As the first term draws to a close and the season starts to change I am reminded of the constant movement of time and my place in it. Each one of us is a precious part of the universe and though the population of the world tips 7 billion each one of us are totally unique. We all the the ability to connect with each other in a positive and forgiving way. Forgiving the differences that drive us apart.

The Buddhists have a beautiful meditation called Loving Kindness. http://www.wildmind.org/metta it would be an interesting exercise to see how well we got on with each other if this was part of the school curriculum. We really do not have time to waste. Each one of us is a hub of conscious awareness. All of us have the ability to help shape the lives of the people around us. Do your actions make people feel good or bad?  If you are aware of your sense of self you can then take responsibility for how you behave. What is your message that you send out from your centre?  How do people feel when they are around you?  You can be insular and complain a lot or you can make people good around you. Just as dropping a pebble in a still pond will create a wave, an act of unconditional kindness will resonate goodness in eternity.

Andy Dickinson

andy@northstarmartialarts.com.au

Andydickinson.com.au

House Keeping

We are planning a Juniors sparring competition and “bring a buddy day”. The adults “Fighting Spirit”competition will definately be on in a couple of months. I have just confirmed that I will be selecting a team to compete at the International Sports Ju Jitsu Championships in Poland October 2013

New classes: We are planning an adults class on Friday at 12-12.45pm at Balmain and commencing a new Junior Orange belt and above class on Wednesday 5.45pm at North Sydney  from 2nd May.(details below). Please do not just turn up and do make up classes. You need to call the office on 9810 5790 to check availability of space. Also for some reason some parents are bringing their children in for 2nde and 3rd classes and only paying for one. Please appreciate that we have an honor system and we really on your good integrity to ensure that you actually pay for the extra classes that you attend. If it is a one off class please pay $15 casual fee. If you are doubling up regularly then please organise with the office to “up” your training fee.

Please take note of the training times over Easter below.

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“But a man who, when faced by danger, behaves like a mouse, is rightly called a coward. He harbors violence and hatred in his heart and would kill his enemy if he could without hurting himself. He is a stranger to nonviolence. All sermonizing on it will be lost on him. Bravery is foreign to his nature.

Before he can understand nonviolence, he has to be taught to stand his ground and even suffer death, in the attempt to defend himself against the aggressor who bids fair to overwhelm him. To do otherwise would be to confirm his cowardice and take him further away from nonviolence.” – Mahatma Gandhi

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Helping Northstar

We would love it if you could take the time to leave some quick feedback about your training at Northstar at the link below:

North Sydney Students

Balmain Students

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May Grading.

At the last grading we had parents continue to register for grading right up to the actual day. While I appreciate that you may be have busy lives, it is important that you pay attention to details. Please understand that for organisational purposes we have to close the register once we reach capacity. So if you register for the next grading by 5pm on Monday 7th May you should be fine. Please do not register later then blame Northstar. We are a martial arts school and self discipline is one of the keys to achieving success. So a lesson for parents; if you are angry or aggressive towards the teaching or office staff, please take a breathe and understand you will get a far better outcome if you are calm understand that we want what is best for your children too.

 Friday 11^th May. Balmain.

 Adults White to Blue Tip 6.30 – 8.30pm

 Sunday 13^th May. Balmain.

 Children from 9 – 11.30am

Register Here

Yearly Grading Dates.

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Classes over Easter

Friday 6th: No Classes.

Saturday 7th:

Balmain: All classes are on.

North Sydney: No classes

Sunday 8th: No classes

Monday 9th: No classes

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New classes.

ADULTS: We are considering a 45min Adult  lunchtime class on Friday 12pm. This will be open to all levels, beginner to advanced. Please email your interest. andy@northstarmartialarts.com.au

JUNIORS: We are commencing a 5.45pm class on Wednesday 2nd May at North Sydney, Orange belt and above. We would hope that the orange belt and above students transfer from Monday and Saturday to this new class. Please let me know asap. andy@northstarmartialarts.com.au as places are limited.

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 As I look outside, I see many new buds on the trees and blades of grass showing the promise of spring. When I am still and look inside, I feel the stirring of new ambition. This is the beginning of a positive turning point for me. I envision myself as extremely successful and at peace with my life. I am grateful and happy.  Louise L Hay.

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Check out TV Martial Arts. The Northstar You tube Hub.

GREAT LINKS:

Transcendental Billionaire

 http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2012/0326/billionaires-12-asia-pacific-subhash-chandra-zee-tv-vipassana-transcendental.html

 Japanese terminology used in Martial Arts

 Three Knife-Fighting Myths That Can Sabotage Your Execution of Self-Defense Techniques.

