We are 6 weeks into the Spring session and graduation is quickly approaching. I should have a tentative promotion list posted later this week.
KFSS Graduation will be Saturday June the 26th at 9:30am (doors open at 8:30).
SNAP Graduation will be Wednesday June 30th at 5pm.
The next Basic Self Defense class will start June 9th and will run through June 30th on Wednesday nights 6-7pm. Cost is $40 per person.
If you haven't been in class lately...we have some new faces so make sure you say "hi" and welcome them to our family.
More news to come!
See you in class!
Ms. Kris
Monday, May 10, 2010
Advanced Forms - May Schedule Change
Because the 4th Friday of May is the Friday of the Memorial Day Weekend, we are going to move THAT Forms class to Wednesday May 19th at 7pm. So the May schedule for Forms is THIS Friday, May 14th and the following Wednesday May 19th. Both classes are at 7pm.
June's schedule is tentatively set for the 10th and the 24th. Keep watching for future updates!
Ms. Kris
June's schedule is tentatively set for the 10th and the 24th. Keep watching for future updates!
Ms. Kris
Friday, May 7, 2010
Message from Master Robert
Hi All,
I hope all is well with you and that Spring has been kind. I was in a meeting/training session this morning and something (actually several things) was said by the speaker that I really liked and appreciated. He said that if you ever feel you can’t learn something from someone then there is an ego/pride issue that needs to be addressed. He said he learns from everyone he meets. Sometimes it’s something pretty small, sometimes it’s pretty big but it’s always something.
The speaker was Rich Warren, who has written several books. Perhaps the best known is Purpose Driven Life. But I thought it was interesting that he made that point because we have talked about that on a number of occasions. He also said that you should learn something every day and the best way to do that is to PAY ATTENTION.
Why am I telling you this? Well, because it bears repeating. Think about it. If you learn something from everyone you meet think of the growth that you’ll have…not just in KFSS but in all things. I learn something from every class I attend…even the ones I teach! Because someone will ask a question or make an observation that improves my understanding.
Now…what’s the point? The point is as follows: Pay attention, keep an open mind, approach every class (and situation) with the expectation to learn something and then look for the something to learn. Not only will it make you a more effective KFSS practitioner, it will make you a more effective life practitioner.
Be safe and be alert,
Master Robert.
I hope all is well with you and that Spring has been kind. I was in a meeting/training session this morning and something (actually several things) was said by the speaker that I really liked and appreciated. He said that if you ever feel you can’t learn something from someone then there is an ego/pride issue that needs to be addressed. He said he learns from everyone he meets. Sometimes it’s something pretty small, sometimes it’s pretty big but it’s always something.
The speaker was Rich Warren, who has written several books. Perhaps the best known is Purpose Driven Life. But I thought it was interesting that he made that point because we have talked about that on a number of occasions. He also said that you should learn something every day and the best way to do that is to PAY ATTENTION.
Why am I telling you this? Well, because it bears repeating. Think about it. If you learn something from everyone you meet think of the growth that you’ll have…not just in KFSS but in all things. I learn something from every class I attend…even the ones I teach! Because someone will ask a question or make an observation that improves my understanding.
Now…what’s the point? The point is as follows: Pay attention, keep an open mind, approach every class (and situation) with the expectation to learn something and then look for the something to learn. Not only will it make you a more effective KFSS practitioner, it will make you a more effective life practitioner.
Be safe and be alert,
Master Robert.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Instructor Blog - The Big Picture of Form
Hello Fellow Students,
When studying form, what are we searching for? Why do we put so much effort into a relatively simple series of stances and strikes? This is our opportunity to focus on the details of our art. I’ll go further to say that we do not always focus on the same details each time we do form, even the same form done multiple times. All of the fine points and focus areas are critical, but let’s think first about what we are studying as a guide for those details. Hidden between these simple stances and strikes is the core of the art. It is the time between that we must master.
To master this time, we must master balance. Our balance is based on our feet, but it is more than walking a tight rope. We are walking a tightrope during a fight. This is possible if we take that “tight rope”, our balance, with us wherever we step. Balance is not a fixed point on the ground. You’ve heard me say over and over that you must move your feet, take “cheater steps”, and bring your back foot with you. You MUST move with your balance. And remember that you must NOT leave your balance to deliver a block or strike. Don’t ever stretch for a strike or block or kick. If you are stretching, then you are not moving enough. But, you can not move enough by moving your feet alone.
Your arms are another critical piece of balance. I’ve also spoken several times about timing your blocks to begin soon enough to help you start moving, sizing them right to guide your step, and using them to sink your stance as you transition to strike. Apply the unbendable arm to your blocks. This reduces your arm range of motion, so you must compensate by moving your shoulders. Do not move like a robot or you lose the fluid power you were born with. Your whole body will move and twist in time with you step. In this way, your upper body (your whole upper body) can guide your stance toward the strike.
The most difficult piece is to bring it all together with timing that can only be learned and mastered by repetition. We will talk about that in the future. In the meantime, here are some things to think about …
I’ll see you on the training floor. Until next time, walk the path.
Sincerely,
Jason
When studying form, what are we searching for? Why do we put so much effort into a relatively simple series of stances and strikes? This is our opportunity to focus on the details of our art. I’ll go further to say that we do not always focus on the same details each time we do form, even the same form done multiple times. All of the fine points and focus areas are critical, but let’s think first about what we are studying as a guide for those details. Hidden between these simple stances and strikes is the core of the art. It is the time between that we must master.
