Monthly Newsletter - May

Monthly Newsletter – May Dear Friends,

It seems that spring is finally here!  From seminars, to competitions, demo’s and parties, you won’t want to miss out on the action!

School Closings Kungfu and Tai Chi Competition Kungfu- Tai Chi Seminars Student(s) of the Month – Martial Arts Brothers Jay and Jamin Sim Kungfu Sash Test Recap Chinese Community Center Party Recap CMAA Team Jackets Now Available! Kungfu Tai Chi Flexibility

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings We will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday May25th.  All classes are cancelled.

Regular Tai Chi Class is cancelled on Saturday May, 30^th for our Kungfu/Tai Chi Seminars!  See below for the details.

Kungfu – Tai Chi Competition If you are interested in competing, this is a great opportunity. CMAA will be organizing a competition team to participate in the 2015 New Jersey International Wushu-Kungfu Tournament. Yellow sashes and above are encouraged to compete.   Everyone is welcome to come and support your team!

Just like sash tests, the true value of competition is still self-improvement.  All the fun and team bonding is just a nice extra!

2015 New Jersey International Wushu-Kungfu Tournament Date: Sunday May 24, 2015

Location: Moorestown High School 350 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057, USA

Divisions by age, gender and experience in Traditional Kung Fu, Taiji and Contemporary Wushu. Team and combat form categories as well. Competitors invited from USA, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Check-in begins at 9:00 am and competition starts promptly at 10:00 am. Spectacular performance features Chinese and American Masters and Chinese National Champions.

Please get more information under “Competition” @ http://zhaochangjun.net/en/  

Kungfu and Tai Chi Seminars Sensitivity Training for Martial Arts Instructor Steve Juman through his year of training traditional Kungfu, Bruce Lee’s JKD, and Kali has a deep understanding of sensitivity and how it can be applied practically in martial arts.  Come learn about what it means to sense someone else energy and how you can redirect that energy and use it most efficiently to your advantage.

Weapons Applications In addition, as a Kali (Phillipino Weapons) specialist, Master Juman knows how to quickly present weapons basics in a very practical way.  You don’t have to learn more new forms to realize just how much you already know about the weapons you already train with!  From staff to sword, the techniques and philosophies are universally applicable.

Sensitivity Training For Martial Arts and Weapons Applications

Date: Saturday May, 30^th (5/30) Time: 9:15am-10:15am and 10:15am-11:15am. Cost: $30/Seminar or both for $40 ($20 each).  The class will be limited to the first 18 people who sign up to ensure students are given proper attention and instruction.

Tai Chi and Kungfu Seminars with Shifu Ching Yin Lee coming in June!

Chinese Community Center Kids Kungfu Party Recap

What a blast!  Everyone knows CMAA’s “work hard, play hard” motto.  While we did train first, we still had plenty of time for lot’s of games, lot’s of food, and lot’s of fun!  Thank you for another great year at the Chinese School!  Our last day of class at Chinese school is 5/10.  Please make sure to come visit CMAA and keep up your Kungfu practice!

Kungu Sash Test Recap Great job to those of you who participated in April’s Sash Test. Due all the Chinese New Year preparations and performances we didn’t have as much time to spend on our new forms.  With less time to prepare, you all seemed to rise to the occasion and bring you’re A game to the test. Congratulations to all of you who worked hard and performed your best- keep up the good work!

Student(s) of the Month – Martial Arts Brothers Jay and Jamin Sim.

Last year two brothers joined CMAA.  Having just moved from Texas to upstate NY, they quickly assimilated and became a part of our martial arts family.  They’ve been consistent with their training, and made steady progress.  Let’s get to know them a little better. Shifu: When did you initially get involved in martial arts? Chinese Martial Arts? Jamin: I started martial arts around 10 years ago with Taekwondo. I started kung fu about two and half years ago after we moved from Texas.

Jay: About seven years ago.

Shifu: What drew you to martial arts? Jamin: At first, martial arts was a culture thing, something cool that a lot of parents have their kids do. After a few years, I quit training to focus on school. Then in middle school, I got into a few... situations that made me want to restart learning to defend myself.

Jay: I first went (I think) cuz my brother went. But as I got older, I wanted to get stronger, be able to protect myself, and learn cool, new things like how to use weapons.

Shifu: What are a few of the main things you have taken away from your time training?

Jamin: What I got from training is, I think training in martial arts is the greatest form of exercise. You gain strength, speed, power, flexibility, and strategy. It also helps your mind and spirit. You somehow become more confident in yourself and more at peace. It's a great workout, and at the same time you learn to defend yourself.

Shifu: What’s your favorite part of training? Jamin: My favorite part of training is when I've been working hard to get a move right, like a jump kick or something, and it's your turn in the line, and I go and do it perfectly, or as close as I can get. Also, I like the feeling of flying for that half-second in the air during a jump. I sometimes practice getting higher jumps, so I get more air during my jumping front slap kicks.

Jay: Using weapons and learning new forms.

Shifu: Jamin, Can you tell us more about what you’ll be doing next year?  Why you chose that school/program and why you’re interested in this field of study? Jamin: Next year, I'm attending the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) campus in Albany for Nanoscale Engineering. I was originally planning on majoring in mechanical engineering, but I also wanted to be closer to home. Nowadays, everything's getting smaller, so nanoscale engineering seemed like a good idea. Now I can go to college and still go to kung fu! As for why I chose engineering, I dunno. I have a knack for technical things. I've just always been interested in technology. Some people are kind of forced into the engineering programs 'cuz it makes a lot of money, but for me, it's something I like doing.

Shifu: What’s your favorite part of being a brother? Least favorite?

Jamin: My brother's 4 years younger than me, and I have a sister who's 7 right now. She always mimics us after seeing us do kung fu, but she won't join classes (For some reason). The best thing about having siblings is that you have people to have fun with. The worst is that sometimes (or most of the time) they get really nosy and annoying. I think Jay annoys me on purpose.

Jay: Being with him and talking with him makes me happy. Being with him when he's mad

Shifu: If you could give any advice to someone who has a passion for martial arts, what would it be? Jamin: Advice to other martial arts enthusiasts: the mind controls the body. Stay in school, learn as much as you can, and increase your mental abilities. That's crucial in martial arts, or even fighting in general. You need to strategize and adapt to every situation, and you can't do that without a quick mind. Speaking of school, after high school, go to college. It doesn't have to be a big fancy school that costs $50,000 a year, but go learn about something you're passionate about. Use what you learn in school and in martial arts to be the best you can be. And no matter what, you should be true to yourself, have a pure heart, and stand up for what you believe in. If you get in arguments, use violence as a last resort; try to talk your opponents out of it. But there are always some people who go around looking to cause trouble. If you encounter one of those guys, take 'em down. But try to be gentle. If you need to take someone down, don't give up without a fight.

