Sensei Carter's 2011 Year End Message - What a Year!

This past year has been one the most positive, prosperous and inspiring years for me both personally and professionally.  Of course the birth of our third son this past August has brought happiness and excitement to our home and family.  I would not be where I am today without the loving support of my wife and our three boys.  Family truly comes first!

I finalized my Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Certification this year resulting in our academy becoming a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Training Center.  It was a lot of work, sacrifice and dedication, but it was well worth it.  Additionally, our Nihon Goshin Aikido classes have been well attended and all our self-defense programs were well received and supported by our current and new academy members. 

Our after-school programs have done fantastic.  We have 4 sites in the Lexington and Irmo area and all are thriving.  I want to thank each site coordinator for their support and effort in making these programs so successful.  I also was honored to participate in a very important Anti-Bullying Rally in Columbia this year.  It was held at a local high school and I was asked to introduce Parents, Teachers, Administrators and Youth of all ages to our vitally important Self-Defense programs.  We look forward to working with the event coordinator again in 2012 and many years to come!

Our student body enjoyed great retention and growth in 2011.  We reached a record number of students and look forward to even more student growth in 2012.  We have worked hard since January 1997 to attract and maintain the best students possible.  This is vital in producing an unique, top notch learning environment.  I am confident that our student body is one of the best around.  I want to thank all my students and senior students for making this possible.

I want to wish everyone and your family a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

See you on the mats in 2012!

Sensei John Carter

Academy Closings

We will be closed Monday, December 19th through Sunday, January 1st.  We will hold an Open Mat from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, December 21st and Wednesday, December 28th for Academy Students.  Remember, Wednesday nights are "Bring a Friend" night, so feel free to bring someone with you.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sensei Carter

New Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Youth Class Time

New Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Class for Youth ages 8 to 12 on Saturday mornings 9:00am to 10:00am.  Please take a moment and read the class description below.

GRACIE BULLYPROOF

"Every day 160,000 children miss school out of fear or intimidation of a bully."

-National Education Association

Jr. Grappler's (Ages 8 to 12)

Since bullying is most prevalent in this age group, we teach the children in the Jr. Grappler's class the techniques they must know in order to defend themselves if attacked. The best part about the techniques is that they are all non-violent control tactics designed to minimize injury to the bully if used during a real fight. What makes the GRACIE BULLYPROOF program unique is that we develop your child's character as well as their confidence. During each class, we dedicate a few minutes to discussing a featured character trait and the simple things your child can do to make it part of their everyday lives.

We also offer classes every Monday and Wednesday at 5:00!  Please stop by for a tour of our academy or a free class trial.

Sensei John Carter
www.cartersacademy.com
www.graciekids.com
803.546.6079
senseicarter@gmail.com

Anti-Bullying Rally

Benjamin and I taught 50 to 60 people today at an Anti-Bullying Rally.  We taught very simple verbal and physical self-defense techniques that could literally save your life.  Our group consisted of Elementary - Middle - High School Youth, Teachers, Parents and Administrators.  We had a great group and look forward to attending next year's event.  The highlight of the day was when a threw a 310 pound football player off of me with zero event.  It got everyone's undivided attention.  I had a room full of believer's after that!  It was a great event.  It is an important topic.

Sensei John Carter

http://www.cartersacademy.com/

http://www.gracieacademy.com/

http://www.gracieuniversity.com/

senseicarter@gmail.com

803.546.6079

Thanksgiving Closings

We will be closed Wednesday November, 23rd through Saturday, November 26th.  Please enjoy and have a safe Thanksgiving Weekend.  We will resume our normal Nihon Goshin Aikido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes on Monday, November 28th.

Thank you.

Sensei John Carter

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar with Professor Pedro Valente



Me and Professor Pedro Valente - September, 2011

I recently attended yet another great seminar with Professor Pedro Valente in Columbia, South Carolina.  Valente Brothers Black Belt, Jack Walker, hosted Pedro over the weekend.  My son Benjamin was able to attend the Little Champs class on Saturday.  Pedro's session emphasis was on anti-bullying techniques.  He also taught the triangle choke using a great (and funny) story to help the kids remember the steps of the move. 

