Member Highlight - Daniel's Evolution

Watching a child grow up in martial arts is an extremely rewarding experience. Daniel started Kung Fu with us at 11 years old. He was very quiet and reserved, but full of dedication and a desire to learn and improve. He is still going strong today. Moving from Kids Kung Fu and BJJ, to the adult San Shou/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs, he now holds Blue Belts in both styles.

Daniel doing a skit with a counselor at Kung Fu camp at 11 years old.

He has excellent grades in school while maintaining an impressive training schedule in the dojo. He was also selected as one of the few kids in his class to go to Japan on a school trip last year. Daniel is a prime example of the positive effects martial arts can have on a child's life. 

Seeing him grow up into a respectable adult; eating better, taking care of himself physically, maintaining a positive attitude on the mats, at home, and school, are all positive results. You can see the changes for yourself in the photos, but watching this process first hand has been an honor. Way to go Daniel! Keep up the hard work on your journey.

Daniel being awarded his BJJ Blue Belt at 16 years old.

Fall Schedule 2014

Fall Schedule goes into effect today. Be sure to check the website and stay up to date on the recent class changes, and small adjustments to start/end times for other classes.

Kids fall semester begins today! Please arrive early to register if you haven't already. You may also register online. More info here...

Way of the Mantis - Staff Combatives

Way of the Mantis:  Staff Combatives

Block > Strike > Parry > Disarm > Thrust

In this weekend long immersion, participants will explore in-depth, the combative nature of the wooden staff; the Kung Fu weapon the Chinese consider the 'grandfather' of all weapons. Students will learn to wield a 6 foot staff - blocking, parrying, disarming, and striking.
 

'Feel the grain come to life in your hands as the staff spins nimbly in your fingers. Hear it whir through the air and crack like thunder as it clashes with another staff.'

Throughout the training, students and their peers, will reinforce the staff  versus staff fighting methods they have learned, while having the opportunity to experiment with using the staff versus other types of common and uncommon weapons - knife, spear, sword, bat, etc.

• No experience required.
• Participants must provide their own 6ft. Rattan or Waxwood Staff, or one can be ordered for you. You must place the order before the deadline - July 3rd. 

Highlights

• Train in an outdoor setting (weather permitting).
• Meet new people.
• Easy learning format - principle based instruction.
• Tons of training!!! Four sessions - two hours in length scheduled throughout the weekend. Starting Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
• Q&A time & Review.
• Social Time: Group Swim, and Group Dinner Saturday night. New England style Lobster Bake Sunday after last session.
• Discounts: Nor'easter Martial Arts member discount for active students and family members.

Dates: 

 
   July 18, 19, 20

Schedule of Events: 

 
Friday:
    6:00 to 8:00 pm - Session 1

Saturday:

   10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Session 2
   Noon - Lunch
   2:30 to 4:30 pm - Session 3
   4:30 pm - Group Swim
   7:30 pm - Group Dinner

Sunday:
   10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Session 4
   12:30 - New England Lobsta' Bake

Rates:
Immersion Weekend - $199 - SIGN UP HERE

$50 off Member Discount
(rates do not include food or dining)

Weapon Order:

Rattan Staff - 72" (preferred) - $35.00
Waxwood Staff - 74" - $20.00

 

Location
Nor'easter Martial Arts
930 Main St.
Acton, MA 01720
978-486-3095
www.noreastermartialarts.com

Grand Opening - Schedule of Events

Here is the schedule of events the day of the Grand Opening. It's going to be a great day and we hope everyone can make it. Please feel free to bring your family and friends.

Schedule of Events:

9:30 am - Intro to Tai Chi class. Free. Bring your friends or family to try out.

10:00 am - Kickboxing. Free. Adults and Kids. We'll post workouts for newcomers, kids, and for the seasoned veterans. Work up that appetite!

10:45 am - Stretching Workshop. Free. 15 min class on proper stretching techniques.

11:00 am - BRUNCH!!!! The Connector Cafe in Lowell will be catering our event with their Paleo Menu. They make a great sweet potato hash!

11:30 am - Ribbon Cutting

11:45 am - Intro to Chin Na (Sieze and Lock) Workshop. Free. Get a glimpse of the intricate art of Chin Na in this introductory course taught by Randy Brown. (Chin Na is the locking and controlling component of Sanshou and Praying Mantis Boxing)

12:45 pm to 3:00 pm - BREAK

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Professor Aaron Blake Workshop.

Adults and Kids. Women and Men are all welcome.