Whatever you're doing, you should always give your best.

Jay: Just give it your all, learn and have fun.

Shifu: Anything else about yourself you’d like to share?

Jamin: In my free time I like to make or build stuff, watch videos or movies, play video games (if I can), or train in other ways, like watching martial arts videos and kind of increasing my martial arts repertoire.

Other stuff I'd like to say: I'm pretty certain I'm going to be famous, so everyone be nice to me! Haha! I'm slightly kidding. Slightly. I'm also pretty certain what my future's gonna be like. I'd like to use technology to help people. Maybe become a real life Iron Man to fight crime and stuff! Haha!

"Always expect something to go wrong. If you're wrong, you're not disappointed. If you're right, you're ready for it." -John Flanagan

Jay: I like to have fun (in general).

Thanks Jay and Jamin!  Keep up the hard work guys. CMAA Team Jackets Show off your CMAA pride in style (and comfort!). The new “soft style” CMAA jackets are now in and available in all sizes.  They are $64.99.  The CMAA warm up jackets (wind breaker material) are now on sale from $75 down to $59.99 and available in sizes Adult Extra Small and up! If you are interested please speak with Shifu ASAP as quantity is limited and once we’re out of a size we need to wait until all the jackets are sold to reorder!

Kungfu Tai Chi Flexibility New Challenge.  Head to toe flexibility challenge issued. Individual must have head to toe on at least one side or foot over head side split balance by July 4th.   Penalty is 500 V-Ups in 1 Hour. If you don't complete the V-Ups in the hour, you have to restart the next time you come to practice. I lost my head to toe a few years ago and accept the challenge.

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu

May Kungfu Competition Information

2015 New Jersey International Wushu-Kungfu TournamentDate: Sunday May 24, 2015 Location: Moorestown High School 350 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057, USA Divisions by age, gendar and experience in Traditional Kung Fu, Taiji and Contemporary Wushu. Team and combat form categories as well. Competitors invited from USA, Europe, Africa and Asia. Check-in begins at 9:00 am and competition starts promptly at 10:00 am. Spectacular performance features Chinese and American Masters and Chinese National Champions. Please get more information under "Competition" @ http://zhaochangjun.net/en/

Monthly Newsletter - April

Dear Friends, Though we celebrated the Spring Festival almost 2 months ago, it finally feels like its on its way! As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings Kungfu Sash Test Student of the Month – Laura Prendergast Shifu Lucas Wushu at the United Nations- Flashback! Chinese Community Center Party! CMAA Team Jackets Now Available! Kungfu- Tai Chi Seminar

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings All classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

Chinese Community Center Kids Kungfu Party! What: Kids Kungfu Party When: Saturday, May 2^nd. 5:15pm - 6:15pm Who:  YOU! Chinese Community Center (CCC) students, siblings, friends and family! Where: The Chinese Martial Arts Academy, 3A Johnson Road Latham NY 12110 COST: FREE!

Please RSVP by 4/26 in person, or by email/phone at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or (518) 755-7512.

Please join the Chinese Martial Arts Academy for an evening of Kungfu FUN! Our evening’s activities will include a Kungfu performance and light refreshments!  Feel free to bring a brother, sister or friend- or just come and make new friends here at CMAA!

Kungu Sash Test We will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, April, 12^th at 10:30am.  If you are not sash testing you are still encouraged to come participate and support your teammates (no charge of course).

You know exactly what we will be testing but if you have any questions, check the Sash Requirements page on the website and feel free to clarify things with me during class.http://www.martialartsalbany.com/kungfu-sash-requirements/

If you are unsure whether or not you (or your child) are ready to test, please speak with me before or during class, via email at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or by phone (518) 755-7512.

Remember, you will not “get” your sash at CMAA – you will EARN it!  There is a big difference.  It’s important you (your child) learns the value of their sash- the value of hard work!  Let’s stay focused and step up our training so we’re fully prepared for the test!

White/Yellow/Green/Blue: $25, Red/Purple/Orange: $50, Light Brown/Dark Brown/Gold: $75

Student of the Month – Laura Prendergast

When you imagine a kungfu master in training, images of a young Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan flexing their six pack while striking a variety of Kungfu poses might come to mind.

The reality is, not all martial artists fit that description.  If you haven’t met Laura Prenderagast, let me introduce you.   As graduate of New York University studying Recombinant DNA Technology, Laura easily talks over my head on a variety of science related subjects.  She has competed and won gold in several tournaments over the last few years.  However, it is her consistent dedication that truly impresses me.  In the almost 4 years I have known Laura, she has remained steadfast and focused on her pursuit of martial arts mastery.  I’ve often wondered what motivates her.  As student of the month, I’m excited to find out what it is. Let’s get to it! Shifu: When did you initially get involved in martial arts? Chinese Martial Arts? Laura: I started training in Tae Kwon Do in college, but I didn’t get very far – only to green belt…since then, I’ve trained in Kenpo, and Shotokan Karate in NYC – but made only modest achievements in rank.  I started training in Kung fu at a school in Rockland county in 2005, and I continued to train when I got to Albany – I joined CMAA in 2010.  I think this is the longest period of time I’ve consistently trained.

Shifu: What drew you to martial arts? Why do you continue to work as consistently as you do? Laura: I guess I always liked watching martial arts movies.  I was younger and smaller than all the kids in my classes growing up, so I got picked on a lot.  I wasn’t really cultivating revenge fantasies… later, in college, I started investigating Oriental philosophies – I was drawn to Asian art, and I really liked the fact that the martial arts weren’t about beating people up, but more about discipline and commitment.   I work consistently, because I believe in continuous self-improvement.

Shifu: Is there anything in particular you've had to overcome? Laura: Yes, well two main things: first, the need to be approved of (I’m too old for it)…and second, the urge to be self-critical (cause I’m not sure it improves my technique at all).  Ok, three: keeping my eyes up.

