PAMA Newsletter - May 2010

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

Student of the Month

- Thaddeus Chambers -

Thaddeus Chambers

Please share some information on your profession and non PAMA related life.

I'm an Information Graphic Artist for The Wall Street Journal. My job is basically to develop and execute charts, tables, diagrams and maps according to established styles and formats to illustrate WSJ stories.

I'm married with three wonderful children (all boys), ages: 21, 14, & 6. I'm proud to say my oldest son will be graduating next year with his Bachelor's degree in physical therapy, then he'll continue on to get his Masters.

In my spare time I play an active roll in the health and fitness industry where I teach cardio kick box at Bristol-Myers Squibb's Corporate gym. Helping people get in shape is one of the things I love to do, it also gives me the opportunity to do creative choreography for a 45 min. class that involves basic martial arts and boxing all done to the sound of music.
How did you get an interest in martial arts?

I always enjoyed watching martial arts movies as a child. I use to love watching martial artists such as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Steven Segal to name a few. They really captured my interest and from then on martial arts has been a part of my life. I've been in and out of many different arts, Tae Kwon Do being one of them where I earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt and had the opportunity to learn Modern Arnis.
How did you come to train at PAMA?

When I moved to NJ one of my first priorities was to find a school that taught JKD so I searched the web and found PAMA.
Which martial arts are you studying now at PAMA?

I'm studying JKD, Kali and Silat. At some point I'd like to include MMA as well.
How has martial arts helped you in other areas of your life or other activities you engage in?

Martial arts has helped me to become a well-rounded person mentally, emotionally and physically. It has helped me to be able to express the physical potential of the human body. It also helped me to be a creative choreographer. Most importantly it has taught me the valuable life skill of dealing with life itself. Learning how to control my thoughts has enabled me to keep my emotions and actions under control which eliminates stress from my life.
What do you enjoy most about the PAMA experience?

What I enjoyed most is being a part of PAMA and having access to a wealth of information passed down by Sifu Rick, who has the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in many different arts. I'm always impressed by how much he remembers. I also enjoy the fact of having instructors to turn to that know what they're doing simply because they've be taught by one of the best.
Anything else that you would like to add?

I would just like to thank Sifu Rick for continuing to pass down so much knowledge. My goal is to be able to learn, practice, master and make functional everything that I'm taught and to one day be a part of the team of instructors at PAMA.

Events

- Khenpo Leads a Special Workshop -

by Matt Foster

Khenpo describes various ways of focusing to a packed audience of PAMA students and guests

PAMA was honored to once again host Ratsa Geshe Tenzin Dargye, Khenpo of the Bon Monastery in Dhorpatan, Nepal. Khenpo is a high ranking lama and Doctor of Philosophy in the ancient Bon religion which predates Buddhism by several thousand years. PAMA students were taught some basic Bon concepts such as the three poisons: anger, desire, and ignorance, and how to clear the corresponding channels in their bodies. They also received instruction on various methods of meditation like focusing on an image or listening to the sound of the singing bowl. At one point students had an opportunity to try out some of the singing bowls provided by Sifu. Khenpo led PAMA students through several Tibetan Yoga techniques which students quickly discovered require much practice. At the end of the workshop Khenpo taught some of the mantras and prayers of Bon and even said a special blessing for everyone. It was an educational and fulfilling evening. Thank you to Khenpo for sharing his wisdom and spirit.

Participants of Khenpo's 2010 Seminar learn and practice ancient Bon Yoga techniques

- Communiversity 2010 -

by Mike Wolhfert

On April 24, 2010, PAMA students performed during the Communiversity Festival of the Arts in downtown Princeton. The PAMA kids started the show by performing the Wing Chun form called Sil Lum Tao. Then both the 6-8 year old group and the 9-13 years olds showed off their Jun Fan kickboxing skills. The 9-13 year old group finished the kids' portion with Kali stick work that amazed the crowd of onlookers.

(left) Mike and Kurt with an explosive Kali opener.
(center-right) The PAMA Kids demonstrate the Sil Lim Tao and their kickboxing skills.

Click here to see all the pictures taken at Communiversity.

The Jun Fan juniors dazzled the crowd with their counters and attacks from Jun Fan kickboxing. Then the kids of PAMA showed their self-defense skills against a would be attacker. The women of PAMA then showcased their kickboxing skills for the crowd. PAMA students in a mixed weapons segment then represented various areas of Kali. Students Sandy Lee and Elizabeth Jenner showed the crowd how to stop an attack in a self- defense demonstration. Empty hands trapping from Jun Fan and Kali were performed by the students and instructors for the enthusiastic crowd. Then the kickboxing arts of Savate, Muay Thai, and Jun Fan kicked the crowd into high gear.

The PAMA children impress with their kickboxing and self-defense skills. Also, women's self defense

Click here to see all the pictures taken at Communiversity.

Instructor Mike Wolhfert then astonished the crowd by showing Silat throws and locks on multiple attackers. An action packed mixed martial arts match took place between Kurt Komoda and Will Fogler with Will victorious by way of arm bar. To end the show Max Wang and Mike Wolhfert had a high paced intense stick sparring match. Wang and Wolhfert gave it their all as the crowd cheered them on.

Three action filled segments of Silat, MMA, and Kali

Click here to see all the pictures taken at Communiversity.

Thanks to everyone who participated and came out to show their support.

Part of the 2010 Communiversity Team

Click here to see all the pictures taken at Communiversity.

Sifu Recommends a Book

- Strong and Fearless: The Quest For Personal Power -

Strong and Fearless,
by Phil Nuernberger, Ph.D.

Stress is not a necessary part of life says Dr. Phil Nuernberger Stress, he tells us, arises when we let fear and self-doubt control our thoughts and actions. He then shows us how to take charge of the powers of our mind, addresses the roots of our fears, and offers real, workable solutions to the epidemic of stress in the world today.

-- Excerpt from back cover

Video Technique

VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL for many great techniques and videos by Sifu Rick.
http://www.youtube.com/RickTucciPAMA

Announcements

The 4 and 8 month tests for Jun Fan will be held on May 22. Please see an instructor for details and don't forget to sign up in the Pro Shop.

Dietary Supplement

- Co Q₁₀ by Pure Encapsulations -

Co Q₁₀
by Pure Encapsulations

The essential nutrient Coenzyme Q₁₀ is a necessary component of cellular energy production and respiration. It is a component of the mitochondrial electron transport system, which supplies the energy required for a variety of physiological functions. Co Q₁₀ provides support to all cells of the body, and is especially supportive of tissues that require a lot of energy, such as the heart muscle, periodontal tissue, and the cells of the body's natural defense system.

Co Q₁₀ enhances energy levels in every cell in the body, providing increased energy and exercise tolerance, and optimal nutritional support for the cardiovascular system.

Excerpt taken from Pure Encapsulations.

Credits:
Video/Pictures: Mary Jo Colli, Kurt Komoda, Mike Lee
Stories: Mary Jo Colli, Matt Foster, Mike Lee, Mike Wolhfert