The Still Point

I help all my students find ways of quieting their minds. There are many ways of calming the body, quieting the mind, and settling the nervous system. This state of mind is called “The Still Point”, a place of inner quiet and peace. Great champions train to find this place, which raises awareness, makes movement effortless, and confidence robust. Kids need to be taught how to get to this place. It is difficult, but as a teacher, I’m up to the challenge. 

COVID-19 is here and will be for some time, this I cannot control. But parents and teachers alike must find ways of giving kids positive energy, relaxed intensity, and the courage to thrust onward through these challenging times.

Here is a little tip to help kids (and parents too) find their ‘Still Point’

1. Breath Slowly In and Out – Image the breath going to all parts of the body

2. Repeat the process 10+ times – You should feel yourself relaxing with each breath

3. Visualize images of success and say positive words of affirmation

It sounds simple, and it is … Have the kids try this before and after school this week!

In this week’s youth classes I will be focusing on helping all the kids ‘feel and find’ their Still Point. See you on the mats …

emmauel

We Don’t have a Problem, We Have a Puzzel

The importance of flexibility and adaptation to change can’t be overemphasized. Truly great champions are aware of this whole-heartedly which suggests not holding to a fixed plan, but rather changing according to the unfolding of events. Teach kids how to adapt and adapt quickly is a big part of what I’ve been teaching at FightClub for almost 20 years now. Adaptation is learned and grasped when you are given the opportunity to react to changing situations in training, in games, and all kids of day-to-day situations.

COVID-19 is not a problem too me, but rather a puzzle. It didn’t stop my life or put it on hold, I just continued right along with what I’ve always done in life – adapted and evolved.  Something that is a foundation principle in SYSTEMA.

It is impossible to anticipate all eventualities. The best way to plan for something unpredictable is to not be ‘afraid to adapt’. Is that what you are teaching your kids at home? Is that what schools are planning on teaching you kids this coming year?  I cannot answer those questions for all of you, just something to reflect on I guess. What I can tell you, is its something I will be focusing on over the next few months.

“Illusion is a part of fear. You need to learn how to see through it”  

~ Emmanuel Manolakakis

The only certainty is the uncertainty of life. Change will occur no matter what you do. Let’s all focus on giving kids courage and strength for the years ahead.

Look forward to seeing you all in class,

emmanuel

Youth Schedule, Precautions and Expectations for September

Hey FC Parents & Kids,

It’s been a wild 7 months, but FightClub doors are finally reopening as of Tuesday, September 8th. You will notice lots of changes or as I like to call them ‘adjustments’ given our new reality. Below I have highlighted some of the big ones in regards to scheduling, COVID precautions, and what students can do before coming to class.

I hope to see all the kids training again. Whichever way you choose outdoors or in-class, I will do my best to help the kids grow and develop along the way.

Yours in learning,

emmanuel

PS – Kids feel so disconnected these days from their schools, teams, and clubs. Please make sure your kids are wearing their FC t-shirts when they come to class. I find it builds good unity and club spirit to see everyone with it on.  If you need a new one let me know when you come to class.

New FightClub Systema Training Schedule 

Tuesday 

6-6:45 pm – Youth (8+) Indoor Training (Students must register for the class beforehand)

Wednesday 

6-6:45 pm – Youth (4-7) Indoor Training (Students must register for the class beforehand)

Thursday

6-6:45 pm – Youth (8+) Indoor Training (Students must register for the class beforehand)

Saturday 

10 am – 10:45 am – Youth (4-7) Outdoor Training (East York Collegiate * September/October)

COVID Precautions

Here is a glimpse of what to expect at FightClub

Hand Sanitize upon entering and exiting

Extensive Cleaning Before and after classes

Reduced class size – 12 students max capacity

Reserved class attendance (no more drop-in attendance)

What You Can Do?

Please do not come to the studio if you feel sick

Please use the Sanitize upon arriving at FightClub

Please only use washrooms if absolutely necessary

Bring water from home – our water machine will be temporarily closed

Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before class time to avoid excess traffic in the lobby

Youth Schedule, COVID Precautions, and What Can You do?

Hey FC Parents & Kids,

It’s been a wild 7 months, but FightClub doors are finally reopening as of Tuesday, September 8th. You will notice lots of changes or as I like to call them ‘adjustments’ given our new reality. Below I have highlighted some of the big ones in regards to scheduling, COVID precautions, and what students can do before coming to class.

I hope to see all the kids training again. Whichever way you choose outdoors or in-class, I will do my best to help the kids grow and develop along the way.

Yours in learning,

emmanuel

PS – Kid’s feel so disconnected these days from their schools, teams and clubs. Please make sure your kids are wearing their FC t-shirts when they come to class. I find it builds good unity and club spirit to see everyone with it on.  If you need a new one let me know when you come to class.

New FightClub Youth Training Schedule 

Tuesday

6-6:45 pm – Youth (8+) Indoor Training

(Students must register for the class beforehand)

Wednesday

6-6:45 pm – Youth (4-7) Indoor Training

(Students must register for the class beforehand)

Thursday

6-6:45 pm – Youth (8+) Indoor Training

(Students must register for the class beforehand)

Saturday

10 am – 10:45 am – Youth (4-7) Outdoor Training

* East York Collegiate * September/October

COVID Precautions

Here is a glimpse of what to expect at FightClub

Hand Sanitize upon entering and exiting

Extensive Cleaning Before and after classes

Reduced class size – 12 students max capacity

Reserved class attendance (no more drop-in attendance)

What You Can Do?

Please do not come to the studio if you feel sick

Please use the Sanitize upon arriving at FightClub

Please only use washrooms if absolutely necessary

Bring water from home – our water machine will be temporarily closed

Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before class time to avoid excess traffic in the lobby

Evolving & Flourishing with Resiliency

Hey FC Parents and Kids,

I wanted to talk to you today about giving your kids something a little different this new school year. Resiliency is an attribute that is so important for our kids to have in modern life. They are exposed to so much information (unfortunately most of it bad) and it leaves them feeling confused, frustrated, and consequently with an evergrowing sense of anxiety. These are not my opinions but medical facts coming out from our highest educational institutions. Kids need to be mentally tough enough to handle all they see and hear these days, but who teaches this or even talks about it?

Our kids have had a rough go it throughout the spring and summer months that goes without saying. Let’s stop the complaining and start evolving and even flourishing. 

This September 8th the Youth Program will begin training indoors at the newly renovated FightClub studio. The lessons I have planned are specifically targeted for what our kids are facing these days. Let me help them through these tough times.

Share this with parents you know and care about. Tell them to bring their kids for a few lessons so they can see how important and vital the lessons taught at FightClub our for kids.

See you in the field and on the mats,

emmanuel