Anytime martial artists get together to discuss defensive techniques that employ the empty hands against a knife in a real-life scenario, arguments ignite. Then proclamations start: “There’s no way you can make that work against a real attack.” “Do that and you’ll get cut for sure.” “That move will get you killed.” Read more

Parenting Wisdom from a Martial Arts Mum

Upon graduation from college, I was set free into the world to ‘pursue my dreams.’ I’m a little embarrassed to say that one of my biggest goals was to lose the weight I gained in college, however, that goal led me to something that would forever change my life… the discovery of Martial Arts. You are probably thinking that I’m going to tell you how to defend yourself in a dark alley, how to get a knife out of someone’s hand or how to break a board. The truth is, the chance of those things happening are pretty slim. However, defending yourself from toxic situations, setting healthy boundaries with in laws, and disciplining your children effectively are tools that you can use to be a better parent and ultimately a better person–all which I learned from Martial Arts Training. Here are things you can learn in parenting from a Martial Arts mom. Read More

Old person’s disease that creeps up on the young and sporty

ONE-TIME Australian netballer Alison Broadbent has endured two cruciate ligament operations and now suffers osteoarthritis in her knees – largely preventable if she had performed simple exercises in her teens. Read More

How is your martial arts experience going?

Why did you choose martial arts for yourself or your child?

What do you hope to achieve by studying martial arts?

Thanks for joining in the community

Andy Dickinson

 Please read the details carefully below. You will notice that there are seperate time slots for the children. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your allocated time. If you have any questions please call on 9810 5790. Please do not send an email because the Northstar server is down for at least 24 hours.CHILDREN

 Sunday 25th February. 372 Darling St Balmain.

  Mighty Mites: 5 to 8 year

*  White belt: 10 -10.30am 

*  Yellow belt and Green  Belt: 10.40- 11.10am

*  Blue belt and above:  11.15 – 11.45am

 Junior : 9 to 14 years

11.45 to 12.30pm 

 Grading fee: $50 cash or cheque.(payable on the day)

 ADULTS

Friday 23rd March. 6.30pm Balmain.

Blue belt and above. Cost $65

 Sunday 25th March 8am Balmain

 White to Blue tip. Cost $50

Martial Artist view on self defence

Martial arts is well renowned as a great way to learn self defence but how to you think it really stacks up?
With so many reality fighting contests martial arts has been put through the pressure test.

So lets have a reality check for a moment and be really honest. We all wonder how we would go for real if attacked.

What are your thoughts, how would you go, how would martial arts in general hold up? Who do you think would be better off and why?

Post your comments below…

2012 is well and truly underway. If you are new to Northstar…”welcome”, it is great to have you with us. And a huge welcome back to all our regular members. I want “Northstar” to be your safe sanctuary. What I mean by that is, a place where you can go to and let the worries and stress of the day subside. To do this takes a sense of presence and awareness. So whether you are a parent or a student, whenever you hear, see or think of Northstar Martial Arts, give your full attention and practice still present awareness. Use Northstar to “de stress” and let it all go.

Learning self defence is the easy part, making awareness part of your life takes practice…awareness and self defence go hand in hand…I often say to the students that the first step in learning to defend your self is to become still and aware, there by giving you a brief space to respond…instead of reacting out of habit. So real “mastery” in martial arts is an inward journey of conscious awareness…not an external show of power and strength. Every action that we take at  Northstar is to help you on your journey towards personal excellence. One of our motivating postcards that we send out at random says: Determination: The whole world will move apart for a man that is determined. This “man” is in no way a jibe at women in any way. It is “man” as in Mankind, and human. My sincere apologies if this has offended in any way.

Grading is coming up, details are below. Fighting Spirit Sparring Competition has been postponed. Friday Fight Night is back.

ANDY

andy@northstarmartialarts.com.au

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Grading Register is now OPEN.

March Grading.

Friday 23^rd March Balmain.

Adults Blue Belt to Red Belt.  6.30 – 9pm

 Sunday 25^th March.

Adults White belt to Blue Tip 8 – 9.30am.

Children 10 -12.30pm

Register Here. (Don’t delay as we will be closing the register early)

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Make up classes for children.

Please call the office on 9810 5790 to check availability of make up classes. Last Saturday we had a situation at Balmain where the class was full of make up students. We simply cannot plan if we are not notified prior.  Thanks for your assistance.

