Jasper, Alberta Martial Arts Group Classes:

 
 EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED IN BEAUTIFUL JASPER, ALBERTA CANADA AT THE ACTIVITY CENTER'S OLD GYM DOWNSTAIRS!

One year of Martial Arts, Mind, Body & Spirit by Jennifer (Jasper Team Member)

When I started Martial Arts with Rich Dimitri, I never imagined that my life would be so different one year later. I started for exercise; I wanted to improve my body, lose weight, become healthier and stronger. I never imagined that my mental strength would be stronger than ever.

Physically I have gone from a size 10 to a size 6, I have lost 10 pounds and gained muscle in places I never knew I had muscle.

Mentally, I can do anything. When I started I had/have, always will be, dealing with a very emotional divorce. My self confidence had disappeared and I didn't like myself anymore. Senshido has taught me that I am stronger, capable of doing anything that I put my mind to. It has also shown me that by improving myself, I have inspired others. I was always the one that wanted to be like someone else. To have people/members tell me that I inspire them to do better is a very surreal feeling.

I am important, that is what my training has taught me most. One year later, I love myself again and I have Senshido and it's evolution towards just being Martial Arts, Rich, Tania and all the Jasper members to thank for that!

I know this year is going to be even more amazing and I am looking forward to it! Bring it on! DO SOME!

For more info please call 780-852-4100 or Email: Martialartsjasper@hotmail.com and

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If this doesn't provoke some thought....

http://www.truththeory.org/zeitgeist-3-moving-forward/

The How To's of Scenario Replications PART 3

The conclusion to the 3 part article:

Through experience and years of researching violence and how fights begin and evolve, we have created a step-by-step process (formula) that allows you to experience the emotional and behavioral elements as well as the physical variables of a real assault.

Step 1: Create the scenario: If possible, always refer to a situation that has really occurred to someone where (sadly and unfortunately) the individual was victimized or potentially victimized.  This can be either through personal experience, news, word of mouth, research etc.  The premise of the attack should be congruous to the replication and in tuned with the scenario and the individual participating. The scenario itself must coincide with the student’s (participant’s) lifestyle (I.e. don’t create a bar scene/scenario for an individual that doesn’t frequent such establishments).  Lifestyle familiarity for each individual is critical here.

Establish the time of day, the environment, the frame of mind, the reason behind the attack, the presence of other parties etc.  The scenario must unfold based on the circumstances surrounding it, as each variable will affect the outcome and response.

Beyond 'Techniques'

This article first appeared  on our forum in 2003 as a response to varying questions regarding our take on our conceptual approach vs a technical one:

"The conventions of language reveals the ways in which we see the world." ~ Dan Millman

Techniques as described by Webster's II New College Dictionary goes as follows:

Technique: 1. The systematic procedure by which a complex or scientific task is accomplished. 2. Procedure, system, routine; method. 3. The degree of skill or command of fundamentals exhibited in a performance.

All 3 of these definitions do not relate to personal protection as we all (should) know that fine or complex motor skills go out the window. Tool and target development based on strategies and tactics is NOT a "systematic procedure".
In martial arts today, the term "technique" is expressed as a physical response to an attack. For the most part, it is looked as "If someone does this, you do that." If we're to take a look around at the majority of martial arts forums, you'll see threads like (the following are actual threads found on various popular martial arts forums)

- "Which technique would you use against a grappler?"
- "What's your favorite technique?"
- "What are the best self defense techniques?"

Etc. Etc. 

The problem with 'techniques' in the context provided above, is that those who use them look to them for a specific result (in order to establish their next technique) as opposed to the reaction from their attacker as the consequence of their chosen action. The problem lies within the lack of ability to see the 'fight' outside 'the box', outside of the technical applications, since the individual using it cannot choose if the technique worked or not (especially the way it was designed to function). Your opponent will always dictate what your next 'move' is going to be based on their reactions; behavior, state of mind, state of emotions, will dictate. 

