MJA Martial Arts in Spencer, MA Parade of Lights

MJA Martial Arts, Inc. participated in the Spencer, MA Christmas Parade of Lights this past Sunday, December 4, 2010.  The parade began at David Prouty and ended at the Spencer Highway Department.  Although the weather was a bit on the chilly side, there were lots of people that turned out to view the parade.  We saw lots of familiar faces out in the crowd and invite all to stop by and visit us at our dojo on 64 Main Street, Spencer, MA.

The Richards Family Needs Your Help! Fire destroyed their home in Spencer, MA

We’ve received some devastating news this afternoon from the Richards family that their house on Maple Street here in Spencer (Rt 31 South) was destroyed by an electrical fire on November 2, 2010.  Everything, including their two pets, was lost. View the Telegram & Gazette News Article

We are reaching out to the families here and within the community to request donations to help them. They will be living in a hotel for several months until their home is rebuilt.  Lori, from MJA Martial Arts, will be accepting whatever you are willing to offer - gift cards for food, clothes, gas, season-appropriate clothes, jackets, shoes, etc, toiletries, cards of sympathy or support - anything you feel may help.

You can drop off  the items at the Dojo and we will take care of the rest. Thank you for considering helping however you can.  If you have any questions, please contact Lori at 508-885-9100.


You may also send a check payable to:

The Richards Family Fire Fund

TD Bank
614 Southbridge Street
Auburn, MA 01501

Thank you,

Sensei Mike, Lori, Instructors Shawn, Ryan, and Assistant Instructor Michael

Join us at the Town of Spencer, MA Halloween Party, October 31

Halloween Party will be at the Spencer Town hall Sunday October 31, 2010 Immediately following trick or treat 6:30 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m.
This party is FREE to all ghosts and ghouls in costume & their parents.
FREE raffle for children dressed in costumes
Best boys costume and; best girls costume prizes
Candy, Apple cider, cupcakes, cotton candy, balloon animals and a wonderful DJ
Come & join us for this night of ghostly fun!!!!
Town of Spencer Celebration Committee
Please contact Wendy Berthiaume with any question or inquiries at
508 885‐5680 or dberthiaume177@hotmail.com with Halloween Party in the subject line

The Century Martial Arts Christmas Catalog - Early Order Discounts

The Century Martial Arts Christmas

Catalog Has Arrived!

Give your favorite student

Martial Arts supplies and other gifts

this Christmas.

We are accepting orders from now until

November 19, 2010..

Order from now until Nov 6th

Receive 15% off your entire order

Order from Nov 7th to the 14th

Receive 10% off your entire order

Order from Nov 15th to Nov 19th

Receive 5% off your entire order

Orders after Nov 19 can’t be

   guaranteed for delivery in time

for Christmas

Halloween Spooktacular - Spencer, MA

Come celebrate Halloween with us on Friday October 29
7:00 - 11:00 pm. Invite a guest. Admission is FREE!
Pick up your V.I.P. passes to invite everyone you know.
All you have to do is put your name on the sign-up list
and tell us how many guests you will be bringing.
All MJA students are invited. Parents please let
us know what time you will be picking up the
younger children. Hope to see you there!

Open House Celebration October 16 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Celebrating Our Third Year Anniversary In Spencer

Come in and join us for a time of fun and celebration for the entire family.

· Special Presentations on our Adult Programs.

· Demonstration by the MJA Tigers

· Refreshments & Food.

· Kids gift bags and balloons.

· Raffles for prizes.

· Interactive fun for kids.

· Cool Workouts For Teens.

Open House Celebration October 16 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Events will take place inside & Outside in the back parking lot.

Protect your Child Against Bullies! Sat, Sept. 18, 2010

Learn the secrets of the bully and the practical techniques your children can use to deal with and avoid confrontations.

A recent survey conducted by the CDC showed that 10,000 children stayed home from school at least once a month because they feared bullies. Bullying is a serious problem that can lead to emotional withdrawal, substance abuse, and even suicide.

