When people ask me what I do for a living and I respond that I'm a self defense instructor, a typical response is that they step back, widen their stance, bend their knees, bring their arms up into chopping position and emit a high pitched "Hiiiyyeeeaa!!". Although amusing (the first 700 or so times), this conception of "self defense" is inaccurate. There is a large distinction between the majority of martial arts and pure self defense. Most martial arts offer long term programs, often with many levels (belts) to be achieved, requiring the memorization of katas (series of choreographed techniques), one step techniques, controlled sparring, the study of various weapons, etc.

I personally cannot say enough good things about the positive benefits of getting involved in the martial arts. They tend to promote physical well being (an important component of anyone's "Personal Protection Plan"), increased focus, they tend to foster self esteem and discipline not to mention they're fun and can provide a healthy social atmosphere.

But clearly, most who have been attacked and are seeking information on how to stay safe and/or fight back, are not interested in spending four to six years studying a martial art in order to feel more secure as they traverse their day to day lives. Self defense, in it's purest and most effective form is not just "Hiiiyyeeeaa!!". It is a way to be. It is a conscious, pro-active, methodical approach to living your life. It is comprised of a series of both learned and intrinsic (inborn) behavioral and cognitive options that you must choose to put to work for you. And it may include a series of physical self defense options which could be used, as a last resort, if you were to be physically attacked.

There is an incredible power in learning this new set of options that can literally bring people from a sense of hopelessness to the powerful realization that they do have control over their own vulnerability, and, particularly for women, that they could, indeed defend themselves against a man if attacked.

Although much of the best practical, usable physical self defense information is routed in the martial arts, a good self defense course should essentially "cut to the chase" in presenting this information in a less time consuming, abbreviated format. Our Style
Today, karate has matured to a martial art that teaches mental as well as physical discipline. At the Family Martial Arts Center of Ronkonkoma, we practice an eclectic style, based strongly on the ancient ways, but updated for today's needs and situations. The main elements come from: Karate, Jujitsu, Kobudo, Military Combat & Self Defense. The emphasis is on Isshinryu and Sport Jiujitsu.

Courtesy
The concept of courtesy is fundamental to karate. Master Nagamine says, "Karate begins with courtesy even if one excels others in one's technique."

Cleanliness
We must always keep our bodies and minds "clean and right." Cleanliness of the body is the outward sign of the cleanliness of the mind. Without a clean body, one cannot concentrate on karate practice. Without a clean, or principled mind, one cannot study karate for the right purpose.

Persistence
"NOTHING IN THE WORLD CAN TAKE THE PLACE OF PERSISTENCE. TALENT WILL NOT: NOTHING IS MORE COMMON THAN UNSUCCESSFUL MEN WITH TALENT. GENIUS WILL NOT: UNREWARDED GENIUS IS ALMOST A PROVERB. EDUCATION WILL NOT: THE WORLD IS FULL OF EDUCATED DERELICTS. PERSISTENCE AND DETERMINATION ALONE ARE OMNIPOTENT." Calvin Coolidge

Diligence and hard work are fundamental to karate practice. Through the training of the mind and body, one's capabilities continuously increase, and can expand to truly heroic proportions in time of crisis. Courtesy in the Dojo As mentioned above, courtesy is central to karate.

Courtesy is shown to all people, seniors and juniors, friends and enemies. It is also shown to our Sensei and our Dojo. The following are some of the ways that we demonstrate that respect.