Corey’s favorite thing about the martial arts is how it relates to the outside world.  He says that people think the training makes you want to fight, but it actually makes you want to fight less. He adds that, the more control and discipline you learn in the dojo, the more you apply it outside its doors.  (Well said, and I’m glad to hear Corey feels that way.  Have you ever met Corey?  If you haven’t, he has a very muscular build.  He’s a power lifter, and he once told me that he did a competition and had three different lifts to get a maximum weight.  In just three lifts he was able to reach 1905 pounds.  Add to that his agility and flexibility, and, well… let’s just say I’m glad he’s a peaceful person!)

Corey believes that martial arts training helps him to be more well-rounded as an athlete.  (He’s a football player, too.)  He says that he sometimes prefers the Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu workouts to other forms of exercise as they are lower impact, but they are just as much of a workout.  As far as core training, body control, and concentration, Corey says that martial arts training helps him improve in these areas and in his other sports and athletic activities, which include circuit training, stretching, football, power lifting, racquet ball, and hand ball.

We’re very glad that Corey is with us, and we also send a “congratulations” out to him, as he just earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Outside of the dojo Ronzel enjoys painting and photography.  He’s also active in his church.  When asked how he would make the world a better place, he responded that he would let the world know about God through martial arts and photography.

He enjoys the movement and the progression of his Kung-Fu training and likes how his body learns and adapts to the forms and the workout.  Ronzel also enjoys the friendships he has gained through training, and he noted that he has found another family at Plus One.  (Thanks Ronzel, that’s a huge compliment, and it is part of our mission.)

When asked about how Kung-Fu compares to other forms of working out, Ronzel expressed that the Kung-Fu workout is more intense than going to the gym.  He also advised that his strength has developed substantially more with Kung-Fu than with gym training.

We are very blessed to have Ronzel with us.  He is a solid student and a wonderful person.

Both Thomas and Hannah were asked about what they liked most about their training.  Thomas responded by saying he likes kicking the most, and Hannah noted that she likes everything. 

Thomas, who has been training with us for one year, enjoys watching television in his spare time.  When asked about how he would make the world a better place, he responded that he would teach people how to be nice.  He said that the martial arts have helped him obtain self-control.

Hannah, who has been training with us for eight months, said that one of her favorite activities outside of the dojo is going to school.  She said that she would make the world a better place by recycling, and she noted that martial arts have definitely helped her to become more confident.

Both of these kids are excellent examples of strong and healthy children.  They are solid students at the dojo; they attend classes regularly, and they obviously practice at home… and sometimes at Home Depot! (That’s a story for a different section.)  We are super proud to have Hannah and Thomas with us at Plus One.  Keep up the great work!

Both Aidan and Jordan enjoy participating in sports outside of the dojo, and they both enjoy computers.  Aidan is into computer animation, and Jordan likes to play video games.  (It would also be noted that Jordan is on our competition team at the dojo and recently competed in a karate point sparring tournament.)

When asked how they would make the world a better place, Aidan responded by advising that he would help the homeless, and Jordan would work toward world peace and stopping hunger.

Both McGee boys are well-rounded individuals and credit their martial arts training with helping to build their discipline and focus.

1. What made you want to get into martial arts?

I’ve wanted to train in martial arts like kung fu and karate since I was six years old and finally got the opportunity. [Brian is ten years old.]

2.  What is your favorite thing about martial arts?

It teaches me how to defend myself if the situation comes around.

3.  How long have you been training?

Five months

4.  What do you enjoy doing outside of the dojo?

Hanging out with my cousin

5. If you could make the world a better place, how would you do it?

Make an organization to help the homeless or litter prevention

6. How have the martial arts helped you in your life?

I feel more confident when approaching situations.

(Interview completed by Billy Lavallee.)

Plus One students bring home the swords at the North American Grappling Association’s (NAGA) tournament in Rhode Island on June 27th, 2009.This was a Brazilian Jiujitsu and submission grappling tournament.  First place winners received samurai swords, and our very own Chris Collazo, Brandy Maulucci, Austin Malik, and David Busel took some home!  Demond Wilson also took home a bronze in his division.  Our students competed with integrity and did an awesome job.  Keep up the great work!

February 6th NAGA… Chris Collazo won 1st place in GI and 2nd in NO-GI (10-14 yoa division… he’s only eleven years old).  Pictures below are of Chris… compliments of his mom.  Thanks, Luz! 

Demond Wilson took 2nd place in his division, Chris Mersheimer took 2nd place, and Brandon Buonanducci took 3rd place.  Jessica Pacheco and Scott Cohen also participated in the competition.