Many concerned parents are turning to martial arts at our school. Our program develops the confidence, awareness, and personal protection skills that your child needs to avoid or deal with bullies of all kinds.

So don’t wait. Class space is limited. Call to reserve space for your child today.


When: Saturday September 18
Time: 1:30—3:30PM

Special Separate Segment
5-7 Year-Olds
From 1:30– 2:15PM

Ages 8 & Up
Cost: $20.00 per person
$35.00 per family up to 3 children.

Pre-Registration is required

Fitness Kickboxing is the #1 Fat Burner!

Sign-up and Receive your FIRST WEEK FREE!

Fitness Kickboxing burns more than 800 calories an hour. That's the key to fitness-- Burn off those calories, before you burn out.

Move to today's hottest music as you shed pounds and give your body and excellent cardio workout. Learn proven self-defense techniques: fast jabs, powerful kicks, and protective blocks.

There's nothing routine about Fitness Kickboxing -- our instructors are always introducing new combinations, new movements and new music.

Ninja Tiger Cubs for Preschoolers, MJA Martial Arts

Enroll your preschooler in our Ninja Tiger Cubs program and receive a FREE uniform!


Your child will want to join the fun of Ninja Tiger Cubs -- and you'll want them to learn the skill-building lessons of this special martial arts program, developed just for preschoolers.

Benefits of our Preschool martial arts program:

• Prepared for preschool
• Improved motor skills
• A better listener
• Greater attention span
• More concentration

Your child will "Learn to Earn" at MJA Martial Arts - Spencer, MA

In today's world of immediate gratification, it's getting harder to teach children the value of working towards goals and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done. Our children's programs focus on reinforcing traditional martial arts values such as trying one's best and never giving up. Our students take pride in hard work and achieve their belts the old fashioned way. They earn it!

Kenpo Karate reduces stress as it increases stamina.

Special offer: First week FREE for new customers.

Benefits of Kenpo Karate:

• Healthy Physical Activit
• Flexibility and Self-Esteem
• Develop a Take-Charge Attitude
• Learn Proven Self-Defense Techniques

Give your Child the Keys to Succeed at MJA Martial Arts, Spencer, MA

Our instructors bring out the best in children! By participating in Martial Arts, children are able to:

• Sharpen their focus
• Get in shape
• Develop greater self-confidence
• Learn valuable self-defense techniques
• Make new friends

Visit us at MJA Martial Arts on Main Street in Spencer, MA.

Buffumville State Park - Oxford, MA - Karate Demonstration

We had terrific weather for our demonstration for the Department of Children and Families Adoption Day picnic. It was held on Saturday, August 7 at Buffumville State Park in Oxford beginning at 11 am.

Members of the MJA Tigers Demonstration & Competition team performed for families and also had a great time showing the other children how much fun it is to learn martial arts. Kicking, punching, board breaking, and lots of smiles!

Thanks to all who helped to make this a successful day.

You can be a Karate Kid July 12-16, 2010 at our Dojo.

Our Karate Summer Fun Days program is educational and fun!

We will teach your children life skills like we do in our current Karate programs. All activities will be based on discipline, respect, and self-control, as well as how to deal with peer pressure. Your child will also develop the physical skills he/she needs: jumping, rolling, bobbing, weaving, and regular calisthenics to help stay healthy in their daily lives. All this wrapped up in one exciting week of absolute fun!

Karate Activities

Archery

Warm-ups & Focus Pad Drills

Movies

Sword Sport (Foam Swords with protective Gear)

Character Building Lessons

Sparring Drills

Defeating the Bully Story (MA for Peace Program)

Lunch

Ninja Tigers Game (helps children with coordination and physical skills)

Introduction to Kung Fu for kids (NEW)

Crafts

Sensei Says

Obstacle Course

Hand Drums & Karate

Board Breaking

History of Martial Arts & Weapons

Our Karate Fun Days program last year was very successful. All who participated had lots of fun. Don’t wait register early to get the week(s) you want.