PART 2 of 'The How To's of Realistic Scenario Replication'

The Formula

How to replicate a scenario in training? Most think that because they swear at each other a few times prior to fighting all out that they are scenario-based training.  Scenario replications require much more than that.  In a real fight, there are several variables and affecting factors that can and will alter the results and chosen actions of the situation. The affecting factors are, as follows and in no particular order:

Time: The specificity of the time of day/night in which the scenario takes place makes a difference. Take the following example for instance: 

It’s 6:30 in the morning and you just woke up seconds ago from a short night’s sleep.  You hear the garbage truck outside your house and realize you forgot to take the trash out last night and it is piling and smelling up the environment.  You rush to take the trash out and as you do, one of the bags slips out of your hand onto the pavement and tears open in front of the garbage men.  This pisses off the garbage man who has been working since 5am to pick up trash and he gets off his truck mouthing off at you then shoves you hard in the chest threatening to kick your butt. 

Considering the time of day, the way you feel, your state of mind and the fact that you are in your robe and haven’t yet had your first cup of java, how do you honestly think you will react in that particular moment? A take down perhaps? A chin jab?  Doubtfully.  Chances are, you are exhausted, the light of day is affecting your eyesight and you never even saw the shove coming.

The primary attack on an individual is a behavioral one; the second portion of the attack is a psychological one.  The last phase of an attack is a physical one.

Let’s take the exact same scenario with the garbage man and change the time frame.  

A Little Humorous History

(The following first appeared in Senshido's "Bible of Hand to Hand Combat" volume #8 – circa 1995)


Read, enjoy, take with a grain of salt or two… and if any of it sounds too familiar... perhaps shop around for another martial art school:

AN INFORMATION SESSION AT A 

COMMERCIAL TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

Mrs. Jane Herman (Potential client)
“Hi, I’m Jane Herman, I’d like some information about your courses, I’m actually here for self defense, I have a family and would like to know how to protect myself in case the unfortunate need should ever arise.”

Master Sensei (Of no oriental origins)
“So, you are interested in self defense? Sure, Our style is the best. We specialize in self-defense. Mrs. Herman is it? May I call you Jane? Well Jane, you’ll learn things like the traditional front forward stance, six blocks and three kata’s / forms. In addition, you’ll be training barefoot and in a crisp white Gi with a white belt.

What He’s really saying:
“No one ever uses this stuff in self defense simply, well, because the shit doesn’t work. Honest, think about it... ever see anyone attack anyone during a violent confrontation using a lunge punch or side kick? But, if you repeatedly do it year after year after year in the hopes of accomplishing “inner peace” and self discipline, you may end up appreciating it, in the mean time, you’ll feel frustrated and uncoordinated just like a good white belt should.”

Jane Herman - “How about cardiovascular training and weight reduction?”

Master Sensei - “You want to lose weight and gain confidence, no problem, our style is designed for maximum efficiency in all areas. Mind, Body, Spirit, Jane. Here is your uniform, it is called a Gi, you must treat it with the utmost respect for it is your traditional garb for every time you train”

What He’s really saying:

The How To's of Realistic Scenario Replication PART 1:

The following is an exert from one of our best selling packages "The Scenario Replication package" DVD and Manual and appeared prior to that in our Bible of Hand to Hand Combat vol #13 circa 1995:

INTRODUCTION: What is scenario-based training?

Scenario based training is an efficient method of training situational responses that allows the students/participants to learn and apply their knowledge and skills as they participate in realistic situations. This method of training and learning allows students to move from theory to practical application of skills in all areas and helps create the proper mental blue prints needed to survive a violent confrontation. When students learn to apply their skills in scenarios, they are better prepared to react appropriately in real fights and confrontations as the mind develops the appropriate files to deal with the circumstances in a familiar setting.  Law enforcement officers, military personnel, fire fighters world wide use this method of training successfully. 


