It's especially interesting and gratifying to see the kids
- take concepts or techniques that they learn and use them in real life
- observe others doing similar things and point out the differences; and
- extrapolate what they've learned into new situations (and then explain it to you!).

Part of this is being able to apply the "Lego blocks" of our training, but a lot of it is their innate curiosity and plasticity of mind, and the adaptability of youth.    >>> read more 

JJDC on 09.25.12 @ 09:19 PM ET    [ 0 comments ]

Over the years, a number of people have told us - spontaneously and unsolicited - that our dojo is very much a family. Why? Because of the atmosphere and camaraderie that we have had and encouraged for the last 22 years, among both adults and children, and the respect with which all the dojo members treat each other.    >>> read more 

JJDC on 09.21.12 @ 09:52 PM ET    [ 0 comments ]

We train with several different models of red guns, but periodically use small nerf guns to enable the students to see that action is faster than reaction - and to make sure that they are getting out of the way in time. The "attacker" pulls the trigger when he sees the "victim" react.

This was fired at point-blank range.    >>> read more 

JJDC on 09.11.12 @ 11:34 PM ET    [ 0 comments ]

When you see reports in the news of men or women successfully defending themselves in a situation, read the article carefully, and see what other points you may be able to draw from it. (There isn't always enough information in the article, but sometimes there is.)    >>> read more 

JJDC on 09.07.12 @ 10:08 PM ET    [ 1 comment ]

This blog grew out of the postings we originally had on the "tips and tidbits" page on the dojo website. We realized, however, that we wanted to be able to post longer items of interest as well. The original "tips and tidbits" postings can be found after the jump, and include fun stuff from dojo, as well as self-defense and safety tips. The most recent entries are at the top.    >>> read more 

JJDC on 09.07.12 @ 10:07 PM ET