Shifu: What are a few of the main things you have taken away from your time training? Laura: That’s really difficult to pin down.  I like to think I learn something every practice.  I like how you try to get us to focus on basics, like stances and fluidity and power.  I also think that just as there is “body English” there is also “body Chinese” – I can’t prove it, because I don’t actually speak Chinese, but I think that when I learn a form correctly, I might be expressing a philosophical concept correctly (I do hope to learn the language one day).  And I also respect what I learned about the Wushu symbol – that it literally means to “stop fight”.

Shifu: What’s your favorite part of training? Laura: That might be training with the kids.  I absolutely love watching them, seeing them learn, earnestly discussing minecraft, and arguing about who is taller.  They move because they love moving.  They don’t have inhibitions about doing backflips or cartwheels…and they represent so much potential.  It’s a little like getting a blank notebook for Christmas, except they’re writing it themselves. 

Shifu: If you could give any advice to someone (older or younger) who has a passion for martial arts, what would it be? Laura: Definitely keep training.  There are days of high energy and low energy.  Be mindful, and try to do at least one thing better every practice.  Thanks again for your dedication Laura.  It’s an important element to the energy at CMAA.

Shifu Lucas Wushu at the United Nations- Flashback! Lucas Geller, owner of the Chinese Martial Arts Academy in Colonie, was among 35 American athletes and more than 20 of the top wushu (literally martial arts) champions from China’s national team who performed at the United Nations on August 18th. The event, with the theme “Peace, Friendship and Health”, marked China’s 40th anniversary as a member of the UN. (Check out a video of the entire performance here!  Shifu’s Kungfu routine is at 1:04:05!) : http://www.martialartsalbany.com/shifu-geller-united-nations-kungfu-performance-with-jet-li/

CMAA Team Jackets Show off your CMAA pride in style (and comfort!). The new “soft style” CMAA jackets are now in and available in all sizes.  They are $64.99.  The CMAA warm up jackets (wind breaker material) are now on sale from $75 down to $59.99 and available in sizes Adult Extra Small and up! If you are interested please speak with Shifu ASAP as quantity is limited and once we’re out of a size we need to wait until all the jackets are sold to reorder!

Kungfu Tai Chi Seminar More info coming soon!

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - March

Monthly Newsletter – March  

Dear Friends,

Happy Chinese New Year! As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings – CMAA Spring Break Kungfu Sash Test Chinese New Year Performance Recap CCC Chinese School Pictures Student of the Month – Jacob “Big Brother” Raphael Saying Goodbye to CrossFit Coach Kyle Roddy

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings CMAA Spring Break: March 16^th – March 21^st.

Kungfu Schedule:  CMAA will be closed Monday March 16^th- Saturday March 21^st.  We will hold a makeup Kungfu practice for all levels on Sunday, March 22 from 12-2pm.  Please note that Saturday’s Combatives class from 2-3pm will be held as regularly scheduled.

Modified Tai Chi Schedule: Thursday AM class will be cancelled. All other classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

CrossFit: 9-10am morning sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are cancelled.  All evening and weekend classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

Chinese New Year Celebrations Recap  

The word is out- CMAA is THE school associated with authentic Chinese Martial Arts. Not only do we have the most qualified instructors (if I don’t say so myself  , we have an impressive young performance group! Based on our previous performances at the Egg , SUNY Albany, RPI, Clifton Park Community Center and Library, Schenectady Gazette Parade and more, we are now inundated with requests by many local organizations and groups to showcase our rising talents! In fact, I have had to turn down several of the requests due to time and scheduling constraints.

This year, we showcased our talents in several Chinese New Year Celebrations.  Please enjoy our performance at this year’s Chinese Community Center New Year Celebration, hosted by the Capital District Chinese Community Center and SUNY Albany’s Confucius Institute at SUNY Albany’s Performing Arts Center!

Chinese Community Center – Chinese School Picture Day photo of Shifu and Cindy's Wushu Kungfu class at the Chinese Community Center’s Chinese School.

Christmas Party Photo’s.

Kungu Sash Test We will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, April, 12^th at 10:30am.  If you are not sash testing you are still encouraged to come participate and support your teammates (no charge of course).

You know exactly what we will be testing but if you have any questions, check the Sash Requirements page on the website and feel free to clarify things with me during class.http://www.martialartsalbany.com/kungfu-sash-requirements/ If you are unsure whether or not you (or your child) are ready to test, please speak with me before or during class, via email at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or by phone (518) 755-7512.

Remember, you will not “get” your sash at CMAA – you will EARN it!  There is a big difference.  It’s important you (your child) learns the value of their sash- the value of hard work!  Let’s stay focused and step up our training so we’re fully prepared for the test!

White/Yellow/Green/Blue: $25, Red/Purple/Orange: $50, Light Brown/Dark Brown/Gold: $75

Student of the Month – Jacob “Da Shi Xiong (“Big Kungfu Brother”) Raphael Wushu Kungfu is not a kids martial arts specifically.  However, because the physical requirements of Long Fist are demanding, and similar to gymnastics, younger people tend to adjust to the training more readily.  The flexibility/mobility required for low stances and high kicks, and the emphasis on jump kicks and tumbling become particularly challenging as we age.  For Jake, who is one of our “big kids” has readily accepted the challenge and risen to the occasion, excelling in Long Fist with grace and power.  In addition, he is a leader.  Without being asked, he naturally organizes the younger students and helps keep them on task and focused on their training.

Shifu: When did you initially get involved in martial arts?  Chinese Martial Arts? Jake: I’ve been studying martial arts in one form or another for over twenty years!  I started my training at a Taekwondo school in East Hartford, CT where I learned the  fundamentals.  My passion for Chinese martial arts was sparked much later in college.  During my sophomore year, my best friend Andrew Law encouraged me to join the fledgling Brandeis University Lion Dance Troupe and a very fun journey ensued.  We toured from college to college, performing in a variety of cultural shows and celebrations.  Our performances were a mishmash of martial arts and lion dancing, often times with a comedic result.  After graduating, I became more serious by joining the Chinese Merchants Association in Boston, MA and my training really took off.  This time of year,  I’m always nostalgic for the New Year celebrations in Boston when we would lion dance throughout the city.

Shifu: What drew you to martial arts? Jake: I am a very independent person and, at least initially, I enjoyed the self-reliance that comes with practicing martial arts.  With many classical sports, the emphasis is typically on being a strong part of the team.  With martial arts, I liked that I would be responsible for my personal progress and that I could be my own “team” without relying on others.  Through my years of training however, I’ve happily come to the realization that this is not the case.  While I do prize my personal growth, I now treasure the opportunity to work with others who share my goals and aspirations.  A good martial arts school is indeed a TEAM in every way.

