OREI
(oh-ray!)
 
Meaning “Respect” or “Etiquette”. Generally speaking , it’s an expression of respect and appreciation usually shown in the way we treat and greet each other in the martial arts. In its original context, it was always a formal bow or a proper salutation. Sometimes it can be a simple “Osu” to say hello or goodbye, or just to acknowledge others.
 
“OREI” should always be shown toward our seniors and those that share their knowledge and wisdom in the martial arts and in life.  
 
Modern day allows for other forms of greetings, acknowledgements
and sometimes even a simple nod of the head or a polite gesture from across the room.
 
However, friendly and polite greetings should always be practiced and given whenever we are in the formality of the dojo. Most would agree that our parents/grandparents tend to like people that are respectful.  
 
It’s unlikely that anyone would dislike you because you are being respectful and polite. However, it’s difficult to like and respect someone that is rude, crude and vulgar.
 
Practicing “OREI” everyday will make it a habit…, in the Dojo, in school, at work, at home and in our community.
 
As  Leaders in the Martial Arts, we should always build bridges with others and develop stronger relationships in all of the above areas. Treating people with respect and dignity will strengthen relationships and earn you respect as well.
 
          Whats that word again? “OREI” Sir!

Within all of the different martial Arts we teach at elite training center bobbing and weaving is one of the motions that are constant in them all ….the degree you bob might change based upon Mma, Thai boxing, or Krav Maga but the main motion stays the same…
Bobbing and Weaving – Bend your knees and lean forward slightly towards your attacker, getting inside his punching range. Make a U with your upperbody towards the outside of punching hand. Hands up, don’t lean too much to get off balance, and keep head level so a kickboxer won’t knee you in the face. 
Bob with a step – Step 45 degrees forward to the side of the attack. (ie: against a right hook, step with your left foot as you bend your knees to drop your level) 

When hit with Negative – Counter with Positive!
 
Training in the Martial Arts conditions and prepares us to defend against dangerous people and threatening situations. One of the greatest dangers we face everyday…
isn’t so much a physical threat. More common is risk of being harmed by negative comments, attitudes or emotions.
 
Applying the Yin-Yang approach to defending against negative forces would
tell us to always be ready to counter with positives.
 
Apply this to a physical assault, one defense is the exact opposite of your opponent.
 
If they attack in a straight line, you may defend in a circular direction.
 
If they strike high, you may defend against the attack and counter low.
 
When hit with negative…counter with positive, is similar.
 
Try applying it to daily life where we may be attacked verbally or assaulted emotionally.
 
If someone makes a negative comment, you redirect them with a positive comment.
 
If someone shares a negative rumor, you ignore it and share something positive.
 
Maybe someone you know becomes very negative and reactive, your goal would be
to stay calm, positive and proactive.
 
Self-Defense is about defending yourself and your loved ones, not about harming the attacker. The same is true here…
 
Think of the same concept in dealing with negative people or situations.
 
The goal is to avoid harm…not cause it. Practice this theory and you’ll stay calm and increase your ability to maintain a positive outlook and attitude toward everything and everybody.
 
TRAINING DRILL: Think of someone you know that has a tendency to be negative. Practice in advance ways you may be able to counter their negatives with positives. The one that is the most committed emotionally usually has the greatest impact. 
  
 
DOJO TERMINOLOGY
 
KOKORO is a mindset that allows you to properly focus yourself for optimal results.  
 
Being pumped up, psyched up and ready to go, is a quality that most BLACK BELT CHAMPIONS are able to develop.  
 
KOKORO goes beyond this short-term hyperactive state of mind.  
 
It’s the ability to bring yourself to “Peak State” on a consistent basis.
 
To do this, we must first learn to calm ourselves, block out distractions and get rid of any negative thoughts that may clutter our minds.  
 
KOKORO allows you to better focus yourself while aiming your energies and effort in
a positive and productive direction.  
 
To get optimal benefits from your martial arts training, it’s essential to train yourself
to stay focused and fired up on your most important goals and objectives.
 
Taking consistent positive actions and remaining proactive on a regular basis will improve your ability to create the KOKORO mindset.  By allowing enough time daily
to properly prepare yourself and developing the habit of YOI.
 