Karate Summer Fun Days 2010 Program Schedule

1st Week: July 12 - July 16 2nd Week: August 2 - August 6 Mon. - Fri 8:30am – 3:00 pm Bring your own snacks and lunches. Price per week - Members $125.00 Non-Members $145.00 $15.00 Summer Registration Fee for new students only. 50% non-refundable deposit per week required at time of registration. Early registration discount: save $25.00 per week when you sign up and pay in full by June 1. Tuition balance for all weeks is due in full by June 15, 2010. MJAMA health form needs to be on file.

We have the best certified instructors

All Head Instructors are certified Black Belts. All instructors and assistant instructors are under the direction of Sensei Mike Agbay and also teach in our current Karate programs. We take pride in being teachers so we make safety our number one goal.

Sensei Michael Agbay
Director of Karate Programs
3rd Degree Black Belt American Kenpo Karate
Black Sash in Wing Chun
Certified in First Aid & CPR

Assistant Instructor Ron Brown, Jr.
Black Belt
Certified in First Aid & CPR

Assistant Instructor Michael Frustaci
2nd Degree Brown Belt
Certified in First Aid & CPR

---

Serving the following cities & towns in the Worcester, Massachusetts area:

Spencer, E. Brookfield, Leicester, N.Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, and Princeton

Are you the next Karate Kid? Ticket Stub Training Discount!

Have you enjoyed watching the Karate Kid movies? Are you inspired to learn about the martial arts?

Bring your ticket stub to our dojo at MJA Martial Arts and get $20 off your first month of classes!

You are also invited to join us for a screening of the original Karate Kid movie on June 25, 2010.

Call or visit our dojo for further details.

MJA Martial Arts is located at 64 Main Street in Spencer, MA (508) 885-9100
Visit us on the web at: www.MJAMartialArts.com

Karate Kid Pizza Party - June 25th in Spencer, MA

Karate Kid Pizza Party - All are invited to view the movie original “Karate Kid” Friday June 25, 2010 from 7:15 - 11:15pm at the MJA Martial Arts dojo.

Cost: $10.00 per person (public welcome).
Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required.
Call 508-885-9100 to register.

Includes movie, pizza, snacks and drinks. Doors will be locked at 8:30. No one allowed to
leave without an adult pick-up after that time.

Karate Demonstration - Worcester, MA ACS Relay for Life Fundraiser

Students from MJA Martial Arts will be performing a karate demonstration at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life in Worcester, MA. Be sure to stop by to support this worthy cause.

2010 Relay For Life of Worcester
June 18 & 19, 2010 7pm to 3pm at Burncoat High School

MJA Martial Arts Karate Demonstration: Saturday June 19, 2010 from 10:00 -11:00am.

Sign-up for our FREE Anti-Bully Newsletter

MJA Martial Arts Anti–Bullying Campaign
Bully Prevention Newsletter

Knowledge Is Your Greatest
Weapon Against Bullies

MJA Martial Arts - May 2010 Special Events

May 1st - Worcester Classic Karate Tournament, Marlboro, MA;
May 15 - Life Care Ctr. , Auburn, Ma. Karate Demonstration 2:00 - 3:00 PM;
June 12th Friendship Tournament, Maine
June 19th Relay For Life, Worcester, MA - Martial Arts Demonstration (Details to follow.)

World Tai Chi Day at Elm Park in Worcester, MA

On Saturday April 24th 10:00am - 12:00 noon we celebrated World Tai Chi Day at Elm Park in Worcester, MA. Their were about 40 participants that day. I want to thank Karim and all his students that showed up that day. I had an awesome time doing Tai Chi with everyone. I also had the privilege to introduce Chi Sau exercises from my Wing Chun system. The highlight of the day was seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones. I really recommend the Tai Chi class! Parents, check it out.

Thanks for the opportunity Karim, I really enjoyed it!

