M & M Competitors to Compete in Dublin Ireland in 2010, We need your support! Contact us to help!

Since 1999, Martial Arts & Me has been providing instruction in Kenpo and the martial arts in the Johnstown, NY area.

We hope you enjoy our website and will stop by and visit us if you are in the area. This site is designed to give you information about our facility, our style of martial arts, our staff and provide you with information on how to contact us as well.

PLEASE READ CONSUMER WARNING AT BOTTOM OF PAGE!

What is Kenpo?

Kenpo is a style of Karate developed in the west. The only difference between Kenpo and Kempo is in the translation of the Kanji to its English form. The words Kenpo and Kempo are both pronounced the same and both mean "Law of the Fist." However, the more "traditional" forms of Kempo use the "Kempo" form, while the more non-traditional modern or contemporary versions use the term "Kenpo."

Kenpo is a martial art that teaches self-defense and self-control through three primary methods: self-defense techniques, forms, and sparring. However, Kenpo diverges from traditional Karate in several important respects. Students are encouraged to change and adapt the techniques. Kenpo emphasizes vital point attacks using punches, strikes and kicks. Throws are also important in Kenpo.

Self-defense techniques help Kenpo students develop their skills by allowing them to practice with different threatening situations and experiment with what-if scenarios. Initially, forms and katas help students to develop mental concentration and mental discipline. As they progress, the forms and katas help them to develop self-awareness and self-expression. Kumite (also known as freestyle or sparring) is an exercise in which students test their skills, self-confidence, and self-control in a friendly competition among other classmates. It gives students the opportunity to develop their reflexes and timing in a controlled environment while engaging in a sport activity.

Kenpo also teaches students how to use weapons to increase their understanding of self-defense. In Kenpo, defense against knives and clubs are taught from the yellow belt and up. Weapon training often begins at the green belt level, although some schools restrict it to those of the black belt level and higher.

The Kenpo style strives to maintain a balance between "martial" and "art." The "martial" aspect is expressed by effective efficient self-defense concepts and techniques. The "art" is expressed by creativity, self-expression, and presentation of form.

Martial Arts & Me ( It's Meaning)

The first thing you will notice in the name of our school is there is no mention of the art in which we study. The logic behind this was to peek curiosity, and remind people that no one art is the answer to all our questions. They all have something special and unique to offer, thus teaching us to remain open minded! The idea or thought that went into the title of our school “ Martial Arts & Me –Honesty, Loyalty, Fortitude, “Live The Life You Believe In !” was based on many years of training, and personal experiences of enlightenment. When you break down the title and translate each word by its own definition, you will begin to understand. The first word “Martial” can be interpreted as warlike or combative which is the very essence of what we do. The word “Art” can be defined as ability, skill or dexterity. Karate is an art, and when you begin your journey you will discover that it will always demand the highest level of expertise and imagination from you. Always compelling you to maintain the edge ! Honesty Loyalty, Fortitude- Live the Life You Believe In ! Honesty this teaches us not only to tell the truth to others, but in martial arts it also teaches us how to be honest with ourselves. This directly applies to how we train as well as how well we apply what we have learned, always remaining humble and willing to learn more. The Loyalty we should have for our instructors and those who came before us should not go unsurpassed. Another word for loyalty is faith, and we should always have enough faith in our instructors to trust in the knowledge in which they have unselfishly passed onto us, for it comes from hundreds of years of tradition. Fortitude refers to having the determination to finish what we have started, even though we are not always certain of the outcome! Being like a pillar of firmness that never sways for all eyes to gaze upon and ponder. Most importantly though fortitude is what gives us the courage to Live the Life You Believe In !!

Martial Arts & Me Dublin Ireland Competition Team

Martial Arts & Me has recently been invited to compete in the Dublin Ireland Open International Karate Championships and we need your support! Last year there were over 4000 participants from all over the world involved in this event, and currently there are 17 countries signed up for November 2010! An opportunity and experience such as this may only come once in a lifetime and they need your help! Throughout the year Martial Arts & Me will be conducting a series of fundraising events and bottle drives throughout the area. (Bottles & Cans can also be dropped off at Martial Arts & Me) In the meantime we would like to encourage everyone and ask that you consider making a donation in support of our competitors. Our competitors will not only be representing Martial Arts & Me, but our local High Schools and communities as well. Your support and donations are greatly appreciated, and our competitors look forward to proudly representing the United States and our communities. If you need more information on this event please visit www.martialartsandme.com or contact us at (518) 762 1533.

Rank Promotion

Congratulations to the following students on thier new advancments in rank Eric Fernandez, Frank Sweet Jr. Orange belt, Jason Sweet Blue belt, Pat Darling Orange belt. Special congratualtions to Tia Thompson for winning The Warriors Cup at the 4th annual Northeast open in Albany NY. and congratulations to Mary Hallett, Franscesco Bianco,Jenna Thompson, Tierney & Logan Van Deusen, Matt Mashaddi,and Evitza Nikkolah on their wins in sparring, self defense, and fighting.These individuals will also be competing in the Dublin Ireland Open International Karate Chamionships featuring 17 countries and over 4,000 competitors.

CONSUMER WARNING

When choosing a Martial Arts School beware of fraudulent claims made by some local schools and Instructors offering Martial Arts and similar programs to that of Martial Arts & Me. Martial Arts & Me is soley responsible for developing and pioneering children abduction prevention and anti-bullying programs such as ZERO Tolerance & Be Your Own Hero. Mr. Pazzaglia is the only Instructor locally that holds rank in both Shotokan and American Kenpo. Instructors should be able to easily prove without a doubt their experience and belt rank, from a credible source. Also, don't sell yourself short by being conned into signing up for special packages or reduced rates. Mr. Pazzaglia has been recognized by 9th Degree Mike Campos and the Johnstown Zen Do Kai as a 1st and 2nd degree Black Belt, and has gone on to earn his 3rd and 4th degree Black Belt from Grand Master Larry Tatum in American Kenpo. The school you choose should recognize the values found in tradition arts such as honor,loyalty and respect!. As a result of our enormous growth and succes over the years, Many local schools and Instructors have tried to follow in the footsteps of Martial Arts & Me and have gone as far as to make false claims with regards to rank and try to emulate our ideas and curriculum. However, Martial Arts & Me continues to be the premiere Martial Arts School in upstate NY and is the ONLY school affiliated and representative of Grand Master Larry Tatum and the LTKKA. All other claims are fraudulent! If anyone has a question about the status of our Instructors or other Instructors claiming to hold rank in American Kenpo may contact me directly at martialartsnme@frontiernet.net.