Thoughts of a Well Balanced Martial Artist

www.bedfordpersonaltrainers.com

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on March 2, 2013 at 6:53 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Calasanz System, conditioning, Disipline, Exercise, Fitness, instructional, Martial Arts, Training

The Martial Arts Alternative: Choosing the Martial Arts for Physical Fitness – By Calasanz

Have you ever considered the martial arts alternative? Many adults are disgusted with the run-of-the-mill fitness centers and have looked to the martial arts as a way to get into shape. Martial art training can provide you with all the benefits of physical exercise without the circus-type atmosphere of the average health club.

The traditional martial arts curriculum is designed to develop your overall fitness level. Classes always include some flexibility training in the form of stretching exercises. The various movements and techniques that you practice during class help develop your cardiovascular health, as well as stamina and focus. The modern martial arts instructor welcomes students who are looking for a fitness alternative and has gone out of his or her way to incorporate strength training either with lightweights and/ or resistance exercises.

When you go to a gym, you may get a few sessions with a personal trainer as part of your membership package. Once that’s finished, you’re basically on your own unless you want to pay for more sessions. What’s nice about martial art training is that as you advance through the curriculum through some type of belt or sash grading system, more is expected of you physically. By following the curriculum laid out by your instructor, you progress to higher levels of fitness. In the meantime, you are learning to defend yourself!

Martial arts classes are also fun! Working through the various levels in the style you have chosen is both challenging and exciting. You’ll have a sense of pride and accomplishment that you’ll never get jogging aimlessly on some treadmill!

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

www.greenwichrecreationalboxing.com

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on January 12, 2013 at 7:18 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, conditioning, Exercise, Fitness, Martial Arts, Training, unique and personal

The Benefits of Personalized Attention in Martial Arts Training: by Calasanz

I have built a successful martial arts business by tailoring techniques to suit the specific needs of my students. I don’t operate like a traditional school that has a one size fits all approach. In most schools, you have to fit their mold. If you don’t, you’re left behind. My approach makes martial arts training accessible to a wider audience, so anyone can enjoy its benefits.

One of our students is a 60 year old woman who while training in The Calasanz System, became interested in the art of Wing Chun. I was delighted when she showed an interest in this style since it was created by a woman and would be perfect for her! She had been struggling with some knee problems for a long time and they were particularly bothering her during Wing Chun class. I took her aside and worked with her.

What I focused was her ability to use her entire body when she would slide or pivot to perform a block or strike. Her major problem was improper alignment. She was forcing her knees to help her pivot or slide from side to side. I told her to even out her posture and to imagine a straight line running from the top of her head, through her spine and down to the floor. I showed her how to move her body so that her whole body was in alignment. In no time, she was moving pain free and is still enjoying her Wing Chun training! Without the proper attention and adjustments, I would have lost this student.

In some classes, this issue would have gone unnoticed because the instructor doesn’t have the time or desire to personalize training. Students come in all shapes, sizes, and ability to follow class instructions. Taking the time to make the proper corrections and personalize a students training helps avoid injuries and prevent drop outs!

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

www.wiltonpersonaltrainers.com

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on December 31, 2012 at 7:56 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Exercise, Fitness, Kung Fu, Martial Arts, Training, unique and personal, Wing Chun, Women

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness Presents – Executive Black Belt Intensive Training: by Calasanz

Ask yourself these questions: Is stress consuming you? Do you feel as though you are sleep walking through life? When was the last time you did something for YOURSELF!

People in Fairfield County are considered to be some of the most successful and hardest working in the country. With this success however, comes a lot of sacrifice. I’ve had busy professionals walk into my school feeling as though they were in a downward spiral and too exhausted to crawl out. Interestingly enough, after several months of training I saw a dramatic change.

Do you want a change? I have taken over 30 years of experience in martial arts training and created a program that will help you re-focus and re-energize…Calasanz Executive Black Belt Intensive. The first step is re-focusing. You and I will set a goal. Do you want to earn your black belt, lose weight, and get stronger? You tell me what you want to accomplish. I will create the program to get you there.

