May 2006 Newsletter

- Student of the Month - Recommended Book - Events - Testing - Video Technique - Upcoming Events - Dietary Supplement -

Student of the Month

- Yemi Okuseinde -

Yemi Okuseinde

When did you first become interested in martial arts?

Actually, I've been interested in martial arts as far back as I can remember, literally. I recall watching Saturday Afternoon Cinema on Fox 5 -- they had kung fu classics like "5 Deadly Venoms" and "Master Killer." I tried to do many, many things like the movies. However, without tripwires, pretty much all of my attempts ended painfully, embarrassingly, or both. Then I saw "Enter The Dragon" and I was instantaneously hooked. My formal training began at age 18 with some basic Wing Chun, and I've had an amazing experience since then. I actually did not start prior to that because most of the martial arts in my home area were Japanese arts, and I was determined to take some form of Kung Fu.
When did you start training at PAMA and what was your reason for choosing this academy?

I started training at PAMA in the summer of 2001. I chose PAMA at the recommendation of Sifu Kevin Seaman of the East West Academy of Cortland, NY. At the time, I was taking a Muay Thai physical education class at my alma mater, Cornell University. I asked Sifu Kevin if there were any Martial Arts schools in New Jersey that offered Jun Fan. He instantaneously referred me to Sifu Tucci. As soon as I took the first class, I was hooked. Since then, I have slowly -- sometimes very slowly -- stepped up my training.
Which styles do you train at PAMA? What's your favorite and why?

I train 5 styles at PAMA: Jun Fan, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts/Grappling. It is very hard to choose one as my favorite, because they have all given me so many challenges and gratifications. However, there is something about Jun Fan that just intrigues me. Perhaps its the mythos surrounding Sijo, or the sheer versatility of the art itself, but the power and unique grace of Jun Fan keep me coming back.
People have different goals at PAMA, such as conditioning, attribute development, or learning techniques. What is your main goal right now at PAMA?

My main goal at PAMA right now is to integrate the various styles that I take into something personal and unique. I want to be able to move comfortably through all ranges (i.e kickboxing, trapping, grappling) as well as with various weapons from the 12 areas of Kali.
What are you hobbies and interests outside of PAMA?

I try to be a well rounded person, so I have a number of interests. I play the flute. I love to read. I enjoy following soccer and am avidly looking foward to the World Cup. I also am currently enjoying the NBA playoffs.
Anything additional that you would like to add?

I just want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to everyone at PAMA for helping me to grow as a martial artist and a person. I think that I am part of something special whenever I come to class because people are willing to exchange insight on techniques, ideas, and expression of self through martial arts. I sincerely hope and pray that PAMA will continue to grow and prosper for many, many years.

Sifu Recommends a Book

- Bruce Lee: Artist of Life -

Bruce Lee: Artist of Life,
by Tuttle Publishing

Bruce Lee was an intense man with such sheer concentration of energy that no one who encountered him, on screen or in person, could help but be drawn to him and his enthusiasm for life and knolwedge. A voracious and engaged reader, Lee wrote extensively, synthesizing the thought of East and West into a unique personal philosophy or self-discovery. Bruce Lee, Artist of Life explores the development and fruition of Bruce Lee's thought about gung fu, philosophy, psychology, poetry, jeet kune do, acting and self-knowledge... (excerpt from back cover)

Events

- Welcome Home Celebration For Guro Amy Tucci -

On Saturday, April 15, a beautiful spring evening, PAMA family and friends gathered to warmly celebrate Guro Amy Tucci's return from Germany. Everyone was so happy to see her again, welcoming her back with lots of hugs as soon as she came in! As usual, the PAMA family generously brought all kinds of delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts for everyone to enjoy. And of course, no PAMA celebration would be complete without a rollicking musical performance by Sifu Rick, Russ Kiernan, and Ken Brunson. Guro Amy sat in to rock on the drums for a few songs. As a finale, everyone joined in for the performance of Paul Simon's "Late in the Evening." Undoubtedly, everyone had a wonderful time, joyfully celebrating with Guro Amy late into the evening!

