Way of the Mantis Immersion Weekend

Join us for an action packed weekend of Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Mantis Kicking, Striking
Throws/Trips/Takedowns, Joint Locks, Bridging Tactics, and more. Step inside the world of the mantis and learn the way it controls, grapples, and defeats it's opponents.

• Train in an outdoor setting (weather permitting).
• Immerse yourself in Traditional Kung Fu.
• Meet new people and train with like minded people.
• Easy learning format - Train in 4 two hour sessions throughout the weekend starting Friday night through Sunday morning.
• Group Dinner Saturday night.
• Q&A time. 
• Technique Review.
• Free Mantis Patch.
• Free uniform for non-members.
• Member discount for current students of PBFMA.

Schedule of Events - July 19, 20, 21
Friday 6 to 8 PM
Saturday 10 to 12 & 2:30 to 4:30
Sunday 10 to 12

Entire Weekend - $199

$50 off Member Discount

Register Today!

Ages 13 and up. Some martial arts or wrestling experience required. 

Location
Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts
222 Great Rd., #13
Littleton, MA 01460
978-486-3095
www.plumblossomfitnessmartialarts.com

Kids Nutrition Tip

Wondering what to give your child before Martial Arts class? Something that won't make them crash, or worse get sick or pass out? Yes, it's happened, and it is usually due to Low Blood Sugar (caused by long periods without eating, or a large sugar blast which the body burns through then crashes), or dehydration. Here's a couple of helpful hints that can give your son or daughter all the fuel they need to meet their physical and mental challenges.

1/4 cup of Almonds and an Apple.

1/4 cup of Walnuts mixed with 1/4 to 1/3 cup Blueberries.

Paleo Bar (meal replacement bar)

Fresh Veggies - we need 5 to 7 servings of vegetable/day, why not get some of them in a snack? Carrots and Celery sticks with a little Olive Oil. Tomatos and Cucumber with a little salt and pepper.

Things to avoid before class - Milk, Cheese, Crackers, Cookies, Spicy Foods or lots of Bread. Also try to avoid high sugar products like juice, gatorade (or anything like it), soda, etc. Water is best for exercise. Feel free to ask questions if you need more ideas.

'Kid Power' Workshop

Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts presents Power Building Boxing - for Kids For one week this summer, Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts is proud and excited to offer this special workshop just for kids.  No Experience Required. A classic Kung Fu set that has been passed down from generation to generation to build strength, power, conditioning, and coordination.  'Gong Li Quan' - translated as 'Power Building Boxing', is a solo set that has been used by Kung Fu practioners for 100's of years, to improve their skill and form while building muscle and tendon strength in a fun and entertaining manner. Clans such as Eagle Claw, Long Fist, Chin Woo Institute, and Praying Mantis families, all use 'Power Building Boxing' as a prepatory form in their curriculae before a student moves on to more complex sets. Fun and easy to learn, a great precursor to such advanced styles as Mantis or Tai Chi. August 27, 28, 29, 30 from 9:30am to 10:30am. Must be age 7 and up. Sign Up Today  »

Life is Change. Change is good.

"The superior man perseveres long in his course, adapts to the times, but remains firm in his direction and correct in his goals." - I Ching

Success Story: John M. 

Photo of John (2012)

This month we congratulate John and all his hard work. John started with us 4 years ago doing Tai Chi at the age of 66. He walked in frustrated with no longer being able to reach his own shoes.  If I recall, he as having trouble reaching his knees back then.  John wanted to improve his flexibility, balance, and find a good exercise routine that he could do a couple times/week.

He took up routine daily practice in Tai Chi, and Qi Gong, and practiced frequently enough to lose weight with Tai Chi training alone.  Well...and giving up "sitting on the couch eating potato chips", as he likes to put it.

Shortly after Jon started, he convinced his wife Jane to join him (and later their 2 grandsons).  The two of them have attended classes 3 to 5 times/week ever since. After a couple years of Tai Chi they decided to add Kickboxing and even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to their class routines.

John on the left. His first Mountain Retreat with us in 2008.

Another shot of John and Jane. (2008)

I remember a few years ago when the hikes we went on were fairly benign and John would be hard pressed to keep up. He pushed through anyway like a real trooper, but you could always tell it was difficult for him. Not anymore! Last year we ended up on a rigorous climb somewhat by accident. John went as far as everyone else at 70 years old.

John - slim and trim, and flexible to boot!

They have seen huge improvements in their strength, stamina, and more. John still works diligently at perfecting his Tai Chi, and continuing the journey towards mastery.

A funny story from last year:

John was in the parking lot getting ready to hike up a mountain with his family.  He was wearing a shirt that said - "Be Monster Strong". A cocky young 20 something male walked by and read his shirt. He decided to make a sarcastic remark instead of minding his own business - "How's that working out for you?" as he points at John's shirt. John let it go, being the better man, and instead enjoyed his sweet reward when he reached the summit only to turn around 20 minutes later and see the huffing and wheezing young gentleman arrive at the top of the mountain.

I love that story.  Hats off to John for all his dedication and commitment to self-improvement, and crushing so many goals!!! On top of it all, he's a great person to share in a conversation with, and a true pleasure to have in class. Way to go John! Keep at it!

Truly a testament that age is no barrier to change and improvement!

Update (7/17/12):  John just sent this to me - "Feb 9, 2008 I recorded a weight of185 Lbs and a waist of 38”. This morning I weighed in at 140 Lbs with a 32 in waist. I have lost a total of 45 Lbs. and 6” at the waist."

Photos courtesy of Max Kotchouro