The adult session was held on Sunday from 11:00 to 2:00.  Professor Valente began the training with fundamental Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense strategy and philosophy.  He then went on to discuss stand-up technique and appropriate levels of use of force when defending oneself.  He showed a very nice standing technique to control the center space followed up by a standing submission once the aggressor insists on continuing forward.  He also showed a variation that would apply to a potential multiple attacker situation.  The ground techniques consisted of control and striking positions from the guard and the kimura from the standard omoplata (shoulder lock) position.

The highlight of the day was at the end of the seminar when Pedro discussed more Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Philosophy.  He talked to us about his "7", "5", "3" way of life.  Coming from a Traditional Japanese Martial Art Background such as Nihon Goshin Aikido, many of these topics were a refreshing review for me as I have discussed these topics often with my Nihon Goshin Aikido Sensei, colleagues and students.  I have included the philosophies below.

7 - Tenets of Bushido
Rectitude (義, gi)
Courage (勇, yū)
Benevolence (仁, jin)
Respect (礼, rei)
Honesty (誠, makoto)
Honor (名誉, meiyo)
Loyalty (忠義, chūgi)

5 - Way of Life
Nutrition
Exercise
Rest
Hygiene
Positive Outlook

3 - Warrior Mindset
Zanshin - Remaining Mind
Mushin - Clear Mind
Fudoshin - Immovable Mind

Thanks again to Professor Pedro Valente for instructing us over the weekend.  I look forward to training with him again soon.

For more information about our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Nihon Goshin Aikido and Youth Anti-Bullying programs, please feel free to come by our academy to watch a class or try one out for free.  We can be contacted direct at 803.546.6079, senseicarter@gmail.com or at www.cartersacademy.com

My son Benjamin and Professor Pedro Valente

Triangle Choke and Pedro's "Story" to help kids remember each step.

Great Training.  Congratulations to those who were promoted!

Me and Pedro after the seminar.

Carter's Academy of Self-Defense Updates: Certified Nihon Goshin Aikido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center

We have enjoyed a very busy Fall and look forward to continuing our growth as one of the best martial arts schools in the Columbia, SC area.  Our programs are extremely popular with our new and current students. 

PROGRAMS
Our 4-week intro has been a big hit with many of our new students.  The most successful piece of this program, is it allows them to easily transition into our Nihon Goshin Aikido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu curriculum. 

Since I finalized my instructor certification in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the Jiu-Jitsu Combatives classes have been well attended. In addition, our Nihon Goshin Aikido classes have been averaging 18 to 20 students per class. Needless to say, I have been extremely busy with my teaching duties and loving every minute of it. We have a first class student body!

Now that school is back in session, the Youth Aikido and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes have enjoyed very good and very steady attendance.  Also, my after-school programs in the public schools and after-school centers are filling up quickly and my private classes are also steady. 

Please be on the look out for our new upcoming Pee Wee program for 3 to 4 year olds. It will be a 30-minute class consisting of a balance of martial arts, agility skills, tumbling and play.  Early 2012 will be our target start date.

Lastly, our "Bring a Friend" classes have provided students with a great opportunity to share their hobby and passion with friends or family.

TESTING
We will be revamping our testing routine at the academy.  As the academy grows to records student levels, this will be a much needed improvement. More details will be forthcoming.

GEAR ORDERS 
Students who need a new uniform or would like to order academy t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, backpacks, etc. please see me or go to our online store at www.cartersacademy.com.  Any student who is interested in ordering Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy fight gear, uniforms, gi patches, car decals, etc. also see me.  I will be making an order every few weeks and you will be able to save the sales tax and shipping cost.

ACADEMY LOOK
We will be updating many of our signs, logos, website and facebook page and other marketing information.  Please be on the lookout.  We are excited about the fresh look and feel of our academy and martial art programs.

I want to thank all our students for the great attendance, positive energy while training and assistant instructor support.  I look forward to great fall and 2012.

Sensei Carter