Shuai Jiao - Learn to Trip, Throw, Takedown.

Coming Thursdays in March

The Art of Throwing

You asked. You shall receive. Many of you have requested knowledge on how to do takedowns. While we cover these in the San Shou classes periodically, we certainly do not get to spend enough time and energy on this important element of our arts. One that requires constant focus and attention just as our ground skills and striking. So with no further ado, our new Shuai Jiao class will be starting in March.

Learn to fall, roll, and avoid being thrown. Learn to trip, throw, takedown. Shuai means 'to throw' and is an integral part of San Shou, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this class we will work on entries, setups, timing, breakfalls, sprawls, and of course,
the actual methods of throwing.

Thursday - 8:00 to 9:00 pm right after No-Gi class. 

Uniform - we will be working techniques with, and without jackets (gi top) depending on the week. You do not need a gi in order to start the class.

If you are not currently, contact me to asap to upgrade to a Grand Dragon so you can attend this class and gain these valuable skills.

I look forward to working on these skills with all of you and I appreciate your interest and support.

Randy Brown
Head Instructor/Owner
Nor'easter Martial Arts

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

Our Name Has Changed

Our new name is Nor'easter Martial Arts and Fitness. Formerly Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts. We're offering the same programs (see below), classes, instructors; and the same clean, friendly, and safe training facility. Only the name has changed.

Nor'easter Martial Arts and Fitness of Littleton, MA offers the following programs:

Heart of the Mantis Kung Fu/San Shou
Blue Crane Tai Chi
Best Way Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Monster-Fit (extreme kickboxing)

Classes for adults men and women, youth boys and girls. Ages 7 to 100.

Thank you for your continued support.

Guidelines for Promotions and Ranking

Ancient Chinese Proverb - "One must learn to taste bitter, before they know sweet." 

Belt ceremonies and awarding of rank are an important part of martial arts training. This is an honor for both the student, and the teacher; celebrating the achievement of skill attained through hard work, dedication, commitment, and perseverance. The following are guidelines to our Belt Ceremonies:

1. Those being promoted will find out at a belt ceremony. It is impolite to ask if you are being promoted.
2. If you were to be promoted, but are unable to attend a belt ceremony, you will be promoted at the next belt ceremony. 
3. There are no tests. You either become a rank, or you are still working on the skills for it. Your instructors will promote you when you have demonstrated the appropriate skills necessary, and they believe you are ready. A voluntary demonstration of skills will be available following a belt promotion.
4. Consistent attendance and effort help you advance faster in martial arts. Show up, work hard, and let your teachers do the rest. Hard work and perseverance pay off. 
5. As stated, belt ceremonies are an important event in Martial Arts. It takes an 'average' of 8 to 10 years for people to attain a Black Belt in San Shou or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The school is a family, attend belt ceremonies when you see them, and support one another. 

Southpaw - An In-Depth Look

The southpaw term is used for many reasons but for our purposes it is to connotate the position in fighting where the fighter has their right foot forward versus the traditional pose of the left foot forward. Of more interest to us is the advantages and disadvantages of one fighter having their left foot forward and the other having their right foot forward, and the reciprocal.

There is a long history of ancient cultures including the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese that prejudice left-handed use. It is seen as sinister, wicked, evil, etc. and many of the words for such are derived from the word left in these languages (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left-handedness). In Chinese culture the major philosophies and religions believe in the universe spinning from left to right and things must always start on the left and move toward the right to remain in harmony. This expresses itself is in many of the Kung Fu forms that we see and is heavily documented in Tai Chi.

It is interesting as to why people usually place the left foot forward. It may very well be the majority of right hand dominant people versus left-hand dominant people. It may be a subconscious desire to protect the right kidney since it hangs slightly lower than the left, partially exposed without full protection of the rib cage. Placing the right side in the rear offers more protection to the flank. Keeping the powerful right in reserve if they are a righty. Who knows. It is not in the scope of this article to determine the root of these beliefs but rather what effect the Southpaw stance has on fighting.

What we do know is that people use this stance when they fight and knowing the advantages and disadvantages to its use can be quite beneficial. Here are some of the pros and cons to having your left foot forward while your opponent has their right and vice versus.

Pros:

1. Easier to attack the flank.
2. Cuts off the opponents second hand from attacking when on the outside.
3. Sets up for trips, sweeps, take-downs.
4. If dominant hand is forward - offers a stronger jab.
5. If on the inside it squares up your opponent offering clear shots to solid targets. Exposes the groin to attacks with kicks, grabs, strikes, knees.

Cons:

1. When on the inside you are in reach of both hands and susceptible to attacks not normally possible when directly in front of your opponent.
2. Opponent can attack your flank hitting vital or destructive targets.
3. Groin is exposed to kicks.
4. Legs are side by side if opponent is on your inside making you more vulnerable to double leg takedowns.
5. Fighting southpaw allows your opponent to sweep your foot when you shuffle in and if you circle to their inside you are walking right into their cross.
6. This position also affects your range, placing the jab closer to your opponent and keeping the cross so far away that it is often out of range and awkward to throw unless the other person makes a mistake.

Know your weaknesses and capitalize on your gains.
What to do on the outside:

1. If you are on the outside you want to remain there if possible, providing you have the correct angle. In this position you should be lighting up your opponent with hooks to the head, ribs, and kidney while attacking the inside line with your other hand using effective combinations.
2. Ideal position for setting up a few throws like side leg scoop and thigh lift throw.
3. In fight training it is common to fight one sided. In other words people choose a side to train and often ignore the other side or give it less attention. In these formats a Righty will spend most of their time fighting Righty's while a Lefty or Southpaw will spend most of their time fighting Righty's. This gives the Lefty an advantage as they spend a vast majority of time in this position and develop superior tactics and strategies.

What to do on the inside:

1. Strike up the middle high and low while being aware of any position changes made by your opponent that may put you at risk.
2. Kick or Punch to the groin.
3. Perform Double Leg Takedown.

Examples:Here are a couple applications from our Kung Fu styles that use this position:

• Mantis BoxingCrazy Ghost Fist - The first move in Beng Bu. This move is a perfect example of proper use of the southpaw. Opponent punches and you move to the outside while blocking the arm and striking the ribs.
• Tai ChiDeflect Parry Punch - exists throughout the long form. In this move you ward-off your opponents arm, use cross circle step to their outside and shift forward to Southpaw bow stance while pinning the arm with your outside hand and striking with the inside.

Southpaw can be a great advantage or a great liability in fighting depending on your skill level with using it. As a rule when I teach beginners I leave it out. If you don't understand the dangers then the advantages are not worth the risk. When you understand match stance (left to left or right to right) then you should begin to play with the Southpaw position.