Remember your first day of school? Remember walking into the classroom for the first time and taking a seat? Probably not; but I bet you were sitting in the same seat at the end of the school year? C’mon, you know I’m right. As human beings, we are creatures of habit. If we find something we like, we are hard-pressed to change… even if we know it’s good for us. It’s no different with martial arts training. In Thai kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ and Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, we rely on our training partners to help us to learn and get the best possible workout. Naturally when paring up to do partner drills, we gravitate toward people we know, people we like and people have worked with before. However, if you work with the same person every night, you might not be learning as much or progressing as fast as you can. Sure, you may be comfortable… but, maybe, you’re too comfortable. Rather than falling into your comfort zone and training with the same partner every night, you should try to branch out and work with someone new every chance you get. Here’s why: 1. Different people give different energy — people come in all sizes and shapes; all with different temperaments — some are gentile, some are aggressive. If you always train with a smaller, less aggressive person, you’ll never learn how to deal with a more aggressive opponent. Training with different people will give you a feel for how to deal with different people’s energy. 2. You’ll learn faster — training with people of varying skills will help you learn faster. By mixing up your training partners, you have the opportunity to learn from more advanced students and to help coach, teach and mentor the lower ranks. Either way, forcing yourself out of your comfort zone will make adapt and think about what you are doing, making you a better martial artist. 3. You’ll meet new people — our gym is a community. Training with new people will introduce you to new people, you’ll learn a few more names and who knows, maybe even make a friend or two. So next time the instructor calls out “pair up”… what are you going to do? Head toward the same partner as last night, or are you going to branch out and work with someone new? You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose by branching out.
Don’t Wait! Call TODAY to sign up for your 30 DAYS FREE! 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA
I want to give a special shout out to all the members of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team that are out today fighting for cancer! Tap cancer out is not only a great competition for out team to get some practice in, but it is an amazing fundraiser for cancer. Too many people are loosing the fight to cancer everyday. I’m sure we all have had an experience with a cancer patient. We need to do all we can to help these people. And what better way then combining our favorite sport with a fundraiser? There is also a way for people who cannot or don’t compete to just donate a little money. People fighting cancer are giving everything, even their last breath to try to make a break through for someone else. Let’s keep fighting the fight. Dragon within teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu not only for a street fighting stand point, but will also teach anyone who is willing to learn, the fundamentals of competing. We will make you the best competitor you are capable of. If you’re willing to put in the effort, we will take you the distance. Way to go team dragon for competing this weekend and for fighting in the fight against cancer. You truly are an inspiration to those less fortunate.
Tap out cancer has only been around since 2011, but has already made a huge impact. Together with donations, these competitions have raised over $135,000 for numerous cancer causes.
Statistics show that over 560,000 people lose the fight against cancer every year. This equals to 1,500 people a day. Can you imagine how many 1,500 is? That is a lot of people to die in one day. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. This is equal to 1 out of every 4 deaths are due to cancers.
“At Tap Cancer Out, believe that the jiu-jitsu community can come together to help raise money and awareness to support these organizations, hospitals, doctors, researchers and volunteers who won’t quit until they’ve forced cancer to tap out.”
We need to make people understand that BJJ is not only about fighting and being big and strong. It is not as intimidating as some make it seem. Bjj students are like a family or a unit. They take their skill and turn it into a way of life for themselves. Bringing all these families together to raise money is the same as bringing the running community together to run 5k’s for cancer.
“Tap Out: A combat sports term for yielding to the opponent, and hence resulting in an immediate defeat.“
The is Kyra Gracie. The daughter of the original founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Anyone can do jiu-jitsu and even if you think you cant, well show you that you can. Here I will give you the ins and outs of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and when you have finished reading, you’ll want to give it a shot too.
Grappling is a term used in martial arts to describe maneuvers, combinations, and ground work. It does not include striking of any sort or weapons control. Now some martial arts will include striking along side with grappling, but this does not mean it is the same thing. It is mainly just a term for grabbing each other. Jiu-Jitsu is a specific combination of moves that consists of pins, locks and gaining control over your opponent while on the ground. It is a sport that will make you a patient person. It takes years to get to a high rank. There is a reason for this. Technique is not the only thing Jits counts on; it also counts on maturity and age. It is one of the more political sports.
Throws: A throw is a technique in which one grappler lifts or off-balances the opponent and throws that opponent off of him. The purpose of throws varies, must mostly emphasizes throws with the potential to make the next move, position ones self in a standing position or to gain the pin.