Shifu: What are a few of the main things you have taken away from your time training? There are so many!  I’ll just say practice both fast and slow.  When I run through a form slow, I can carefully assess every step.  Is my stance correct?  How’s my posture?  Are my hands positioned just right?  When I practice fast, I find out just how well I really know a form (plus it keeps me in shape).  Practicing fast exposes your weaknesses and areas for improvement very quickly.

Shifu: What’s your favorite part of training? Jake: My favorite part of training is learning and practicing forms.  I love the combination of mental and physical exercise. When a form just “clicks”, there is no better feeling.  Learning the applications for each movement is also amazing.  I love that forms can be both beautiful and practical at the same time.

Shifu: As a professional, husband and father, how have you adapted to keep martial arts a part of your life? Jake: I’d say that most of the credit goes to my wife for understanding that martial arts training is very important to me. She helps me carve out the time needed to practice and attend class, despite her own incredibly demanding schedule (she’s a surgical resident – yikes!).

Also, as Shifu often points out, you can train almost anywhere and anytime.  I stretch while studying, practice forms while watching the news and I am particularly fond of running through forms in my head, just visualizing the movements, whenever I have a moment.

Shifu: If you could give any advice to someone (older or younger) who has a passion for martial arts, what would it be? Jake: First, I’d say that persistence and discipline are your two strongest assets in martial arts.  Never focus on where you are now, focus on where you’re going.  Don’t worry about how “good”, strong or fast you are right now.  What matters is your plan for the future.  If you set the right goals and work towards them persistently, you WILL improve.  Over time, you can achieve anything.  This is especially true for the younger students; time is on your side!

Second, I’d point out that there is always room for improvement.  Even the most talented among us have areas to work on.  Always strive to be better.  This doesn’t just include leaning new forms and techniques, it is about refining the things that you have already learned.  I will be practicing Five Stance for the rest of my life and it still won’t be perfect.

Lastly, I’d advise all students to help others and let them help you, in training and in life.  Give constructive advice to your peers and listen closely when they return the favor.  You have a wonderful resource in CMAA.  The students are terrific and your Shifu is a great coach who is committed to your success.  Listen up and do your best!

Thanks for all your positive energy and hard work Jake!

Saying Goodbye to CrossFit Coach Kyle Roddy We’ve all fallen in love with his quiet professionalism and warm smile. Next week will be Coach Kyle Roddy's last week at Latham CrossFit. It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to him. Sad he won’t be with us motivating with high quality coaching, but happy to know he’ll move on to an opportunity which will better allow him to reach his full potential. Please join us this coming Saturday as we organize a Latham CrossFit send off for our good friend.

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - February

Monthly Newsletter – February

Dear Friends,

Happy Chinese New Year! As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings Kungfu Sash Test Recap CMAA Open House Recap CMAA in High Demand for Chinese New Year Performances Interview with Martial Arts Master Steve Juman CMAA Wall Scrolls – Beautiful and Meaningful 1 Year FREE at CMAA – Referral Program!

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings Due to our Chinese New Year Celebrations we will be canceling our Kungfu classes from 11:15-2pm on Saturday, February 14th and Saturday, February 21^st.  A single two hour make up class will be held on Sunday Feb. 15 and 22^nd, 12pm-2pm for all levels/ages!  Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Additionally, with the winter weather looming, please stay tuned to inclement weather closings.  I will post school closings on the websites homepage.  However, it might not display on certain mobile devices which automatically default to the mobile site.  Please call (518) 755-7512 if you are not sure!

CMAA In High Demand for Martial Arts Performances!

CMAA has been invited to showcase our talents at a few events this year, including an Open House on Sunday, January 18^th, 1:30-3pm and several Chinese New Year celebrations in Clifton Park on Saturday 2/14 and at SUNY Albany on 2/21 (3-5).  We may even organize a group for a performance at the East Greenbush YMCA.  Stay tuned for more details! Open House Demo Review What a success!  Our Open House demo went smoothly as we showcased the various disciplines practiced at CMAA.  From empty hand and kungfu weapons forms, to Tai Chi, and Kali weapons, it was a high flying and hard hitting demo punctuated with a lot of laughs and fun.  Our friend Ruth Brown brought in quite a few friends and it was a pleasure to showcase our programs for them.  I look forward to having another open house geared towards friends of our own students this summer!

To see some of the action, check out your classmates demo’s below!

Cindy and Emily Spear Micah Southern Caleb and Brenna Spear Yunhan “Turbo” Staff Cindy and Minyi Sword Schuyler Staff Renee and Liv Long Fist

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Saturday February 14th at the Clifton Park Library and our most important demo - Saturday Feb. 21 at SUNY Albany for the Chinese New Year!  For these two demo’s there is a Light Brown Sash and above requirement as we will only be demo’ing advanced forms. Note there are two Orange Sash qualifiers who know their first advanced form well enough to demo.  The stage is much smaller at SUNY than the egg and performances are to be kept under 5 minutes.  Those are the main reasons why we have to be so selective now. Everyone is welcome to support your team and come enjoy the show!

Check out the video below to see some of CMAA’s performance from last year.

Kungu Sash Test Great job to those of you who participated in January’s Sash Test. Due all the competitions and performances at the end of the summer, our last quarterly sash test was pushed back later than usual which meant this “quarter” was several weeks shorter.  With less time to prepare, you all seemed to rise to the occasion and bring you’re A game to the test. Also, with so many of you taking a winter vacation, I was equally impressed by those of you who were not at CMAA as much the few weeks prior, but kept up with your training and didn’t seem to miss a beat! Congratulations to all of you who worked hard and performed your best- keep up the good work!

