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Summer 2010 Newsletter
Dear members and friends,
Welcome new members to our dojo. For all of you who have been asking, the front door was manufactured by local artist and Internal Arts student, Nick. The gate represents bamboo, the pliable force of soft and natural elements/energy; the wood represents growth and expanding one's knowledge, skills, and abilities as a human being. The Chinese characters read "Mountain Dragon Health and Martial Arts."
Remember, this is also the home of the teacher. The Chinese use the term Sifu/Shirfu to mean "Father" figure who leads the family. The teacher is one who spends life learning and striving to experience extraordinary instructors/teachers, and experiences so that he may teach the next generation of students. Great explorers felt compelled to climb mountains "because they were there." This often involved a guide, danger, risk-taking, and hard effort to accomplish such a task (Kung Fu). To summit a mountain peak is not to triumph over nature, but to elevate the human spirit by strengthening the mind and body. If you feel up to the challenge, step inside the gate and begin your climb!
Please respect the traditions and safety rules, like removing street shoes, upon entering the school (Dojo, Kwoon, Dojang). Please read cork board for news and messages as you enter the school.
Sifu Kelly just earned a Level 2 Myoskeletal Therapist Certification. This is multidiscipline bodywork incorporating massage, deep tissue, neuromuscular re-education, muscle-energy, osteopathic adjustment, structural integration, proprio-receptive neuromuscular facilitation, stretching, exercise movement enhancers, and a whole lot of self-care! Sifu was exposed to this work, created by Erik Dalton, Ph.D., during his physical therapy for the automobile accident, in which he suffered soft tissue injuries and spinal whiplash. It is an amazing synthesis of healing modalities. Sifu is proud to offer this healing and balancing art to those who need structural (re) integration, and healing on a deep level. Sifu will also offer Energy Therapies such as, External Qigong Healing, Chakra Balancing, and Mayan energy work. Self-Care Arts, L.L.C. will be scheduling appointments Monday through Sunday. Look for our menu of bodywork services, posted at the studio and on the website.
The Aikido class has open enrollment and is held on Monday from 7:30 - 9:00p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 - 9:30a.m. Sensei Kelly has taught this program since 1982. This class will include judo and jujitsu training, as well as traditional Tomiki Ryu Aikido. This class will exercise the entire body and energize the Ki.
Join us for the Martial Arts cross-conditioning class, Fighting For Fitness TM, for cardio, strength, and flexibility training three times a week. It is recommended by the Surgeon General for your health!
As we await the new "Karate Kid" movie, contemplate Master Miyagi's lesson on Balance. How do you bring balance to your life? Master Kelly asks you this fundamental question: What is your relationship to nature? Is it for us to conquer, master, and use, or is it our duty to preserve and enjoy? Determining the proper balance is the most important question. Please join the summer Qigong class and learn the Crane Qigong for health and martial arts, in balance.
We are please to offer these amazing programs and services on such a fascinating dynamic subject. Particularly fascinating because our programs are all about you!
May Your Kung Fu Be Strong,
Shan Long "Mountain Dragon" Sifu Martin Kelly