Womens Jiu-Jitsu - New Day and Time

Exciting news everyone! We're moving our Womens BJJ class to Tuesday nights from 8 to 9 pm starting
next week. May 20th will be the first class on the new night/time. We know this will help make scheduling easier for you and look forward to seeing all of you continue your amazing progression.

Dojo Tour

Take a tour of our new facility

New Classes Start Next Week - Over 40 BJJ, and No Gi BJJ Class

Over 40 BJJ

Coming to Monday Noontime is our new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for people over 40 years old. BJJ is known as the 'gentle art'; it is incredibly rich in detail and technique, while being a great deal of fun to learn. Age is not a factor in learning.

Many people rule out learning martial arts after their 30's due to injuries, ailments, or physical conditioning. This class is designed to help you learn a fascinating art, get in shape, gain self-defense skills, and join an amazing family; without a super competitive, injury prone environment.

Living a martial arts lifestyle doesn't have to be just for kids and young adults. We have many members over 40 years old and even some recent BJJ students in their 70's. Be one of the growing number of people benefiting from this great art!

Sign Up Today! or email me with questions - randy@noreastermartialarts.com

Build Out has Begun

930 Main St. Acton, MA

Build out has begun!!!

Painting party this Sunday at 11:00 am if any of you would like to help out. We'll be going to Kimball's afterwards for ice cream. 

If you have rollers, brushes, trays that you'd like to bring, the more the merrier. This is going to be an awesome space!

Team Training this Friday

Hey Everyone, 

We have Team Training this Friday night at 7 pm. Free to all NEU team members. We train together to help one another be better than we were yesterday. 

See you there!

Bully Proof Your Child

This spring give your child a fighting chance

Bullying can have such a pervasive effect on the lives of our children. From declining grades, to low self-worth, to long-term damage such as depression, and anxiety well into adulthood. In some regards it is worse today than ever before due to the onset of social media; making it ever harder to hide from the abuser(s).

While I applaud the school systems for trying to stop bullying, unfortunately it is a natural part of human existence. No matter how many 10 or 12 year old's we lock up in jail, there are too many circumstances in life that create bullies. I should know, I had plenty of experience as a victim of them in my own life. So what is the answer? Easy, give your child the confidence they need and they will no longer be a target.

Confidence Course

This 6 week course is designed to give your child confidence, teach them to establish verbal boundaries, and give them physical self-defense techniques to use, just in case they ever need them. We also have a parent session where we will discuss the psychology of the bully, posturing, human behaviors, and what you can do long term to help your child when they are struggling with a bully.

Defend Against the 12 Common Attacks

Those of you that grew up where schools and kids were more physical, probably remember some of the common problems you faced - being punched, headlocks, pinned on the ground; the list goes on. I will teach your child to defend against each of the attacks they are most likely to face from other kids; giving them the confidence to deal with physical violence they might face, or may already be facing. Learning self-defense skills can be TRUE EMPOWERMENT!

Course Details

Ages: 8 to 16
Dates: Every Tuesday from 5 to 6pm - April 29 to June 3rd
Cost: $150

Sign-up for the Course

Scholarships

If you or someone you know has a child experiencing problems with a bully, but is unable to afford this course, I am offering 3 scholarships so they may attend the course free of charge. Please spread the word.

Team Training Over, Comp this Saturday

No 'martial arts' classes this Saturday due to the Boston Open. Tai Chi is still on. 

Team Training is over for now. Tonight's 8 to 9pm spot is open to anyone wanting to drill for the tournament this weekend, or help their teammates get ready. Competitors - take it easy this week and keep your training/workouts light to avoid injury and over exertion.

There over 55 competitors from our NEU team competing this Saturday! Wear your shirts and help support your teammates!!!

Build and Believe - 10 Years - Thank You!!!

First hand made sign.

Last week was the 10 year anniversary of this adventure. The adventure of starting my school and teaching martial arts and fitness for a living. I say 'adventure' versus 'venture' as it truly has been unusual and exciting. I started out with $125 and a dream.

While facets of that dream have changed over the years along with my knowledge and understanding of what I do, the core belief and desire is the same - to provide a place for people to gain the benefits of living a martial arts lifestyle: self-defense skills, fitness; confidence, discipline; honor, self-satisfaction, achievement. To teach 'real', quality, martial arts to people of all walks of life, and to do so in the safest manner possible so that they may continue to train and reap the benefits of living this lifestyle, without being sidelined constantly from injuries.

