Bag Beatdowns for Brains Charity Challenge 2014

We had a great time today for an important cause. Thanks to Max for this awesome video. All proceeds are going directly to the Alzheimers Association. Please feel free to donate over the next few days. We will leave the page active till Thanksgiving.

Thanks go out to some of our sponsors for the event:

Chef Jerome Picca

Starbucks Westford, MA

Springdell Farms Littleton, MA

Reed's Deli Westford, MA

Special thanks to all those who donated to the cause, sponsored someone, and/or participated in the event! We appreciate your support.

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

Monster-Fit Classes Expanded

Good News Everyone,

Tuesday and Thursday Monster-Fit classes have been full to capacity this year. We started out the year by  opening up the Mon/Wed morning 'Instructor-Only Monster-Fit' time to all members (10:30AM to 12PM). A couple people have started regularly attending this time, which is nice to see.

With the increase in attendance for Tue/Thurs night's Monster-Fit, we've decided to make one more shift to help more of you get your training time in. We're converting all Fit-Kick classes (offered Mon/Wed - 5:45 to 6:30 PM) to Monster-Fit classes.  

We're looking forward to the new schedule and hope to see more of you on Mon/Wed nights.

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