Next we revitalize. You and I will put your program in motion. Please understand that this is not your average workout. This is an intensive program and it requires a great commitment on your part of at least 2 hours per week. I know it can be hard at first, especially if you’ve done little or no physical training in a long time. That’s why I’ll work with you to slowly build up your strength and stamina.

The program contains a variety of disciplines to suit your personal preference. If you want to take out your frustrations on a punching bag, I can develop a boxing program for you. For the ladies, if you want to lose weight and look good in a bathing suit, I recommend Aerobic Isolation™. If you’ve always been curious about Chinese Kung Fu, I can introduce you to the world of Wing Chun, the martial art practiced by Bruce Lee. If hardcore martial art training is what you’re looking for, the Calasanz Executive Black Belt Intensive program includes physical conditioning, martial arts training and one-on-one sparring. I have trained people in programs ranging from 3, 6, 9 or 12 months so we can develop a plan that works for you.

Bottom line is that this program works! It’ll work for you like it’s worked for so many who have walked through my doors. Whether you’re a new student or current student looking for a new challenge, let’s start today.

Get Ready! -Calasanz

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

www.westportpersonaltrainers.com

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on December 4, 2012 at 12:00 AM Comments (1)
Tags: balanced, black belt, Bruce Lee, Calasanz System, conditioning, fighting, Martial Arts, Self Defense, unique and personal

Calasanz Responsibility with Accepted Students: by Calasanz

My station as a physical trainer and martial arts instructor is something I take very seriously. While I have a lifetime of experience to share with the world, my task with any new student is to help them to understand something about their bodies and about themselves. No matter how one arrives at our Martial Arts center it is important that I give them something influential to take home with them either through action or through word.

It is my primary responsibility to ensure that our students are taught well and taught how to avoid causing injury to themselves. This is my primary role here at my studio. It must be understood that the system taught here is so effective that it can be dangerous to the over-zealous. Over and over again I have seen students come in and learn a few of our unique physical arts exercises and just over-do it and burn out. Many of whom I have never seen again after only 3 months of training. They try to push too much weight without building their power or strength using lighter weights first. The mindset here assumes that to use more weight makes for better results faster. This is logical, and yes it makes sense. But in the long term it is not useful if it causes one to quit. While it is important to use increased weight to achieve super power, this is something that should not happen until one is ready. Believe me, I understand the desire, I had it and fully entered into it. I was the first victim. My joints suffered greatly from my over-zealousness. It is why it is so important to me that I warn others and keep them from injuring themselves and making the same mistakes I did.

Learn from my lesson. Our system is amazing and beautiful, but even the most beautiful things can be poisonous. Do not underestimate it and keep your wits about you. Be careful with your body. Understand that what we do is not just for the 2 months before swimsuit season, it is for development over a lifetime, take it as such, don’t rush it.

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

www.greenwichselfdefense.com

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on November 28, 2012 at 11:47 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Calasanz System, conditioning, Exercise, Fitness, personal training, physical arts

Don’t Let Stress Get to You: by Calasanz

Many of you are having problems especially during these hard economic times. The stress and pressure that builds up in the mind and body prevents one from moving forward. My advice to you is to make sure that you stay healthy. You may not have control over the economy or what is the government is doing, but you do have control over taking care of your health. It is within your control to eat healthy, get adequate sleep and workout. There have been many times when we thought things were going to fall apart because of circumstances beyond our control. We then put our energy into those things we had some say over and slowly, we turned it around. Working out not only helps the body, but it gives the mind a break from worry so that you make room for more productive thoughts. Remember: body, mind and spirit!!!

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

www.bedfordboxing.com

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on November 12, 2012 at 8:02 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Calasanz System, Fitness, inner peace, Martial Arts, Training

Wing Chun: The Perfect Style for Women – by Calasanz

Of all the martial art styles in existence, I would say that Wing Chun is perfect for most women. While women have excelled in many styles, Wing Chun is the one art that most utilizes a woman’s natural gifts. To appreciate Wing Chun training for women, it’s important to first look at its history.