CMAA Chinese Wall Scrolls As you know, CMAA has four large Chinese calligraphy scrolls on the wall.  These four scrolls are special for a few different reasons.  They are not simply Chinese scrolls bought at the Asian Imports store in the mall.  I thought long and hard about what different things we emphasize in the art we practice.  After months of deliberation I found a saying that I thought best encompassed our approach to training Chinese Martial Arts.  On the day of our grand opening Grandmaster Shifu Jiang Jianye presented us with four beautiful, personally handwritten scrolls which read: “Xi Wu Yi Cu Xue” Study the Martial Arts to Promote Learning

“Lian Wu Yi Qiang Shen” Train the Martial Arts to Strengthen the Body

“Shang Wu Yi Qin Zhi” Practice the Martial Arts to Develop Will “Han Wu Yi Xiu De” Do Martial Arts to Cultivate Ethics

In this case “Wu”, or Martial Arts is the common character connecting all four lines.  This is the same “Wu” symbol that adorns our school’s wall and uniforms.  We are not a school that emphasizes martial arts for combat, but a school that recognizes the inherent multitude of benefits from training in the martial arts.  It is for these reasons that CMAA has students male and female, spanning ages 4 to 84.  It never ceases to amaze me how everyone is benefiting from martial arts for so many different reasons.

Interview with Martial Arts Instructor – Steve Juman

Shifu: When did you initially get involved in martial arts?  Chinese Martial Arts? I started my martial arts training at the young age of 11 in a Japanese art called Jiu Jitsu Ryu. I then ventured into Tae Kwon Do for a couple of years. At the age of 20 I began my training in the art of Jeet Kune Do.

Shifu: What drew you to martial arts? Like every martial arts kid I loved the energy and expression of the late Bruce Lee. As a kid I loved watching the old Kung Fu movies starring Jackie Chan, Yuen Bio and Samo Hung. I was intrigued by their fluent movements and strength.

Shifu: At what point did you realize martial arts were something you wanted to make a serious priority in your life? Martial arts became a priority in my life when I realized that I was good at it. I loved the education of movement, the idea of being a scholar and a warrior was appealing to me. My sifu always said to me “Gung Fu is for everybody and not for everybody” he meant it will change your outlook in life but some people will never see it.

Shifu: What are a few of the main things you have taken away from your time training? The beauty of martial arts is not about the weapons training or the cool moves it’s about how you as a person express the art…that’s the beauty of Gung Fu.

Shifu: With training in so many different styles, and tutelage under different instructors, how do you make your blend so cohesive? Great question, Bruce Lee said “unless you have three arms or three legs there are no new moves” you always open your mind “empty your cup” to understand the connections what you have learned to what you already know, then make it efficient and effective.

Shifu: As a teacher, coach, husband and father of four, how have you adapted to keep martial arts a part of your life? All four of my children grew up in a household where martial art was the norm. Micah, Caleb and Noah started playing with my Kali sticks and focus mitts before they were walking. When Micah was three years old I once lost him in Sports Authority and found him in the sports section punching the hanging bag. Welcome to my life.

Shifu: What does your family think of it? We all love training including my wife she is by far my best student.

What advice would you give to others as far as training with weights, food supplements, etc.? Train a minimum of three times a week to progress and treat your body like a temple. Work hard now so it’s easier later. Don’t rush through the basic it is the foundation you build on.

Is there anyone that you are inspired by or that you look up to in the martial arts community?  Looking back all these years, who do you consider as your main instructor or influence? I have had so many great instructors in my life this is a tough question to answer. Foremost my main instructor in JKD has to be Sifu Pete, then Dan Inosanto, followed by Paul Vunak, and finally Francis Fong. These guys are legends in the arts to me.

If you could give any advice to someone (older or younger) who has a passion for martial arts, what would it be? To the younger kids I would say work hard, stay focused and have fun. The art expresses you as an individual.

To the older practitioners, keep your mind, heart and spirit strong eventually we realize it’s not about power and strength but about efficient movement and space. I was always faster than my Sifu but he always knew how to get there first.

Check out the exciting video below to see Master Juman in action!

Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program! CMAA Referral Program- Easy as 1, 2,3,4,5.

1. Earn $50 when your first referral joins. 2. Earn $100 when your second referral joins. 3. Earn $250 when your third referral joins. 4. Earn $500 when your fourth referral joins. 5. Earn ONE YEAR FREE when your fifth referral joins.

This will be even easier now with our new CMAA flyers.  You can pick them up for free at the school. Just write your name on the back of the bottom info tabs and when people come in with your flyer tab they will be considered your referral!

*Please note that offer applies to annual memberships and new referrals only (as of 1/1/15).

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - January

Monthly Newsletter – January

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings Kungfu Sash Test CMAA Holiday School Party Recap Holiday Kids Kungfu Movie and Pizza Night Recap New Year Goal Setting Students of the Month Profile – Emma "Big Sis" Chouinard CMAA In High Demand for Martial Arts Performances! 1 Year FREE at CMAA – Referral Program! As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings All classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

Additionlly, with the winter weather looming, please stay tuned to inclement weather closings.  I will post school closings on the websites homepage.  However, it might not display on certain mobile devices which automatically default to the mobile site.  Please call (518) 755-7512 if you are not sure!

CMAA In High Demand for Martial Arts Performances! CMAA has been invited to showcase our talents at a few events this year, including an Open House on Sunday, January 18^th, 1:30-3pm and several Chinese New Year celebrations in Clifton Park on Saturday 2/14 and at SUNY Albany on 2/21 (3-5).  We may even organize a group for a performance at the East Greenbush YMCA.  See below for more details! Open House: Sunday, January 18 1:30pm-3pm.  We will be having an Open House demo at CMAA!  I want you to bring you silk and come demo the latest form you've been working on!  Remember this is a holiday weekend so there is no Chinese school.  Since its an Open House and there's no real time limit everyone is invited to perform at this event (ie. no sash requirements).  The event starts at 1:30 so plan to arrive by 1 so we can warm up and prepare! This would be a great first time performance experience as it will be in the comfort of our own home- CMAA, with Shifu acting as the host and without time limitations.

Saturday February 14th at the Clifton Park Library and our most important demo - Saturday Feb. 21 at SUNY Albany for the Chinese New Year!  For these two demo's there is a Light Brown Sash and above requirement as we will only be demo'ing advanced forms. Note there are two Orange Sash qualifiers who know their first advanced form well enough to demo.  The stage is much smaller at SUNY than the egg and performances are to be kept under 5 minutes.  Those are the main reasons why we have to be so selective now. Everyone is welcome to support your team and come enjoy the show!

CMAA Holiday Dinner Party Recap

What a special evening.  This year the weather held out for usIt was a wonderful evening of eating, drinking and being merry.  Although not everyone could make it, it was wonderful to get our long time students together with the new generation just beginning at CMAA.  In the spirit of the holiday season, it was very special to spend our time together with our other family – the CMAA family.  I look forward to celebrating with you all again next year.

