After 30 years in the Martial Arts…Calasanz and his system still stand strong and so do his credentials.

Comment:

With all due respect Mr.Calasanz. I find your boasts of having to defend some random and esoteric “internal arts master’s school from trespassers looking to start trouble” and that “it was Calasanz that had to do the fighting. The internal artists retreated in the background.” a bit sensational and outlandish. Much like your biographical passage…

“One day on the farm, Calasanz was ordered to milk the nastiest cow. She did not want to be milked that day, so she kicked him in the stomach. Calasanz’s reflexes caused him to automatically kick her back and to his surprise, he knocked the cow out cold..”

Lets be honest here, your martial arts lineage is spotty at best yet you claim to have been learned by this and that master of this and that style yet you only mention “Tamajoshi” Sakamoto by name, and even THEN its mis-spelled, I’ve trained under two great masters, Tadashi Yamashita & Ma Jin Long for over 24 years! I would never mis-spell there names. Meanwhile these other so called “masters” you claim to have learned from/ defended are just mere mentions in some grand self righteous egocentric story about what an amazing martial artist you are.

In my professional opinion Mr.Calasanz, your ego overshadows your grip on reality. While you ARE physically fit, very flexible, and a great performance artist. You surely not a martial arts master of any kind.

Sincerely,

Sensei Tony Perez

Reponse:

We appreciate your comments but would like an opportunity to respond.  Regarding the scene in the internal martial arts school, Calasanz was there, you were not.  The account is true and is told for the purposes of illustrating to students the importance of balancing hard and soft approaches to martial arts training.

In 1987, Wing Chun instructor Phillip Holder came to Connecticut and began attacking Calasanz Wing Chun credentials much like you are right now. Calasanz brought his Wing Chun master, Moyat to his dojo, proved that he had been his private student and put this issue to rest. 

Now here we go again with challenges to Calasanz karate credentials.  As far as Calasanz “spotty” martial arts lineage, Master Tameyoshi Sakamoto visited Calasanz dojo in October of 2009 and awarded Calasanz his 5th degree black belt in Goju Ryu karate. (See http://blog.calasanz.com/2010/04/06/calasanz-master-thinks-hes-a-black-belt-why-not-you-tube/ )  What is so “spotty” about this?

Calasanz doesn’t need a “grip on reality” as you so put it.  He has real credentials, a real successful martial arts business, and real students who see the value in his training philosophy.  What he has done differently is to go outside of the traditional arts and incorporate innovative ideas that tend to ruffle the feathers of more conservative martial artists. His approach and those like him in the martial arts world always attract critics.

This is a man who has spent over 30 years in the martial arts, working night and day on his craft.  He may need to check his spelling once in a while; that we will admit. However, make no mistake about his credentials and commitment to his students and his community.  We are glad that you are proud of your spelling abilities and that you have never misspelled your teachers’ names.  We will take that criticism under advisement and admonish our editors to be more careful next time.  As far as your other comments are concerned, we have been dealing with naysayers for a long time and will long after you are out of the picture.  At the end of the day, Calasanz and his system still stand strong and so do his credentials.

Calasanz Martial Arts Images

Published in: on July 31, 2010 at 6:14 pm  Comments (1)  
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Progress in the Martial Arts

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!

Martial Arts videos

Published in: on July 22, 2010 at 1:51 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Kokoro-Shiro – the Calasanz Children’s Program

A Welcome from Calasanz: I would like to welcome you and your child to Kokoro-Shiro, the Calasanz Children’s Martial Arts Program.  In Japanese, this phrase refers to the heart, soul and spirit of the white belt…the beginner in martial arts.  Once a child steps into our school, he or she becomes a part of a tradition that has been in existence for hundreds of years.  In honoring that tradition, it is our goal to give your child the best martial arts education possible, while making it fun in the process.  I greatly appreciate your interest in the Calasanz System and that you have chosen us to pass on this ancient art to your child. -Calasanz

