibly effective and cover more ground than any one machine used in a traditional gym. Our exercise increases flexibility, strength, stamina, and endurance immediately and has proven time and time again to benefit other sports activities
THE PERFECT FIT specializes in personal training for fitness, aerobic isolation, and kickboxing. It is a unique way of getting into shape and has endless benefits. Learn how to work out, sculpt the body and, at the same time, learn self defense. Workout without the use of traditional machines. Learn how to create a strong, beautiful body and maintain it for the rest of your life.
Because martial arts has primarily been a sport popular to men, it was unbecoming for women to have interest in martial arts. The “traditional training” performed in most schools has a tendency to be quite brutal and eventually creates a very masculine image for women to the most feminine body. One of Calasanz’s specialties has been working with women to create a feminine, strong, and fit body which can endure the challenges of the most “traditional martial art.” Exercise varies from men and women to create the appropriate image for each. Men have a tendency to have a more muscular type of form, where women need to have a leaner and longer form.
Through the Perfect Fit you can sculpt your body into the fittest condition possible, achieve your fitness goals, improve current sports activities and learn something new and exciting at the same time.
THERE’S AN ANCIENT CHINESE PROVERB WHICH SAYS, “IT TAKES YEARS FOR THE STUDENT TO FIND HIS TEACHER, AND THE TEACHER HIS STUDENT” SIMPLY PUT, NO ONE STYLE OF MARTIAL ARTS IS RIGHT FOR EVERYONE. THE SIMPLE FACT IS, DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS EXCEL AT DIFFERENT STYLES OF MARTIAL ARTS. WITH THE WELL ROUNDED BLEND OF WING-CHUN KUNG-FU, JAPANESE KARATE, KICK BOXING AND FREE-WEIGHT WORKOUT PROGRAM. YOUR SEARCH CAN BE OVER. YOU CAN FIND OUT NOW WHICH STYLE OF MARTIAL ART IS BEST SUITED TO YOU. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AT CALASANZ. WHETHER YOU ARE MALE, FEMALE, YOUNG, OLD, NEW OR EXPERIENCED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS, CALASANZ CAN HELP YOU FIND YOUR SPECIAL PLACE IN THE WORLD OF MARTIAL ARTS TODAY!
Calasanz experience in the martial arts has been an important tool for him as an instructor. His study of various forms of fighting arts has taught him how to integrate mind, body and spirit. As an instructor, his goal is to help his students achieve this integration. Many of Calasanz students lead very hectic lifestyles. Whether it is balancing the demands of work, school and family, students are looking for an outlet to release stress. The Calasanz System is designed to help students achieve the inner peace they are seeking. At the beginning stage of training, Calasanz believes that the student must start slowly. The body must become accustomed to a training schedule. The problem with some students is that they are impatient and want instant results. These students will come to class seven days a week and train for over one hour per session. If the student over trains, not only will his body become sore and overtired, but in his mind, he will also become frustrated and discouraged. Students who are training too much can also find themselves suffering from injuries because the body cannot adjust as quickly as the student wants.. Some of them even have been so embarrassed that they never came back. If students train slowly and increase their training intensity when they are physically able, they are more likely to stick with their training on a long term basis.
The integration of mind, body and spirit does not come with throwing yourself into grueling training sessions, but develops over time as the student patiently makes his way through his chosen martial art. As a student progresses in his martial arts studies, the movements become more complex. This requires the student to reach deeper in himself in order to master a new level. Each level requires more patience and more looking into oneself for the strength to reach the next goal. Over the years, a student develops the martial arts maturity and instead of seeing a kick or punch, they now see a way of life. They become more patient in their work and home environment, they become more confident and they also develop the perseverance to achieve their goals in life. When a student has reached this level, the integration has already started to take place.
Calasanz approach to martial arts training is to let students progress at their own pace. An instructor who is too aggressive may find that students either get frustrated and fail to make any progress or give up training all together. The Calasanz System is tailored to the particular needs of the student under Calasanz supervision. Students progress to the next level when they are physically and mentally able to do so.
