More Big Things on the Horizon

April 17, 2008

USBA TV logo1Master Kravitz recently traveled back east, where he attended a meeting for owners of martial arts schools throughout the world. Among the presentations there was one particular vendor promoting the benefits of video instruction. I had the opportunity to speak with Master Kravitz about the future of the industry, the tools that will be available, and the benefits to our school.

First, he told me that what he learned at the meeting was “well worth the trip!”, and that much of what was presented validated the direction of USBA and the vision he has for his students and our school. That’s exciting…to be on the leading edge, even ahead of it, in such a large industry.

We as a student body are fortunate to live in a time where video is available, on DVD, and even better, on demand over the internet. If you haven’t yet seen a preview of what we’re building, take a look here after you have finished reading this post. For those of you who are black belt candidates, or Dream Team members, or for others who attended the recent Kama Seminar at USBA, you will find under the “Weapons” tab on the video player a clip of Sensei Garbriele demonstrating the first kama form he taught to us in the seminar. We will soon be adding additional instructional videos to our website.

But there’s more…

If you have ever missed a class (and who hasn’t?), or your child has missed an important announcement in class, Master Kravitz will soon be videotaping his messages to the students and posting these “videocasts” on the usbapride.com website! Frequency and format are yet to be determined, so stay tuned to this channel!

Spring Black Belt Spectacular!

April 15, 2008

USBA Black Belt Students will join our own USBA staff on stage at El Toro High School on Saturday, April 26th. This awesome show includes demonstration of Taekwondo Forms, Self-Defense Techniques, Mixed Martial Arts, and Traditional Martial Arts Weapons.

Everyone is welcome to attend! This is a great opportunity to see our graduates perpform, to encourage fellow students, and build school spirit! Bring family members and friends! Tickets are only $10, and can be purchased here in our Online Pro Shop!

Photo Sharing Page on usbaPride.com!

April 9, 2008

It’s almost here…coming soon to usbaPride.com…we’ll be adding a section that shows YOU and your little martial artists in action. While we’re still under construction, please send us any photos you have of yourself, or your children, that you would like to share with fellow students. Our Photo Album will also be a great way for grandma and grandpa, aunts, uncles, and friends of the family to see what it is we’re all doing when we’re away from home for hours at a time!

Royler Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar

April 9, 2008

Royler Gracie Visits USBA in Laguna NiguelProfessor Royler Gracie will be conducting a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar on Monday, April 14th, from 7:30-9:00pm.

We are honored to host one of the best Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. Come and join us for this exciting and informative seminar. Royler Gracie seldoms visits the West Coast — don’t miss this great opportunity to train with a living legend!

If you have any questions, please speak with Master Kravitz. You may call the school, 949-363-6500, or contact us via email here.

The cost of the seminar is $50; sign-up sheets are available at the front desk. Your Jiu-Jitsu gi is required for this seminar. One more thing…register and pay for your spot in the seminar online…..and save $5! Visit the Online Pro Shop, or click here.

Guest Instructor – Ganyao Fairtex!

April 8, 2008

Royce Gracie, Ganyao Fairtex, and Ivan KravitzDon’t miss it – USBA is proud to welcome a guest instructor for the evening of Wednesday, April 30th, for both the 6:50pm teen and 7:40pm adult classes.

Ganyao is friend of Master Kravitz and a friend of our school…and of course, a legendary Muay Thai instructor and competitor. There is no charge for this special opportunity, so bring your sparring gear and plenty of energy for a genuine Muay Thai workout at the end of the month.

April Boot Camp Buddy Day

April 6, 2008

Spring Break Camp April 2008Sign up for Buddy Day! Bring up to 2 friends on Saturday, April 12th for a special, fun class. Wear your USBA camo t-shirt if you have one! Click on the flyer to the left for more details.

Spring Break Camp!

April 6, 2008

Spring Break Camp April 2008Friday, April 11th, is Spring Break Camp! The best part might be that students will be given the opportunity to learn kamas, which will be provided at no extra cost. Would you like to see Sensei Gabriele in his recent visit from the east coast, teaching his Kama Form Number One? Click here to view the video…

The cost of the camp is $59 per student; lunch will also be served. Click on the flyer to the left for details.

April is a BUSY Month!

April 2, 2008

Wow! There’s a lot of exciting things happening at the school this month! I hope I don’t leave any out, but check your student folders, and check the website throughout the month. The School News department on usbapride.com is a wonderful, quick-read for upcoming events at the school.

During the first week, I will actually be up at Fairtex in San Francisco for a couple of days training with Ganyao Fairtex. Later in April, Ganyao is coming to USBA to train with YOU! Get ready for a real Muay Thai class!

On Monday the 14th, I am very excited to announce that Royler Gracie will be at USBA teaching a Jiu-Jitsu seminar. Class size is very limited, so RGJJ students should sign up early.

Our black belt candidates are training hard this month. Their two-day test is scheduled for April 4-5, Friday night and Saturday. It’s a rigorous two days — let’s all wish them well. Lastly,

April Focus Word

April 1, 2008

The word for April is “kokoro”. Kokoro is the mindset that allows us to properly focus on prepare ourselves to achieve optimal results. Being “pumped up” and ready is a quality that most black belt students are able to develop. But kokoro goes beyond this short-term mentality. Kokoro is the ability to bring yourself to readiness, or to a peak state — in other words, getting “fired up”.

There is a technique called “mind like water”, where students learn to relax and rid themselves of the distractions and challenges that occur every day. Try to visualize a calm, clear body of water with a glassy, mirror-like surface. Once you can do this, you have cleared your mind. Now focus and enjoy the benefits of kokoro.

Kokoro will allow you to train harder, and by doing so, you will benefit by your focused effort.