The Brilliance of Gozo Shioda Aikido Master

Inspiration: Facing the Giants..

10 daily disciplines.

These are pretty basic and you can adjust them to suit. I use variations of these.

1. Every 2^nd day set the alarm 15 minutes early. Do some basic movement and stretching, take the dog for a walk, or simply just water the garden.
2. Have breakfast. Include 2 pieces of fruit in your breakfast. Add bran and/or psylium husks.
3. Have only one cup of coffee (if you want to go all out, make it a regular and not a large or every second day choose chai instead of coffee.)
4. Leave the TV off in the morning.
5. Take a mid morning 60 second recharge. Just stop, turn away from what you are doing and breathe into your stomach, expanding the stomach on the in breath and contracting the stomach on the out breath.
6. Choose a salad sandwich with chicken or tuna on wholemeal bread. Butter instead of avocado, for lunch.
7. Don’t watch the news or buy a paper for a week. See how you feel.If it is important enough some one will tell you.
8. Watch what you say and how you say it. See how it impacts you and others.
9. Raise the heart beat for at least 30 minutes, 3 times pure week. Walk fast, jog, swim or cycle. Your body will love you for it.
10. The last thing you think about before you sleep will be the first thing you think about when you wake up. So be careful how you leave the day.

These are just some basic ways to start replacing bad habits with good daily rituals.

Taken from Andy Sensei’s : Why some people win and others continually fall short.

Fighting Strategy

In Japan fighting in the final of the “All Japan Open Ju Jutsu Championships” Tokyo 1998. MMA was in it’s infancy and I am pretty sure this was pre UFC. It was 43c in the room. My opponent was a University Judo Champion…I had to stay away from his throws, so set a strategy to keep moving and tag him when he moves…seemed to work…

 STAY CONNECTED.

Like us on face book.

Follow us on Twitter

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Andy’s quote of the week :

Stress is associated with effort under pressure and this is not usually fun or positive.   I replace the word ‘stress’ with ‘enthusiasm’ as much as possible.  So though I am busy I am having an enthusiastic day…. Andy

I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an Honest Man. – George Washington

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SHINBUDO-ism (a list of quotes by Andy Sensei that you may hear in class).

Every martial art is a mixed martial Art (MMA) it has to be! Every top Instructor who has the courage to pioneer his own system and belief’s has an incredible background in several martial arts. Shinbudo is a Traditional MMA…

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Getting a Northstar Black Belt is a tough grind…but very possible for all students. Remaining a Black Belt is even harder. The challenge is not so much physical, more mental…breaking through the reasons why you can’t do it, sitting in the negativity, witnessing it, yet still turning up to training each week. I know this to be true as I am constantly challenged…even now. I can remember the overwhelming desire to quit…many times over the years.
 
I have studied most martial arts and to be honest, they are all the same! The only difference in martial arts is “which art will honestly teach me about me.” All of us are limited by our physical design, age and experience. No one art can teach you the secret of invincibility. But a good martial art can help you to understand your own insecurities, guiding you on the path to self awareness that will ultimately protect you far more than any physical skill!
 
10 Ways to challenge the powerful thoughts of quitting.
 
1. I am getting in the shape of my life.
2. I am losing weight and having fun
3. I am training with a motivated group of students.
4. I recognise that this is not for me…but I love the feeling I get at the end of class.
5. The kids love the class and I am not willing to compromise their long term well being.
6. Every class is a bonus and one more step to enhancing my well being.
7. I feel the overwhelming urge to quit. But I am going to do just one more class. Then one more class, then one more class
8. My child wants to quit but what example am I setting if I allow them to quit when ever they feel like it.
9. Now is my chance to really express my commitment, and go to place with in myself that is uncomfortable.
10. I can sit in the desire of wanting more and wanting it now. I can witness it and know that it has no power over me.
 
Hope this helps your journey.

Andy Dickinson
 

 I continue to look for better facilities that would suit our school and know that it is just a matter of time before we will have our own dojo on the northside. In the mean time, I  really appreciate your patience, dedication and belief in our school. 

We now have over 1000 members. And over the last 3 months have seen a 99% attendance. In Dec we completed one of our best gradings to date with the graduation of 180 students including 8 black belts and 2 junior black belts. It is at the gradings that one can clearly see, understand and appreciate the depth and quality of our school. The quality continues to improve, at the last grading it was outstanding. This is a credit to your commitment, dedication and self discipline, and a credit to the black belt and trainers. 