Realism is an important aspect to maintain when replicating scenarios. The environment should be real or replicated as realistically as possible, complete with realistic opponents and partners. To further provide a realistic simulation in this environment, the student/participant should have as much of a free range (both physically and strategically) of action as possible; their actions should not be constrained by what the instructor’s or said system or style they train in envision the student should do. We refer to the student’s desired actions and responses in the moment as ‘guided chaos’. 

If we were to isolate one single goal of scenario replication training, then it would be to maximize this guided chaos through tactical and strategic implementation based on realistic and researched behavioral doctrines. However, since scenario replication training is a learning tool, there are specific training goals and formulas for every given scenario. In order to achieve those goals, the instructor needs the representational flexibility to formalize the goals for the scenarios, to script them out in a conceptual manner, and have a way to dynamically modify the scenario to ensure that the proper or most desired results are achieved by the participants.

We define the instructor’s goal to specify the exact scenario he wishes based on experience and/or research and factual events and the participant’s lifestyle as ‘tactical selection’. The purpose is to attempt to find a balance between ‘guided chaos’ and the ‘tactical selections’.

The End of God?

A very thought provoking documentary - remember, "Absorb what is useful, add what is specifically of your own and disregard the rest." ~ Bruce Lee

http://www.truththeory.org/the-end-of-god-a-horizon-guide-to-science-and-religion/

Is Rich an atheist? Why did he wear the cross?

Addendum August 16 2011, Since this article has been written, I no longer wear the cross for many of the reasons mentioned in this past article below:


I've been getting lots of questions regarding my 'label' based on my beliefs and the fact that I happen to be very opinionated, outspoken and vocal on top of being a self admitted 'idealist'. The following is in response to an message I received, not directly asking me about my labels and beliefs as much as from a man who is going through some deep introspecting and self discoveries. He at one point in his message, refers to his religion and asks me to be patient with him as he says "and I understand we have differences here, so please bear with me" and I know it is because of my eclectic beliefs.

The reason I am sharing it here is because I receive many questions regarding my perspective and I figured I'd share it here as a reference point for those who care or are simply curious. The text has been modified and edited to maintain anonymity as well as target a broader audience.

I just feel like I gotta get this off my chest. Though I firmly and fundamentally disagree with religion, I fully respect good people's beliefs as long as their beliefs work for them. I don't care what someone worships as long as they are good, selfless folk.

I am also of the opinion that most religious people are brainwashed into believing religion works for them when it clearly doesn't... religion generally segregates rather than unify (if you disagree with that, ask any denomination if they would let their son or daughter date, let alone marry another denomination) it takes away accountability, it takes away questioning and it defies logic.

Think about it for second, your beliefs aren't really yours. If your parents were killed at birth and you were adopted at birth by a differing denomination than your current parents and raised all your life in that 'other' religion, your beliefs would be entirely different than they presently are today. Period. You are born into religion without choice, even though one may think they do have a chocie once they are an adult, they have 18 to 21 years of programming into a faith tainting that choice.... like you said, and I quote:


"To be honest, I was a bit nervous purchasing the book due it being in the "metaphysical" section of the bookstore. This may seem funny to some, but being raised a certain religion (I am not the religion I was raised), certain things are hard to let go of."


And why do you think they are so hard to let go of? Because they've been drilled into you since birth, not because you researched, questioned and figured out your own path like you seem to be doing now...


Religion also personifies God... made 'him' judge, jury and executioner. God in my most humble opinion, is not a human being, not a man and not a person. God is an energy... Einstien kinda proved it with his E=MC2. And yes, we are all part of that same energy... one energy... love... period. No judgments, those are man made to maintain control and order... no heaven and hell... these are fabrications to maintain control and order... God is the higher-self in all of us and the devil is our ego...


This spiritual rather than religious belief is unifying rather than segregating. Why? Because religion has varying sects, even within its own sects they have varying sects and branches condemning one another for being 'wrong' or 'inaccurate'... spirituality (for lack of a better word since the label spiritual comes with it own stigmas) sees every human being regardless of color, creed, country, background, language as family, as one and the same as a brother and a sister... as the very same energy (god) that sustains a jew, a muslim, a christian, a budhist, atheist etc.


