Friday, August 26, 2011
Color Belt Testing
Mandrino Martial Arts will close its Monongahela Studio for today! Friday. Classes resume Monday at its normal times, thru August. Master Manderino will be in Belle Vernon, PA to assist in the HQ color belt testing.
Monday, August 22, 2011
What is a Karate-ka?
Karate is more than punch this and kick that... It is about who you are. It is about an internal honesty, external integrity, and social honor, a courageous straight forwardness. In karate you become "karate-ka."
When we start our path in karate we are tempted for many motives. First we convince ourselves that, if nothing else, it is good exercise. Based on that, we hope that there is a real basis of self defense and that it is better to try to prepare for the day we hope never comes than be under prepared if we are faced with that violence in real life, face-to-face. Finally, we think it would be a cool, or fun, community/socializing thing to do.
But t here is more. We should, at least accept that all of these very human reasons are very valid and sound. Further, we should let this confluence of rationality lead us to an understand that, perhaps there is something bigger going on here. What else can i find as a reason, or that shares a confluence with thee things, that are good and true reasons? Ultimately, karate cultivates a sense of mystery in us. By default, it also fosters true humility in us. Humility to accept how little we have yet come on that path, and humility to accept the boldness planted and grown in our heart that urges us to press on and learn more of this mystery. This sense of mystery serves us in life. Not only in piety, but also in how we learn to see the world. Is our vision scientific, or naive? Is it reasonable, or universally skeptic?
Karate tolerates none of those positions. Perhaps that is why, so often, so few tolerate true karate teaching.
When we start our path in karate we are tempted for many motives. First we convince ourselves that, if nothing else, it is good exercise. Based on that, we hope that there is a real basis of self defense and that it is better to try to prepare for the day we hope never comes than be under prepared if we are faced with that violence in real life, face-to-face. Finally, we think it would be a cool, or fun, community/socializing thing to do.
But t here is more. We should, at least accept that all of these very human reasons are very valid and sound. Further, we should let this confluence of rationality lead us to an understand that, perhaps there is something bigger going on here. What else can i find as a reason, or that shares a confluence with thee things, that are good and true reasons? Ultimately, karate cultivates a sense of mystery in us. By default, it also fosters true humility in us. Humility to accept how little we have yet come on that path, and humility to accept the boldness planted and grown in our heart that urges us to press on and learn more of this mystery. This sense of mystery serves us in life. Not only in piety, but also in how we learn to see the world. Is our vision scientific, or naive? Is it reasonable, or universally skeptic?
Karate tolerates none of those positions. Perhaps that is why, so often, so few tolerate true karate teaching.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Join the Journey - Fall Opening!
WHAT: Our New FALL OPENING
WHEN: Sunday - Aug. 21, 2011 1:30 PM!
WHERE: Manderino Martial Arts. 215 Chess Street Monongahela, PA 15063.
SEE: A presentation and demonstration of martial arts for children and adults.
GET: A special offer. Show up with 6 or more people to sign-up for classes to receive a very special, discounted rate for each person!
Be there, and don't be late.
Master Manderino and his students hope to see you then!
You think you know something about MMA, but you don't know this MMA: Manderino Martial Arts- Join the Journey.
WHEN: Sunday - Aug. 21, 2011 1:30 PM!
WHERE: Manderino Martial Arts. 215 Chess Street Monongahela, PA 15063.
SEE: A presentation and demonstration of martial arts for children and adults.
GET: A special offer. Show up with 6 or more people to sign-up for classes to receive a very special, discounted rate for each person!
Be there, and don't be late.
Master Manderino and his students hope to see you then!
You think you know something about MMA, but you don't know this MMA: Manderino Martial Arts- Join the Journey.
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