Sensei Mike

Styles offered:

Yang Style for beginners and intermediate.
Chen & Bagua for advanced.
Taught by Instructor Karim - Ben Saunders

Bully Prevention, Anti-Bullying Campaign - Worcester County, MA

MJA Martial Arts Anti–Bullying Campaign
Bully Prevention Programs

Knowledge Is Your Greatest
Weapon Against Bullies

• Five Smart Ways You Can Stop Bullying
• Learn How to Be A Bully Buster
• Basic Techniques Of Assertive Body Language
• Build A Barrier, Deliver A Message and Take Action
• Cyber-Bullying: A New Concern

The recent coverage regarding Phoebe Prince, the South Hadley 15 year old who took her life, made national news, and has surfaced the topic of bullying which no longer can be ignored. Parents, children, school teachers and local law enforcement need to work together with trained professionals to educate and equip all children to combat this huge problem. Education, preparation and not ignoring it anymore must be the solution. MJA Martial Arts has trained instructors to provide the skills necessary for children and adults to stop bullying behaviors! We believe that knowledge is your greatest weapon against bullies.

Call us today for more information on our Anti-Bully Programs:
(508) 885-9100

We also offer programs for schools, youth groups,
and private lessons for all ages.

Anti – Bullying Outline
Introductory Program
Topics Covered

The way to stop a bully:

1. Take an interest in stopping it.
2. Learn to understand why people bully
3. Develop nonviolent skills to deal with bullies.

Skills to handle a bully’s attack:

1. Physical self-defense skills.
2. Nonviolent alternatives.


Techniques to Standing Up to a Bully
Role-playing: A way to Understand

Different types of bully situations may include:
· Name calling
· Sizing up the person (shoulder to shoulder to see how you react)
· Pushing, bumping, slapping, and trying to just intimidate you.
· Yelling and screaming obscenities towards you to get a reaction.


Physical Self-Defense Skills

Emotions that you will experience during a confrontation. Turning Negative Thoughts into Positive Thoughts


Knowing this you can be responsible for who you are now. You can be the person you want to be now. The only thing holding you back is you!

Auburn, MA - St. Jude Children's Hospital Fundraiser

I want to send a big THANK YOU to all who helped and participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fundraiser at the Auburn Mall. We surpassed our goal. You all helped us raise $3,443.70!!! Our goal was $3000.00. That is almost three times what we raised last year. I was so impressed with all the families who helped us make that day special. Everyone who attended had great things to say about it. I would not have enough room to list everyone who helped make this event successful. Please know you are all appreciated for your contribution. I’m very blessed! Everyone represented MJAMA exceedingly well!

Thank You!
Sensei Mike

World Tai Chi Day in Worcester, MA at Elm Park

Please join us on Saturday April 24th 10:00am - 12:00 at Elm Park in Worcester, MA for World Tai Chi Day. Karim - Ben Saunders will be there with his students. I am looking forward to getting together with everyone to celebrate. I highly recommend Karim's Tai Chi class!

Styles offered:

Yang Style for beginners and intermediate.
Chen & Bagua for advanced.
Taught by Instructor Karim - Ben Saunders

Auburn, MA Karate Demonstration for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

A big THANK YOU to all who donated, volunteered, came by to show your support, or helped breakdown and pack up equipment.

Please note that we will be continuing to offer gift certificates for free classes with a donation to St Jude until the gift certificates are gone.


They are as follows (for children's and adult classes):

$40 Donation - 2 wks free Ninja Tigers or Junior Kenpo; Fitness Kickboxing, Boxing, Adult Kenpo

$50-$70 Donation - 1 month free Ninja Tigers or Junior Kenpo; Fitness Kickboxing, Boxing, Adult Kenpo

$100-$150 Donation - 2 months free Ninja Tigers or Junior Kenpo; Fitness Kickboxing, Boxing, Adult Kenpo

Call or stop by to purchase. All proceeds go to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Thanks!

Lori

Karate Demonstration in Auburn, MA - St. Jude Hospital Fundraiser

TODAY - Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 1pm-4pm

Karate Demonstration in Auburn, MA - St. Jude Hospital Fundraiser

LOCATION:

Auburn Mall
385 Southbridge Street
Auburn, MA 01501

Auburn Mall is conveniently located at Exit 9 off I-290 or Exit 10 off I-90.

