I would like to thank Sensei Riley for everything he has taught me. Taking his marital arts project has made me emotionally and mentally in tune with myself to a much larger extent. Even though I'm not in the class anymore, I will still practice the kata he has taught me and the others. I will also continue with my daily stretching and meditation as well as working on my foot work and hip movement. Thank you Sensei Riley and I wish you a happy and safe summer vacation. Osu

Blog 5 projects closing

Blog 5
June 2

Today is the last day of our martial arts project. I have really enjoyed this Spring Phase Project from listening to the philosophy of great people like Bruce Lee, -- to realizing my ability to change and improve so quickly. From the class I was able to learn various lessons from being in the classroom, dojo or even from watching movies.

Some first thoughts about being in an activity such as martial arts or boxing is that it is only about violence and brings trouble. But it was after the class viewed the movie, Never Back Down, I began to realize that during this month in this project is where I was most at peace. The part of the movie that made me understand this is when the mother of the main character visits the mixed martial arts trainer and says, "You use people's anger to make money." But the trainer responds by saying, "When they leave they are not as angry as when they came in." Martial arts and boxing have kept me focused. More focused on the task at hand has made me realize more about myself. As I continue my journey in life, I hope that I can find more time to continue martial arts.

Chanbara Tournament

Omedeto and great budo to class members that competed in this year's chanbara tournament! 

The last day of our class proved appropriate to view the film, The Last Samurai. 

I have had very good times in this class for the past month. I have enjoyed this class just about everyday. But the first day was bored and I wanted to leave this class. After two days, I thought that this was the best project I ever had. I learned so many things in this class. I never knew about martial arts from Africa. I always thought that they were only from Asia because most of the time you see Asian people doing karate.

Sensei gave us good training in several styles. Before I use to think that if you know karate, then you will kill people when they anger you! Now, I do not have this mentality, because now I know that karate is about peace and is not about violence.

The only things I still can't believe, is what we learned about about Shaolin Temple. They do impossible things! I really wish to see Shaolin face-to-face to see if the feats are true.

Daily Journal

Yesterday we saw Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee. Today is our last day because on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are presentations. I liked all the movies and documentaries we viewed because they were good and interesting. We learned good defensive techniques as well as the kata, Heian Shodan (Peaceful Way Number One).

Last day of class

This class has been fantastic! At first I didn't even sign up for this class, they just gave it to me. I was mad at first but it turned out to be an amazing learning experience for me! 

The history of martial arts is phenomenal! Because of this class, I now have a better understanding of the real meaning of martial arts, the philosophy, their origin and the founders of these beautiful arts. I never knew what Shaolin was until this class. I never knew that in martial arts there was more to it than just fighting. Martial arts is a way of having a placid state of mind; calm body. It is a way to ensure protection for yourself and loved ones. 

Throughout this class I learned techniques to defend myself, vocabulary words in Japanese, as well as names of weapons that were used by ancient martial artists and still are used by practitioners today. I learned about Bruce Lee's impact on the martial arts world, as well as normal people in the world that look to him as a role model. However, the most important thing I learned in this class is that discipline, dedication, and respect are the keys to success. Your future depends on your choices. It's up to you. Either you want to be successful and put the work in, or choose to be a failure.

Final Reflection

This is our last class of The History of Martial Arts course with Sensei Riley and it turned out to be a great experience! We have learned about martial artists who have had a huge impact on peoples lives back then and now. We have also learned fighting techniques that we should only use to protect ourselves. We saw many informative, exciting, action packed, and hilarious movies throughout the class. One thing they all had in common was a good guy or girl fighting to do what is right, and not for just revenge. I have honestly enjoyed my time here in this class and have not only learned many new things about martial arts but especially things about myself. Osu

The End!?

What is karate? It is the way of the open hand. This class has helped me more mentally and physically. I have learned that being a martial artists of any style is more about the fight within you than fighting your opponent. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty." I believe that says it all. Not just in martial arts, but in life itself  as well. Being in this class was amazing! I have learned a lot and have done a lot! That would not have been possible without taking this magnificent project. Osu.

-signing off is Lucky Laughing Leader

I have learned plenty of valuable lessons while I was in this class like empty your cup. I have gained a lot of Japanese words and their meanings. Sensei taught us many facts about different martial arts and who mastered them. I have gotten way more flexible since starting martial arts too.

In this class we watched a lot of great documentaries and throwback movies from way back in the day. We went to Jersey Gardens to see the new Avengers movie and even went to visit a cool dojo in Brooklyn, the Shorinjiryu Kenryukan Imperial Dragon Dojo. While there we saw some really deadly weapons and learned a few cool techniques. I definitely learned how to punch correctly too.

What has this class taught me

This class has taught me a lot. I've learned spiritual things like how to calm myself and focus on one task. Sensei has taught us how to achieve a goal that we have set for ourselves, and to have a clear mind in doing so. This class really opened my eyes to martial arts in a fun way, and has made me want to continue in it. Mr. Riley has done a great job at teaching us the history of martial arts and how to do several styles. In the dojo, we have learned many stances and how to defend ourselves. I recommend this class to everyone because of its spiritual aspects. This experience has truly broadened my perspective on martial arts and life. Arigato.

BRUCE LEE LIVES ON

Started viewing Enter The Dragon yesterday. I am surprised and cannot believe that so many of this generation have NEVER seen this film. Definitely made some new Bruce Lee fans!