Sprawling: When being taken down, one can sometimes counter act that take down with sprawling. Sprawling is done by shifting the legs backwards and spread out in one fast motion. If you do it correctly you will land on the opponent’s back and gain control.
Submissions holds: Submission holds consist of chokes and locks. Chokes can strangle or suffocate someone. Locks are more to trap the opponent and possibly cause injury or breakage to body part. This is one effective way to get your opponent to tap out or give up.
Securing or controlling techniques: securing is basically exactly how it sounds. You are attempting to hold down the opponent and secure them for a win, or until help arrives depending on your situation.
Escapes: This too is exactly how it sounds. This is the act of getting out or away from danger/opponent.
Turnovers: The point of a turn over is to get someone on their back. This is more used in competition style for point’s advantages.
Reversals or Sweeps: Think of a sweep as you are sweeping yourself off the rug. In most cases you are on the bottom sweeping yourself on top of the opponent to gain the control.
Jiu-Jitsu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. It is know to be founded in ancient time, although no one certain on what time exactly. It was founded in Japan, China, Persia, Germany Egypt and India. There is a weaponless form of wrestling that has similarities to Jiu-Jitsu. During Alexander the Great’s times (356 b.c. -323 b.c.) he brought this Greek culture of wrestling to many other areas such as India, were Jiu-Jitsu is likely to be born. Now although founded most likely in India, there is proof of the Shaolin Temple, built in the center of China, hosting Dharma as the creature of Buddhism and Boxing.
Later in history, the samurai warriors took this and created jiu-jitsu in its original form. Buddhist monks perfected it through their knowledge of the body’s law of physics, leverage, momentum, balance, center of gravity, and weight transmission of the body parts. They had it down to an exact science.
From 1860-1938 a man names Jigoro Kano, a practioner of Jiu-Jitsu, and a man of many talents not only created Judo, but took his arts to other countries and began teaching. During WWII we even got the knowledge of Judo and took it back to America. But the real story is how Kano taught in Brazil.
There are many types of Jiu-Jitsu. All types can be practiced in real life situations and in competition setting. The whole point of Jits is ending a fight quickly. Compared to UFC fighting which is older than Jits competing, no one knows how to handle a fight on the ground or if they do, they cant finish the fight. Now a days things have come a long way and people tend to practice more Jits in any sport of fighting they take. To compete in Jits, You tend to win by point or by submissions. The more locks and submissions, equals more points. Just because you think you got the last pin, doesn’t mean you win. It has to be about technique and point value.
Now I could on and on about the art and history of BJJ, but the fact is you need to see it yourself. So what are you waiting for….
Don’t wait, Schedule your FREE, that’s right, FREE private lesson. What do you have to loose, besides weight and laziness. You have everything to gain, including technique, style, control, and much more. So act now and get in here with us
*We put together a team of hard working students. They worked after class to prepare for a demo at the 8th annual Culture fest. These martial artists are truly inspirational.*
So at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, We could have basically taken all of our students and made a fantastic demo team. We have approximately 100 child students in 3 different age groups. These age groups make up our 3 classes; Little Dragons, Juniors, and finally Young Adults. Our little Dragons are 4-6 years old. Our Juniors are ages 7-10 years old and our Young Adults are ages 11-14. We gathered as a team and hand picked 15 kids from all three classes to perform in the demonstration.
We pair up all our students carefully with each other to avoid any size or strength issues. No child is set up for failure!
We keep them motivated with rewards and special attention and praise all the time. We even offered a snack in between classes because they get hungry after all that exercise.
-Baylie walks down the street and yet again, runs into that mean ol’ bully of her, Autumn. Autumn puts her hands on her one more and time and Baylie has had enough She defends herself with a crazy monkey in 50/50 then a take down. But she doesn’t stop there, no she mounts and pins that mean bully. She takes total control of the situation and then calls for help. This is great way to assert yourself against a bully with our hurting them. Remember our intention is not to hurt anyone, but do defend and evade the situation.
-Sarah and Steph (one of our adult students) demonstrate a little competition mixed with some real life skill. The show walking teep kicks into roundhouse kicks. This shows a more traditional Thai Kickboxing and what its all about.
Each student looks absolutely adorable up on stage, and not one student got stage fright. They were all excited and pumped to perform!
The Dragon’s at Dragon Within have been involved in martial arts training for over 50 years combined. This school has been alive for more than 10 years and is constantly growing. Our philosophy is to teach students self defense within the Art. The staff and students show compassion when training in the Dojo.