Everyone is invited to stop by and help us raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We will host a Spar-A-Thon with demonstrations including our own MJA Tigers Competition and Demonstration Team.

The entire school is encouraged to participate. We hope you will join us for this life changing event. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has done amazing things in their research and has treated children from all 50 States and from around the world, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. No child is ever turned away from treatment. For more information about St Jude please log on to: www.stjude.org. Please contact Lori for more information on how you can get involved.

Take a look at a post from last year's fundraiser!

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, East Brookfield, Leicester, North Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley and surrounding towns.

Stop Bully Behaviors! Anti-Bullying Campaign - Worcester County, MA

MJA Martial Arts Anti–Bullying Campaign

Knowledge Is Your Greatest

Weapon Against Bullies

• Five Smart Ways You Can Stop Bullying
• Learn How to Be A Bully Buster
• Basic Techniques Of Assertive Body Language
• Build A Barrier, Deliver A Message and Take Action
• Cyber-Bullying: A New Concern

The recent coverage regarding Phoebe Prince, the South Hadley 15 year old who took her life, made national news, and has surfaced the topic of bullying which no longer can be ignored. Parents, children, school teachers and local law enforcement need to work together with trained professionals to educate and equip all children to combat this huge problem. Education, preparation and not ignoring it anymore must be the solution. MJA Martial Arts has trained instructors to provide the skills necessary for children and adults to stop bullying behaviors! We believe that knowledge is your greatest weapon against bullies.

Call us today for more information on our Anti-Bully Programs:
(508) 885-9100

We also offer programs for schools, youth groups,
and private lessons for all ages.

Anti – Bullying Outline
Introductory Program
Topics Covered

The way to stop a bully:

1. Take an interest in stopping it.
2. Learn to understand why people bully
3. Develop nonviolent skills to deal with bullies.
Skills to handle a bully’s attack:

1. Physical self-defense skills.
2. Nonviolent alternatives.


Techniques to Standing Up to a Bully
Role-playing: A way to Understand

Different types of bully situations may include:
· Name calling
· Sizing up the person (shoulder to shoulder to see how you react)
· Pushing, bumping, slapping, and trying to just intimidate you.
· Yelling and screaming obscenities towards you to get a reaction.


Physical Self-Defense Skills

Emotions that you will experience during a confrontation. Turning Negative Thoughts into Positive Thoughts


Knowing this you can be responsible for who you are now. You can be the person you want to be now. The only thing holding you back is you!

St. Jude Children's Hospital Fundraiser in Auburn, MA

We will be hosting another event for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We will host a Spar-A-Thon with demonstrations including our own MJA Tigers Competition and Demonstration Team.

This year’s event will be Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm

LOCATION:

Auburn Mall
385 Southbridge Street
Auburn, MA 01501

Auburn Mall is conveniently located at Exit 9 off I-290 or Exit 10 off I-90.

The entire school is encouraged to participate. We hope you will join us for this life changing event. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has done amazing things in their research and has treated children from all 50 States and from around the world, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. No child is ever turned away from treatment. For more information about St Jude please log on to: www.stjude.org. Please contact Lori for more information on how you can get involved.

Take a look at a post from last year's fundraiser!

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, East Brookfield, Leicester, North Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley and surrounding towns.

Lose weight and have fun with our weight loss challenge! Located in Worcester County, MA

MJA WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

RULES:
1.) You will weigh in at the Dojo every two weeks with either Shawn or Lori.

2.) The person who loses…….will win:
TWO FREE WEEKS OF KICKBOXING

3.) Winner has to provide a testimonial.

4.) Competition will run March 1st to June 26th, but you may join us at ANY TIME!

