UPCOMING EVENTS/LINKS

Belt Exams
Thursday, 4/23-
Saturday, 4/25 Exam
Applications Available starting Monday, 4/13
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Battle of LA Karate Tournament
Saturday May 2nd
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS


Self-Defense Seminar Saturday May 9th (12-1:30pm): Learn how to stay safe in an uncontrolled environment
(men & women)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 
Welcome New Students
Myles Williams
Katie Lindquist
Donna Quan
Bill Napier
Vincent Kudelka
Aslam
Canchimohamed
Catherine Jaramillo
RIFKIN PROFESSIONAL KARATE CENTER
Newsletter April 2009

antonio-testing Flipping the Switch
Turning on the fire

As martial artists, we have a passion for seeking the energy in ourselves, an energy we need to succeed in all we do.  But there are times when that energy eludes us; we fall from that level of intensity and forever struggle to regain it.  This happens both during a single class as well as in the larger scope, spanning months of time.  This "fire" (as I call it) can be as difficult to find and maintain as the very techniques we work so hard to master.  In truth, there is no finding it.  There is no looking.  It has always been there.  The talent lies in the ability to tap into it, to draw the sword if you will, and learn to return the blade to its scabbard. 

Tired beyond belief, almost numb to the surroundings after a long day of work, a parent will spring to life in the face of danger for their child.  The parent will fly in the face of uncertainty, stare down formidable odds, and accomplish the impossible to save their child..... all with remarkable clarity.  Yet one moment earlier, they could barely put one foot in front of the other.  Is it adrenaline?  Or can it be attributed to the intangible... the "it" we forever seek in our training?  That moment when time stands still, the buzzing that fills our ears tells us the danger has not passed, and the hairs on the back of our neck reach up to whisper in our ear.  If only we could create that kind of instant clarity and remarkable intensity on cue, as if flipping a switch.  The energy is already there, the challenge lies in tapping into it at will.

When we bow onto the mat, we are essentially doing just that, we flip the switch.  And that takes practice and willpower.  In training, there is no place for being "tired".  Though we may feel it, pretending to have high energy can benefit us in the long run. At first, it is just that-pretending.  Then our bodies begin to believe we have renewed energy.  Soon, our level of intensity is increased, and thus our level of training.

Making a conscious effort to "turn on" the energy upon entering the mat for class can have a HUGE effect on our overall progress as a Martial Artist.  The next time you step on the mat, flip the switch and watch your intensity skyrocket.  You may be pleasantly surprised!

-Master JD Rifkin

*to view past month's articles, please visit the Master's Blog on our website, www.rifkinprokarate.com
front desk Check-In Required
Measuring class attendance

Please make sure you or your child checks in at the front desk upon entering the studio for class.  Our attendance tracking allows our staff to monitor our student's progress and assure their success in Martial Arts.  Students also need to meet their minimum class attendance counts, so make sure you are in class NO LESS than two to three times per week.  If you have not checked-in, you will not be receiving credit for that day's class!
Master R at Battle of LA Battle Of LA
tournament as an education
On Saturday, May 2nd, we will once again be attending the Battle of LA open Karate Tournament in Lake View Terrace.  For those of our students that have not attended this or any other tournament, it can be a great experience on and off the competition floor.  Tournament competition exposes our students and families to a broader education in the Martial Arts; in attendance are many different schools, styles, and methods for training.  Our participating students have the opportunity to compete in forms, sparring and board-breaking against other schools from all over the Southern California area.  There will be no scheduled classes that Saturday, so please make a note to attend the tournament, if not to compete yourself, then to support your fellow classmates that do.  As a school, we have always placed quite well in the standings, and our students always appreciate our support!

The Rifkin Professional Karate Demo Team has been chosen to perform the half-time Demo at this year's Battle of LA.  They could also use your support.  To view our Demo Team in action, click RPKC Demo Team.

For more information on this year's Battle of LA on My 2nd, CLICK HERE
Introducing the ALL-OCCASION Party
For Children AND Adults!

You don't have to be a child to have a self-defense party.  Rifkin Professional Karate is now offering a party package for all occasions: adult birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, new job, special occasion....or just because you want to.  Get a bunch of friends or co-workers together and have a self-defense party for no reason at all. Example: Teacher's Day or Office Training Day.  Your guests can click on a special link you send them, view the party information and a picture of whatever you choose. They register to attend right there, allowing us to arrange for their arrival on your party day.

Our parties include an informal basic class on safety, self-defense and the martial arts, use of the courtyard for your food, drink, cake, wine, etc.  We provide tables, chairs, and a Black Belt instructor for the class.  GREAT for children and adults.  Have a SELF-DEFENSE party for all ages!

QUESTIONS? Click Here
 
Martial arts offers extraordinary fitness and health benefits to people in their 40's and 50's

by: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, Natural News Editor

t's not just for fighting: new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that people in their 40's and 50's who regularly practice martial arts demonstrate astounding levels of physical fitness in comparison to people the same age who don't exercise at all. The study subjects who practiced martial arts had 12% less body fat, were able to do twice as many sit-ups, had enhanced flexibility and leg strength, demonstrated a stronger immune system and showed greatly improved balance.

It's not surprising, of course: martial arts -- even mild forms like Tai Chi -- have long been known to confer tremendous anti-aging health benefits to their followers. Throughout Asia, it's not uncommon to see large groups of elderly (people in their 60's, 70's and 80's) practicing Tai Chi at sunrise in the community parks. Despire their age, these people have better aerobic conditioning, balance, strength, flexibility and coordination than many typical Americans in their 30's who are already suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and cancer. People who practice Tai Chi simply don't experience those diseases with anywhere near the frequency. As a result, they live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Any form of martial arts or physical discipline will produce similar results, by the way: Tai Chi and Pilates are two of my favorites, but you could also take up dancing or gymnastics, too. More aggressive forms of martial arts such as kickboxing and Tai Kwon Do are also excellent for conditioning.
A Parent's Perspective   4/17/09

Can I just tell you that I have never seen (our son) so passionate about martial arts before? He enjoys being a part of your karate family. I have seen drastic changes in him. Before we enrolled him to your studio, he had the worst attitude. Part of it was boredom and just  "growing pains" of being a teenager.

Now, he is much more calm, smiles alot more, and the attitude has changed for the better. I can't say, he's fully cured, after all he is a teenager (lol) but he's better.  I just want to say THANK YOU so much for everything that you do!  (We) are glad we have found your karate center. You guys are AWESOME!
 
A.J.
Parent of student
Rifkin Professional Karate
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Shape-up for Summer 3-month Special 15%
Save %15 when you enroll yourself or your child in our Shape-up for Summer 3-month Special at Rifkin Professional Karate Center before May 15th, 2009.  Present this coupon for a discounted rate on tuition, full student benefits apply.  Call us at (818)888-0743 to schedule your FREE introductory private lesson now.  There is no obligation and this offer good for NEW students only.
 
Offer Expires: 5/15/2009