The Curriculum: Some martial arts schools that offer children’s programs rely heavily on high turnover without concern for the quality of martial arts education being delivered.  Their ads are littered with words promising the attainment of self esteem, self confidence, self discipline through martial arts training.  This is true of any organized children’s activity that is run by competent, caring adults…ballet, little league, music lessons, soccer team etc.  It has always been our philosophy that while children do gain all of the above mentioned benefits by participating in martial art classes, we do not over emphasize character development at the expense of proper instruction.  The primary goal of the Calasanz System is to created a safe, structured environment that is conducive to passing along the martial arts tradition to your child.  While we understand that martial arts training for children should be fun, we will not waste your child’s time with “games” or other meaningless activities.  We strive to develop good, solid skills by focusing on age appropriate conditioning exercises and fundamental basic techniques (kicks, blocks, punches, strikes).  Calasanz has condensed the best movements of karate, kung fu, boxing, kickboxing and Chinese boxing into an exciting children’s program that also includes an educational component, where your child will learn the history of the martial arts and take pride in being part of this tradition. 

The Ranking System: In addition to character development, children benefit from the physical aspect of the martial arts.  Children growing up in a sedentary society driven by the internet, videos and fast foods, need to move, breath, stretch and exercise their muscles. The Calasanz System is designed to develop strength, endurance, balance, coordination and flexibility. Martial arts training also makes children less aggressive because they become aware of their bodies and respect the skills they have learned in class.  They learn to use martial arts as a last resort and then only to defend themselves or a loved one.  Children also learn how to resolve life’s conflicts in creative ways without using their fists.  

The Trial Class: We offer a trial class to any child interested in studying the martial arts with us.  Children have started martial arts training as young as three years of age.  A good barometer of determining whether or not your child is ready for martial arts class depends on his or her ability to follow directions. 

The Uniform: We ask that all children wear the traditional white karate gi along with a belt when in class or at school sponsored events.  Uniforms are available here at the school.

The Schedule: Children’s classes are held Tuesday afternoons from 4:00PM to 5:00PM, and Saturday mornings 10:00AM to 11:00AM.  We welcome parents to watch class, but please refrain from interacting your child during class time. 

The Cost: The average cost of our children’s program is $95.00 per month.  The cost however, may vary depending on the length of the program and the number of family members enrolled.  Family discount options are available.

Kickboxing program

Published in: on July 5, 2010 at 12:46 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Calasanz DVDs

The ancient, Eastern method of teaching the martial arts required the student to watch the instructor and then mimic his movements without one word being exchanged.  Western students demand a lot more explanation and often ask too many questions.  This leads to over-analyzing on the student’s part, making the learning process much more stressful than it really needs to be.  Perfection of the movements in the Eastern sense comes with time as the student matures. Sometimes, it’s best to just watch, see the bigger picture, and then start practicing.  

In keeping with this ancient tradition, Calasanz has created a series of instructional DVDs designed to help you grasp the “bigger picture.” Watching the DVDs at home or here at the dojo before class lets you know what to expect and helps you relax the mind as you visualize yourself doing the movements. The result is that if you do your “homework,” your time in class will be more productive.  The reason being for watching the DVDs at the Center is to keep you from making excuses if you bring them home, most of the time it makes impossible for you to spend 10 minutes them before going to the School. 

Calasanz offers over 700 videos covering topics such as basics, forms, self-defense, weaponry, kickboxing, Regular Boxing  Recreational Boxing, Wing Chun, Goju Ryu, traditional and 20 Arm Wooden Dummy, Chinese Boxing and physical conditioning through Calasanz Physical Arts. Special DVDs are also available to help you improve your athletic performance in non-martial art related sports like golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, and ice hockey.  The DVDs are easy to understand and are a great instructional tool for students at any level of training.  

Modern technology now makes it possible for you to have a private session with Calasanz for the mere cost of a DVD. Special rates are available for members of the Okugi, Rinkiohen and Young Athletes program.  

Make an appointment with Calasanz today to choose the right DVD to help enhance your martial arts training! Young Athletes will be watching the DVDs upstairs, they will spend 10 minutes either before their session of during their session. Many of the Young Athletes who train privately upstairs with Calasanz, they don’t have to worry, Calasanz already knows what DVDs best for them.