Two hundred eighty years ago, the repressive Manchus ruled China. The Manchus outlawed all weapons and forbade the Hans, who comprised 90% of the population, to practice any form of self-defense. The Hans began to train a secret army of revolutionaries. The SilLimTemple became the sanctuary where masters of many ancient Martial Arts systems deliberated on how to create a single style that would be deadly enough to serve their revolutionary purpose, but which could be taught faster than the traditional form that took 20 years to master.

Five of China’s greatest grandmasters jointly created a new system, but before they could teach it to their secret army, the Manchus burned the temple and put the Masters to death.

Legend tells us that Ng Mui, a nun, was the only survivor of the original Grandmasters group. In secret, and in great danger, she taught the system to a talented young orphan girl whom she named Wing Chun, which means, “hope for the future.” The lineage and secrets of this extraordinary system were closely guarded for two and a half centuries.

What makes Wing Chun a fantastic martial art for women is that it equalizes the height and weight advantage that men have over women because it brings combat in closer to the opponent’s body. At close range, the length of the opponent’s arms or legs no longer matters. It is the ability and speed to attack that is important.

Because of the discrepancy in size between men and women, a female defending herself is not going to want to engage in a prolonged battle with a male attacker. Fortunately, Wing Chun does not require the use of brute force, but rather fast, flowing movements. Women are better able to grasp the concept of softness that allows for the efficient and effective flow of movement necessary to stop an attacker. Wing Chun teaches her to quickly defend and immediately attack.

I have also found that women are very good at developing the sensitivity needed to successfully engage in a Wing Chun practice called “sticky hands.” The purpose of “sticky hands” is to learn how to react quickly and efficiently depending on the opponent’s attack. It’s been my experience that the women I have trained over the years tend to master this practice a lot faster than their male counterparts.

In addition to helping women develop overall physical fitness, Wing Chun tones the hip, buttocks and stomach area where women tend to store fat. There’s no better way to develop “buns of steel!” Wing Chun generates explosive power from the lower body with the use of proper stances, shifting and leg and hip movement. Women tend to pick these techniques up very quickly and when properly trained, are amazed at how much power they can generate.

Ladies, if you’re looking for self-defense and a great overall workout, this art was tailor made for you! Find yourself a good Wing Chun school and see for yourself!

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

Published in:

on September 8, 2012 at 6:33 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Calasanz System, conditioning, Disipline, Exercise, Fitness, Martial Arts, Self Defense, Training, Wing Chun, Women

The Next Level: Making Progress in the Martial Arts – by Calasanz

The goals of a good martial arts curriculum is progress. Regardless of the style you have chosen to study, all of them begin with the fundamentals and can take you to the level of mastery. Success however depends on two things: commitment on your part and a skilled instructor who not only teaches you the art, but also challenges you.

To some, progression in the martial arts is about earning another belt or stripe. The space between these belts and stripes however is where the martial artist makes his real gains. This is where all the hard work takes place. In addition to learning the new techniques required by your style’s curriculum, you will be tested physically and mentally.

Increasing your fitness level will be challenging, as you push yourself to become faster, stronger and more agile. You can learn thousands of techniques, but if you are not physically fit enough to execute them, they will be of little or no use. This is why it’s important for a martial arts curriculum to include conditioning exercises. Take them seriously because they’re part of the whole package.

You have to discipline yourself to get to the dojo and train hard on nights when all you want to do is go home and lay on the couch. You may want to eat healthier so you spend more time training and less time digesting! You will have to take all that your instructor has taught you and incorporate it into sparring or self-defense practice. While you’ve learned many attacks and counterattacks, you may find that you only use a few. This is where you experiment with what really works.

Now it’s time for your instructor to do his part. A good instructor will push you beyond your comfort zone. He knows that in order for you to go beyond where you are now, he’s going to have to make you work. He’s going to have to mix up the physical training so your routine doesn’t get stale. He may change up a workout that you’ve gotten used to. He may ask you to train with different classmates or to train alone. He may ask you to work on your least favorite techniques or learn a really hard form.