First location - Westford 2004

Many students have come through these doors through the years. Some could not stay for life had a different path for them, but there are those that have stayed. Those that have believed in me and what I can do for them, enough to have been here since the beginning. For that I am eternally grateful. This is humbling, and yet so deeply enriching to my life. I get up every day with the desire to learn more, be better, overcome challenges, and to share this with those willing to follow. Your belief in what you can achieve here adds fuel to my belief and desire to strive forth.

It is a special emotion knowing that after 10 years I still have something to offer these long term veterans that have given so much of their precious time and dedication in their lives to their studies with me. It is just as rewarding to see the 8 year, 5 year, 3 year, 6 month students, right down to the one week students as they come into the fold, eyes wide open, minds empty, and ready to share the experience and partake in this warrior lifestyle with us.

2006 Littleton

There is no greater reward as a teacher than seeing the progression, the achievements, the growth, and transformations of each person as they evolve and become more than they ever thought possible. While I enjoy seeing the strong get stronger, the fast get faster; I truly love to see the weak, the infirm; the oppressed, the underdogs, rise up and become the victors over their challenges and goals in life.

Thank you to all the students that have passed through these training halls over the years - you are everything. You have built this school, You have shaped me. Thank you friends and family that helped support my dreams and ambitions and continue to do so today. I could not have done this without you!

2008 Littleton

The Evolution

When I started the school it was primarily just Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes. While it is always a desire of mine to know as much as I possibly can, there are no shortcuts. "I wish I knew then what I know now" is the common locution. While that may be true in some small regard, the journey has created the throne of knowledge upon which we now sit. We cannot have one, without the other.

Over the years my belief in the martial arts styles I teach, and their benefits has only strengthened through deeper study. Everything from San Shou to BJJ; Tai Chi for Health to Cross-Kick; Fitness Training to Nutrition, has all been to better myself, lead by example, and provide each of you with the best lifestyle I can. I believe in all of you!

Acton

So what is next?

The Barn - Our New Home

This is a picture of the building (ignore the sign) we will be moving into within the next 4 to 6 weeks. The Cross-Fit box is moving next door which will free up the space for us. The 'good' news is it's still at 930 Main St. in Acton. The 'better' news is - more square footage. The 'great' news is - we'll be able to make as much noise as we want!!! Bag Slams. Tire Sledge. Med Ball Slams. Pull-Up Bars. Sprints. Runs. Best of all, in the nicer weather we can roll up the doors and let the fresh air in while doing class.

As we rebuild and I watch the new faces join our ranks, I am happy to see the arts being passed on, and thankful to all of you for helping fulfill a dream. I have enjoyed the past 10 years, and look forward to sharing many more to come.

Sincerely,

Randy Brown
Master Instructor/Founder
6th Degree Black Belt - Praying Mantis Kung Fu/San Shou
Blue Belt - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Striking Clinic - 10 Spots Only

Get YOUR Game On!

You can't fix a problem if you don't know what the problem is!

Do you want to know what you are doing right? What to do to improve your Sanshou (striking combinations, blocking, kick timing, takedown success, etc.)? Feel like you have holes in your game but you aren't aware of them? Now it's time to see for yourself!

In this special first of it's kind clinic, I won't just teach you new moves, or techniques to improve your game. We are going to record you, and a few minutes of your sparring; watch the video, and then analyze what you are doing right, where your holes are, and how to get better. Once we see the problem(s), I will give each participant drills to practice, advice on how to fix the problem, and we will discuss solutions and ways forward.

I'm very much looking forward to this as I believe that it will be an invaluable experience!

Due to the time constraints, I am only taking 10 people for this workshop so we can spend ample time on each person.

Ages 13 and up.

Saturday, March 15th - 3 to 5:30 pm.

Cost: $50

Common Defense Tactics and Ground Defense Tactics

Self-Defense Courses

Use the tools you were born with to defend yourself.

Have you ever felt like you should know how to defend yourself? These courses will teach you top notch, simple, and effective techniques to defend yourself, without the need to take years of martial arts training. This is the bare bones of decades of martial arts knowledge and training, setup for effective street self-defense. Learn where to hit someone using what you have on you at all times (even at the beach) - your body.

Open to Women and Men. Must be 13 years of age and up. No prior experience or physical conditioning required.

Date: Sunday, February 9, 2014 - (see course times and descriptions below)

Course Fee: The cost of the course(s) are determined by you after you complete them. Pay whatever you feel the course and material are worth to you if it has made you safer.