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following cities & towns in the Worcester, Massachusetts area:

Spencer, E. Brookfield, Leicester, N.Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, and Princeton

Summer Fun Days Program for Children, Serving Worcester, MA Areas

Are you looking for summer programs for your children while they are on summer vacation from school? MJA Martial Arts is offering a Karate Summer Fun Days Program at our school in Spencer, MA. Our summer program serves children in the Worcester, Massachusetts area.

Our Karate Summer Fun Days program is educational and fun!

We will teach your children life skills like we do in our current Karate programs. All activities will be based on discipline, respect, and self-control, as well as how to deal with peer pressure. Your child will also develop the physical skills he/she needs: jumping, rolling, bobbing, weaving, and regular calisthenics to help stay healthy in their daily lives. All this wrapped up in one exciting week of absolute fun!

Karate Activities

Archery

Warm-ups & Focus Pad Drills

Movies

Sword Sport (Foam Swords with protective Gear)

Character Building Lessons

Sparring Drills

Defeating the Bully Story (MA for Peace Program)

Lunch

Ninja Tigers Game (helps children with coordination and physical skills)

Introduction to Kung Fu for kids (NEW)

Crafts

Sensei Says

Obstacle Course

Hand Drums & Karate

Board Breaking

History of Martial Arts & Weapons

Our Karate Fun Days program last year was very successful. All who participated had lots of fun. Don’t wait register early to get the week(s) you want.

Karate Summer Fun Days 2010 Program Schedule

1st Week: July 12 - July 16 2nd Week: August 2 - August 6 Mon. - Fri 8:30am – 3:00 pm Bring your own snacks and lunches. Price per week - Members $125.00 Non-Members $145.00 $15.00 Summer Registration Fee for new students only. 50% non-refundable deposit per week required at time of registration. Early registration discount: save $25.00 per week when you sign up and pay in full by June 1. Tuition balance for all weeks is due in full by June 15, 2010. MJAMA health form needs to be on file.

We have the best certified instructors

All Head Instructors are certified Black Belts. All instructors and assistant instructors are under the direction of Sensei Mike Agbay and also teach in our current Karate programs. We take pride in being teachers so we make safety our number one goal.

Sensei Michael Agbay
Director of Karate Programs
3rd Degree Black Belt American Kenpo Karate
Black Sash in Wing Chun
Certified in First Aid & CPR

Assistant Instructor Ron Brown, Jr.
Black Belt
Certified in First Aid & CPR

Assistant Instructor Michael Frustaci
2nd Degree Brown Belt
Certified in First Aid & CPR

---

Serving the following cities & towns in the Worcester, Massachusetts area:

Spencer, E. Brookfield, Leicester, N.Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, and Princeton

Tai Chi Classes now held on Thursdays & Sundays!

MJA Martial Arts in Spencer, MA is pleased to announce a new schedule for Tai Chi classes. Tai Chi classes are now available on Thursdays & Sundays. New students are invited to stop in for a FREE trial class.

No one is too young or too old to start and benefit from learning Tai Chi!

Styles offered:
Yang Style for beginners and intermediate.
Chen & Bagua for advanced.

Tai Chi Program Curriculum:

In this program, MJA Coach Karim-Ben Saunders will teach you the fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan: Tai Chi Walk, Tai Chi Stances, Relaxation, Proper Body alignment and Qigong. The word Qigong (pronounced chi kung) is a combination of two ideas: "Qi" means air, breath of life, or vital energy of the body, and "gong" means the skill of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement. The art of Qigong consists primarily of meditation, physical movement, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises. Practitioners of Qigong develop an awareness of qi sensations (energy) in their body and use their mind to guide the Qi.

After learning the Tai Chi basics, we will begin your Tai Chi training. When working on Tai Chi, we will focus on the Thirteen Principles of Tai Chi, the Eight Energies of Tai Chi and the Six Harmonies. As you progress, you will learn more complex Tai Chi forms, Tai Chi Weapons and Pushing Hands.

We will also teach Chen Style Tai Chi and other Internal Arts such as Xingyi Chuan and Bagua Zhang. These styles are taught to advance students.