Click here to see all the photos taken this evening.

- Sifu Rick Featured in Martial Arts Illustrated, Britain's Number 1 Martial Arts Magazine -

Click to see a larger copy

Check out the April edition of Martial Arts Illustrated for a great article written by London's Laurence Sandum (see March Feature). Grab a copy while it's still on newstands!

- Communiversity -

On April 29, 2006, PAMA held a martial arts demonstration during the Communiversity Fair in downtown Princeton. The weather was beautiful and the turnout was great. This year the demo interweaved martial arts performed by 6-8 year olds, 9-13 year olds, and adults. Arts, including Jun Fan kickboxing, Kali, mixed martial arts (MMA), and Thai boxing, were shown. The 6-8 year olds demonstrated beautifully their Gung Fu in the Sil Lim Tao form. The 9-13 year olds showed their Jun Fan kickboxing skills and double olisi (stick) training. The kids did great and we are proud of them. There was a mixed martial arts match between Kurt Komoda and Ben Brophy. It was a great fight, filled with reversals and multiple takedowns, which amused the crowd. Bernie, the judge, called it a tie in the end. The adults demonstrated numerous areas of Kali, including staff, double stick, stick and dagger, and single dagger. The demo concluded with the ferocious art of Thai boxing. Everyone had a great time and the crowds loved it! Great job, guys!

Click here to see all the photos taken at Communiversity.

The PAMA Communiversity Team

- Fit Fest at Princeton University -

PAMA once again participated in Princeton University's Fit Fest. There was a booth at the event as a promotion of fitness to the campus community. Instructors Neil Acevedo and Mary Jo Colli gave a demonstration as well as instructed a workshop.

PAMA Instuctors Mary Jo Colli and Neil Acevedo on stage at Princeton University

Testing

- 12 Month Jun Fan Test -

(left) Greg fighting through his rounds,
(right) Greg, center, pictured with Sam and Greg, two other new Level 2 students

Congratulations to Greg Smith for overcoming an eye injury and passing his Level 2 Jun Fan test. Great job!

Video Technique

- Learn a Technique from Sifu Rick -

Sifu Rick defends against a round kick, then enters trapping range, and finishes with an Attack by Combination in kickboxing range.

Video 1: regular speed - slow motion

Upcoming Events

Sifu Rick will be conducting a certification workshop in the Filipino Martial Arts on July 5 and Jeet Kune Do on July 6 in Las Vegas. There will also be a free seminar on July 8. For more information, visit the Martial Arts Supershow website.
PAMA's Chul Choe will be competing at the Muay Thai Championships on May 13. Come and show your support. For more information, visit Strike Zone

Dietary Supplement

- Del-Immune V™ -

Del-Immune V™

What is Del-Immune V™?

Nature's way to a healthier immune system.

Our intestinal tract is home to 70% of the immune system. Lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus) present in the intestine plays an active and important role in the regulation, development, and processing of our immune system.

Lactic acid bacteria within our intestine are digested to produce cell wall fragments that initiate the process for stimulating the body's natural immune response. The reason for this response is due to proteins and other biological substances that are contained within the cell walls (see electron microsopic views of actual cell wall fragments). The immune system does not respond to the presence of whole lactic acid bacteria until digestion occurs and cell wall fragments are produced. This is the process for the natural immune response.

Each capsule of Del-Immune V® contains 2+billion cell wall fragments of lactobacillus rhamnosus (found naturally in the intestine) to immediately and naturally launch the work of the immune system.... natures way!

Information taken from Del-Immune V™ website

Visit the Del-Immune V™ site for more information.

Credits:
Video/Pictures: Mary Jo Colli, Mike Lee, Amy Tucci
Stories: Neil Acevedo, Mary Jo Colli, Mike Lee, Lisa Melendez, Ray Ng