Published in: on July 3, 2010 at 12:55 pm  Comments (1)  
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Leo’s Story: Teenage Transformation through the Martial Arts

 

I’m a mother who has been taking martial arts classes at Calasanz Physical Arts since January of 2010.  During the cold winter, I noticed a young teenager named Leo, who trained with Calasanz on what seemed to be a daily basis. Leo was a quiet kid who didn’t speak much.

Having two grown sons of my own, it was very natural for me to be concerned for Leo. I tried to be friendly and say hello on occasion but I got no response. I tried to rationalize an explanation for his behavior. I thought, well, teenage boys are not very chatty or the days were so dark and cold that maybe Leo suffered from the “winter blues.”

Five months later, I found myself working out with Leo on the upper deck at Calasanz dojo. I expected the usual silent treatment, but on this day, he actually said “hello.” I was in shock! I was even more surprised when I saw this boy hit the bag with strong, precise, kicks and punches.  I was so impressed that I asked him to demonstrate some kicks in slow motion. For the next 20 minutes, not only did Leo patiently show me how to execute these kicks, but he also took the time to explain the mechanics of each technique for my benefit. I saw a major change in Leo. He was now a secure, well-mannered, disciplined young man who was highly skilled in the martial arts. 

I mentioned my experience to Calasanz and it was then that I learned more about Leo’s journey. Leo joined Calasanz about a year ago at the age of 14.  Leo had some difficulty when he first joined but Calasanz was confident that he could help. He’s worked with kids like Leo before and knew exactly what to do. With a lot of patience and amazing coaching skills, Calasanz worked with Leo every day.

A year later, Leo now teaches an adult martial arts class at Calasanz. He is an inspiration for anyone who comes into contact with him.  Who would have known that a year of martial arts training would have yielded such amazing results?

The martial arts are not just about developing the body; a good instructor and supportive environment can also bring out the spirit of the individual. What emerged was a strong, courageous, and confident young man. Martial art training is not about producing the “ultimate fighting machine”… but rather producing a person of great character. As a mother, I can only imagine how proud Leo’s parents are of his transformation.

Here is more video of Leo:

Published in: on July 2, 2010 at 9:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Respecting the Roots of Traditional Martial Arts

Youtuber Comment:

I have been an instructor for 26 years, my family has a long history in the martial arts. My highest rank is in Goju and Kung fu. My katas have been getting high reviews. In our motto we believe the answers are on the floor. I done many katas and there are different variations. So you can see the idea of what they look like. Now I have heard that Calasanz beat the hell out of Morio Higaonna, that’s what someone is telling me.

Response:

Thanks for your comment.  Calasanz respects the roots of Goju Ryu and credits it as well as other styles as the foundational arts for his System.  References to Goju Ryu or any other style are historical in nature.  Calasanz has created a name by giving constructive lessons to those who damage the martial arts. All of these lessons were done using non-violent diversionary techniques. Here you’re seeing a small piece of Calasanz training regime and martial art expertise.  He has spent his entire lifetime striving to be a well balanced martial artist. In addition to the traditional martial arts, he has also incorporated aerobics and dance into his training.  While some martial artists would shy away from this type of training, Calasanz sees the benefits of rounding out a rugged training regime with disciplines that focus on balance, grace and fluidity.  There are a variety of videos on this site showing the different sides of his training so just viewing one or two of them doesn’t really give you a sense of the wide range of his training. His success lies in his ability to incorporate these various disciplines into a complex system that seems simple at first glance. Thanks again and best of luck to you

Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness Training images and videos!

Published in: on June 28, 2010 at 3:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Martial Arts and Self-Expression: Revitalizing with Chang Chuan – by Calasanz

 

Expression is an essential component to getting your martial arts practice to “come to life.” I recognized this early on in my training and chose to study dance and gymnastics so that my martial arts would have an “expressive” and “energetic” quality.  I wanted this to come across, not only to those watching my performances, but more importantly, to myself. I knew these forms of self-expression would take my forms to a whole new level.  I also ventured into other martial art styles in search of this “energy” and was fortunate to have found it in Chang Chuan.

