Health Seminar-Eat Right for your Type March 30th

On March 30th at 6:30, we will be hosting another in our series of health seminars “Eat Right for your Type” Don’t miss this very informative talk given by Dr. Nancy Doreo. Click Here for a downloadable flyer Eat Right for your type.

Register for Health Seminar

Also, In recognition of National Red Cross Month, we will be a collection center for donations during the month of March. We look forward to seeing you all there.

 

Proshop Special

An-shu’s Multiple Attackers training DVD is now on sale at the Pro Shop for 10% off the retail price. Pick up your copy for just $27.

WQS is making it easy to grab your gear and go and train! Need the monthly DVD? Wish you had a new WQS T-shirt? Would you like to browse the pro shop book and reward yourself? With our new pro shop system, you can purchase anything in the pro shop from privates to training tools, and we will simply bill your account on file. Making your purchases safe, simple and effective (just like our art), WQS is helping students experience the magic of To-Shin Do! Stop by the pro shop and reward yourself today!

 

 

Announcements

Open mat

Don’t miss out on our open mat time. This is your time to work on what you need! You can be your own best coach, so grab a class mate and come review rank material, enjoy some stretch time, work on bag work and make notes in your notebook. Scheduled open mat times are Tuesdays at 5pm, Thursdays at 5:45 pm and monthly belt test Fridays at 5:45 pm.

Special Classes

This months theme for the Special Ninja and Advanced training class, Black Belt Club class and Masters Club class, will be Multiple Attackers. Special Ninja and Advanced training class is on Thursday the 4th at 5:45. BBC is the 23rd 5:45 for juniors and 7:15 for adults with the Masters Club on the 25th at 7:15. See you in class!

Taijutsu Kihon Starting

Attention all Kihon members, we are getting close to beginning our Togakure Ryu Taijutsu phase of the kihon program this March. The Chain Kusari kihon will continue until May with concurrent running classes. Take advantage and come down for amazing Kihon training. If you are not a Kihon member now is the time to join.

Belt Test

This months belt test is on Friday March 26th at 6:30pm. Open mat time is from 5:45, so come early and work on those last minute details.

Bring a friend week

March 15th-20th is bring a friend week. Share this art with someone you care about and earn referral rewards!

 

Other News

New Members

Congrats New Students:
Rick Checansky
Marc Hoopingarner

New Black Belt Club Members
Jon Torres
Cayden Phipps
Jordan Hurdle


Febuary Belt Test

Congratulations to this months Belt Promotion graduates Josh Holt, Jeff Barnett, Brendan Petroff, Jonathan Torres, Frank Roos, Jim Desmond, Chris Poulos, Kevin Morris, Tommy Siedner and John Bridgeman.

A special congratulations goes to Ilya Kravchenko who passed his Kusari Fundo Kihon program!

 

Ideal Perspective

The To-Shin Do self development 8-Step Personal Perfection Plan is all about personal transformation from the inside out. Pay attention every moment of your day and seek the most ideal way to experience, embody, and express who you are. Focus on the 8 guidelines to determine and achieve your own definition of an ideal life elevated and actualized with purpose and fulfillment.

1. IDEAL PERSPECTIVE – “Perfect way to see things”
“Ultimate truth is ultimate – see life as it really is and stay tuned in!”

Pursue developing the ideal perspective. That ideal view or ideal attitude or ideal mindset is the most important asset you bring to your personal quest for fulfillment in life.

Each of us has a view as to how the universe works and how we all fit into that operation. We hold beliefs about what it means to be a human being, why we’re here, how best to navigate through life, how to grasp what it all means.

We tend to assume that our current perspective is accurate, and that ours is not A way to see things but THE way to see things. We hold to that current perspective as long as it works to make sense of what can confuse us in life. Only when our old perspective no longer helps us successfully cope are we forced to develop a new bigger broader perspective.

An ideal view includes the idea of mutual interdependence of all things, the perspective that everything is related to everything else and everything depends upon everything else. Everything is really one big multi-dimensional infinitely huge event, nothing exists in and of itself with independent nature, and you cannot describe any piece of the universe without also acknowledging its relationship to other pieces. Sure, it’s useful to piece reality into “things” and “events” conceptually, but in truth all supposedly separate things exist in relation to all other things, and all supposedly separate events emerge from previous events and generate future events.

