UOC.M.A. lSo 0 o THE TRADITION OF MARTIAL ARTS / + SELF DISCIPLINE + INCREASED FOCUS _ ;. + IMPROVED CARDIOVASCUY + INCREASED FLEXIBILITY.Z + A PROVEN SYSTEM OF SE1 "Many schools tend to use a very militaristic approach, but while we adhere to the Bushido Code of discipline, we want this to be a fun experience for the whole family," explains O.C.M.A. president and eminently qualified head instructor, Sean Stewart. As captain of the Canadian World Jiuâ€"Jitsu Team, "The world does not function on preset rules. We teach our stuâ€" dents to adapt, give them the tools and show them how to use them. Many martial arts promote strict structured responses. Our philosoâ€" phy is that every scenario is differâ€" ent, every challenge requires a unique response. This is how we train, and therefore, how our stuâ€" dents learn to react." It could explain why O.C.M.A. instructors are such a fun, laidâ€"back group, even as they discuss the lofty goals of one of Oakville‘s largest martial arts schools, which offers instruction for children and adults in the age groupings of: four to seven, eight to 13 (by skill level), and adult (13â€"plus). This is the philosophy behind the martial art of Jiuâ€"Jitsu, "the art of flexibility," as interpreted by the Ontario Centre For Martial Arts. By Stephanie Henderson Spend a little time checking out classes, and see for yourself how instructors and students relate to one another in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Parents are encourâ€" FUN ATMOSPHERE Heavyâ€"sounding stuff, but expertly executed in an environâ€" ment where fun is part of the action. Each summer, O.C.M.A. offers a day program, much like a camp, filled with stimulating activities and outings. Movie nights, ‘Summer Olympics,‘ a Blue Jays game, interâ€" club tournament, volleyball tournaâ€" ment, and a visit from the Oakville Fire Department were among this year‘s warmâ€"weather highlights. Special events are also held during the school year, on evenings and weekends. ""We want happy people to come and learn here," notes David Coules, the school‘s curriculum coâ€" ordinator, and one of several black belt instructors. "The kids have the responsibility of signing themselves in for each class. They‘re taking ownership of their own experience." Stewart led his fellow competitors to victory in two consecutive World Titles, earning the team a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He is also a threeâ€"time World Jiuâ€"Jitsu Champion. Give your child... THE TRADITION OF MARTIAL ARTS and THE COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR LIFCE Their Future... In Focus THE COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR LIFE + LOGICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING SKILLS â€" EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS Children (and adults) also beneâ€" fit from the club‘s operating poliâ€" cies, which reinforce personal cleanliness, hygiene, safety and politeness. Vulgar or inappropriate language is unacceptable. Safety equipment is mandatory. Even the spotless, modern facility mirrors a respect for orderâ€"it‘s closed down for a week each year and completeâ€" ly repainted. CATERS TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS "The school really caters to the kids of the ‘80s and ‘90s. We encourage them to set goals, but we‘re also focusing on the broader educational issues of problemâ€"solvâ€" ing, effective verbal and nonâ€"verbal communication, team building, and MANY BENEFITS Selfâ€"esteem is one of many potential benefits of studying marâ€" tial arts, the instructors point out. Consider also: fun and fitness, selfâ€" confidence, physical wellâ€"being, personal drive, stress relief, aerobic and anaerobic training, endurance, improved physical appearance, building muscle fibre, and learning about the philosophy and scientific principles involved. aged to observe classes, where stuâ€" dents build selfâ€"esteem as they work through increasingly challenging goals. 461 NORTH SERVICE ROAD JIUâ€"JITSU â€" KARA Nick Petroff is a fullâ€"time instructor, second degree black belt and _ the current World Middleweight Jiuâ€"Jitsu Champion. His martial arts expertise and teachâ€" ing skill typify the ‘eclectic‘ group of talented instructors at O.C.M.A. The additional teaching staff of five black belts includes ‘senseis‘ versed in Tae Kwonâ€"Do (Alva Noel), Karate (John Ritchie and Glen Bacon), Kung Fu and Aikido, although the school‘s main focus is Jiu Jitsu. Competitive sparring allows each student to further challenge their skills, and a regular newsletter tracks each victory with enthusiasm. "It‘s really important for parents to be supportive," says office manâ€" ager Sharon, who makes a point of remembering each child by name. The student to instructor ratio is approximately 12 to one, and beginâ€" ners are eased into the programâ€" gently. Parents are consulted reguâ€" larly, and urged to get involved in their child‘s progress. "We try to address the learning styles of each one." individual and coâ€"operative learnâ€" ingâ€"skills that will transfer into other areas of their lives, such as school," explains Coules, a high school math teacher by day. "Each one brings a different perâ€" WEIGHT ROOM COMPETITIVE PRICING 2 FREE INTRODUCTORY LESSONS Studies show that an increased level of physical fitness makes learning in other disciplines easier and can significantly increase mental capabilities. LARGEST FACILITY IN THE AREA 6 BLACK BELT INSTRUCTORS SPACIOUS CHANGE ROOMS Ontario Centee For Martiaa Arts "There‘s no pressure here. We try to help the parent make the right decision for their child," Coules says. "Some children are ready at different times." To register for fall classes, or meet the staff and observe a class, call the 0.C.M.A. today. The growing school has been at its present site in Glen Abbey‘s Commercial Point Plaza for just over a year. Before that, Stewart and Coules had been teaching in the Oakville area for 12 years. "It‘s a small school that grew without losing its romance," noted one threeâ€"year adult member. "This allows students to develop a broader range of potential responses to each situation." STUDENTS OF ALL AGES Jiuâ€"Jitsu‘s adaptability has made it a passionate pursuit for 0.C.M.A. students of all ages. The school‘s senior student is 60, and a diabetic. Some younger initiates have been referred to the school to better learn to deal with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and lowâ€" selfâ€"esteem. "Jiuâ€"Jitsu is allâ€"encompassingâ€" it.combines striking techniques, throwing, locking and ground work," Sean Stewart explains. spective to the mat," remarks Coules.