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Karate, Tai Chi, and Martial Arts Weapons Training
For thousands of years, various cultures have divided the world and all life into four basic elements: earth, air, fire and water. While somewhat simplistic in our modern age of science, there is still a great deal of truth surrounding the principles behind these four elements.
Here at the Elements of Change Dojo, we utilize various martial arts symbolically represented by these four elements to empower our students to make changes and enhance their lives. Each of our instructors has personally experienced profound changes in their lives due to their martial arts training and sincerely believes in the benefits of a trained mind, body and spirit.
We believe that the martial arts are an amazing set of tools for assisting in our personal growth and development. This growth can be as simple as from a child wanting to improve their balance and kicking skills to be a better soccer player, to an adult seeking spiritual growth through meditation breathing and basic Tai Chi exercises. Regardless of your age and/or physical ability, it is never too late to improve yourself!
Earth is associated with traditional Okinawan Karate. It symbolically represents a solid foundation found in deep stances, strong balance, and a connection to nature.
Air is associated with the jumping and spinning kicks of the Korean arts of Taekwondo and Hapkido. It symbolically represents energy, power, athleticism and breathing.
Fire is associated with the speed and intensity of weapons training in Kobudo. It symbolically represents coordination, agility, the ability to do multiple things simultaneously, and to focus on things outside of your body.
Water is associated with the circular motions inherent in Tai Chi. It symbolically represents the Yin and Yang balancing of opposites and the ability to relax in the face of adversity and calmly flow towards your purpose.
Traditional Martial Arts Training For The Modern World
Elements of Change Academy of Martial Arts seeks to enhance the development of our students throughout their entire educational experience. Our staff is made up of a group of talented and creative professionals, who are passionate about providing the best Martial Arts Training Academy in Upland. We offer the tools and support necessary for our students to reach their full potential. Do you want to learn at our Martial Arts Training Academy? Get in touch with us today.
by Sensei Red
The Sandodai Ryu Karate program is a detailed curriculum designed to improve balance, motor skills, coordination, dexterity, listening and focus skills, self-discipline, and confidence. These skills help children interact in society with a more confident and enthusiastic outlook. They will become better students at school, better listeners at home, and more ambitious towards the future. They will be more physically capable and less injury-prone in any sport they practice due to increased focus, awareness, physical fitness, and coordination.
We believe our program will enhance your child’s positive development in a fun and motivating way. The following are some of the skills we teach and the physical and mental benefits that come from participating in the Sandodai Ryu program:
This skill will help your child’s aim, listening skills, and reaction times. Your child will become a better listener and a more focused student in school.
Our teamwork drills help your child become confident when working with others. Your child will develop their social skills and prepare to become a better friend and leader.
Having control means making good decisions based on judgment. Children with good control are gentler with siblings and pets and less likely to break delicate objects. Your child will learn how to focus both their minds and their bodies.
Balance is crucial to everything from riding a bicycle to navigating a mountain trail. Your child will develop good balance and better posture.
Memorizing terms, postures and Kata will help exercise your child’s brain. Many children spend too much time watching TV and not enough time challenging their minds. Our program will help your child develop the brain power needed to excel in and out of the classroom.
Disciplinary problems in childhood create havoc later in life. Our program reinforces the idea that it is cool to have good discipline and behavior. Your child will happily follow directions and take pride in doing the right thing.
Our students learn the importance of exercising and staying fit. They are introduced to stretching, running, jumping, and a variety of physical activities designed to strengthen their bodies as well as burn off excess energy.
Our program emphasizes doing every activity with both the right and left sides of the body. Kids also learn right from left, and how to move forward and backward with equal skill. Good coordination, together with good balance and focus, will help your child be more physically capable and avoid injuries.
Learn More about Sandodai Ryu Karate
by Sensei Red
Animals naturally move one part of their body and the rest of their body automatically follows the movement or adjusts to it. Unfortunately, civilization (and chars and sofas) has allowed mankind to lose contact with the ability to move naturally. People’s movements are often disjointed and exaggerated. Often many muscle groups seem to have a mind of their own and tense up based on emotional states and sudden thoughts.
By using dance-like, low impact movements, performing Tai Chi does not incur many of the adverse side effects of other forms of exercise. Since everything is performed in slow motion, the muscles around the joints can cushion and support each movement. This in turn builds and develops these stabilizing muscles and creates more overall strength in the arms and legs. When you turn your body while doing the Tai Chi form, your whole body turns as one unit. Since each Tai Chi movement originates from the hips, the core muscles of the torso that support the spine are strengthened as well. The harmony of this kind of movement affects the flow of blood, energy and breathing. Additionally, the slow rhythmic turning of the torso while doing Tai Chi tends to massage the internal organs and stimulate blood circulation around the organs allowing the body to expel bio-toxins from these areas.
Physically performing the Tai Chi form will also improve balance, coordination, strength, dexterity and flexibility. Modern studies have also shown that regularly practicing Tai Chi can also reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis as well as decrease tension, anger, depression and anxiety.
In the chaos of modern life, Tai Chi offers a remedy. Its dance-like, low-impact movements facilitate gentle stretching and controlled motions, enhancing flexibility and strengthening muscles around joints for improved stability and strength.
Tai Chi's controlled, flowing movements elevate balance and coordination. Graceful weight shifts and transitions between postures enhance physical stability, making it a valuable practice for those seeking improved overall balance and coordination.
Tai Chi's rhythmic nature acts as a natural stress-reliever. Synchronized movement with breath cultivates mindfulness, fostering mental tranquility. Its meditative aspects alleviate tension, anxiety, and depression symptoms, providing a mental respite amidst life's challenges.
Despite its gentleness, Tai Chi delivers cardiovascular benefits. Deliberate movements and controlled breathing enhance blood circulation and respiratory function. The slow, purposeful torso turns gently massage internal organs, promoting better blood flow and aiding toxin removal.
Learn More about Tai Chi
elementsofchangedojo@gmail.com
Mon, Wed & Fri: 3:15 pm - 7:20 pm
1120 Dewey Way, Suite FUpland, CA 91786
(818) 416-0692
Elements of Change Academy of Martial Arts, located in Upland, California, offers a range of martial arts programs for all ages and skill levels. The academy combines traditional practices like Karate and Tai Chi with modern disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The experienced instructors provide expert guidance and a supportive learning environment. The academy emphasizes character development, promoting values such as respect and discipline. It’s more than just physical training; it’s a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement. Joining Elements of Change Academy can enrich your life physically, mentally, and spiritually.