Barnes Martial Arts IS different from other Martial Arts schools in the area.
Although we, of course, teach kicking, punching and grappling, we are MORE than kicking, punching and grappling.
Although we teach the best in modern, real-world self-defense, we are MORE than just self-defense.
We believe that being a Black Belt –- or, as we call our students at B.M.A., a Black Belt in Training –- encompasses body, mind and spirit. To teach only the physical aspects of the Martial Arts, the fighting skills, without devoting equal time to the mental, character building and attitude facets is to do a great disservice to the practitioners.
We do not participate in sport karate tournaments, or chase trophies, because we believe the only true competitor is yourself. We believe that it is every one's duty to go to bed tonight having become just a little better than we were when we got up this morning. Therefore, we emphasize that the student has a responsibility to use their training in a way that not only best represents themselves and the Martial Arts, but in a manner that serves the greatest benefit to their families and communities as well.
We believe
that a Black Belt means nothing without including service to others.
We believe
in and teach ...
* Kindness
* Helping
our fellow man
* Community
* Peace
*
Compassion
*
Empowering children to take a stand against bullies
*
Positivity
* Awareness
* Building
Character
* Respect
for oneself and others
* The power
of discipline
... and so
much more.
We see ourselves as change makers, and in the wise words of one of my mentors, Tom Callos, “we are here to represent and realize the idea of true MASTERY; mastery over negative emotions and action; mastery over the foolishness of thinking you are what you own or can afford; mastery over apathy; mastery over disconnection, prejudice, and ignorance; mastery over the pitfalls of a diet without discipline, of a body let go, of a mind left unused.”
Though American Kenpo Karate informs our base, we are NOT restricted to the dictates, curriculum or dogma of any one style of Martial Art. We are open to the ideas of all systems. In this way we become unlimited in our potential. The style is merely a VEHICLE; it might be pretty, it probably has some value, but the car is not the journey; a car is made to take you on a journey.
We see ourselves as change makers, and in the wise words of one of my mentors, Tom Callos, “we are here to represent and realize the idea of true MASTERY; mastery over negative emotions and action; mastery over the foolishness of thinking you are what you own or can afford; mastery over apathy; mastery over disconnection, prejudice, and ignorance; mastery over the pitfalls of a diet without discipline, of a body let go, of a mind left unused.”
Though American Kenpo Karate informs our base, we are NOT restricted to the dictates, curriculum or dogma of any one style of Martial Art. We are open to the ideas of all systems. In this way we become unlimited in our potential. The style is merely a VEHICLE; it might be pretty, it probably has some value, but the car is not the journey; a car is made to take you on a journey.
At Barnes Martial Arts we strive to be smart, connected, awake teachers, who use the martial arts to influence our students to participate in Life, not fights. Our aim is to provide the tools, experiences and viewpoints that speak of a better, more compassionate, less violent world.
We want to do this at a Level 10, directly affecting not only our students but our communities as well. We want to do it better than anyone else in our area (and I truly think that we already are), in our town, in our sphere of friends and peers, maybe as good as anyone in the nation or the world.
Barnes Martial Arts is going beyond the physical to redefine the very concept of self-defense – to include ANYTHING that might harm our bodies, minds and spirits.
Food? Yes, guarding what we put into this incredible machine (our body) IS self-defense.
Our environment? Of course. Pollution, littering, not caring for our land and water – all of those things directly affect our health and are, therefore, self-defense.
Our actions and behaviors? The things that we say and do out of anger or without thought bring about chains of suffering to ourselves and others.
These
things, in addition to kicking and punching, etc., truly are at the core of
what “self-defense” is today. By paying attention to our own actions and
behaviors we think globally and act locally. We use our Martial Arts training
and teaching to engage young people and adults in Acts of Kindness, in the importance of performing
daily acts of goodness, compassion, care, connection — and what doing for others
does for ourselves; THIS is the spine of our work. I am talking about focus, direction, and a deeper sense of connection to our world. I am talking about making a difference and forming a legacy for ALL of our students.
We have a Vision. A Grand Vision.
To my knowledge, no one in our area has EVER tried to accomplish what we are attempting -- a wholesale re-imagining of the role of the Martial Arts teacher and the Martial Arts school and integration into the community; elevating it above mere sport ... or a kid's activity ...or fighting. We aim to remove the Martial Arts Studio from the fringe and place it on a level of importance and vitality with mainstream education. Our students are our living testimony to that goal.
If you support the initiative to take these lessons out of the Dojo and into the world at large ... if you think we are doing good work ... if you agree with our mission, we respectfully ask that you spread the word: tell others about us, SHARE this blog page on your own pages. The greatest compliment that you could possibly give us is to let others know about us.
Together we can continue to make a real difference.