Ask any Egyptian boy in the streets of Cairo under the age of 6 what they think of Israelis and 9 out of 10 will make a gun symbol with their hand firing the trigger... this is religion... a Muslim woman falls in love with a Jewish man, the families never allow the union, threaten disownment etc. This is religion.... I know countless couples of differing religions who fell in love and their union was disallowed... this is religion... when I was married the first time, my wife was Coptic orthodox and I was raised Greek Catholic.... her priest refused to marry us, this is religion. If these people were spiritual instead of religious, they would have seen each others as equals... as brothers and sisters which we are... not as a us and/vs them.... religion doesn't want unification because religion is a great excuse for war... just listen to some of Bushes speeches...


I am not an atheist, I very much believe in that energy which sustains us all... some call it God, but with that semantic comes a mess of luggage... some call it the universe, energy or love... science even sustains this... even non living matter is sustained by that very same energy... all things... E=MC2... FACT: we don't fundamentally exist the way we perceive ourselves.


With that said, welcome to accountability brother... real accountability... it makes a world of difference when one becomes accountable for themselves, their lives and their predicaments. Once you realize that YOU are indeed in charge and in control of YOURSELF of YOUR emotions, thoughts, feelings, actions, predicaments, great times, bad times etc. that there is no 'exterior' force controlling your life... that the common denominator in every single situation you ever faced was always YOU... you begin to stop relinquishing your life to others, to religion, to blame, to 'God', to the world... you begin to take control of your own life and you realize, there's no one to blame... there's no need for guilt and shame, life just is and I/we are nothing more than a part of it... I am not the center of it, I am nothing more than a vehicle, a piece of an enormous universal puzzle called life sustainable by love...


And the secret to life? Well... how easy is that? Humanity has been hunting for the meaning of life since the dawn of man... it's right in front of our face... it's the energy that sustains us all... love... Love is the meaning and driving force of life.


Imagine if every human being on earth without exception loved unconditionally for 1 full day. Would that day not indeed be the proverbial religious 'Heaven'? (minus the virgins of course) ;`)

"Then why did you wear a cross?"

The cross for/to me symbolizes what a man lived and died for, whether he was the 'son of God' or not is immaterial to me. Too many people arguing about whether or not he was the son of God or not and not spending enough time on the message he preached which was basically we are all equal, love yourself, your neighbor and even your enemy, be peaceful and spread peace. He died crucified, tortured and humiliated and asked to have his killers forgiven for they know not what they do. Very powerful... very noble... very virtuous and he walked his talk till the bitter end. It is these things that the cross represents to me and reminds me of everyday and the reason I wear it... it has nothing to do with 'Christianity' for me.

To some, I would be considered 'spiritual' or even close to 'Buddhism' or even 'atheist' but these labels comes with much luggage as well, luggage I do not resonate with... though some of my beliefs can be found in most of the major religions as well as the spiritual, the scientifical and the atheist's perspectives, I march to the sound of my own soundtrack, always have, always will and I am in a constant state of search and change so labeling me as anything at all would be inaccurate and misleading... I may not feel this way tomorrow, next week or next year but until further notice, this is where I am at today... these beliefs work for me. They have removed much of the hatred I once had, the racism I once felt and the general intolerance I once nurtured and have shun a powerful light on the fact that humanity is one, a collective, we need each other... we thrive on contact, love and positive attention, everyone of us... and that we are all indeed brothers and sisters, humanity is a family, not a gross amount of differing varying sects and if everyone saw it that way, perhaps people wouldn't be flying airplanes into buildings or killing millions of innocent people in retaliation... for how do you kill people you consider your brothers and sisters???

Much food for thought... These are my beliefs based on my experiences, my research, my questions... I in no way enforce these beliefs on anyone, but I very much do recommend and promote and provoke free thought and questioning... what you come up with is your own.

"Absorb what it is useful, add what is specifically of your own and disregard the rest." ~ Bruce Lee


Rich