On a personal note, my shoulder has healed nicely though I can feel its new limitations. This year I have deepened my mediation practice and spent time studying tai chi and qi gong. All of which have deepened my understanding of my shinbudo technique. I continue to marvel at the seamless integration of the softer martial arts and the amazing increase in power as I execute the same moves , combining the ferocity of yang with the relaxed stillness of yin. Shinbudo really is a wonderful system of martial arts, philosophy and life skills. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with you all in class. 

Next year I will be spending more time on the dojo floor, ensuring that the trainers remain at the cutting edge of martial arts tuition. I will be giving more attention to the juniors program, ensuring that there is a steady progressions from mighty mites to junior black belt and beyond. I will also be regularly teaching the adults class. While we love our gradings, I recognize that they are not ideal. I will be working harder to create a more streamlined process and at the same time maintain the high level of community interaction for which our gradings are famous for. I will give more attention to class sizes and strictly limit new students to busy time slots.

Once again a huge thanks for choosing Northstar, and on behalf of the trainers would like to wish you an enjoyable christmas with family and friends.

Andy Dickinson

Offer Kindess in mind, body and spirit. 

Gradings are a celebration of quiet achievement. They are quite unique as there is no winner or loser, the only opponent is oneself! Every student does their best based on their own individual attributes. Our job at Northstar is to help each student shine in their own way taking into account their strengths and limitations. We love that.  Andy Dickinson

Classes over the Christmas.
Balmain Dojo will be open for classes over the xmas period. There will be no classes on the 31st December or Public Holidays. North Sydney PCYC last class will be Fri 23rd Dec and the first class will be Monday 9th Jan.  North Sydney students will be expected to attend Balmain during the North Sydney break. Children can train in as many classes as they like during the school holidays. There may be some time amendments depending on attendance. We will let you know well in advance.
 
Training Intensive with Andy Sensei.
Looking for a challenge before the year ends? Andy Sensei is presenting 3 intensive workshops on the essence of Shinbudo. Included in each class will be kicking, punching, self defence and ground defence. There will also be sparring principles and fundamentals.

 Wed 28th and Thurs 29th and Friday 30th Dec Balmain Dojo 6.30pm .
Bookings essential. Cost $100.
info@northstarmartialarts.com.au

Black Belt Attitude.
This year, each week I have included in class the concept of “developing a Black Belt attitude”. Black Belt is not an end product, rather a stepping stone to encourage self awareness. This self awareness sets the stage for understanding the impact that we all have in each other’s lives. A good black belt is on the path to leading the way to a simple, useful life, encouraging others to always choose peace and harmony over anger and aggression by demonstrating these action in daily life. The weekly lessons are not exclusive to Black Belts. We can all reflect on these simple lessons and bring the essence of the Black Belt alive in our daily interaction with each other.

In many ways we are alike. However one little difference always makes a big difference.

The little difference is ATTITUDE

BELIEF fuels passion, passion rarely fails.

COURAGE does not always roar, sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of
the day saying I will try tomorrow.

GOALS: Take the long view….one day at a time.

STAY POSITIVE: You become what you think about..

ATTITUDE are truly contagious. So ask yourself one question…is mine worth
catching…

SIMPLIFY: Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that
matter least.

LAUGHTER is the sunshine in any life. It is your heart’s way of telling your
face to smile.

EXPECT THE BEST: It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept
anything but the best, you very often get it.

KINDNESS: It’s not the things you get, but the hearts you touch that will
determine your success.

LOVE does not make the world go around. Love is what makes the ride
worthwhile.

RENEWAL: The will to win…the will to achieve…goes dry and arid without
continuous renewal.

For future reference your best source of Northstar Information is one of the following:
 
1. The events tab on the Northstar Home Page: http://northstarmartialarts.com.au
2. The news section on the home page: http://northstarmartialarts.com.au/news/

As you bow at the door, you enter almost into another world. A world where you have to put the rest of your life on hold and make being present a priority, getting the most out of every part of the class. So in essence, we have paved a way for you to fully indulge your body and mind by making it difficult for your mind to wander during the class; keeping your body moving with exercise and keeping the mind present with bowing and “ous”.

 If we feel your mind starting to wander you may be challenged in a way that you are not used to. A really good bench mark of how your “non attachment” and “fully releasing” into the work out and still and neutral space is to check your reactions when your Trainer un emotionally checks you.

Do you ous and immediately let go? Or do you continue to carry it for minutes, hours, days and even sometimes months? The best trainer will continue to challenge you in every way. Northstar Martial Arts is just not about getting the grades physically, it’s also about checking in on how you react emotionally when your so called “buttons are pressed.”