You can sign up by emailing me at - masterbrown@noreastermartialarts.com or going to our website here - http://noreastermartialarts.com/workshops.html

Thank you,
Randy Brown
Head Instructor/Owner
Nor'easter Martial Arts & Fitness

Common Defense Tactics Easy to remember techniques and escapes that can save your life.  Learn simple, and highly effective self-defense techniques to get out of the most common types of attacks - grabs, holds, chokes, strikes. Leave feeling empowered and capable of defending yourself if the need arises. This course is a prerequisite for our Ground Defense Course, and Scenario Integration Course. Sunday, February 9, 2014 - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Ground Defense Tactics The 'Ground Defense Course' teaches you to succeed when a larger and stronger attacker has you pinned on the ground. Learn techniques to dismount them, control them, disable them and win the day. These have been tried and tested in real combat and are sure to open your eyes to what most people think an ‘impossible’ situation. This course is a prerequisite for our Ground Defense Course, and Scenario Integration Course. Sunday, February 9, 2014 - 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Gun Defense and Disarms Course

Gun Defense & Disarms

Disarm a bad guy with a gun.

Learn to Defend & Disarm an opponent with a firearm. Effectively and confidently confiscate a gun from an assailant. The techniques in this workshop are simple, and easy to apply; meaning you will remember them if you ever need them. This is an invaluable skill to have in your arsenal and we have a ton of fun in this course.

Taken the course already? No problem, this is a great chance to practice your skills to make sure they stay sharp.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Course Fee: $45.00 per person

You can sign up by emailing me at - masterbrown@noreastermartialarts.com

Thank you,
Randy Brown
Head Instructor/Owner
Nor'easter Martial Arts & Fitness

New Patches, Rash Guards, Sweatshirts, and T's

New BJJ gi patches are in today!!! Compete, or no compete, you can now support your team and represent!

Also: New Rash Guards are in and going fast! Great for San Shou and Kickboxing classes as well as under your gi in BJJ class.

We also have sweatshirts and t-shirts available in adult/kids sizes.

Please see your instructor to get hooked up with these.

Good Soup for a Cold Stormy Day

This is one of my favorite soups and it is super quick and easy to make. Add a little Falafel on the side to go with it for your protein and it makes a healthy vegetarian dinner packed full of nutrients.

Tomato Cashew Soup

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 small summer squash
1 small zucchini
2/3 cup onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups free range chicken broth - for vegetarian version use organic vegetable broth
1 (6oz) can of tomato paste
1 can stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup cashew butter

1. Heat sesame oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Saute onion till translucent.
2. Add seasonings/spices and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add broth, cashew butter, paste, stewed tomatoes. Stir until well combined.
4. Add zucchini, and summer squash. Cook until vegetables are soft.

We Can Take A Nor'easter!!! - Holiday Party Still On

Holiday Party is a GO for tomorrow night! It's a Nor'easter that's coming. We can take it!!! ;-)

Snow isn't supposed to get bad till later at night. We'll stick to the plan. See you at classes in the morning!

New England United BJJ Team

Hey Nor'easter Martial Arts and Fitness Family,

Sunday a small group of us attended the Alexey Cruz (Team 1 BJJ in Portland, ME) workshop at Bestway BJJ in Rockland followed by their Belt Ceremony. After the ceremony the cat was let out of the bag.

New shirts coming in soon! Get yours fast and represent the BJJ team we are a part of now. The new team/alliance was announced yesterday at the Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association belt ceremony. This is a huge team, and represents schools all over New England including ours that will be competing under the same banner.

Let us know your size and we'll get you on the list. We're placing the order within the next couple days. Keep on the lookout for the team banner that you'll see hanging in the school in the near future.

- Master Randy Brown

Congratulations! - Belt Ceremony 12/2013

We've been busy since the ceremony and no time to post so this is a little belated. --

Congratulations to all the students from Nor'easter Martial Arts family that were promoted yesterday!!! Your hard work is paying off and it is my pleasure to see you becoming higher ranks. I had a great time teaching all those in the workshop beforehand and look forward to seeing you implement those things into your game. (PHOTOS HERE)

Special congratulations to the 3 new Brown Belts yesterday - John, Jane (Tai Chi), and Max (San Shou); now the third Brown Belt to join Don and Holly in the San Shou Brown Belt ranks. I look forward to seeing more of you reach that level, and finding out who will be the first to 'Crack the Black'? That will be a truly AMAZING day.

Keep working hard everyone and your time will come.

- Master Brown