Warrior Fitness » bujinkan martial arts

Knife and Pistol Seminar

Jon — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:31:21 +0000

Saturday, June 23, 2012

***

Bujinkan Shidoshi, Josh Sager – 10th dan, and Jon Haas – 9th dan, team up once again to bring you a unique and extraordinary presentation of weapons retention and deployment using the knife and pistol!

You will learn:

 Tactical use of weapons retention & deployment

 Proper methods for pistol draw and aim

 Movement with weapons in the tactical space

 Protecting others

When?

Saturday June 23, 2012

What Time?

1 PM to 5 PM

Where?

Warrior Fitness Gym * Hainesport Business Complex * 4004 Sylon Blvd. * Hainesport, NJ 08036

How Much?

$50 per person payable at the door or in advance through paypal link below.

For more information or to register, please email jon@warriorfitness.org or call (609) 556-8712

Is Your Workout Really Enhancing Your Martial Art Training?

Jon — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:59:38 +0000

Every once in a while it’s fun to think about how much the exercises we train on a daily and weekly basis actually translate, or carry over, to the activities for which we’re training. Depending on your training program this can either be a great way to confirm that you are moving in the right direction, continuing to make progress and see results, or it can be a bit disheartening to realize just how little what you are doing actually carries over to your chosen field of endeavor. In the case of budo practice, like any other sport or physical activity, there must be exercises specifically crafted to enhance performance. A solid base of General Physical Preparation (GPP) is necessary, but not sufficient.

What is GPP?

The first step in ensuring you are building martial skills on top of a solid foundation is General Physical Preparedness (GPP). The goal of GPP is enhanced work capacity. This is the ability to run faster, jump higher, and hit harder. When work capacity increases, it allows the budding warrior to adapt more easily to increases in both mental and physical demands. In other words, it increases your capacity and level of readiness to absorb higher levels of specificity in training. In order to be more, we must become more. When talking about the martial arts, which tend to be seemingly limitless, one must possess the physical, mental, and spiritual endurance to “keep going!”

Moving From GPP to SPP

While the goal of GPP is muscular adaptation and general readiness for training, the main focus of SPP is neurological adaptation – to train movements, not muscles. Specific Physical Preparedness builds on GPP by increasing the development of characteristics necessary for a particular sport or activity – or, in our case, martial arts. It is a uniquely designed and targeted system for enhancing strength, flexibility, endurance, and conditioning which builds on the GPP base by furthering development in the exact physiological profile of the martial art. Therefore, GPP helps to make you effective while SPP makes you efficient. The end stage goal is of course to be both effective and efficient in each and every movement.

The Training Process Cycle

If your strength and conditioning program is stuck in the GPP phase of development then you may not be realizing the type of performance gains that are possible with a specifically crafted SPP level. Strength and conditioning training must eventually approach as close as possible to the demands of the activity to maximize the training effect. Since your body adapts specifically to the stresses placed on it, you improve according to the type of training you do. This is exactly why your training program must cycle through from the general to the specific.

For a look at how Specific Physical Preparation can be applied to striking in the martial arts, take a look at my ebook Warrior Fitness Guide to Striking Power and start enhancing your martial ability today!

Ninja Weapons Seminar

Jon — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:28:03 +0000

Ninja Weapons Seminar

Saturday, March 24, 2012

***

Bujinkan Shidoshi, Josh Sager – 10th dan, and Jon Haas – 9th dan, team up to bring you a unique and extraordinary presentation of small and hidden weapons used by Japan’s legendary Ninja Warriors!

You will learn strategies, tactical movement, and techniques utilizing:

Ninja Sword
Shuriken
Kunai
Edda Koppo
Shuko
Nawajutsu
Kyoketsu Shoge
And More…

When?

Saturday March 24, 2012

What Time?

1 PM to 5 PM

Where?

Warrior Fitness Gym

Hainesport Business Complex

4004 Sylon Blvd.

Hainesport, NJ 08036

How Much?

$50 payable online (click paypal link below) or at the door.

For more information or to register, please email jon@warriorfitness.org or call (609) 556-8712

Women’s Self Defense Workshop

Jon — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:40:37 +0000

Women’s Self Defense Workshop

On Sunday, April 22, 2012, Two of South Jersey’s Top Ranked Bujinkan Martial Arts Instructors, Jon Haas and Chris Rydbom will teach you:

Simple yet powerful Techniques to Escape
Tactics & Strategies to feel less Vulnerable
Use Fear to your Advantage
Situational Awareness
Fight or Flight Mindset

Date & Time: Sunday April 22, 2012 from 12pm to 3pm

Where: Warrior Fitness Gym

Hainesport Business Park

4004 Sylon Blvd.

Hainesport, NJ 08036

(609) 556-8712

Cost: $45

Check out our Fit Bodies Bootcamp for Women HERE!