Don’t get upset if one day he walks into class and turns it all upside down. His experience tells him that a stale routine stalls your progress. The only way to get to the next level is to push past whatever is in your way. Work diligently on what is asked of you. The day of your test is merely icing on the cake. All the work necessary to progress is done between the belts!

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

Published in:

on September 1, 2012 at 6:38 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Calasanz System, conditioning, counter attack, Exercise, Fitness, Martial Arts, Self Defense

The Benefits and Considerations of In Home Personal Training

There are many things to consider when choosing a personal trainer for fitness, martial arts, or both. One of the many considerations is having a personal trainer come to your home to take you through a workout. There are many benefits to having an in home trainer, but there is also some things for you to consider.

One of the benefits is the convenience. Think about it, no driving to and from the gym or studio, which also means no driving in traffic. No getting in your car sweaty, smelly, and dirty, in fact you can run right up stairs and take a shower in your own bathroom. That’s right, no more grimy locker room showers. Have a home office? How great would it be to respond to email, take important phone calls, or check stock quotes in between exercises or techniques?

Having a personal trainer come to your home also gives you the convenience of time. The drive to and from the gym can take 10, 20, 30, sometimes 60 minutes out of your day. Those are precious minutes that can be put to good use by stay at home moms who are running around all over the place for the family.

In home trainers are also great for people who like privacy and/or anonymity. There are those among us who at times prefer not to be in the eye of the public and there are others who would just like to keep their training and exercise regiment private.

The type of equipment you need in your home depends on the type of workout you plan on doing. There are some training regiments that need very little in the way of equipment and your trainer may even be able to bring these items with him/her. But if you are looking for a workout using weights and machines you may have to have a room dedicated strictly to exercise.

All in all, you can stay in shape, be more productive in other areas of your life, and enjoy a healthy activity in the beautiful home you’ve created!

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851

Published in:

on September 1, 2012 at 6:15 PM Leave a Comment
Tags: balanced, Calasanz System, Exercise, Fitness, Martial Arts, Training, unique and personal

Norwalk Boxing – Connecticut #1 Boxing Gym!!!

Norwalk Boxing……is a place where anyone can be a boxer. Here we recognize that everybody has the ability to think like a competitor even if they never plan to compete.

Norwalk Boxing teaches anyone that if a situation is ever getting out of control how to throw themsleves in as the role of a peace maker, instead of throwing punches, while still remaining confident in the fact that they will be able to defend themselves from a violent outbreak. Again, the percentage of those who train to compete in a fighting sport is much smaller than the percentage of those who want to be prepared for an emergency situation and to be sure that they will be the one to come out on top.

Norwalk Boxing is unique in that we train people for both. It is pure boxing for those who want to learn to throw a devastating and proper punch, and it is traditional for those dedicated individuals willing to take the time to learn the minutia of the art and become truly superb, but above all Norwalk Boxing is unique.

What makes us truly unique is that we train in both realms. We train the body to be prepared for physical confrontations that might arise and we also train the mind to be prepared so that a confrontation won’t have need to come to a physical head. And that even if a fight should occur that both body and mind are in phase with one another to react perfectly in synch and without discordance.

Our training is based upon simplicity. Our system is easy to learn if self defense is your main concern as the principle philosophy is to defend and counter.

As an aggressor attacks it creates an opening in its own defenses which is then capitalized upon by the defender. The philosophy of this system makes it simple for a defender to exploit the opponent’s defensive pitfalls and devastatingly effective to an aggressor which in its blind rage cannot see the weakness in its own action.

Calasanz as the head instructor at Norwalk Boxing will develop your power, endurance, and control. You will receive instruction in his original creation dubbed Physical Art. You will gain insight into fighting theory. You will learn the secrets to chin conditioning, neck rotation and head movement. Our training staff will make sure you never leave without something new and useful under your belt.

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness

1-203-847-6528

507 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT 06851