Checkmate Self Defense

Congratulations to Wildcat Judo tournament Winners

Leigh Rossi — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:23:54 +0000

Sean C. Bronze - Senior Men’s

Sean C. Bronze – Novice men’s

Sean C. Bronze – Newaza Men’s

Chris S. Silver – Youth boys

Grayson R. Bronze – Youth Boys

Gabriel V. Silver – Boys/ Girls Youth

Noelle R. Bronze – Girls Youth

I was very happy with everyone’s performance. I hope you all had a great time competing. For those of you that did not medal, I hope this sparked a fire in you for the next shiai! I would also like to thanks those of you that showed up to support your classmates on their quest for GOLD!

Thanks Everyone

Mental Resistance and Distraction

Steve — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:44:27 +0000

Everyone has the ability to mentally resist pain. Try this with the bent elbow wrist lock applied on you by a partner. As the hold is applied, concentrate on the spot where the pain is felt. Imagine that there is a flywheel spinning at high speed at the spot, going in the opposite direction, which is counterclockwise. Do not use physical resistance, but remain calm and relaxed as you give your total concentration. If you are able to go into deep concentration, you will be surprised to find that you will feel no pain. If however, someone were to slap you on your wrist, causing you to lose your concentration, you will feel immediate pain. This also points up the vital part that the element of distraction play in self-defense.

Distraction of the opponent’s concentration is important when executing a counterattack. During application of a technique when resistance is met, distract your opponent by attacking the weak areas of the body. This leaves him with less power and a split second loss of concentration. An unexpected shout or grunt may also allow you sufficient time to escape or counter. A sternum strike while simultaneously executing a wrist lock hold, for instance, or a kick to the shin while escaping a lapel grab, or a pinch to the inner thigh of someone using a bear hug on you may enable you to gain control of the fight more readily.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Checkmate Martial Arts on Facebook

Steve — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:33:14 +0000

I established a Checkmate Martial Arts group on Facebook. The group will have limited access to the Checkmate family only. It will not be open to the public. In addition to the posts on the website, join and check the group for Dojo info, updates, events, and to just communicate with your extended Dojo family. We’ll see you on the mat and remember; It’s Your Move!!!

Avoid the head-on collision of forces

Steve — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:02:12 +0000

To avoid the full power of your opponent’s attack, avoid the head-on collision of force by evading, deflecting, blending, or redirecting. Unlike other systems of martial arts training where you pivot in toward the opponent, this principle is just the opposite. As in all small-circle moves, always pivot away from the opponent when blending, redirecting, or evading. Try to evade the opponent’s striking force by stepping back. Move 45 to 90 degrees to the left or right, or move laterally left or right.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Dojo “HOLIDAY / NEW YEAR” Party

Leigh Rossi — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:59:10 +0000

We will be having our 4th annual Holiday / Endof Year party on Jan 16th beginning at 5:00 PM. I will have a sign up sheet in the dojo for those of you that wish to dazzle others with your culinary excellence! Bring whatever it is that you like. We always have plenty of food and drinkon hand. I hope to see everyone there!!! It has been a great year of training with everyone and it will be fun to share some time with all of you!

Sincerly

Sensei

First Police Jujitsu Class

Leigh Rossi — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:54:10 +0000

We had our first class and we had an awesome showing. We had guys from all different PD’s show up. The night was fast paced and we all got a great work out in. The next block of instruction is going to be: January 25^th- Spontaneous Knife Defense to arrest and control. This is a very intense 2 hour block of instruction. We will be utilizing the SHOCK KNIFE and marking knifes.

I hope to see you at the training.

Regards,

Nate

Jake Makes Strong Showing During Purple Belt Test

Pat Cassidy — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:35:48 +0000

Jake’s jujistu purple belt test was last Monday the 23rd of Nov. Congratulations Jake! I particularly enjoyed watching Jake demonstrate his throws . Great job!

Here’s a set of photos from his test.

Thank you Maria for handling the camera when it was my turn to be an uke for Jake!

Click any image below to browse

Pat (as dojo image king)

Chris S Youth Judo Brown Belt Test

Pat Cassidy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:27:34 +0000

Chris S tested for his judo 3rd degree brown belt on Saturday Nov 7th, 2009. Congratulations on your promotion Chris! I saw many well executed techniques, and very good control with all of your ukes.

Nice work everyone who was an uke for Chris during his test! I was very impressed.

Here a bunch of photos.

Sensei Pat (as dojo image king)

There are a LOT of pictures here. Give the thumbnails a minute to load before clicking on one to start the slideshow. (if the image opens in a plain window then you didn’t wait long enough! Sorry!

(click on any thumbnail to view image)

Lou “Calm as John” during Jujitsu yellow belt test

Pat Cassidy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:07:10 +0000

Lou’s Jujistu Yellow Belt was October 29th. Congratulations Lou! Here’s a set of photos from his test. Maria shot the action stuff. I think I’m going to anoint her “Apprentice Image King”.

Sensei Leigh’s commented that Lou was the first person who stayed as relaxed as John C during his yellow belt test.

Click any image below to browse

Pat (as dojo image king)

Sensei Leigh Receives 5th Degree Black Belt

Pat Cassidy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:50:41 +0000

Prof. Dave Castoldi promoted Sensei Leigh Rossi to 5th degree black belt during the Jujitsu Clinic on Nov 7th, 2009. Congratulations Sensei Leigh!

Leigh Rossi is now ranked 5th dan in Castoldi Street Jujitsu, Small Circle Jujitsu and with Jujitsu America, in addition to his other honors. As a 5th dan black belt, Sensei Leigh’s formal title is now “Master Leigh Rossi”. Of course, he is still our teacher so the the honorary “sensei” continues to be correct, and is how he wishes to be addressed by the students within our dojo.

Check out the photos of Professor Castoldi presenting Sensei Leigh his godan, and group photos from the clinic.

Pat (as dojo image king)

(click on any thumbnail to view image)