Chang Chuan is a style of kung fu that is characterized by smooth, extended and fluid movements.  It is called a long range fighting system as opposed to styles like Wing Chun for example, that focus on close quarter or short range fighting. The system is rich in forms, weapons, and self-defense, as well as throwing and locking techniques known as Chin Na. Chang Chuan includes acrobatic, spinning, jumping kicks as well as fluid, circular arm movements. It is the expressive nature of Chang Chuan that drew me to this style.  I devoted many hours to studying Chang Chuan and it eventually became a great influence on my own martial arts style known as The Calasanz System™.

Chang chuan was a perfect supplemental art to my traditional karate training.  I liked its extension and its fluidity.  This is the exact quality I wanted to bring to my kata practice.  Martial arts students that have had no dance or performance experience tend to be stiff and dull in their kata practice until they learn how to make their katas come to “life.” So I encouraged my students to also adopt the essence of Chang Chuan in their forms.  I’ve trained many dancers and they knew exactly what I was talking about. 

I also found Chang Chuan to be a great form of physical exercise.  Its forms practice improves coordination and cardiovascular health.  When done under the watchful eye of a competent instructor, Chang Chaun also helps strengthen the joints and tendons.  This type of training develops flexibility and overall support around the bones and muscles, which is especially important in avoiding injuries.

Traditionalists once frowned upon exploring and experimenting with the essence of other styles or forms of physical expression.  This is now the exception and not the rule as more martial artists seek to expand their skills.   Incorporating something new into your martial arts routine can transform a routine kata into an inspirational, uplifting form of movement.

Published in: on June 15, 2010 at 2:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Calasanz Monday Night Fight School

Interested in MMA????  Short on cash and time but want to get in a good workout?  Drop-in on our Monday Night Fight School!  Learn the basics of mixed martial arts fighting at Calasanz Physical Arts, Monday nights, from 6-8PM.  Different instructors who will guide you in building a well-rounded martial arts background present new topics each week.  Start with a great conditioning workout and then go on to learn striking fundamentals like punching, kicking, blocking, footwork, and the use of elbows and knees. Classes progress to submission techniques from judo, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu under a qualified instructor’s supervision.  No pre-registration, no contracts, and no traditional training. Just mixed martial arts at the drop-in rate of $15.00 per class! You pick the nights you want to train! No previous experience is necessary! If you have experience, this is a great way to keep your skills sharp!

Published in: on June 7, 2010 at 4:16 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Hard Work Pays Off

You Tuber:

Dudes funny but he really puts in work and is in great shape.

Response

Thank you for your comment.  Calasanz has worked really hard over the years to become a well-balanced martial artist.  In addition to training in the traditional arts, he also developed his body and form through dance and gymnastics.  His innovative training methods have had their critics, but in reality, his school is one of the largest and most successful in the country.  When most martial arts schools are closing their doors, his school is thriving. Hard work pays off.

Martial Arts Fitness

Published in: on April 1, 2010 at 7:25 pm  Leave a Comment  
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This is NOT Goju!

You Tuber:

Sorry, regardless of Mr Calasanz’s background in Gojuryu, once he chooses to stray from the core principles of Goju, it is no longer Goju. If Mr Calasanz wants to have his own system, I have no drama with that, but this IS NOT GOJU…

And yes, I do “know something about martial arts”, having studied Gojuryu myself for over 40 years.

Enjoy your training with Mr C, but understand that it is not Gojuryu; it has morphed into something else entirely.

That in itself doesn’t make it a bad thing, it just isn’t Goju……….!

Response:

Thank you for your comments and observations.  Calasanz martial art roots are in traditional Goju Ryu Karate, having trained with Master Sakamoto Tamajoshi for many years in the Dominican Republic.  Calasanz still respects his traditional roots and the terms often end up in the titles of some of these video posts, even if remotely connected.  The Calasanz System evolved over years of teaching and training and tuning in to what the general public is looking for in the martial arts. This system has endured for many years and continues to do so today, as evidenced by the many individuals who have trained with us. Unfortunately in today’s society, there is very little patience for the painstaking work that it takes to devote oneself to a traditional art, as someone with your many years of experience would know. Here in the United States, traditional schools are closing their doors at an alarming rate and surviving as a business involves growing and changing with the demands of the modern student.

Published in: on March 31, 2010 at 1:48 pm  Leave a Comment  
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