For the last week the talk has been “stillness”. We will be continuing this week as well. As we get closer to the end of the year, things can get a little frantic, so remembering the backdrop of stillness is always handy.

Looking forward to seeing you in class.

Andy

Make it count

Our lives are really full. There is a powerful pre occupation with “doing” that keeps us really busy. We step out into this world from the cocoon of our parents and launch ourselves onto the treadmill of life. As life gains momentum we zing past events and quickly move onto something new and what was recently experienced becomes a memory, stacked onto other memories that fade into the backdrop of our thinking. 

Further reading

Red Belt Adult Sparring.

Be part of the grading of the “red to black belts.” Come and take part in the sparring on Saturday 3rd Dec 3.30pm, for women and 4.00pm for men.

To register please email andy@northtstarmartialarts.com.au

Adult Pre Grading Training Intensives.

White to Green. Sat 26th 3.30pm. Cost $30

Blue Tip to Brown Tip Sat 26th 4.30pm $30

2 Training Credits.

Email rachael@northstarmartialarts.com.au to register.

Developing a Black Belt Attitude: Stillness.

• No movement in body or mind. Sitting completely still free from attachment.
• The pure neutral state that all movement arises from.
• Stillness is the one constant that cannot be changed, moved or manipulated.
• Once an awareness of stillness has been realized you can learn to tap into its vast space and see all movement on a physical and mental level..
• Remembering to take 2 or 3 deep breathes before any conflict can quickly connect you to stillness. This will in effect put the mind into neutral and allow you to clearly see what is needed void of what you “think” is needed.
• Being still and neutral, ready to respond is the calling of the spiritual warrior.
• This is far more evolved than being aggressive and angry ready to react.
• Stillness is absorbed in the present moment. Make friends with the present moment.
• Ways to connect with stillness: Pay attention to the working surface. Watch the hands in motion. Just listen with out interrupting, meet your friends and family as if meeting them for the first time. Just say enough, do nothing unnecessary.
• Meditate on the breath. Let it all just be. Don’t try and force it, don’t try and force the mind to be still, just let it take care of itself. If the mind wanders, come back to the breath.

GRADING SUPER SESSION.

Grading Register is now OPEN.

Please read the details carefully below. 

Children. CLOSED.

Sunday 4th December.

224 Falcon St North Sydney.

Registration: 9.30-10am.

Grading commences 10am sharp, finishing between 11.30am and 12pm.

Cost $50. Cash or cheque only. Payment on the day. 

Adults

Blue belt and above. Friday 2nd December 6.30pm. Balmain Dojo.

Red Belt Sparring. Saturday 3rd December 3.30pm. Balmain Dojo.

All belts. Sunday 4th December. 11.30am. North Sydney Dojo.

Cost White to Blue Tip: $50. Blue to Red $65. 

To register, please send an email to info@northstarmartialarts.com.au.

Include the following:

1. Name of person going for grading.
2. Current belt level.
3. Current class (Mighty Mite, Junior or Shinbudo)
4. Child’s age.

Important Notes.

1. The times for the children’s grading may vary slightly on the Sunday. We will let you know as soon as we see how many children register.
2. Grading Register will close once we get to our capacity. It usually closes one week from grading.
3. Adults and juniors please make sure that your sheets and cards (adults) are fully filled in. 

Why we call it a “Super Session”

The reason that we call it a Super Session is because we get together as a community. For the adults it is a chance for all Shinbudo students to train and grade together. For the children it is a great opportunity to for parents and other family members to see how well they have been doing and celebrate their grading achievement. For some, it may not appear that your child is making progress but when you get a chance to see them excel at grading, it really shows how far they have come. You will also get the chance to see higher belts go for their grading including students going for Junior and Senior Black Belt. 

Your first grading experience.

For many students, this may be your first grading experience. Don’t worry, if you have trained hard and do your best, you will be fine. You are graded on what you know, not on what you don’t know. Adult members, feel free to come and watch the adult red belts do their sparring on Saturday Balmain 3.30pm. 

Most of all come and enjoy the experience of seeing ordinary people achieve an extraordinary result. 

Helpful grading hints.

1. Allow plenty of time to arrive and warm up.
2. But if you are running late, don’t worry we will fit you in.
3. Parking can be difficult if you are running late, take a breath and go around the block.
4. Kindly note we do not take credit cards or accept IOU’s
5. Bring friends and family to watch.
6. Bring a camera.