Preparing Ninja for a Mission

Jon — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:09:44 +0000

My name is Ichiro Watanabe. I am a chunin, a middle level ninja of the Togakure clan. Our small village is secluded deep in the mountains near Mt. Togakushi, otherwise known as Togakure Mountain. I could tell you exactly where, but I’d have to kill you. No joke, it’s a matter of survival for my family and clan. You see the year is 1601, one year after the famous Battle of Sekigahara which brought Ieyasu Tokugawa to power uniting Japan. There is still much to do, however, and the need for the services of our ninja clan is still very great.

In the past I was one of the top operatives for my clan successfully completing dozens of missions all over Japan. I went by many names, played many roles, and brought great favor to our clan. My exploits are “legen- wait for it -dary” among ninja warriors. Today have retired from active duty and assumed a position where I am in charge of the physical preparation training of our up and coming ninja recruits.

Based on my background and experience, one of my goals as an operative turned trainer is to completely revamp our ninja fitness training program. My main concern is – What Does a Ninja Need?. What I’ve done is put together a sample training program for you to get a glimpse into my world and see how I am training the new recruits. Remember, this is just a snippet of the complete training package, based on my decades of operation and training experience that I have put together for the ninja in training. There is much, much more….

So, how does one prepare ninja physically for a mission?

Pulling and grip strength are an absolute must for scaling castle fortifications,
Anaerobic and aerobic endurance,
Burst-recover-burst ability for escape and evasion,
Not to mention power- a unique blend of strength and speed to enhance technical ability and fighting prowess should a ninja come face to face with a samurai intent on doing him harm.
Jumping ability
Agility
Core strength/activation since power is generated from core out to the extremeties

If you decide to attempt this sample workout, make sure you begin with a good warm-up.

I’ll tell you about the super-secret dynamic warm-up that we do here in a future installment. Keep an eye out for it!

Ninja Warrior Physical Prep Workout

5 Towel pull-ups

10 Rock-up Deck Squat and Leap

10 Fingertip Pushups

10 Hanging Leg Raises

Repeat as many times as possible (AMTAP) in 20 minutes (rest as needed).

Finisher – Heavy DB farmer walk or heavy sandbag carry x 3

There you go, an officaly ninja warrior workout direct from the 16th century! How well do you stack up?

Get A New Body in 2012

Jon — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:28:45 +0000

Every year millions of people worldwide make firm, committed New Year’s resolutions.

“I’m going to get in shape this year.”

I’m going to lose x number of pounds this year.”

“This will be the year I reclaim my health and fitness.”

“I’m going to join a gym this year.”

“I’m going to cut my carbs this year.”

Sound familiar? But what happens to all those firm, committed resolutions? They fade. They wear off. Life happens and before we know it, we are back in the same old ruts, routines, and habits that caused us to make the resolutions in the first place.

What if this year was different? What if this year something changed? What if this year you stuck to those resolutions, achieved your goals and more?

Make that change happen at Warrior Fitness Gym.

Warrior Fitness Gym is NOT what your typical gym. We are a coaching facility. Who do we coach?

You.

You who want to make a change in your life so bad you can taste it.

You who are sick of the typical fitness industry BS.

You who are looking for something different in a fitness program rather than the same old tired “solution” that never seems to work.

You who want to be challenged.

You who want to be great.

You who want to release the warrior within.

So what’s so damn different about this place anyway?

No machines. Nary a treadmill or elliptical in sight. How will you get “cardio” you ask? You’ll see…
Small Group Training with motivated, like-minded individuals.
Highly experienced, hands-on instruction.
Professional program design and exercise selection. No more guesswork in your training. The workouts can be made as challenging or as incremental as needed to support your goals.
You will learn to OWN your body. Real world, functional strength and conditioning. Fitness that actually translates to your life.
Results oriented training. Our only goal is for you to succeed.

Free your mind,

Awaken your spirit,

Make fierce the body.

Don’t leave your resolutions to chance this time. Make change happen at Warrior Fitness Gym.

Classes start Wednesday January 4^th, 2012.

Call (609) 556-8712 or Contact Us to set up a Free Trial.

Warrior Fitness Gym Open House!

Jon — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:58:46 +0000

Please join us on Saturday, January 7, 2012 for an open house

Warrior Fitness Gym
Hainesport Business Park
4004 Sylon Blvd.
Hainesport, NJ 08036

Free Trial Classes!
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Demonstration!
Grand Opening Special Sign-up Savings!
Refreshments!

Schedule of Events

*Time*	*Session*
10:00 AM	Warrior Fitness Group Class
10:30 AM	Bujinkan Martial Arts Demo
11:00 AM	Little Warriors Class
11:30 AM	Bujinkan Adult Martial Arts
12:00 PM	Warrior Fitness Group Class
12:30 PM	Bujinkan Martial Arts Demo
1:00 PM	Little Warriors Class
1:30 PM	Bujinkan Adult Martial Arts

For more information about the gym including class descriptions, times, and membership options, please check our Warrior Fitness Gym page HERE.

With It or On It

Jon — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:32:24 +0000

The ancient Spartan maxim, “with it or on it” is a very stark reminder that we must be fully committed to whatever battle we are waging. The full meaning of this phrase that Spartan mothers used to say to their sons before heading off to war is, to either come back with your shield – as a returning hero – or come back upon it.

There is no middle ground.

No room for wavering or debating.