To master this time, we must master balance. Our balance is based on our feet, but it is more than walking a tight rope. We are walking a tightrope during a fight. This is possible if we take that “tight rope”, our balance, with us wherever we step. Balance is not a fixed point on the ground. You’ve heard me say over and over that you must move your feet, take “cheater steps”, and bring your back foot with you. You MUST move with your balance. And remember that you must NOT leave your balance to deliver a block or strike. Don’t ever stretch for a strike or block or kick. If you are stretching, then you are not moving enough. But, you can not move enough by moving your feet alone.
Your arms are another critical piece of balance. I’ve also spoken several times about timing your blocks to begin soon enough to help you start moving, sizing them right to guide your step, and using them to sink your stance as you transition to strike. Apply the unbendable arm to your blocks. This reduces your arm range of motion, so you must compensate by moving your shoulders. Do not move like a robot or you lose the fluid power you were born with. Your whole body will move and twist in time with you step. In this way, your upper body (your whole upper body) can guide your stance toward the strike.
The most difficult piece is to bring it all together with timing that can only be learned and mastered by repetition. We will talk about that in the future. In the meantime, here are some things to think about …
- Being and end each move from strength: a strong stance.- Use unbendable arms for your blocks and start your blocks with your cheater step (sometimes before) to get you moving.
- Keep your arms and shoulders moving in a smooth motion to guide your step.
- Make a complete block and not leave one side of your body unprotected.
- Transition your block to strike as your step lands and bring your back foot with you as you strike.
- Timing of the strike should be: Sink, Strike. One, Two in close succession.
- Remember to block your entire body and don’t cut the block short. Blocks are circles or ovals, but not “D”s.
- Use your block to lift and sink. When you’re block goes up, your body is lighter for the step. When your block goes down, your stance sinks for the strike.
I’ll see you on the training floor. Until next time, walk the path.
Sincerely,
Jason
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Wednesday Nights
There will be NO classes following the SNAP class during the month of May. Our next basic self defense course will begin on June 9th (6p-7p) and run thru June 30th.
Thank you.
Ms. Kris
Thank you.
Ms. Kris
Monday, May 3, 2010
May Is Here!
We're in the home stretch leading up to summer! So far the weather has been downright cool for May in Texas...let's keep our fingers crossed!
Tuition is due this week for our cash and check students.
KFSS Graduation is June 26th at 9:30 am. SNAP graduation is June 23rd. Don't wait til the last minute to get your classes in!
May 29-31 is Memorial Day weekend. We will have 1 Adult class on Saturday May 29th from 8:30a-10:30a. THERE WILL BE NO KIDS's CLASS. WE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY MAY 31ST. Please plan accordingly.
See you in class!
Ms. Kris
Tuition is due this week for our cash and check students.
KFSS Graduation is June 26th at 9:30 am. SNAP graduation is June 23rd. Don't wait til the last minute to get your classes in!
May 29-31 is Memorial Day weekend. We will have 1 Adult class on Saturday May 29th from 8:30a-10:30a. THERE WILL BE NO KIDS's CLASS. WE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY MAY 31ST. Please plan accordingly.
See you in class!
Ms. Kris
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Instructor Blog - Advanced Forms
I thought I'd let some of the folks who make our school so special start telling you about what we're doing. I'll be posting blogs from our instructor's as they come in. Here is our first installment of the Advanced Forms Blog:
April 27, 2010
Hello Fellow Students,
First, I want to extend a heartfelt “Thank you!!” to all students in the Advanced Forms Class. Your positive feedback is humbling and sincerely appreciated. It is a special treat to explore the deeper levels of our art with like minded individuals. It is also an honor to contribute to RKMSF web site and communications. I can ensure that each post will be written from my heart. As always, I am ever open to questions and/or discussion on any subject I pen.
The success that I feel from the Advanced Forms Class is not based on attendance, even though that has been good (especially the last class on 4/23!!). Rather, I measure this success by the focus and determination of you, the students. Be proud of yourselves! The class could not succeed without your engagement. It is your excitement, focus, and determination that foster the interesting questions. No teacher acting alone could sustain the excellent discussions that we have enjoyed.
For those who have not attended the Advanced Forms Class, you are most welcome. There is only one prerequisite to this class: you must know the current class form. The class will be much more fulfilling with your curiosity and determination, so bring these too. I want to point out that the first student from the kids’ class joined us this past Friday. I was very impressed and hope for more participation from our younger brothers and sisters.
To pique your interest, here are some of the things we are studying in the Advanced Forms Class. Most of these principles and techniques I will only teach this class. Not everything is born from the ancient art of Tsoi Li Ho, but all will contribute to your personal development in Kung Fu San Soo as it has for me.
We have been looking at:I look forward to writing more, and seeing you again on the training floor.
- Deeper details in the class forms.
- Class form using weapons (we are applying the broad sword now!)
- Linking class forms together (we will start this soon)
- A new form type: XingYi (or Hsing I).
- The 8 Section Brocade as taught to me.
- Various Hatha Yoga postures including some of the Sunrises.
- The mental and emotional aspects of fighting.
- Philosophy of Kung Fu San Soo and martial arts in general.
Sincerely,
Jason
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