Kungfu Movie and Pizza Night Recap What a blast!  From an indoor soccer championship to sharks and minnows, lots of fun was had by all.  A healthy dose of pizza, and cookies were consumed during the showing of Jackie Chan's “Around the World In 80 Days” and the “Kungfu Panda Holiday Special”!  Stay tuned for upcoming news on another night of fun!

Kungu Sash Test Let’s start 2015 by working hard and making progress in your Kungfu practice! We will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, January 11th at 10:30am.  If you are not sash testing you are still encouraged to come participate and support your teammates (no charge of course).

You know exactly what we will be testing but if you have any questions, check the Sash Requirements page on the website and feel free to clarify things with me during class.http://www.martialartsalbany.com/kungfu-sash-requirements/

If you are unsure whether or not you (or your child) are ready to test, please speak with me before or during class, via email at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or by phone (518) 755-7512.

Remember, you will not “get” your sash at CMAA – you will EARN it!  There is a big difference.  It’s important you (your child) learns the value of their sash- the value of hard work!  Let’s stay focused and step up our training so we’re fully prepared for the test!

White/Yellow/Green/Blue: $25, Red/Purple/Orange: $50, Light Brown/Dark Brown/Gold: $75

New Year Goal Setting

Typically, with the New Year comes a New Year’s Resolution.  What’s yours?  Remember, “The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching our goals.  The tragedy of life is not having goals to reach for”.  In the spirit of self-improvement and goal setting, let’s revisit the September monthly challenge, identify our goals, and start making a plan for 2015! Read more here:

http://www.martialartsalbany.com/cmaa-monthly-challenge-september-goal-setting/

Students of the Month Profile – Emma "Big Sis" Chouinard She works hard, and has great leadership skills, but most importantly, she is just super nice.  Her willingness to help others is a very special and wonderful quality. For this, Emma Chouinard has been selected as Student of the Month!  Beyond her enthusiasm to lead her line in basic kungfu exercises is her desire to assist the newest and youngest students.  When new students timidly sit on the sideline in their first practice, without asking, I will notice Emma going right over to them to introduce herself.  The new student is instantly relieved to have a new friend.  Within minutes they’re working together as if they’ve known each other long before.  In addition, her kindness is contagious and now we have two more girls, Elaine Savaria and Jennifer Desantis, who have become wonderful helpers as well.  All three girls take on the qualities of the ideal ShiJie (sure-gee-ah)- elder kungfu sister.  Let’s get to know Emma a little better...

Shifu: Why did you start Kungfu? Emma: I was looking for a new activity. I had not found one that I wanted to continue with. Kung fu suits me.

Shifu: What is your favorite thing about Kungfu? Emma: Broadsword and working with new students.

Shifu: What are your goals in Kungfu for this coming year? Emma: I would like to improve my flexibility and splits. Plus learn how to do an aerial.

Shifu: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get better at Kungfu? Emma: Pay attention and focus on what you are doing.

Shifu: You are always ready to work with new the newest and the youngest students.Why do you help other people? Emma: Helping others makes me feel good and we all need help at some point. Also when I help someone  else I have to work harder to make sure I am doing it right so i don't teach them wrong.

Shifu: What is your favorite food? Emma: I love taco's.

Shifu: When you’re not training at CMAA what do you like to do in your free time? Emma: Studying and training take up most of my time but when I can I like to hang out with my friends.

Shifu: Anything else about yourself you’d like to share with everyone? Emma: I am in fifth grade at St. Pius X School. I also take art lessons and sing in choir. Taking kung fu had helped me in many areas of my life. I have developed more confidence in myself. I have also gotten sooner and faster since I started training here. I would like to thank Master Shifu for helping me with these improvements.

We'll there you have it guys!  Help other people, it'll make you feel good! It's a reminder we could all use.  Keep up the hard work Emma, you're doing great!

Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program! CMAA Referral Program- Easy as 1, 2,3,4,5.

1. Earn $50 when your first referral joins. 2. Earn $100 when your second referral joins. 3. Earn $250 when your third referral joins. 4. Earn $500 when your fourth referral joins. 5. Earn ONE YEAR FREE when your fifth referral joins.

This will be even easier now with our new CMAA flyers.  You can pick them up for free at the school. Just write your name on the back of the bottom info tabs and when people come in with your flyer tab they will be considered your referral!

*Please note that offer applies to annual memberships and new referrals only (as of 1/1/15).

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - December

Monthly Newsletter – December

Dear Friends,

As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings CMAA Holiday School Party NEW JKD Combatives Class at CMAA Kungfu Sash Test Holiday Kids Kungfu Movie and Pizza Night Students of the Month Profile – Micah, Caleb and Noah Juman AKA “The Three Ninjas” Chinese Community Center Kungfu Performance CrossFit - All New Classes! 1 Year FREE at CMAA – Referral Program! 

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings Please note we will be closed Wednesday the 24^th, Thursday the 25^th and Friday 26^th and then again for December 31^st and January 1^st.  Please take advantage of this time to be with your families and friends and plan for how you see yourself making progress in 2015!

Additionally, with the winter weather looming, please stay tuned to inclement weather closings.  I will post school closings on the websites homepage.  However, it might not display on certain mobile devices which automatically default to the mobile site.  Please call (518) 755-7512 if you are not sure!

CMAA Holiday Dinner Party With all the holidays and family get togethers this time of year, we would like to organize a time for the CMAA family to be together outside the school. Please join us for a holiday dinner celebration!

Date: Saturday, December 13th Time: 6:30 PM Location: Dragon Buffet, 1881 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205 (518) 452-6963 Price: $16.50 for adults and $11 for children (under 10 years old).  Please pay in advance by check or cash at the school as we have reserved a room for our group. Deadline: Please register by Tuesday, Dec. 8^th.

NEW JKD Combatives Class at CMAA Bruce Lee’s JKD inspired Combatives class will now be held at CMAA on Saturdays from 2-3pm.  For more information about the class please read more here! JKD Combatives Kungfu Movie and Pizza! Event: Kungfu Movie and Pizza Night at CMAA! Movie: Kungfu Panda Winter Holiday Special and Jackie Chan's Around the World In 80 Days! Date: Saturday, Dec. 20^th Time: 5:30pm -8:30pm. Limited: 8-14*

Parents are welcome to drop your children off for the evening to get things done before the holidays (or just enjoy a relaxing night out).  Non CMAA students (siblings and friends) are welcome too!