The Calasanz System is effective because it is geared to helping students integrate mind, body and spirit. Calasanz has noticed many students change not only physically but also mentally. One of the important aspects of the Calasanz System is requiring students to teach. Teaching not only helps the student develop his skill, but also helps him develop patience and the ability to think on his feet. This is an important skill of a martial artist because he must be able to react very quickly to variety of situations.
It is very exciting to Calasanz to watch his students improve their martial arts skills. With proper training, students who have trained for a period of three months are performing techniques that are usually executed by professional martial artist. One of Calasanz goals for new students is to teach them how to train their bodies. This requires students to discipline themselves. Calasanz constantly reminds students that their bodies may want to do one thing while their minds are going in another direction. Integrating the two requires patience and a commitment by the student .Recently, Calasanz was coaching a student who had been training with him for three months. As he started going through drills with him, Calasanz could not believe how far this student had advanced in his training. The drills required the student to evade certain attacks by moving his body in different directions. Because of the student’s persistence and serious attitude toward training, he was very quick, flexible, and powerful in his movements. This is what the Calasanz System is all about.
Women and girls live with the reality of violence on a daily basis, whether it’s date rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Women have to worry about going out at night, what they’re wearing, where they’re going and who they’re going with. Many can’t even find refuge in their own homes. One out of every four women is a victim of violent attacks and violence does not discriminate. Violence knows no age, marital status, class, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Regardless of the pervasiveness of violence against women, we have yet to see a war against it.
The war against women must begin in the heart and soul of the female population. On a mental level, you must realize that you are worth defending and that you are your first line of defense. On a physical level, you can make your body strong and learn the tools necessary to defend yourself. Why spend endless hours in a gym peddling a stationary bike to nowhere? What utility is there in zoning out on an elliptical trainer? Why not opt for a fitness regime that not only makes you strong and healthy, but also teaches you how to use your body as a weapon?
While many fitness centers offer kickboxing, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The class you have been taking will do you no good in a real self defense situation. Many of these courses are taught by fitness instructors who have no idea how to teach the martial arts, let alone apply them in a self defense situation. We have seen a mass exodus from many of these so-called kickboxing classes with women (and men) suffering from a variety of injuries due to a lack of knowledge on the part of these instructors. We have had to undo the bad habits learned in these classes that lead to poorly executed techniques, torn ligaments and even broken bones.
When Calasanz Martinez began teaching martial arts in the United Stateshe taught Karate as he had been taught: traditional and hardcore. He quickly observed that few people could handle this type of training.
Calasanz says, “I knew that the martial arts provided the best type of exercise. There’s no better way to condition your body while acquiring the mental and spiritual benefits of being able to protect yourself. But I had a dilemma. Some people would stay for only 1 or 2 classes and I knew there were others who wouldn’t even step to my door.”
That’s where the creativity began.
Calasanz broke down what he knew about the martial arts, exercise, and the human body. He developed a system of exercises completely unique from other exercise modalities. The exercises were designed to be holistic, conditioning strength, endurance, tone, flexibility, balance, coordination, body unity, mobility, and well-being. All the exercises can be modified to accommodate people with very little or limited physical ability as well as challenge those who are athletically gifted.
“My martial arts system has evolved a great deal since those days of teaching traditional Karate. I’ve studied and incorporated wing chun, northern style kung fu, boxing, kickboxing, and now MMA, so that my students get a well rounded experience. There’s something for everyone. But the biggest improvement to my system has been the creation of the Physical Arts exercises. Those are for everyone,” says Calasanz.
Many different people walk through The Calasanz Physical Arts doors on a daily basis: businessmen, stay-at-home moms, grandmothers, the physically disabled, and professional athletes. While you may not see the soccer mom practicing the same martial arts as the professional fighter, there’s a very good chance you’ll see them side by side doing the same Physical Arts exercise!