We believe that within the structured class our students develop self-confidence, motivation to set and reach goals, respect, discipline, and self control. Our class is taught at a pace, which allows students to advance in their belt over time. The time and work it takes to stay in class and earn a higher rank is what grows character, self-discipline, and patience. We understand that it is a difficult thing to stay motivated towards, which is why it is such a great achievement when they receive that belt. We stay focused on the Art and the way our curriculum is designed helps develop positive characteristics in our students over time.
Our kickboxing class has the same mentality. The curriculum is designed to keep you focused and motivated. You will feel like you have accomplished something new after each class whether it be physically or mentally.
If you have a Facebook and would like to see a recent album or see the flow of the way we operate please find us at facebook.com/dwmma . We also post schedule changes and member notifications there as well so definitely a good idea anyways!
We have experience with students of all backgrounds and maturity levels. Even children with social disorders and anxieties tend to thrive at Dragon Within
Our goal is to help our members to develop, grow, and improve both physically and mentally through their progression in Mixed Martial Arts, Krav Maga, Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Self defense and Fitness Training. We accomplish this by offering the most functional, realistic, innovative, and enjoyable martial arts and fitness training available.
**We would also like to give a special thanks to Miss Jess, kids program coordinator and lead instructor, for putting together such an amazing show. And huge thanks to the A3D for hosting the 8th Annual Culture Fest in downtown Salem and inviting us to be a part of it.**
Having children in Martial Arts programs helps them in many less obvious ways. They are learning social mores and goal setting, in some cases before they even step into elementary school. Here at Dragon Within Martial Arts we believe one of the that the most central aspects of martial arts is Self-Discipline. Children engage in both mind and body during class. They learn listening, self esteem, and teamwork skills. Helping them to develop in these areas, has a direct effect on their confidence, fitness, and they are able to navigate though other parts of their world. Their behavior in school improves, their concentration, respect and ability to cooperate improves, making for a happier, healthier academic experience.
The best part is, ITS FUN! They are learning and growing all the while absolutely engaged and enjoying themselves. Some of the topics that we tackle throughout the year include, Handling Bully situations, Respecting others, having a positive attitude and being assertive.
Teach your child the skills they need to effectively handle a bully situation, or what they can do if they witness bullying activity. At this workshop, we will be teaching children real life situations that occur, and broaden their awareness of what bullying actually is. We will be helping your child understand the 5 basic rules of engagement with a Bully, so they can become Bully Proof kids!
1) Try to AVOID the situation or conflict all together.
2) If being verbally assulted, Try to TALK it through and go and TELL an authority figure, like a teacher or parent
Kiki Howell is the author of titles including The Sorcerer’s Song, The Witch’s Beast, and The Healing Spell. She is working on a new series and the first book will take place right here in Salem. She was inspired to pen the new series after a trip to our city this summer. Salem, you are so inspiring.
Kick Butt
Want to kick some butt of your own in 2011?Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts will hold its first self-defense class for women on Feb. 12. The class is $30 and proceeds benefit local non-profitHAWC. This could make a really fantastic Girls Night Out for you and your friends.
Save!
I received a great gift for Christmas — the 2011 Boston Area Entertainment Guide. The book is filled with discounts and coupons for stores, amusements, restaurants and more. I was so excited because I can start using it immediately right here in Salem. Participating Salem locations include: Daily Bagel Cafe, Damatas Pizza, Star Dry Cleaners, Uncle Bob’s Self Storage, Subway, McDonald’s, and Green Land Cafe.
Salem Tops the List
A new article by Maria Olia came out to celebrate the New Year. The on-line magazine iStopOver published “Make the Most of 2011: A Dozen Places to Take Your Kids in New England.” Salem was named as the hot destination for the month of October (duh). But congrats Salem for making the news again!
Get Involved
Hoping to get involved with the local theatre this year? The Salem Theatre Company is holding auditions for the production of Sarah Ruhl’s “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” The company is searching for two males and four females to fill parts. Auditions will take place tonight and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the theatre.
Fit to the Core
It is day three of your New Year’s Resolution — how are you doing? If you need a little bit of butt-kicking, sign up for Core Conditioning for Runners. The eight-week class starts on Jan 12. Karen Giroux will be your trainer and get your core strengthened and into tip-top shape! Contact Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services for more info.
Tim Burrill is one of the first Americans to receive a black belt from Carlos Machado. Tim not only brings the philosophy and technique of Machado BJJ, but also other talents and his own personal way of teaching, making his style of BJJ unique from all others. Tim is also an accomplished Sport BJJ fighter with 7+ years of competition experience.
Forged Bjj Krav Maga Self Defense Salem MA 