We will have a minimum sign up of 8 people and a maximum of 12.  The cost is $25 per child under 13 years old, $12 for individuals 13+.  However, additional persons accompanied by a parent acting as a chaperone will be permitted at the rate of $10/child and $10/parent.  Students accompanied by their chaperone parent will not count toward the total number of signups.

Please register by Friday, Dec. 19th.  However, the earlier your register the better as space will be limited!

Kungu Sash Test Let’s start 2015 by working hard and making progress in your Kungfu practice! We will be holding our quarterly Sash Test on Sunday, January 4th at 10:30am.  If you are not sash testing you are still encouraged to come participate and support your teammates (no charge of course).

You know exactly what we will be testing but if you have any questions, check the Sash Requirements page on the website and feel free to clarify things with me during class.http://www.martialartsalbany.com/kungfu-sash-requirements/

If you are unsure whether or not you (or your child) are ready to test, please speak with me before or during class, via email at AlbanyCMAA@gmail.com or by phone (518) 755-7512.

Remember, you will not “get” your sash at CMAA – you will EARN it!  There is a big difference.  It’s important you (your child) learns the value of their sash- the value of hard work!  Let’s stay focused and step up our training so we’re fully prepared for the test!

White/Yellow/Green/Blue: $25, Red/Purple/Orange: $50, Light Brown/Dark Brown/Gold: $75 Students of the Month Profile – Micah, Caleb and Noah Juman AKA “The Three Ninjas”

What’s the secret to success?  Ask around and you’ll get many answers but when you simplify it, it really just comes down to two things- work hard and be nice.  Well, we all know that it’s much easier said than done.  However, these boys do it on daily basis.  They take hard work and leadership seriously.  They are constantly at the front of the lines showing off new tricks like back handsprings, and head flips all while being the first to cheer on a new student just learning a cartwheel or console someone privately who may have just done something embarrassing in front of the class.  I’ve seen them do these things out of the corner of my eye over the last two years and it has continued to give me great inspiration.  I’d like to introduce you to them- The Three Ninjas- Micah, Caleb and Noah Juman.

Shifu: “Why did you start Kungfu?” Micah: "We grew up around Kungfu training with my parents then my dad introduced me to CMAA. Right away I knew here is where I can train hard, learn kung fu, become physically stronger and mentally sharp.” Caleb: "I started Kung Fu because it seemed like a fun activity, physically challenging and something I wanted to get better at.” Noah: "Because it looked fun.”

Shifu: “What is your favorite thing about Kungfu?” Micah: "The flexibility and acrobatics.” Caleb: "My favorite thing is that it helps me with other sports such as soccer, basketball and gym class.” Noah: "I like the different forms, seeing my friends and warm up games.”

Shifu: “What are your goals in Kungfu for this coming year?” Micah: "Get better, train harder and have fun.” Caleb: "This coming year I would like to work on my flexibility, my spear form and acrobatics.” Noah: "Work on my flexibility to do my forms and kicks.”

Shifu: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get better at Kungfu? Micah: "At first it might be frustrating but keep at it, stay focus and do you best.” Caleb: "When things become difficult work harder you will get it.” Noah: “Keep practicing and ask me for help.”

Shifu: “What is your favorite food?” Micah: "Yummy Crunchy Tacos!!!” Caleb: "Buffalo chicken wings.” Noah: "I love me some cheese pizza.”

Shifu: “What are your favorite marital arts movies?” Micah: "Rush Hour, First Strike and Shaolin Soccer.” Caleb: "The Forbiden Kingdom, Jackie Chan's Drunken Master and First Strike." Noah: "The Last Airbender and The Ninja Turtles.”

Shifu:  “When you guys fight at home is it like a kungfu movie scene with spears and swords?” Micah: "You have no idea..  (I sleep with two Kali Sticks for safety).” Caleb: "It's like Jet Li fighting Jet Li in The One.” Noah: "Sure but I always win LOL!”

Shifu: “When you’re not training at CMAA what do you like to do in your free time?” Micah: "I like to draw, hang out with friends, act and sing and well, train at home.” Caleb: "Play Soccer, Basket Ball and video games”. Noah: "Watch TV, play Lego Batman and eat snacks.”

Shifu: “Anything else about yourself you’d like to share with everyone?” Micah: "I like helping others and would love to work at CMAA as a summer job.” Caleb: "I love to go to Albany Flight the trampoline park and I love playing Nerf Wars with my friends.” Noah: "I always seem to get Caleb angry....”

Well, there you have it guys.  Keep up the hard work guys, you’re doing great.  You have an amazing future in the martial arts.  I can't wait to see where you take it!

Chinese Community Center Kungfu Performance Team CMAA will be organizing a small performance for the Chinese Community Center’s Sunday school on Sunday December 14^th.  With so many students who originally began practicing at the CCC, I’d like to showcase their progress at CMAA.  If you attend the CCC or originally started Kungfu at the CCC, please join us! I will be sending out an email about this, but just in case I forget to include you, please let me know if you are available.

CrossFit - All New Classes!

CrossFit is the most dynamic strength and conditioning program ever.  We combine cardio intensive boot camp style workouts with heavy weight lifting, and gymnastics strength training.  Our workouts vary every day to keep your body constantly adapting to new challenges.

We can scale all workouts to any level of fitness, professional athlete to desk jockeys and soccer moms.

Please email or call in advance to schedule your first training session (518.755.7512).

New Schedule Here: Latham CrossFit Schedule

Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program! CMAA Referral Program- Easy as 1, 2,3,4,5.

1. Earn $50 when your first referral joins. 2. Earn $100 when your second referral joins. 3. Earn $250 when your third referral joins. 4. Earn $500 when your fourth referral joins. 5. Earn ONE YEAR FREE when your fifth referral joins.

This will be even easier now with our new CMAA flyers.  You can pick them up for free at the school. Just write your name on the back of the bottom info tabs and when people come in with your flyer tab they will be considered your referral!

*Please note that offer applies to annual memberships and new referrals only (as of 12/1/14).

