Stryker Dojo

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Friday, January 11, 2013

Stryker Dojo Newsletter; Issue 15

Quote of the Week

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

- Lao Tzu

Ready for the Ultimate Dojo?!

Master Dan is busy building-out a NEW SPACE that would make any martial artist proud!

Stryker Martial Arts is moving to a TOP SECRET location (2 miles away from the current school), and Monday, February 4th is the target for our opening day!

What will this mean for you?

Simply put - you can expect an even higher level of service in a location which will better support your martial arts training! Over the years Master Dan has found that our current location doesn't serve our best asset - our students. The noise and distractions from the viewing area and outside parking lot tend to disrupt our students' concentration and focus in class. Our new space was specifically designed to help diminish these distractions, and allow our students to fully concentrate on their martial arts technique.

Is your program changing?

The answer to this questions is both yes and no. Here's what we mean... Change has always been built into our program. As many long-term students can attest, our programs are under a constant state of evaluation. If Master Dan isn't fully satisfied with the focus of the program, changes are made in order to ensure that our students are receiving the highest level of martial arts instruction. We have no intention of making drastic overhauls to our current programs, however there will be small tweaks to our curriculum that are meant to enhance your experience both on and off the mat.

Where is the new school located?

Ahhh, this is TOP SECRET information for now. While we are busy with the build-out of the new school (and all of the headaches associated with it), we are keeping the exact location under a strict 'need-to-know' basis. We will say, that it is still located in Fairfield, and is roughly 2 miles away from our current location - in the Black Rock section of town.

There are MANY benefits to this new location. Parents who are more inclined to drop off their kids, will find a whole host of stores in the Black Rock area of town, which aren't present near our current location. We are also neatly tucked away, to allow for minimal distractions while classes are being conducted. This will only enhance YOUR martial arts experience.

Are you excited about the move?

The answer to this, is an empathic YES! The entire staff at Stryker Martial Arts couldn't be MORE excited about what's on the horizon! Not only will we be introducing a state of the art training facility, but with it, a whole range of activities planned throughout 2013.

As the February 4th date approaches, we will be sharing more information on the move. Stay tuned!

SMA Welcomes Our Newest Student!

Be sure to introduce yourself to our newest white-belt!

We'd like to welcome Rose A. to the Stryker Martial Arts Community!

As we always say, the hardest step is often walking through the door and beginning something new. Thankfully we have a supportive group of students to make this process easier on the nerves.

In your next class, be sure to introduce yourself to our newest student and show her what the SMA Community is all about!

Would you like to join a community of people dedicated to their personal growth and development?

"As a woman, I think your program provides a unique opportunity to break from gender stereotypes. When you train, it's not only about losing weight and looking great, but it's also about getting stronger and faster..."

How will our program benefit YOUR life?

Click Here and send us an email for more information, and experience for yourself the benefits of training in the martial arts.

Make 2013 the Year You ACHIEVE Your Resolutions!

Get started on our Beginner Special
and see what training in the Martial Arts can do for you!

Don't let everyone else have all the fun! Take advantage of our Beginner Trial in order to see if training in the martial arts is right for you and your family! Email Us today, in order to get started!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Stryker Dojo Newsletter; Issue 14

Quote of the Week

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."

- Thomas Jefferson

We're Gearing Up for Testing!

If it's YOUR rotation, get your stripes in and invite your supporters

Next Thursday - December 20th - marks the last monthly test of 2012! Some quick house-keeping reminders about testing:

Be sure to get on the list!
Karate Test for Yellow-Brown III belt is at 6pm.
Only kids who are testing will be allowed to participate.
Kickboxing Test begins at 7:15pm.
Kickboxers may take the class at 7:15pm.
NO unsupervised kids are allowed at the kickboxing test.
If you're unsure about whether or not you're eligible to test, be sure to look here for rank requirements.

While the staff at Stryker Martial Arts is always here to support you in your martial arts training, it's important to receive that encouragement off the mat as well.

Who are YOU inviting to cheer you or your child on at testing?

Let's end the year with a packed house of supporters - comprised of students, family, and friends! You've worked hard, and you deserve the opportunity to show off a little.

The adrenaline circle. YIKES!

Our Black Belt Test will take place on Saturday December 22nd.

Bo-Black students testing for Black Belt need to report to the school by 1pm. Current Black Belts going for progress stripes or degrees of Black Belt need to report to the school at noon.

The Black Belt test is a LONG day of forms, techniques, and dynamic drills. We encourage students to stop in and show their support to those testing!