Learn more about our Tai Chi classes at: www.MJAMartialArts.com

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, East Brookfield, Leicester, North Brookfield, Paxton, Rochdale, Charlton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Barre, Webster, Dudley and surrounding towns.

Self-Defense, Which Self-Defense Program is right for you?

Self-Defense

My name is Michael J. Agbay I’m the owner/founder of MJA Martial Arts, Inc. in Spencer, MA. I’ve been in the business of self-defense since 1994. I’ve been training in the Martial Arts for over 30- years and I’ve seen and experienced all different styles of self defense.


Which Self-Defense Program is right for you?
We hear this phrase quite often, but do we really understand what it means? By definition, “Self-Defense is the act of defending oneself, ones property, or the well-being of another.”

When you hear the phrase, “self-defense,” most people think of the Martial Arts Styles. There are numerous types of Martial Arts Systems. Many styles of martial arts are practiced for self-defense or include self-defense techniques.

Historically, martial arts systems were created, tested, and used in combat. That’s right COMBAT! No rules...no laws. In modern times we see so many different things happening in the Martial Arts that we may become more confused than ever.

Martial Arts are broken down in two very simple categories, Sport or Combat.

Sport Martial Arts
While sport martial arts may be effectively applied for self-defense, it is not the primary training objective. Sport martial arts have rules and regulations. Some martial arts schools combine several styles together for competitive sport. This is most often referred to as Mixed Martial Arts or MMA.

Combat Martial Arts
Combat martial arts styles train primarily for self-defense. Combat martial arts have no rules. It’s a matter of surviving, not winning. There are no winners in combat, just survivors.


What’s the relationship between Self-Defense & Martial Arts Systems?

The Martial Arts are a discipline. It takes many years to develop skill, muscle memory, timing, reaction, physical and mental conditioning and speed.

Self-defense techniques, however, can be learned in a much shorter time than a Martial Arts System. One can learn simple and effective Self-Defense techniques that, with a little practice, will be very effective in a Self-Defense situation.

However, when training specifically in self-defense techniques alone, you are limiting yourself by not getting into the finite details and challenging yourself physically and mentally. Your instructor can give you additional insights that you can use in a self-defense situation such as learning the physical vital target points on the body, as well as the specific natural weapons to use in a given situation. By studying a Martial Arts System you will be able to build a solid foundation in the system that you choose. You will learn how to be healthy, fit and stress free.


Martial Arts Systems

How do you find a Martial Arts System that is best for you?

Everyone has their own preferences. I relate it to buying clothes. When we shop for clothing, we may choose something that is attractive, but it may not always be practical.
When you choose a Martial Arts style for self-defense purposes, you should choose something that you find attractive however, it has to work in combat. I tell my students to “Train as if it were real!” Once you learn something you need to test it out for combat!

Martial Arts Systems takes years to learn and develop. There are no short cuts.

There are three phases of learning the Martial Arts.

1. Primitive Stage – Beginner
2. Mechanical Stage - Intermediate
3. Spontaneous Reaction stage – Advanced

I love and respect all martial arts systems, but I do not feel every Martial Artist represents their system well. I have some of my students who are 10 – 12 years old come up to me and say, “Sensei my friend at school is a 11 and has his 2nd Degree Black Belt and he’s only been training for 2-years.” My reply is they think they are a black belt because their teacher told them they are a black belt.

These children may possess discipline, respect, self-control and self-confidence which are all character traits of what all martial artists should be. This does not, however, determine physical and mental martial skills. I feel bad for these children, because they are being misled into thinking they are Black Belts. It gives them a false sense of security, and if they get in a street confrontation they may end up learning the hard way.

It is important that you understand the difference between sport and combat martial arts.
Do not be misled into believing that flying cart wheel kicks and doing weapon katas with swords and bow staffs flying in the air are effective in a real life self defense situations!

There is nothing wrong with these “systems” as long as you understand that these gymnastics are not for self-defense. In a street fight both feet will never leave the ground! Weapons never leave your hands.

There always will be SPORT martial arts and there will always be COMBAT martial arts. Just know the difference!