You’ll start each day in a proactive mindset and will begin to eliminate negative feelings
the sense of crisis in your life.  
 
A healthy and well-rested mind, body and spirit always works better. Eliminating
and avoiding things and people in your life that create stress, will free your mind
of negatives and allow it to be filled with positive thoughts, ideas and objectives.
 
There is a technique called “Mind like water” where we learn to relax and rid ourselves of the turbulent tides and rough seas that can sometimes represent our daily challenges.  Once you can see the calm and clear body of water, a glassy and mirror like surface, you’ve cleared your mind.  
 
Now, you can better focus and prepare yourself for the desired state of KOKORO.

We are still going over the basic curriculum for Krav Maga that we teach at Elite training center ,Redondo beach. Still the basics we cover in the Krav Maga can be translated to any martial arts system when it comes to movement and shadowboxing weather it’s the mixed martial arts system, the Kali , Thai boxing etc… It applys to all..

Pivot – Step 45 degrees forward, pivot rear foot in a circular slide to fighting stance

Shadow Boxing – Use entire body as a weapon from finger tips to toes. All combative offensive and defensive strikes that you know. Work on Footwork at sametime. Think
Multiple attackers. Work all angles, 360 degrees.

Please pay attention to the shadow boxing from the begining.. We spend alot of time going over how to shadow box for selfdefense vs for sport… It is a very important part of training so please pay attention and go through all the techniques by yourself and shadowbox them all… It is a great way to gain balance as well as allowing you to go over all of your techniques alone without the need of a partner, this will let you train your techniques and improve your skillset anytime or anywhere… 

There was a wonderful arrticle in the PV news recently that discussed one woman taking her safety in her own hands by learning self defense.  Elite is proud to be the school she turned to and we hope women throughout the South Bay come to recognize that you have a right to know how to defend yourself and that this knowledge provides peace.  The article is summaried below:

“As a single female who lives alone in downtown Long Beach, I’ve come across my fair share of unsavory characters walking the streets. When I’m out walking my dog, Berkeley Buster, after dark, I stroll with caution, sometimes concerned for my safety. I’d say that fear is even more present after the recent killing of Chelsea King, the 17-year-old San Diegan who was attacked while jogging in a familiar park, and the discovery of missing 14-year-old Amber Dubois’ remains.

When I came across an old invitation — buried haphazardly in a pile of papers — for a free women’s empowerment self-defense session at a Beach Cities facility, I quickly was reminded of that need to be able to defend myself, should one of those seedy passersby try to harm me. Now is the time to take my personal security seriously.

Elite Training Center, formerly known as Lotar Self Defense & Fitness, in Redondo Beach, under the direction of its chief instructor, Brian Rauchbach, has made self-defense a part of its core mission, and offers classes in kickboxing, jiujitsu, fitness and more.

Shawni Young, a former women’s World Champion mixed martial arts fighter who now serves as the center’s program director, during a private session last week was kind enough to walk me through some techniques, including jabbing, the ever-effective groin kick and how to break free from a chokehold.

Within the short lesson, I already was beginning to feel transformed, more confident and aware of how to properly execute the moves. Some things I learned: When kicking, extend your leg from the knee so that the shin — far stronger than the foot — can make contact with the target. When running away, always flee off to the side. Never turn your back on an attacker.

Shawni did advise that while learning the techniques is a step in the right direction, maintaining a consistent routine and a commitment to safety is the most important aspect of taking classes. Learning self-defense, she said, is about changing your attitude. It will boost your confidence level, which alone may be enough to prevent an attack from ever occurring.”

Danny Christian leads the Youth Programs at Elite Training Center and has been teaching certified martial arts, safety and self-defense classes to young boys and girls for over a decade!

Click Here To Register or call for FREE LESSONS 310-542-1600

• Self Defense & Fitness for Ages 5-11

• Effective Self-Defense

• Fun Games

• Stranger Awareness

• Out & About Safety

• Balance and Coordination

• Teamwork Drills

• Safe Wrestling Skills

• Personal Discipline

• New Friends

• and More!

Click Here To Register or call for a free trail 310-542-1600

1628 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach CA