SMA Welcomes Our Newest Student!

Be sure to introduce yourself to our newest white-belt!

We'd like to welcome Jaden J. and his family to the Stryker Martial Arts Community! As we always say, the hardest step is often simply walking through the door and beginning something new. Thank goodness we have a supportive group of students to make this process easier on the nerves.

In your next class, be sure to introduce yourself to our newest student (and his parents) and show them what the SMA Community is all about!

Would you like to join a community of people dedicated to their personal growth and development?

"As a woman, I think your program provides a unique opportunity to break from gender stereotypes. When you train, it's not only about losing weight and looking great, but it's also about getting stronger and faster..."

How will our program benefit YOUR life?

Click Here and send us an email for more information, and experience for yourself the benefits of training in the martial arts.

Tons of Fun at our SMA Movie Night!

Our students socialized and enjoyed a fun night with their karate friends!

We had a packed house at our movie night last Saturday (December 8th) -- and it was a GREAT event!

Gearing up for some karate drills at our December 8th Movie Night

The younger kids had the opportunity to socialize outside of karate lessons, while the older students further developed leadership skills which will benefit them throughout their lives.

A little friendly competition

Our participants engaged in fun karate drills, made a cool holiday ornament (while reflecting on things they're thankful for), ate some pizza, and relaxed to watch Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (which they thoroughly enjoyed!).

A fun holiday craft for the kids

Enjoying the movie, in the Power Position!

We're pleased to offer events like this, to help provide a little support for parents, as well as a safe social outlet for the kids. It's truly a win-win situation!

Stay tuned for information on our next movie night, and be sure to get on the list early in order to secure your child's spot.

New Year's Resolutions are Coming (including the usual resolve to lose weight and get healthy).

We have the PERFECT program to make 2013 the year you ACHIEVE your resolution!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Stryker Dojo Newsletter; Issue 11

Quote of the Week

"You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream."

-C.S. Lewis

Karate News
The Goals We Set are the Goals We Get!

Goal setting is a highly valuable skill, that not only benefits adults, but kids as well.

As we enter the third week of the month, students are beginning to count their stripes a little more earnestly at the end of each class. The instructors wrap their belt with a new stripe and they once again ask, "How many more do I need?" "Am I going to test this month?" The eagerness to test is understandable; testing, after all, is an achievement and the indication of progress. Every student wants this. As instructors we want this for our students too.

Do you know the 3 parts of a goal that is imperative for achieving it? Our students do!

Earning a next rank is invaluable practice at goal setting. It gives students the opportunity to experience the various elements of a well-defined goal. For example, a good goal is specific. The overall goal may be Black Belt, but the short-term specific goal is the next rank. A good goal has a timeframe and steps to take within that timeframe. The action step is "come to the required number of classes, participate and practice." We clearly provide the timeframe within which to do this. Finally, a good goal is measurable. Students can figure out how close they are to achieving it by counting their stripes, plus there is a very measurable indicator of whether or not they reached their goal—they are either standing there at the end of testing wearing their new belt or they're not.

It's the little things we do every day that help us to achieve our goals - even though they may seem insignificant at the time.

Regardless of where students are within the testing process (just tested, getting ready to test, or in the interim working on accumulating classes), they can take the guesswork out of achieving their next rank. Parents have the ability to help make this possible. We invite students and their parents to clearly map out the path to a student's next rank. Count classes, make up one's missed, and stay on track. That feeling of accomplishment students get at the end when they're standing next to all the other people testing, getting their new belt tied around their waist, is worth it.

-Ms. Kristin and Ms. Sarah

Click Here to get your child on the fast track to success!

"My kids have developed a sense of physical and mental confidence from their karate classes. I have seen them gain a sense of grace and sharpness to their movements. I also see a sense of accomplishment on their faces - they are learning to have pride in hard work they do both in Karate and in life. I know that they will carry their training from the Stryker Karate program into their futures."

Increased confidence is one of the many benefits of training in the martial arts. Click Here and send us an email for more information and let us team up to bring out your child's confidence and self-discipline.

Kickboxing News
Ode to the Moms: Making Time for "Me" Time

I used to spend most waking hours involved in doing things for everyone, but myself.

I found time to be a mom, wife, daughter, friend, and employee/co-worker, but rarely did I find time to do things for Karina. As I turned Forty, I was feeling it – both physically and emotionally. Enough!!