An ideal view also includes the idea of lack of concrete existence of a self independent from all of the experiences that self has encountered the perspective that every person is affected by unimaginably countless influences, and every person develops an inner and outer identity based upon everything else at work in the universe. Everyone is really a product of causes and effects, no person exists in and of him or herself with independent nature, and you cannot describe who you are without also acknowledging your relationship to culture, family, or genetics. Sure, it’s useful to refer to yourself as an independent agent conceptually, but in truth all of us as individuals exist in relation to all other selves and things; we are a part of all we have met.

An ideal view as well includes the idea of nature operating with a predisposition towards everything falling down and falling apart, the perspective that without active intervention, the way of the material world is to unravel and disintegrate. Our bodies, our buildings, our forests, our farms, our families, our culture, our economy – only with attentive care do the things of our world remain upright and intact. The way of the world is that everything is on its way back to neutral formless energy, so why do we plunge into distress and anger when things follow their nature and fall apart and fail to sustain themselves? Sure, it’s useful to think positively, but in truth everything that we know is bound to give up its form and function.

Ideal view means knowing that everything – including you – is bound to change, sooner or later, so you might want to be part of guiding that change, as opposed to resisting what is impossible to resist.

Be ready to change your mind about the way you believe things are or ought to be. Thoroughly investigate your beliefs and experiences as to how you operate in the grander universe we all share. Seek out whatever brings you closer to the truth of how life, the mind, and your interaction with all others works to generate the significance of your experience in all areas of life. That is what we mean by the concept of ideal view in life. From this ideal perspective or ideal paradigm, everything we encounter moves us closer to the experience of wholeness and Big Truth.

The ultimate secret is that nothing really is the way we think it looks. Seek out everything that can expand your perspective on the true significance of the experience of life. Let all you encounter serve to guide you towards advancing wholeness.

Are you ready for that?

 

Special Event Classes are Fun!

 

Our Junior Class had a hands on experience with “Breaking through Barriers”- and broke their first boards! Board breaking is a experiential way to understand the power of intention, energy and believing in your abilities. Watch for the next announcement for board breaking and come down to support our young ones!

 

 

 

Warrior Ways to Help Haiti

What does the term “warrior” mean?
Translated from Japanese- to serve.

How can I help the people of Haiti?
Twitter- text “Haiti” to the number 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross

Red Cross International Response Fund- http://www.redcross.org

Doctors without Borders- http://www.directrelief.org
United Way- Call 485-6288

 

Proshop Special

This months BBC class will be on Feb 23rd, Juniors at 5:45 and Adults at 7:15. The topic is sword. Exciting lineage material along with applications will be taught. If you don’t own a training sword, now would be a great time to get one. Regular price is normally $12.95 however they are on special price at $11.66, silver member’s price is $11.08 and gold member’s price is $10.49. This Black Belt Class will be a great night of sword training, don’t miss out! Make sure to put your order in by the first two weeks of February so you will have it in time for BBC.

Belt Key Chain

Show your pride in your new Belt by getting your new color coordinated Key Chain. Available in the proshop for only $3.95, they are a great visual way of keeping your goals on track. For those of you in the Black Belt Club and have your Shodan clearly in your sights, maybe a Black Key chain could be a great focal point for your goal.

 

 

 

Announcements

Great Class Opportunities

Open mat Don’t miss out on our open mat time. This is your time to work on what you need! You can be your own best coach, so grab a class mate and come review rank material, enjoy some stretch time, work on bag work and make notes in your notebook. SCHEDULED OPEN MAT TIMES ARE TUESDAYS AT 5PM, THURSDAYS AT 5:45 PM AND MONTHLY BELT TEST FRIDAYS AT 5:45 PM.

 

Special Classes This months theme for the Special Ninja and Advanced training class, Black Belt Club class and Masters Club class, will be Sword. Special Ninja and Advanced training class is on Thursday the 4th at 5:45. BBC is the 23rd 5:45 for juniors and 7:15 for adults with the Masters Club on the 25th at 7:15. See you in class.

