Personal Protection: Out With The Old, In With The New

Look at Martial Arts in a new way - it's likely not what you think.



Moving forwards into 2012 I'm taking FTS Inc. Martial Arts division in an exciting new direction. In the past I've always taught martial arts in somewhat of a visceral way, the purpose was to learn to win a physical encounter against other people. The students that have been with me for over 2 years can attest to the fact that the training was violent and brutal with lots of yelling and swearing and hitting.
Lately however I've come to realize that martial arts training has a lot more to offer then just techniques and tactics for persevering in a violent encounter. It can be an avenue for physical health, emotional and mental health. It can be a tool to teach children and adults focus, respect, discipline, culture and language. It can bring strangers and even families together. Martial arts training can literally change your life. When I sit down and think about all the students that have come through my doors in the last few years I can't believe how far some of them have come and evolved. It truly can be amazing.
Just in the last month of 2011 there were milestone ranks attained that I've never presented before. In December the following students graduated: Ninja Kids level 1 9th kyu - Jake, Jake, Luke, Liam, Tyson, Mason; 8th kyu - Cassidy, Nathan; 7th kyu - Logan; 6th kyu - Adrian, Jasmine, Damyn. Ninja Kids level 2 9th kyu - Callum, Caylee, 7th kyu - Zach, Madisson, Ryan, Rayden, Xander, Ariel and Nolan. Arnis de Cadena yellow sash - Sensei Tom, Jeremy, Matt, Eli, Len. Bujinkan Ninjutsu 9th kyu - Skylar, Josh, 8th kyu - Jeremy, Kaylee, 7th kyu - Len, 4th kyu - Eli, Matt. Seeing so many rank promotions in various programs demonstrates the dedication these students made to their training.
So I'm happy to launch 2012 with all of you. For the next 12 months my personal mission is going to be to create a community using martial arts. There are going to be exciting opportunities for serious students who want to get involved. As always though all opportunities and promotions will be based on commitment and attendance. For people using class as an opportunity to social network, stress relief, recreation, fitness or anyone who is not a dedicated serious martial artist that's ok too. Come to class and myself and the other instructors will continue to deliver world class service and instruction to all students equally.
The year will be broken into quarters with every quarter starting out with goal setting and concluding with graduation. Twice a year in June and December there will be large graduation ceremonies where all students from all programs will be expected to attend to give demonstrations and support people who are graduating. Every quarter will feature a parents date night where kids can come to a 2 hour training block on a Saturday evening that will feature games, activities and training. Every quarter will have a teen night for any teenage students as well as information nights on bullying, sexual assault prevention and disaster preparedness for adults. We'll be making connections with sports teams and churches and expanding our service delivery to continue to improve lives through budo training.
To kick off 2012 we have to following programs available to you; Ninja kids level 1 ages 5-9, Ninja Kids level 2 ages 10-13, Recreational MMA ages 14+, MMA Competition team (grappling, kickboxing, boxing, mma) ages 14+, Arnis de Cadena ages 14+, Shaolin Kung Fu ages 14+, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu ages 14+. As always private lessons and group lessons are still available for all programs listed above. All programs will have a dedicated uniform that is mandatory for all students.
As well we will be continuing our partnerships with Big Rock Fitness, Harvest Moon Health Foods, Yoga Elements, Okotoks Public Library and the Town of Okotoks, providing joint training seminars with Warrior Arts and Rocky Mountain Academy of Martial Arts as well as continuing to support Take Dojo Calgary.
The Instruction team for the beginning of 2012 will be Sensei Tom Gillis program director and chief instructor, Sifu Kevin Goat Shaolin Kung Fu and Coach Scott Morton recreational and competition MMA.
All in all 2011 was an amazing year, but 2012 is going to blow your minds so get involved and come help me build a community of like minded individuals who want to change their lives and unleash the winner within.

Stay safe, be well.
Sensei Tom Gillis
FTS Inc.