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu

Monthly Newsletter - November

Monthly Newsletter – November Dear Friends,

As always, there’s a lot happening at CMAA!  Please review the following information on:

School Closings CMAA Holiday School Party NEW JKD Combatives Class at CMAA Kungfu Competition Recap Kungfu Sash Test Recap Student of the Month Profile – Lizzy “The Warrior Princess” Liu Festival of Nations – Recap 1 Year FREE at CMAA – Referral Program! Kick or Treat – Halloween at CMAA Costumes Tai Chi vs MMA (Who is Nicer)? Black Belts Never Give Up

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu School Closings Please note we will be closed and all classes will be canceled on Nov. 27^th, Thanksgiving Day.  Otherwise, all classes will be held as regularly scheduled.

CMAA Holiday Dinner Party With all the holidays and family time this time of year, we would like to organize a time for us to be together outside the school. Please join us for a holiday dinner celebration!

Date: Saturday, December 13th Time: 6:30 PM Location: Dragon Buffet, 1881 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205 (518) 452-6963 Price: $16.50 for adults and $11 for children (under 10 years old).  Please pay in advance by check or cash at the school as we have reserved a room for our group. Deadline: Please register by Saturday, Dec. 5^th.

NEW JKD Combatives Class at CMAA   Bruce Lee's JKD inspired Combatives class will now be held at CMAA on Saturdays from 2-3pm.  For more information about the class please read more here! JKD Combatives

Festival of Nations Representing China and the Chinese Community Center, CMAA was the first to take the stage and open up the festivities with an exciting performance.  This is part of a follow up email I received from one of the organizers, “We want to thank the Chinese Martial Arts Academy, under the guidance of Lucas Geller, who performed an acrobatic, exciting and dynamic presentation of Wushu.  It was a real "hit" and absolutely mesmerized the audience.  We hope they come back next year.”

Due to time constraints, we pulled off this year’s demo without a single rehearsal practice.  I can assure you, our next demo for the Chinese New Year will be even more exciting! To see CMAA in action check out the video of our performance here!

Kungfu Competition: International Chinese Marital Arts Championship I know many of you were excited to begin learning your new forms and weapons routines. However, it was important that we not be distracted in our training with anything we would not have been competing in at the ICMA. For those who sash tested but didn’t complete, you too were required to wait until your teammates had finished competition before moving on to new forms. This is because we are a team and even if you don’t compete you are still a huge part of our competition preparation.

With our biggest competition team to date, CMAA made a very impressive showing with students placing top in every single division we competed in. I hope it was exciting to see just how good other martial artists are, and learn how hard other people and schools train to get to the levels they are at. I know that personally, it was a great learning experience. With years of competition experience, it was all a very different experience as a coach.

Again, congratulations on all your success! Team CMAA will spend the winter in training hibernation, looking at sash tests and the many upcoming Chinese New Year’s demo’s as opportunities to showcase our rising talents. We will begin looking for competition venues again in the spring and summer.

Kungu Sash Test Great job to those of you who participated in October’s Sash Test. Many of you practiced all summer for the test and rose to the occasion. Also, with so many of you taking summer vacation, I was equally impressed by those of you who were not at CMAA as much this summer, but kept up with your training and didn’t seem to miss a beat! Congratulations to all of you!

In addition, I would like to congratulate those who chose NOT to sash test. You too demonstrate self-control. I know you too were excited to get your next sash and move on to something new but with an honest self-assessment, decided to wait until you knew you’d truly mastered your form. Keep up the hard work, we will test again soon and you will be all the better for having waited.

Student of the Month Profile – Elizabeth “The Warrior Princess” Liu

A few months ago a new student joined CMAA.  You’ve all seen her because she’s always in the class you’re in.  She has progressed incredibly quickly, but it’s not just because she’s a fast learner (which she is), it’s because she doesn’t just take classes at CMAA, she takes take’s ALL the classes! She frequently stays for 2 hours of classes, then eats dinner at the school so she can stay for a 3rd class.  You guessed it.  November’s student of the month is Elizabeth “The Warrior Princess” Liu.

Shifu: Why did you start Kungfu? Lizzy: I started kungfu because it looked fun!

Shifu: What is your favorite thing about Kungfu? Lizzy: Learning new forms.

Shifu: What are your goals in Kungfu for this coming year? Lizzy: I don’t have any goals. I just practice.

Shifu: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get better at Kungfu? Lizzy: Keep practicing and don’t give up.

Shifu: What is your favorite food? Lizzy: Instant noodles, pizza and hotdogs.

Shifu: When you’re not training at CMAA what do you like to do in your free time? Lizzy: Read books, play games, play sports and climb trees.

Shifu: Anything else about yourself you’d like to share with everyone? Lizzy: My favorite color is yellow. I’m Chinese I have been to China 3 times. I love kungfu.

Well, there you have it guys.  Keep up the hard work Lizzy, you're doing great! Kick or Treat! Halloween at CMAA!

Wow, you guys looked great!  From super heroes and dinosaurs to ninjas and vampires it was great seeing you guys in action on Halloween!

(Since most people couldn't guess my costume I'll give you a hint "Sweep the leg!  Yea, Johnny, put him in a body bag! Cobra Kai, Never Die!".. "Wax on, Wax off"... got it yet?!) Tai Chi VS MMA (Who is Nicer)?

If what he says is true about judging the quality of a martial arts program by the character of their students or personality of the instructor, then we must have a very high quality program (if I don’t say so myself).  In addition to an interesting message, I also loved watching the video and just seeing some very interesting applications of Tai Chi!

Black Belts Never Quit All the reasons you should keep going! (… even when you want to quit, sometimes).

1.  Learn what it really means to be a martial arts master.  You won’t ever know if you quit now.

2.  All your friends at practice miss you when you’re not there.

3.  Sometimes you’re teammates are having a tough time in training and they could really use your motivation and support!  Every practice you miss might have been one that a teammate needed you… Read More Here: http://www.martialartsalbany.com/never-quit/  

Save Money with the CMAA Referral Program! CMAA Referral Program- Easy as 1, 2,3,4,5.

1. Earn $50 when your first referral joins. 2. Earn $100 when your second referral joins. 3. Earn $250 when your third referral joins. 4. Earn $500 when your fourth referral joins. 5. Earn ONE YEAR FREE when your fifth referral joins.

This will be even easier now with our new CMAA flyers.  You can pick them up for free at the school. Just write your name on the back of the bottom info tabs and when people come in with your flyer tab they will be considered your referral!

*Please note that offer applies to annual memberships and new referrals only (as of 11/5/14).

Summary

As usual please stay tuned for more exciting action at CMAA!

Best,

Shifu