
March 2008 Newsletter
- Student of the Month - Events - Testing - Recommended Book - Video Technique - Announcements - Dietary Supplement -

Student of the Month
- Lee Feldstein -
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Please tell us a little about your life outside of PAMA.
I live in Columbus, NJ with my wife of 10 years, 2 dogs and 2 parrots. We have 3 daughters and 2 grandsons. I have been the automobile industry for 25 years and work as a salesman for a wholesale auto auction, which is a very fast paced environment. The auction is located Northern New Jersey, and requires a considerable amount of "windshield" time. I also own and operate a free lance photography studio.
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How did you first come interested in Martial arts and how did you first hear of PAMA?
I first became interested in martial arts in 1990's and studied karate for a few years. This was when I first heard of PAMA and met Sifu Rick at a seminar in New York, but life events forced me to stop training until last year. I then decided it was important to return to a martial arts training schedule, and PAMA was the only choice.
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When you first arrived at PAMA we joked about carding you because of your youthful appearance. Do you mind sharing your age and what if any effect that had on your decision to train at PAMA?
You asked what effect my age of 63 had on my decision to train at PAMA. When making the decision to start training at PAMA, age was never a consideration. I knew I wanted to learn more and needed the mental and physical exercise provided by this training. Now I am accomplishing my goals, and enjoy the knowledge that I am starting on a path that most people my age would never attempt.
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What is your favorite part about training and being at an Academy like PAMA?
I am studying Jan Fan, Kali and now Silat and enjoy learning their real life applications. Training in this environment requires me to keep up those who are much younger, enabling me to stretch my abilities and limits - both mentally and physically. Training is never dull, there is always something new to learn. This atmosphere of learning, exercise and camaraderie is what keeps me coming back for more.
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With age comes wisdom. If you could offer one bit of advice to the youth at PAMA what would it be?
Training at PAMA is a choice as are a lot of things in life. To get the most out of the training you need to push yourself mentally and physically to stretch beyond what you think your limits are. You simply cannot expand your horizons without pushing your limits.
Thanks to Sifu Rick and all the instructors for sharing their knowledge and encouragement.
Events
- School Back in Session -
Testing
- Jun Fan 4 and 8 Month Tests -
Vince Hohn, Cameron Erdogan, Matt Panfilli and Elizabeth Jenner have all passed their 8 Month tests in Jun Fan, making them eligible for the intermediate class. Great work and see you in class!
- Kids Testing: 6-8 Year Old -
Congratulations to Alexandra Bell and Matthew Haumann! Alexandra and Matthew worked hard to pass their Gold Sash (first level) test in our 6-8 year old Children's Program. Good Job!
Sifu Recommends a Book
- The Art of Happiness at Work -

The Art of Happiness at Work,
by The Dalai Lama and
Howard Cutler
For the first time since The Art of Happiness, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has teamed up with psychiatrist Howard Cutler to continue the discussion about what makes life meaningful.
In conversations with the Dalai Lama over the past several years, Howard Cutler has asked the questions we all want answered about how to find happiness in the place we spend most of our time -- work. Beginning with the basic need to find satisfaction in our careers, Dr. Cutler questions His Holiness about the nature of work. In psychiatry and according to the Dalai Lama, our motivation for working determines our level of satisfaction. The Art of Happiness at Work explores these three levels of focus:
- Survival: focus on salary, stability, food and clothing
- Career: focus on advancement
- Calling: focus on work as a higher purpose
Dr. Cutler walks us through the Dalai Lama's reasoning so that we may know how to apply his wisdom to daily life. The Art of Happiness at Work is an invaluable source of strength and peace for anyone who earns a living.
Video Technique
- Learn a Technique from Sifu Rick -






Sifu defends a jab with a woang pak biu jee followed by a lop sao to clear the obstruction.

Video 1: regular speed - slow motion
A reverse angle view of the bo pai off the rear hand.

Video 2: regular speed - slow motion
Announcements
- Sifu Rick will be conducting a Jeet Kune Do, Kali, and Silat seminar in Essex, England on March 14, 15, & 16. For more information, check out the Seminar Page.
Dietary Supplement
- PhosSerine Complex (Phosphatidylserine) by Allergy Research Group -

PhosSerine Complex (Phosphatidylserine)
by Allergy Research Group
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid found in all cells, but is most concentrated in brain cells. This familiarly-called "brain nutrient" supports cognitive function, emotional well-being and behavioral performance by restoring cell membrane composition. It has also been shown to support memory. In a double blind placebo controlled multicenter study of 425 individuals, daily supplementation of phosphatidylserine over six months resulted in statistically significant support of behavioral and cognitive parameters. In another six-month study of 40 individuals, phosphatidylserine supplementation enhanced cerebral metabolism and outcomes of cognitive training. These findings are consistent with earlier studies. In a placebo- controlled investigation of 149 subjects, the group receiving phosphatidylserine scored higher than placebo in performance tests related to memory tasks of daily life. In a trial of 35 subjects, those receiving phosphatidylserine exhibited behavioral support after six months.
Credits:
Video/Pictures: Mary Jo Colli, Kurt Komoda, Mike Lee
Stories: Mary Jo Colli, Mike Lee, Max Wang




