Saturday, April 24, 2021

Ms. Dian Tanaka on forms


 "When judging forms, to me the most important part of forms competition goes beyond the physical. By this I mean that the judges gravitate toward the person who performs the kata with such intensity that they stop seeing them as a competitor and can actually visualize the opponent getting hit. Moreover, they can personalize the experience, thinking, 'Oh my god, if I was on the other end of that shot, that would hurt?' And so, when I work with people to ready them for a competition, I always say please do not forget this is not just a bunch of moves in the air. Think of the shot. Visualize it. You have to feel this as if the opponent were right in front of your face. And you have to turn your head sharply because there is someone right on your back, and you just can’t lollygag and turn slowly and make it unrealistic. It has to be real, and it has to be so real that the judges actually forget about seeing you. They’re seeing the opponent be the recipient of all of your shots." --Dian Tanaka, "The Journey" (2001)

Sunday, April 18, 2021

Potomac Kempo


The Potomac Kempo mission statement, for those who don’t know, is this: “We improve lives by challenging men, women, and children to become healthier, happier, and better. We do this through personalized instruction in the versatile martial art of Shaolin Kempo.” To some of us, this statement is a personal crusade, something that occupies our thoughts every day. This mission stems from our own experiences — our own journey of becoming healthier, happier and better. Anyone who has studied the martial arts has experienced this, and anyone who continues to study continues to experience it.

It is different for everyone; to some it is physical, to some it is mental, to some it's more. To some it is the high they get going home sweaty and exhausted, to some it is calm and patience that seems to pervade their lives. to some it is lower blood pressure, to some it is greater confidence. It is a very real feeling that millions of people have experienced over the years. Honestly, I don't fully understand why doing a form a thousand times improves your life or why sparring and doing push-ups can create euphoria. All I know is that it works, and continues to work. Once you acknowledge that the martial arts can improve lives - making people healthier, happier and better - wanting to share that is almost automatic.

Master Chris Santillo

https://www.potomackempo.com/

Friday, April 2, 2021

Kenpo Tiger and Dragon ring

The Kenpo Tiger and Dragon ring made famous in the 1991 movie The Perfect Weapon starring Mr. Jeff Speakman. 

Available for purchase on Etsy.com