Karate, Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido - What's in a name?

A famous quote by Bruce Lee reads:

".....unless human beings have three arms and three legs, then we will have a different way of fighting. But basically we all have two arms and two legs so that is why I believe there should be only one way of fighting and that is no way."

As I am going in to my 25th year of martial arts, I have spent most of my time studying three grappling arts, namely Nihon Goshin Aikido, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. I have also studied Judo, Kempo and Karate. What I have concluded is all good, practical, street-effective martial arts have more things in-common then different. That brings me to an important point. It is not the type of martial art that is most critical, but it is the effectiveness, experience and professionalism of the martial arts program.

With the re-release of THE KARATE KID, I suspect there will be a surge of interest in the martial arts. I would recommend to youth, parents, and families the following guidelines when looking to enroll in a martial arts program.

1. Call, email or visit 2 to 4 schools.
2. Talk to the owner or chief instructor about monthly tuition, enrollments fees, contracts, etc.
3. Visit the academy and take note of three important things.
a. Does the teaching style of the instructor meet your expectations?
b. Does the learning environment appear safe, positive and professional?
c. Are the techniques practical, realistic and street-effective?

If the dojo meets those three important factors, then it should be a good fit for you and your family.

For more information about our school and programs, visit our website at www.aikidoacademy.com , call us at 803.546.6079 or send me an email to senseicarter@gmail.com

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar with Professor Pedro Valente

Please join me in welcoming Professor Pedro Valente for a seminar at our dojo Sunday, August 1st. This will be his third visit to Columbia, South Carolina and sure to be another well-received seminar. Training begins at 10:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm. The cost of the seminar is $75.00 and checks should be made payable to Jack Walker. For questions, or early registration, students can contact me at the dojo at 803.546.6079.

Thanks,

Sensei Carter

Street Effectiveness of Nihon Goshin Aikido

Nihon Goshin Aikido, a traditional derivative system of Aiki-Jiu Jitsu, holds an unique place in the category of street effective martial arts. With mixed martial arts becoming more and more popular, the general public is gettting a good look at more realistic fighting. However, a mixed martial arts event has rules, weight classes, time limits, referee's and the important detail of knowing when and who you are fighting. In self-defense none of these factors exist. Importantly, students who train for real combat must know how to defend themselves standing and on the ground as well as being prepared for weapons or multiple attackers anytime or anyplace. In Nihon Goshin Aikido, we work hard to prepare students for each of these realistic situations.

I recently had a student effectively apply the "come-a-long" (or shoulder lock) take down for real. The individual is a police officer and was securing a suspect. He brought the individual down to the ground using a technique from Nihon Goshin Aikido, controlled him and placed him under arrest. These real life stories are relayed to me often by law enforcement professionals. They are on the front lines when it comes to hand to hand combat. Be confident in what you are learning in Nihon Goshin Aikido. Work hard, train often, strive for perfection and if you ever have to act the technique will be there.

Sensei Carter

Columbia, SC - January 2010 Nihon Goshin Aikido Belt Promotions

We had a packed academy for our January 25th and 26th belt promotions. Eighteen students were promoted during the last two days. Each student has shown great skill, perseverance and character on the road to earning their new ranks. I am especially proud of the entire student body and the honor in which training is being conducted. I want to extend a sincere congratulations to the following students who were recently promoted in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido.

Sho-Dan
Joe Nochman

San-Kyu
Tim McNeal

Jeshiah Scott
Aerial Scott
Becky Wilkerson

Jonathan Wilson

Yon-Kyu
Brian Jordan
Ian Maclean
Beth Southwell
Joyce Southwell
Wendell Gordon
Chuck Caldwell

Go-Kyu
Laci Hulon
Mimi Pachecho
Ken Gatti
Jake Riffle

Junior Green Belt
Sarah Southwell

Little Samurai Blue Stripe
Trust Williamson

Again, wonderful job and keep up the good work.

Sensei Carter

New Year Message for 2010!

2009 was some year. Even though our country experienced one of the worst economic times many of us have ever seen, our academy stayed strong and saw positive growth. We had a great year of events such as our Spring Training and Summer Camp, our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar with Pedro Valente, and last but not least, the newest addition to our dojo family, Sensei Carter and Mrs. Carter's new baby. Our students in both the youth and adult programs showed tremendous heart, dedication, and perseverance. We had many students move forward in their skill and belt progression and we will have many more in the upcoming weeks of 2010. Our testing process, curriculum guidelines and rank system revisions have been updated and finalized and will go into effect Monday, January 4th, 2010. Any questions should be directed to me.

I have personally accomplished much in my continuing education in the Martial Arts and appreciate all my students, teachers, training partners and mentors. I look forward to learning all I can in the new year. You all help me in my personal journey. I can't thank you enough. I look forward to 2010 and the next decade to come. I see many great things in the future of our academy.

See you on the mats,

Sensei John Carter

BULLYSAFE

At The Aikido Academy of Self-Defense, we specialize in practical, realistic and proven methods of self-defense. The program I would like to highlight is our BULLYSAFE program.

Many parents and youth who attend my academy report bullying in schools, neighborhoods and ball fields. What is more disturbing, is the percentage of youth who never report bullying to a parent or other trusted adult. Our BULLYSAFE program will provide you and your family with the tools to handle this unfortunate problem. We have four points of focus in this program:

1. Build Confidence: Having self-confidence is sometimes enough to stop a potential bully. If you learn to hold your head high and make eye contact, a bully may be less likely to see you as an easy target.

2. Improve Awareness: Establishing physical boundaries is an excellent method of staying out of a bad situation. Paying attention to your surroundings is a large percentage of preventing a potential attack.

3. Positive Channeling of Energy: As parents, we know how challenging it can be to find a positive, safe and professional activity in which to channel the energy of our youth. Our BULLYPROOF course combines, attention activities, self-defense drills, and physical exercise programs offering a great outlet for kids from all walks of life.

4. Prepare: As a last resort, you may find it necessary to use physical techniques to protect yourself. If a person invades your personal space, blocks your path to safety, or physically attacks, you may have to act.

Along with our self-defense program, we take pride in the personal development of our students. Throughout our lessons, we instill life skills such as Responsibility, Pride, Respect, Physical Wellness, Courtesy and Fair Play.

Rank Revisions: Aikido Academy of Self-Defense - Columbia, South Carolina

At our academy, we work hard to constantly improve. Recently, we have revised and codified our ranking system which has proven to be extremely successful. The following is a basic description of each area of our curriculum.

Youth Program

Little Samurai: Ages 5 to 7
White Belt
Yellow Stripe
Blue Stripe
Green Stripe
Purple Stripe

Youth Aikido: Ages 8 to 12
Junior White Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Junior Yellow Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Junior Blue Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Junior Green Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Junior Purple Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido

Adult Program

NGA Fundamentals: Self-Defense Basics
White Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Yellow Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Blue Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Green Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Purple Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido
Brown Belt - Nihon Goshin Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu
Black Belt (1st Degree)- Nihon Goshin Aikido & Grappling Course
Black Belt (2nd Degree)-Nihon Goshin Aikido & Grappling Certification
Black Belt (3rd Degree) - Instructor Certifications

We look forward to not only improving our programs, but serving our student body and developing the knowledge base of our instructors. I am proud of the commitment level of all of our dojo members and instructors. It is an honor and privilege to teach each and every day at my academy.

Thanks for all the support.

Sensei John Carter