Are you feeling it too? For instance, you really don't feel well for several days, and yet you continually say 'if I'm not feeling better by Monday; if I'm not better for Wednesday, if I'm not better by Friday, I'll go to the doctor.' You just "deal with it. There's no time to be at the doctor. I gotta to this, that, and the other thing. Right? We ALL do it!

The same can be said for physical fitness. I'll start next month. I'm going to start really working out HARD right after this event, that event, for this event, that event, this holiday... you get the picture.

I recently saw something that said: “I don’t find time to work out, I make time.”
That’s me. I came to the point, several years ago, where I realized that I wanted to make the effort to make time to better myself. Most every time I work out, I am fully committed to my workout. For forty-five minutes, I can only think about the task at hand – my workout.

Kickboxing isn't just about the physical activity (although, that part rocks!); it’s also about the mental activity.

When I'm in class, I don't think about errands, money, family, that ever-growing shopping list, or my lack of time; I only think about the combination that we are working on.

Both my focus and multi-tasking skills have been taken to a new level. Now not only can I do things that I could only imagine doing years ago, I have made a commitment to myself, and I don’t spend a whole lot of time making excuses – I save that time and energy for something more worth my brain space.

-Ms. Karina

Click Here to give yourself 45 minutes of ME time!

"Attending the kickboxing class always feels like an adventure and I am constantly presented with a new challenge. I feel strong, healthy, and with energy!"

How will our program benefit YOUR life?

Click Here and send us an email for more information, and experience for yourself the benefits of training in the martial arts.

October Special: Parents Train for Free

Parents agree, kickboxing is the best investment they've ever made in themselves

Benefits Parents Have Seen:

Increase Energy
Lose Weight
Increase Confidence
Relieve Stress, and
Learn to Kick Butt (Should you need to!)

During the month of October, we are inviting the parents of our current students to train for free!

Join the community of your peers in our kickboxing program, and experience the benefits that keep our members returning week after week.

This opportunity represents over $200 in savings; TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

See Ms. Kristin at your child's next class, or email Kailen today! We look forward to seeing you on the mat and helping you achieve your fitness goals!

Newsflash: Skinny Jeans are STILL In Style!

If This Headline Makes You a Bit Nervous, Then Hit Up Our Bootcamp!

We get it - You're nervous to try it out. You "have a thing" on Sunday and can't make it. You have a great relationship with the couch and the separation anxiety is crippling... yeah yeah yeah, we've heard ALL of these excuses over the past 9 months, but VERY FEW compelling reasons to miss this great workout.

Let's set the record straight!

Our attendees burn up to 800 calories in the bootcamp (some even burn more, according to their body sensors!).
You do NOT need to be a world-class athlete to join us!
You do NOT need any martial arts experience
We foster a supportive environment for you to get a great workout and see what you're made of!
We do NOT bite (we promise!)
We'll help you get into those Skinny Jeans!

So the question is, why haven't you joined us yet?!

Mark your calendars: Our next Stryker Bootcamp will be on Sunday November 4th at noon.

Email me NOW to get on the list!

The cost for participation is $20. Space is limited to 20 participants, so be sure to get your name on the list by emailing Kailen, or seeing a staff member the next time you're in the school.

Are you ready to Gain Confidence, Lose Weight, or Want to Help Your Child Develop the Skills to Live Life Bully-Free?

Then You're Ready to Join the Community!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Stryker Dojo Newsletter, Issue 9

Quote of the Week

"Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent success."

-Napoleon Hill

Karate News

We think it's important for our students to learn respect. While they have an opportunity to strengthen this behavior on the mat, we believe it is equally important for them to carry this behavior beyond the dojo into the two places where they spend the most time -- home and school.

Last week our mat chats at the end of class focused on "saying 'please' and 'thank-you'." In particular, we focused on helping the students become aware of all the opportunities they have at school each day to show respect and use these manners. Some daily opportunities are obvious: use "please" when asking the teacher for something, such as a pencil or book, and use "thank you" once receiving it. Other daily opportunities are less obvious for students and it was these that we especially focused on last week: saying "thank you" to the people working in the cafeteria, saying "thank you" each day to the bus driver, using "please" when asking to join in a game with a group of friends, saying "thank you" to the custodians.

Many people help our students grow and learn, and we know these people deserve respect. We want our students to learn to recognize this too.

-Ms. Kristin and Ms. Sarah

Know a parent who could use a little help? Have them email us for information on how to get started!

