Bootcamp Season in New York

Ohayou Roushiichi,

Its bootcamp season again here in New York! What you to know that we are working on much of your teachings and philosophies. Been keeping me rather busy. The Following was our email introduction to the dojo. Just wanted to share.

Bootcamp IV

For most people who enter a traditional budo dojo, they are soon struck by the apparent conflicting philosophies. How can a place that teaches empty had combat teach students of peace. After training for some time in a budo art, I think many budo-ka (myself included) are struck when the newest addition to the dojo, first asks,” when do I get to learn to break boards and bricks with my karate chop”. I smile, and teach dojo rei, or bow. In this bow, we as budo-ka cross our left arm over our right arm. We lower our selves into formal sitting first left then right, only to rise ourselves on the right leg. Now the bow and the sitting look just as nice on either the right or left side. Why? Ask any of our karate students, and I would hope that they would responed. Tony taught me always left over right. Why? For people of the budo arts the left side is the side of “Peace” the right side is the side of the “warrior.” Peace always over the warrior. I would like to think that in true budo one learns the ways of peace though the art of combat.

Now if you are still reading what does all that have to do with bootcamp Tony? Well the veterans understand, Tony goes off on this stuff from time to time, but he come back around and gives a pretty good workout most days. Truly, I find the best in self-improvement in eastern philosophies. In fact, I have even seen a few of the ladies posting and following some rather wonderful, Eastern Budo Philosophies on their Facebook!! I think at times I am more proud that, then the weight loss, or their 5K times.

The point, workouts look and feel to be body breakdown, but we should be building a stronger more confident self. We need to have the confidence, to learn the difference between delayed on set muscle soreness, and injury. (ahh we teach what we need to learn most!). Many of you have shared injuries or major surgeries with me. I applauded you budo spirit, please don't feel funny to ask for modification or help. It's a challenge I enjoy. For example, our ¼ mile speed run/ walk will be tonight. If you can make it in 90sec in our dojo you will be fine. If you would like a good time, my high school track girls tell me under 60 sec is a good time for them. If you have a physical limitation then we can find a new “ evaluation”. These numbers are just that, a point to begin from. I have attached the Performance chart to this email in pdf format. I will talk more about this after we finish our fitness evaluations, might like to bring a copy tonight to class with hand weights if you have them....

This brings me to goals. I really think that a written goal, verbalized to some other person is the way to be successful. It does not have to be to me, or the group of ladies. Many have shared them. We have had goals like>> to run a 5K; make me skinny Tony; arms like Kirsten’s, putting on socks without having to sit, to do a push up….Please think about a 4 week and a 8 week goal. Please write it down and share it with at least one other person.

On to Nutrition: Tanya Lipinski has a wonderful background in Nutrition. One again, she has offered her time and help for anyone who would like to learn more about “eating” for your best workouts. I will ask if you are going to be doing a food log for Tanya to see her tonight after class. I will bring a copy of Tanya food dairies tonight. I truly believe that 70-80% of weight management is done in the kitchen, and not the gym.

Last word, I would please ask that you bring a clean pair of sneakers to the dojo. The karate people workout in bare feet. The small glass and stone pieces really do cause problems for us. Thank you.

Sorry to be so long....I will be short next time...

Tony