CJ originally started taking the martial arts after having played baseball and soccer for a while.  He thought that martial arts training would be cool.  It seemed like a good activity, and the material seemed like something he wanted to learn.  Now, well into his training, CJ finds that the martial arts are fun, and they are useful in that the arts aid in his physical development and help him to build strong character.  He also expressed that the martial arts training is helping him grow into a more confident person.  Overall, CJ advised that he really likes the Kung-Fu and Karate training- specifically he enjoys the forms and patterned motion involved.  He says he gets a cool feeling when progressing through the movements, along with a feeling of achievement when he moves to his next belt level.  (CJ earned his youth purple belt this last week.)

Outside of the dojo, CJ enjoys playing electric guitar, playing video games, and road biking.

Lastly, it would be noted that CJ was chosen as our Student of the Month this month because of his dedication and hard work.  He is a very humble person; he is always willing to help in class, and he continually seeks out ways to make a positive impact on others while in class.  He’s one of those guys who consistently works hard, and he never complains.  He just does what he needs to do.  This is a personality trait not often found.  It is serving him well in his martial arts training, and it will serve him well throughout his life.  CJ- keep up the great work… on and off the mat.  We are very proud to have you with us!

Noe is a fantastic student, and he works hard both on and off the mat.  He is a well-rounded individual, and we are very glad to have him at our dojo.  Keep up the good work, Noe!

In addition to being a student at Plus One, Tom is one of the instructors.  He primarily teaches on Saturdays, and he always seems to think “outside the box.”  His teaching methods, and his martial arts study, are open and thought-provoking.  Tom is one of the most technically oriented martial artists that I have ever met.  He wants to do things correctly, and he wants to teach the style correctly.  He tirelessly ensures that he has the details of each motion, form, and technique.  He embodies the lifelong student mentality- in that he is focused on the journey.  This mentality continues to help him to become one of the strongest practitioners we have at the dojo.

As a “Sihing” in our school, Tom portrays the role of student and instructor wonderfully.  He is currently on track to test for his black belt in August of 2013.  Interestingly enough, his daughter, whom he had originally watched in class several years ago- is continuing to work hard, too.  She is on track to test for her youth level black belt in August of 2013.  We may just have our first ever parent/child black belt candidates… and on the same test day.

The future is bright for Tom as a martial artist.  We are blessed to have him and his family as part of ours.

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.)

Visit www.bjj.teamplusone.com for all things Jiu Jitsu!

This website contains blogs and instructional videos and was recently released in an effort to provide students with an area dedicated to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  The website was fashioned by Sonny Parlin.  (Thanks, Sonny!)  If you are interested in writing a blog on the site, please see Darin Reisler.  Happy rolling!

Some days cover positions; other days cover transitions between positions, and some days cover submissions. The literature follows a structured process, covering stretches and fundamentals to start. “Helpful Hints” and “Tactical Tips” are provided to help you along the way. By the time the reader reaches the final page, he or she will be well into some advanced techniques and will have a greater understanding of the primary elements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: positions, transitions, and submissions.

If you would like to see some excerpts from the book, feel fre to visit www.moveadaybjj.com.  (The publication is also available for purchase as an e-book for $9.99.)  Call 860-922-5343 for further information or to purchase.