Kickboxing News

If you attended class last week (and we hope you have), your left arm is probably feeling the brunt of the new combination. But fear not, as the combination expands there will be an opportunity for other appendages to be sore as well.

Are you feeling confused about this new combination? I am. The combination itself is not really new to most of us, but it sure does feel it. Do you know what's good about that? It means that you're learning something. You are learning to use the skills that you already have in a different order than you may normally prefer.

What we are doing is giving our brains permission to be stretched and to arrive at a conclusion from a different angle. In essence, it's a workaround. It's always better to have more than one option that to be stuck with only one way to get the job done, no?

Maybe select a portion of the combination that is giving you the most problems, and just work on that. I am sure that if you work on that one piece and gain confidence the rest of it will fall into place.

-Ms. Karina

Know someone who could use a little confidence boost? Have them email us for information on how to get started in our program!

Tired of Laundry?

The laundry can wait - SMA T-shirts are 20% off until October 1st!

How nice would it be, if you could put the laundry off for one more day? We're making it a bit easier to do that! All Stryker Martial Arts t-shirts are 20% off until October 1st! Take advantage of this offer before it's too late! See a staff member today and reward yourself by putting the laundry off until tomorrow.

Are You Prepared?

Scary Statistic: While violent crime is down 4% nationwide as compared to last year, robbery and sexual assault is on the rise in our area.

We aren't interested in creating fear; we are interested in teaching preparedness, and instilling confidence in our students. Learn what you should look for, and what YOU can do in order to tip the scales in your favor, should you be involved in an assault.

Due to the success of our Street Fighting Seminar last month, we are adding a second installment, which is limited to only 10 participants. Join us on Sunday September 30th at 11am for part 2 of our Street Fighting Seminar. If you were unable to attend the first seminar, don't miss this opportunity! The cost for participation is $20, and the seminar is open to both students and non-students.

We will also be running a Knife Fighting Seminar on Sunday September 30th, at noon. The cost for participating in this seminar is $40, which includes a training knife ($20, if you already have a training knife). There are only 10 spots left for this seminar, which is open to both students and non-students.

Email Kailen or get in touch with a staff member today in order to get on the list, and get confident.

Who is Ready for Testing?

Testing is this Thursday!

Our karate test for kids (yellow belt through Brown Belt) is at 6pm, and our kickboxing test for adults is at 7:15pm. Bo-Black kids will test for their progress stripe on Saturday.

We will not be running regularly scheduled classes on Thursday. Only kids who are testing for their next rank will be allowed to participate, please be sure your child has received the appropriate number of stripes!

Kickboxing students who aren't testing may participate in the class at 7:15pm.

Come support your community, and if you're testing this month don't forget to invite the special people in your environment to support you!

Not Currently a Member? Join the Community!

Don't let everyone else have all the fun! Take advantage of our Beginner Trial in order to see if training in the martial arts is right for you! Email Us today, in order to get started!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

"Your program has changed."

It most certainly has! A year in review:

We have had the assistance of a phenomenal program director...

Program Director

Kailen Pirro
Originally from the small town of Hopedale Massachusetts, Kailen Pirro now resides in Fairfield with her husband, son, and terrier, Lando. Kailen earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor concentration in Philosophy from Fairfield University in 2000, and her M.A. degree in Survey Research from UConn in 2010. After working for a professional research organization in New York City, and a marketing research firm based in Shelton, Kailen began working as Program Director at Stryker Martial Arts in April 2010. When Kailen isn’t checking in with our students or planning events at the school, you may see her biking with her family around town, cheering on her son at his various extra-curricular events, or relaxing on the beach with a book.

Kailen initially became involved with Stryker Martial Arts by enrolling her son in our youth karate program in 2008. After a few weeks of watching their son’s enthusiasm on the mat, both Kailen and her husband began training in our adult Thai Kickboxing program. What started out as a hobby, quickly developed into something greater. While she has always remained active and played sports throughout her life, training in the martial arts provided Kailen with a level of personal growth and development that she found was limitless, as compared to the sporting arena. As her training increased so did benefits such as confidence and an increased willingness to try new things. Kailen earned her Black Belt in Thai kickboxing in December 2011, and is looking forward to the process of earning her second degree.

We have also had the good fortune of hiring not one but two stellar instructors. And while many older students are comparing them with former instructors... let me tell you... you are comparing apples and oranges. These ladies are HIGHLY qualified.

