The Defense Arts Center offers a variety of traditional martial arts training by passionate and qualified high level instructors under one roof. These arts include: Shotokan Karate-do, Aikido and the Sword, Iaido (Samurai training), Kobudo (Okinawan weaponry), Japanese Jujutsu, Tai Chi Chuan, and Wing Chun kung fu.
As a student of Shotokan Karate, my very first two martial arts classes that I have ever taken were very memorable. The first evening was with Sensei Ty Aponte (owner) and the next training session was with the late Sensei Leo Shortle (5th deg. BB). Although I was eager to begin, I was also a little nervous due to not having any prior martial arts training experience. However, both Sensei's were extremely welcoming and I immediately felt right at home.
There is a sense of a family-like community with the people who instruct at this dojo and I am completely honored and thankful to be a part of it. Not only have I participated in their weekly karate training at the dojo (training hall), but also at the numerous training events held outside of the dojo. We have been on local hikes and practiced karate training on top of mountains, trained in the wavy waters of the ocean, and even had a Big Bear karate Getaway (arranged by Sensei Irene) in the springtime with the backdrop of a beautiful lake in the backyard of a lovely home that we pitched in and rented for the weekend. The training in these special outings are sometimes designed to push ourselves to our physical limits and in turn strengthen our wills.
The Big Bear Karate trip was special because it was a time where both beginners though advanced Karate-Ka's (students of karate) had a chance to bond with one another. We had karate training (taught by Sensei Mike Whiteside and Ty Aponte) in the morning, at a nice park with a lake view on the grass. We meditated, learned different bunkai techniques (self-defense applications to the forms (kata) that we practice), and we even had some fun training Escrima (Filipino stick fighting).
Furthermore, the Big Bear Home we stayed at was a house full of activities. There were plenty of rooms to sleep and had a game room which was fully equipped with a pool table, shuffleboard, tv, movies, dart board, board games, and on the porch was a bubbling warm jacuzzi and just a couple steps from the home was the lake, where we were able to swim during the times we weren't training. Later in the evening, we sang karaoke, made smores, and laughed until we couldn't laugh anymore. The next day Sensei Ty took us out on a boat ride while we played music and tried to catch fish as we cruised through the calm waters. When we got back to the cabin, we watched the sunset together in the backyard...It was a moment of serenity at its finest and I was so happy to spend it with such good people. It was definitely a trip to remember and I loved every minute of it!
Another activity that we do is karate beach trainings. It is always a blessing to break from the dojo routine and train in beautiful areas that commune with nature. Working out in the sand is great for the body and my favorite part is when we perform our katas in the ocean because it is the ultimate test to balance while still trying to be in control of ones strong Shotokan form. Technically, the dojo can be anywhere one practices martial arts, even in one's own backyard. Practicing martial arts in complete harmony with nature helps us to be one with ourselves and Mother Earth. It gives us the opportunity to understand what it truly means to be grounded within ourselves emotionally and physically through the connection of the natural external forces that surround us.
This dojo and the Shotokan style that I practice has taught me to be confident in not only myself, but as an assistant (sempai) to the senior instructors, has allowed me to learn to teach others to be confident in themselves as well. Coming to the dojo has definitely been one of my favorite places to clear my mind and help me to re-energize my bad days and turn them into better ones. Not only am I learning how to defend myself but also learning to be present in the moment and not worry about the past or future. Mindfulness is the gateway to joyfulness and overall peace. My life has become more purposeful in a light that I wouldn't have imagined before. The Sensei's have taught me that the greatest moments exist outside of one's own comfort zone. The people I have met and trained with have become my second family and it is always a thrill when we are able to come together in the spirit of comradery for a special training adventure.
I have a deep appreciation for the Defense Arts Center and the instructors who make it special. The gratitude I feel is more than words can express. Be prepared to embark on a journey filled with passionate, caring, and inspiring martial artists who help keep the spirit of traditional martial arts alive. Shotokan Karate for me, is a beautiful way of life. Osu! read more