Sunday, May 21, 2000 Oakville Beaver Weekend 15 xhe centre for the IWIpjrtjoI Arte O nta r io C entre Fo r M artial A rts I eF I I I I By Kym Funnel! A d v er tisin g F ea t u r e If you ask what martial arts gives to students, the answer invariably will be `self-confidence' and `selfesteem'. At the Ontario Centre for Martial Arts (OCMA), these are very important components, as well as having fun. They teach the younger students the importance o f respecting others and discipline. Starting as young as three and a half years old, chil dren are taught important social skills they will carry with them through life. At OCMA, the martial arts program is centered around the art of Jiu Jitsu. This martial art combines kicking, punching, striking and akaedo in a style that is both challenging and o f course, fun. Jiu Jitsu is perfect for all ages, physiques and fitness levels, with each person reaching their own individual goals. Jiu Jitsu is also great because o f the diversification of techniques used. The instructors encourage students o f all ages to commit to learning and to set personal goals and try their best to reach them. medicine balls, skipping ropes etc. to train. Also available is our power-teen program with Jenny & Renee. The advanced power kick boxing program is run by Sean Stewart and Kyle Ferguson, the head developer of this program was George Macdonald. A super high energy program, this power kick boxing pro gram is guaranteed to be one of the best workouts running out, so book your party now! Kung Fu This program is a new addition to OCMA, The Kung Fu program teaches weapons and stick fight ing, and Hung-gar Kung Fu. Fitness Gym OCMA has a proposed fully-equipped gym to be located on the premises, called the `Power Factory' offering a solid cross-training with weight and cardio equipment for the martial arts students. While they aren't trying to compete with the "International Family Fitnesses" of the world, they do offer a great selection of equipment to work out on. It's perfect for parents of the younger students. With 45 minute classes, there isn't lots of time to drive back and forth, this way you can stay at the gym with your little ones, and make good use o f the time while you're there. Youth Martial Arts Programs The Youth Program is taught by Sean Stewart, owner o f OCMA, who is a 4th degree Jiu Jitsu black belt, three time world Jiu Jitsu champion, seven time national champion, and a crisis intervention instruc tor with 18 years teaching experience. Sean mastered his talent under an instructor who believed strongly in good communication, and this is one fundamental aspect of OCMA. OCMA offers a special program for your little ones, called Little Dragons, for children aged three and a half to four years old. When comfortable and ready, the children then move into the regular childrens' program. The Youth Martial Arts program focuses on interaction among the .students, discipline and respect. For the Youth Program they have unique incentive programs in place, like the badge system. The children can envision their goals and work towards that next badge or stripe, aiming ultimately for the next belt. They also teach quick escape tech niques that are accepted under the `zero tolerance rule' on the school grounds, as well as basic safety tips. All the martial arts programs are taught with a sound philosophical base on when to use it, how to use it, and how it all ties together. Grappling/Brazilian style Jiu Jitsu This is also a new addition to OCMA's program list, run by Stan Magdolen and Michael Corridore. Brazilian style Jiu Jitsu focuses mainly on ground work. Both instructors are world champions in this particular field, and are superb teachers. Corridore just completed an Early Childhood Education course, which of course enhances his teaching skills with the younger students. More and more people are taking up Martial Arts and Kick Boxing to heighten their self defense, self discipline, and self confidence. It also improves your co-ordination, flexibility, and concentration. Seeing as summer is almost here, there isn't a more fun or exciting way of shaping up for the beach season! While toning up your physical being, you're helping your inner being to grow as well. OCMA started as a youth based Jiu Jitsu facility and has grown to include Kick Boxing, spectacular glow in the dark rock climbing, a grappling / Brazilian style Jiu Jitsu program, and a fitness facility. Offering something for everyone at any and all ages and lev els, drop by today to see how the Ontario Centre for Martial Arts interests you. With no sales people on staff, the quality of the programs sell themselves. They are located in the Commercial Point Plaza, Adult Martial Arts Programs The Adult Martial Arts Program is taught by John Richie, a black belt since 1980 and Alva Noel, who is a 2nd degree Jiu Jitsu black belt, ITF black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and brings six years of teaching expe rience with him to classes. The adult class is an excit ing, dynamic class, with not as much focus on respect and discipline as the Youth Program (on the assumption that most adults know their manners!). This program is taught with a sound philosophical base, in a standard martial arts format. It's a wonder ful escape from the everyday routine, providing something to commit to and learn. you'll find. It's a high impact class, with a lot of work on the bags, catering to both recreation and competitive students. The people who designed the program are kick boxing champions, and they will strive to teach you everything they know! "As world champions, they definitely know what they're talking about," comments Sean. In this course you will leam how to hit and kick, in order to be effective. 461 North Service Road (just north of the QEW at Fourth Line), or call (905) 825-4223. Glow in the Dark Rock Climbing This is a new program offered at OCMA, catering primarily to birthday parties and school programs. "It's the new and exciting way to have a birthday party!" Says Sean. Smiling, he adds "all the kids are doing it!" With fun colours and spectacular surround ings, kids (and adults) can.climb in the light until they get used to the walls and equipment. Once everyone is ready, they lights go out and it's a whole new glowing world to climb! Great packages are available weekends and week nights, but space is Power Kick Boxing Plus advanced power kick boxing which is full con tact style training but without the contact. We use