Let me tell you about Ms. Kristin first:

Kid's Instructor

Kristin Veenema is a high school English teacher and has worked in a local public school system since 2003. She holds undergraduate degrees in English and Education from Fairfield University and holds a Masters degree in Cognition from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College. Since 2004, she has worked as a teacher consultant and a youth writing coach for the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University. Besides providing literacy instruction to her students, Kristin integrates a focus on effective strategies for learning in all of her classes; she teaches students how to succeed, and she challenges them to apply these lessons about success to other areas of their lives.

Kristin began training at Stryker Martial Arts in 2010 because of an interest in increasing her knowledge in the martial arts; she stayed because she realized that the instruction at SMA provides her with much more. For her, martial arts at SMA is about learning how to be alive. The instruction in class is about how to punch and kick, but it is also about how to learn and grow through experiences. The physical accomplishments of improving a technique or earning the next rank are an expression of personal growth and the mental attributes that are necessary for success. Through her training at SMA in kickboxing and Doce Pares, Kristin refines her art of being a strong woman in both body and mind.

And there is Ms. Sarah:

Kid's Instructor

Sarah Larson is a graduate of Sacred Heart University, and has been teaching 4th grade in Bridgeport, CT for the last 6 years, where she also runs the Light House After School Program for students in grades K-6. Sarah has two Master’s degrees, one in elementary education, and one in Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as her certification in Special Education. Sarah always tries to offer her students many opportunities for success, while at the same time challenging them to think outside the box and develop effective problem solving strategies that they can use both in the classroom as well as in their lives outside of school.

Having always been interested in staying active, Sarah has participated in dance, basketball, field hockey, cardio kickboxing, and, most recently, running. Hoping to break out of the gym-rat rut, Sarah has been training at Stryker Martial Arts for just over a year. She continues to train at SMA because it has done more than just help her develop her physical strength. It has helped her to develop a “mental toughness”, a sense of confidence and calm, and an appreciation for new experiences, instead of a fear of them. These qualities serve her both at work and in her personal life, and she continues to strive to grow and learn through every new experience she encounters.

We have also had two of our Black Belt students step up and take leadership roles in the school.

Out of their desire to share what the martial arts has given them along with helping other students working towards their Black Belt, they find the role very rewarding.

Assistant Instructor

Karina Gramesty resides in Fairfield with her husband, daughter, and dog. She earned her B.S. degree in Political Science, with a minor concentration in English, in 1995 from Sacred Heart University. She has earned many accreditations throughout the past nine years working as an Interior Decorator and Home Stager. At Stryker Martial Arts, Karina puts her exceptional martial arts skill to good use by teaching Thai Kickboxing classes, and working with our newer students to help them get the most out of their training.

Karina began training at Stryker Martial Arts in January 2007, as a means to get into better physical condition. She was immediately drawn to both the physical and mental challenge that the workouts provided her. As a yellow belt, she enrolled in the Black Belt Club, and diligently worked her way to earning her Black Belt in June 2009. Karina recently earned her 2nd degree Black Belt in June 2012.

Practicing Kickboxing has allowed Karina to learn and distinguish things both on and off the mat. She has acquired better self-control as well as patience. Karina’s martial arts training has empowered her to discover that if she wants something bad enough, hard work and perseverance will lead her to her desired objective.

Assistant Instructor

Born and raised in Bat-Yam Israel, Fred completed 5 years in the Israeli Defense Force. Fred moved to the United States in 1991 and now resides in Fairfield with his wife Alyssa.

Fred holds a BSc and MSEE in electrical engineering. He is the President and CTO of SphereOne Technologies, a technology company in Fairfield which specializes in the development of hi-tech communication and measurement equipment. Fred is a certified PADI rescue diver who enjoys diving all around the world. His journey into the world of martial arts began in 2008 after casually strolling past Stryker Martial Arts. He walked in, liked what he saw and signed up instantly…a childhood dream that was long overdue. Fred earned his 1st degree Black Belt in June 2010 and is now training towards his 2nd degree.

While always working to achieve greater physical conditioning and personal growth through ongoing training, Fred is pleased to share his experience with other Stryker Martial Arts students.

Finally, Master Dan has taught more classes in the last 12 months than he has in a LONG time. He has been more accessible to students. He has been monitoring everything in the school including the classes being run in order to ensure we continue to provide exceptional martial arts instruction. We have raised the bar significantly and we did so without raising your tuition one penny. We are bringing you exceptional value and exceptional martial arts training for the price we charge.

So has our program changed? You bet it has!

I am very proud of my staff and the service we provide. We look forward to continuing to improve our high level of service in the future.