NCBLOG.NORTHERNCHI.COM

Real Knife Fight

Northern Chi — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:54:00 GMT

We're often talking about what a real knife encounter might look like. Here's a short video of an actual knife attack from a bus surveillance camera.

Click here to view the video...

Note:

Close quarters; not much room to move.
Quick, short strikes.
Fast...it's over in seconds.

Be sure to train realistically. You're not likely to have the same time or space you have in the dojo in a real attack.

Think Like a Black Belt!
Master Jim Bouchard

In addition to being Northern Chi's Master Instructor in Residence, Jim Bouchard is also also a speaker, media personality and author of Think Like a Black Belt. Visit JimBouchard.org for more information!

Crime in the Headlines: A Local Martial Artist Offers Solutions

Northern Chi — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:23:00 GMT

Terror in the Night - Times Record
Deadly Attack in Waldoboro - Times Record
Suspicious Death - WGME 13
Bank Robbery at Brunswick Norway Savings - WGME 13
Death Ruled Homicide - WGME 13
Bangor Bank Robbery - Times Record

Feds Confirm Spike in Violent Crime during Economic Downturn - FOX News

Crime is on the rise, even here in Maine. In a challenging economy, crimes of opportunity are all too common. In response, Northern Chi Martial Arts Center offers programs like Kubaton (koo-bah-tahn) training (a keychain that can be used as a simple and effective self-defense tool) and "AWARE! An Intuitive Approach to Self-Defense".

"People are concerned" says Alexandra Armstrong, Northern Chi's Center Director. "We've always had these programs in place, but with the recent up tick in crime, there seems to be a greater need. We want to provide people with solutions, and as much information as possible." Armstrong stresses that awareness is a key component towards changing "victim behavior". "We've become a society of multi-taskers," she says. "We unload groceries while talking on the phone in the parking lot. We send text messages while waiting for our kids to come out to the car after baseball practice. You simply can't be aware of what's going on around you if you're engaged in a phone call or texting."

Northern Chi's programs are different from typical self-defense classes ~ The AWARE! program emphasizes avoidance, awareness and prevention. Alex provides accessible techniques, and teaches "intuitive response" as a tool for personal protection and self-defense. "If you get a creepy feeling stepping into an elevator, or the hair stands up on your arms as someone follows you out of a store, pay attention! Your body is trying to tell you something."

The Kubaton looks innocent enough, and can be an effective self-defense weapon. "Anyone can use it", says Armstrong. "Since it's your keychain, you can carry it almost anywhere, and best of all, you can learn to use it in one session."

Northern Chi has recently sponsored both the AWARE! and Kubaton programs for military spouses leaving Brunswick, heading to more densely populated, higher-crime cities. "Many military families will move without their spouses and parents," says Alex. "It's challenging enough re-settling when someone you love is on deployment. Learning how to protect yourself offers greater comfort and security".

The next Kubaton seminar takes place on Tuesday, June 16th from 6-7pm at Northern Chi in Brunswick.
Cost is $25, (FREE with enrollment in any regular program) and includes a Kubaton to take home.

To register call 721-0299 or visit www.northernchi.com

One of Our first "AWARE!-isms"...get off the phone!

Northern Chi — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:34:00 GMT

Most of us spend a large portion of our day with our cell phones glued to our ears...Sad, but true!

In this world of multi-tasking, it's tempting to use "wasted" moments to connect via phone. People chat while driving, walking, shopping (pet peeve of mine!), waiting in airports, -- anything not to waste time being idle, or focusing on only one task! Unfortunately, we simply cannot be aware of what's going on around us while engaged in a phone call, especially if we're attempting to do something else at the same time!

Here's an example:

You're on your way to find your car in a lot, after a meeting or presentation. You're on the phone as you walk, absorbed in an important call. You have a long line of parked cars on either side of you as you walk through the lot. You use your automatic door opener to unlock your car, not looking up as you hold the opener toward the car. You don't see the person hidden next to your car, waiting for the doors to open...

You see where I'm going with this! This type of scenario is all too common, and potentially can be avoided -- what could you do differently?

Learn more about becoming AWARE! at our next seminar -- details TBA!

AWARE! podcast coming soon!

Kids health: Discretionary spending?

Northern Chi — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:14:00 GMT

Money is tight these days, and thought should be given to where every dollar goes. It's important to consider exactly what discretionary spending means, particularly when it comes to the health of your children.

Not only do kids need exercise; they need to develop the discipline to exercise regularly throughout life. In our junior program at Northern Chi we teach the importance of discipline as well as the good habits of healthy living in body, mind and spirit.

Is a martial arts program discretionary or essential for the health and development of your child?

Read this interesting article before you decide!

The Value of Excellence

Northern Chi — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:24:00 GMT

by Jim Bouchard Kansho

Walk in to the Junior Advanced class any given day and you're likely to hear me call out "What class is this?" The students shout "Traditional class, SENSEI!"

I then yell "What do practice here?"

They shout back "EXCELLENCE SENSEI!"

You have a fundamental choice in everything you do. You can choose average, or excellence. Average nearly guarantees results; and the result is that you'll do and be no better or worse than anyone else.

Excellence, however, carries no guarantees. It's risky. Will you achieve your goals? How long will it take? Will you have what takes to make it all the way? When you set your sights on excellence, there is always the chance for failure. When you think big, you may fail big!

Of course when you succeed, your success is huge!

There's nothing wrong with average; that's what most people accept. If it weren't for average, we'd have no standard for excellence. The problem with average is that it promotes complacency and scarcity.

Strive for excellence and you're developing the habits of discipline, perserverance, fortitude, resilience and effectiveness. Excellence creates greater value. You become more valuable to yourself and those around you. Excellence generates power: your ability to act or perform effectively. Excellence develops your talents and abilities to your fullest potential.

It's up to you! Play it safe and settle for average, or risk everything and strive for excellence! At Northern Chi those who have risked everything are wearing the black belt!

Welcome

Northern Chi — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:24:31 GMT

Welcome to the NC Blog! Make sure you subscribe to stay updated on events, new articles and exciting podcasts all about life at Northern Chi!