Volume: 10 Issue: 2

Training Tip:

Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy over whether it is better to run with shoes or bare feet. Some people think running with shoes on adds protection and support to the feet; and they would be right. Others think that running bare foot is a good thing because it is more natural, and they would also be right. Sound confusing? Although both have very strong arguments, recent research has helped to develop a peaceful co-existence that has been missing for quite some time. Let me explain the differences and then I’ll let you decide for yourself which is better for you.

Your feet are made to take a lot of punishment. Just think about it for a moment. They support your whole body weight most of the day and take the shock of contact from the ground. The natural form of the foot helps relieve stress on other parts of the body, such as the knees and hips. When running bare foot, the natural movement of the foot is to land on the ball of the foot and then the heel. When you wear shoes, the opposite is true, heel to toe. That is more unnatural and also more stressful, which can cause such maladies as stress fractures and shin splints, not to mention hip and knee problems.

Some of the good things about wearing shoes are they support your feet and ankles, and protect your feet from the elements; such as cold, heat, glass, rocks, etc. Shoes and more specifically orthotics, are sometimes necessary for people with flat feet and other limiting disabilities. However, for a healthy individual, wearing shoes also takes away the ability for the feet, especially the ankles, to get stronger. All of your tendons and ligaments that support your ankles and feet won’t need to work as much because your shoes give all the support.

If you feel that you need to wear shoes to protect your feet from the above elements that I just talked about, or there are medical problems with your feet, there are special shoes that fit the foot like a membrane. You can also buy shoes that are very light in weight and low cut with flat soles so that your feet still get the exercise they need without the added support. If you would like more information on membrane style shoes, and the advantages of Fore Foot Running you should check out Newton Running Shoes for more information.

As shoes are not always an option, these products and habits can help you get the most out of your run. Start your run with a quick paced walk slowly increasing your stride until you are comfortable with your own pace. Try to force yourself to run fore foot (ball of the foot) to heel and try to remain light on your feet. This will take time to become comfortable but like anything else with a little effort, it will benefit you in the long run. No pun intended!

Sensei

Flyer Blitz & Ju Jitsu Seminar:

On Saturday March 13^th – As part of our 2010 initiative to improve the dojo – we will be hitting the streets to help get the word out about our school and spread the Karate message. For this to be effective we need everybody’s help and support.

We will be meeting at 9:30am to divide into groups and discuss the ground rules for staying safe and respectfully representing our school. At 10:00am we’ll hit the road.

Lunch will be provided for everybody who attends and to say thank you for everybody’s hard work we will be holding a 2 hour (or so!) seminar dedicated to the art of Ju Jitsu. Whether you are a beginner or advanced student expect to work hard!

**Please note that March weather can be fairly unpredictable. As such please check the weather report before leaving and be sure to dress appropriately. We will be outside for a good stretch of time.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask Sensei or Christine.

We hope to see you there!!

Instructors Workshop:

After the success of our first assistant’s workshop, we will be holding a mandatory workshop for all instructors. This workshop is going to pick up where our assistants workshop left off. We will be discussing curriculum, teaching techniques for different age groups and we will also be focusing on a detailed breakdown of the changes made during the switch over from Japanese to Okinawan Goju Ryu.

This meeting is a must for all black belts currently teaching classes and is strongly suggested for any brown belts looking to grade for Shodan.

When: Saturday April 10^th, 2010

Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Kyoshi DiLiberto Seminar:

“Karate is the expansion and contraction of the human body, while in motion, in a state of total harmony with the universe. To produce maximum destructive power, while at the same time, neutralizing incoming aggression with the least amount of energy, achieved through hard training to unify the body and spirit for the purpose of self enlightenment and to promote world peace.”–Kyoshi DiLiberto

On February 20th 18 students embarked on an intense 4 hour session focused around the kata Tensho. This seminar was an eye opening experience that showcased the extremely high level of detail hidden within the Goju katas. A huge thank you goes out to Kyoshi DiLiberto and Jamal for making the trek down from Ancaster and sharing their deep love of the martial arts with us in what is sure to be the first of many seminars to come.

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Women’s Self-Defense Program:

Over the past 5 weeks a group of energetic women have been taking part in DMA’s first self-defense program specifically designed for women. Designed by Sempai Josette and Kelly these two black belts combine for 25 years of training experience and each brought their own life experiences to the table.

The first four weeks were spent learning a wide variety of self defense escapes, the importance of attitude and drawing attention to yourself and the situation.

The final class found a number of victims – ahem, senior students – who were willing to sacrifice their bodies so the women could put their newfound skills to the test – and each of them will confirm they know what they’re doing!

Thank you to all who attended and helped out and a special thank you to Sempai and Kelly for putting this together and making it such a well received success. We look forward to continued programs.

Kyu Belt Grading:

Congratulations to everybody who recently completed their kyu belt examination. It was a great show and everybody put forth their best effort. Our next grading will be held in May for those who feel they are ready.

Grading Results:

White Advanced Belts:

Zackary C. Fabian F.-J. Paige W.

Gokyu (Yellow Belt):

Jessica B. Owen S. Brenden S. Andrew R. Owen L. Julian S.

Yellow Advanced:

Jonathan R. Isaiah S.

Yonkyu (Orange Belt):

Jayden H. Colleen M. Spencer C. Roger B.

Orange Advanced:

Mariah T.

Red Belt:

Noah W.

Ryan G.

Sankyu (Green Belt):

Twilah O.

Sensei would like to acknowledge outstanding performances by the following students: Fabian F.-J., Colleen M., Owen L. and Ryan G.

Click on the pictures to enlarge