No having your cake and eating it too.

When moving towards a goal, there must be no hesitation in your actions.

In the Bujinkan martial arts that I study, there is a similar saying, “Hell gapes beneath the upraised sword, step in to heaven.” This may seem like crazy advice, after all who in their right mind would step forward when faced with an opponent armed with a 3 foot razor blade?! But in training, through experience, one comes to understand and realize that the safest place when facing an upraised sword, paradoxically, is to move forward and step closer, thus finding “heaven”.

Again and again throughout warrior cultures, from ancient Greeks to Japanese Ninja and Samurai, we see this idea of complete and utter commitment, 100% determination in moving forwards towards our goals, no matter what they are.

So how about you? How committed are you? How much do you talk about taking action rather than actually taking action? Do you step forward into heaven and achieve your goals when confronted with difficulty and adversity? Do you walk the razor’s edge in life, or just in your mind?

It’s time to step forward. Take action. With it or on it.

Click HERE to take action on your health and fitness goals today!

8 Reasons Why YOU Need Striking Power

Jon — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:40:15 +0000

Remember, striking power is not just about hitting harder; it’s about hitting smarter. Here’s a few reasons why this program is something you should incorporate into your martial training:

New, innovative exercises to push through plateaus in your training and stave off boredom.
The right tools for the job – low tech / high yield!
Teach your body how to increase force production through stored elastic energy rather than recruiting more tension.
Efficiency is the key to preserving energy levels. Efficiency is defined as useful work over total work.
Coordinated whole body power in 3 dimensions. Life, sport, and martial art happen in 3D – the same old 2 dimensional exercises are NOT up to task!
Specifically develop angular and rotary strength to augment and assist prime movers.
Target postural and stabilizer muscles to strengthen structure behind the strikes. You can‘t fire a cannon from a canoe!
Solo training is the key to martial greatness – how do you train?

Want to know more about this unique Warrior Fitness product? Click HERE!

What Does a Ninja Need?

Jon — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:10:29 +0000

Historically, ninja were the consummate combination of super spy / super soldier. They possessed outstanding levels of fitness due to their intensely physical training and highly demanding mission requirements. Their levels of fitness and training have been the subject of many stories and the genesis for many myths surrounding them. How did they do it? How did they train? What type of methodology did they employ since creating this kind of warrior certainly required a very diverse fitness profile?

Ninja fitness needs were much more multi-faceted than most physical pursuits. They had to be as they were at once a combination of Olympic decathlete, Navy Seal, and martial arts master rolled into one. Let’s examine this a little more closely though, what kind of qualities did they possess and what did they need to be able to do?

Ninja Must Possess …

Strength
Agility
Coordination
Excellent balance
Flexibility / Mobility
Whole body power
Endurance

Ninja Must Be Able to….

Move silently
Run fast
Walk far
Leap high
Climb trees, walls, castles fortifications, etc.
Wield weapons
Fight unarmed – striking, kicking, grappling, locking, choking, etc.
Roll / fall / dodge / avoid
Crawl
And more…

As you can see from the 2 lists above, the ninja had a wide range of skills and abilities that had to be supported by a comprehensive fitness program keeping him at the top of his game. Remember that for a ninja, fitness wasn’t just a nice to have; it was an absolute necessity to accomplishing his mission and getting him home safely. And the kicker is, they did it all with little to no fitness equipment. Certainly a 16^th century ninja did not possess a Gold’s Gym membership. Nor did he own an Olympic weight set or have a stair master at his disposal. And, while kettlebells and dumbbells would have been great, he most likely had never laid eyes on either one. So here we have one of the most highly trained and fit agents the world has ever seen created without the use of modern training equipment or modern training methods. What might some of this training looked like? I’m glad you asked. One of my favorite scenes in Hatsumi Sensei’s early Bujinkan training videos (DVDs now for you younger folks!) comes from Shinden Fudo Ryu. Here’s a short clip I found on Youtube. This stuff is seriously old school!

“One trains using the things of nature to make the body strong” – Hatsumi Sensei

What if we were to take the spirit of historical ninja fitness training and combine it with a little modern sports science and know how? Modern methods allow us to take advantage of periodization, or programing and organizing training, to create a comprehensive fitness plan which will apply logical sequences to get the most out of each session. Protocols like HIIT, high intensity interval training, will be utilized to maximize both aerobic and anaerobic endurance in the same short, high intensity session. Advances in recovery work from such sessions will allow us to recover faster thus making gains greater, and increasing our overall general physical preparation (GPP) will allow us to push higher into more sophisticated training. Effectiveness and efficiency will be combined in order to allow for shorter training sessions which maximize the use of one’s time. As the ancient ninja did, we will create a strong, supple, highly conditioned warrior and accomplish this with little to no fitness equipment. We will, as Hatsumi Sensei says in the video clip above, use the things of nature to make the body strong.

If I were able to point to just one resource for the warrior that combines old school training with modern sports science, I’d look here at the book, Warrior Fitness: Conditioning for Martial Arts.

However, keep your eye on Warrior Fitness because what we have coming out in the next few months will blow your mind!