Taijutsu Kihon Starting Attention all Kihon members, we are getting close to begin our Togakure Ryu Taijutsu phase of the kihon program this March. The Chain Kusari kihon will continue until May with concurrent running classes.
So take advantage and come down or amazing Kihon training. If you are not a Kihon member now is the time to join.
Belt Test This months belt test is on Friday Feb 26th at 6:30pm. Open mat time is from 5:45, so come early and work on those last minute details.

 

Bring a friend week

Feb 15th-20th is bring a friend week. Share this art with someone you care about and earn Referal rewards

 

Enjoy the training this month!

 

Other News

New Members

We are pleased to welcome Catherine Ianuzzi To the school. Catherine hails from Canada via Texas and is loving the training. Please make a point of introducing yourself to her next time she is in class

New BBC Members

We are please to welcome Chris Poulos, Mark Merriman and Zack Kolosky to the Black Belt Club. Enjoy the training and congrats on making this commitment to Black Belt excellence.

January Belt Test
Congratulations to this months Belt Promotion graduates Yeva-Genevieve Lavlinski, Mark Merriman, Omar Haikal, Jordan Hurdle, Ilya Kravchenko, Michael Schroeder and Russ Nemhauser!

 

 

Health Seminar-Core Strength

Last Month we hosted the first in a series of health seminars. This one focused on optimum core Strength. Taught by our very own Ian Robinson PT, the class was very informative and well received. Safe exercises were demonstrated and practiced to develop a strong core while keeping the back stable. The price of admission was a donation for MANNA the Conejo valley food bank. We were able to collect two boxes of food which will be delivered to MANNA this week. Thank you to everyone who participated and a big thank you to Ian for his great presentation.

 

Health Seminar-Eat Right for your Type

In March we will be hosting another health Seminar. This time the guest speaker will be Dr. Nacy Doreo. She will talk about balancing your Diet to match your type. Scheduled for March 30th at 6:30, stay tuned for more details. To pre register, please click the link below

 

Register for Health Seminar

 

Here’s to a Great Year

 

It is hard to believe but 2010 is already here. Didn’t we all just got through the big Y2K panic. Computers were going to freeze, The power grid was going to shut down, anarchy was going to break out everywhere. There were even rumors about Nuclear Missiles resetting and automatically launching. Well here we are a decade later still kicking. It has been a tough time, national tragedies, wars, a troubled economy, however throughout it all we have endured. Many valuable lessons can be learned from these times. How we adapt and change to our environment is the big one. In our training, this is exactly what we do. We train not for the norm, but for the unexpected. We constantly talk about the “what if” scenario. How would you deal with this particular situation, how would you respond and what would you do to get to safety. What a magical and amazing art To-Shin Do is, it teaches you how to live your life freely and without preset limitations. The training is designed to give you solutions and options for difficult situations. Remember Knowledge isn’t power, what you do with the Knowledge is what makes it powerful

 

Directors Travel East

Simon Botoshi Clifford, Kriss Gakutoshi Hurdle,
Theresa Murphy, Dennis Fuutoshi Mahoney

 

School directors Kriss Gakutoshi Hurdle and Simon Botoshi Clifford recently traveled to New England to meet with the principles of Boston Martial Arts Center and New Hampshire’s Shinobi Martial Arts, for a series of marketing and systemization meetings. There were also some great training opportunities with the seniors from both schools.” It is wonderful to sit down and share such valuable information, with likeminded people” said Kriss. “The training was also intense but so rewarding” she added. Towards the end of the trip a big winter storm blew in with a major snow fall. This caused some major delays on the road and at the airport, resulting in a 24 hour delay in returning to the West Coast. During this time Kriss and Simon got reacquainted with a flight attendant, Michelle, from a prior flight. It pays to be nice-apparently the service was fabulous!!!

 

Tim Kanter wins semi-annual Spirit Coupon Drawing

As you all know we have a special cash prize drawing twice a year. The drawing is from Spirit coupons that people earn in class. Some of our commitment programs also include coupons. There is no limit to how many times someone can enter, the more coupons the greater your odds. This Decembers winner is Tim Kanter. Congratulations Tim, what a great time of year to pocket some extra cash.

 

 

Upon Completion

The Quest Center organization is proud to have led the martial industry in learning techniques- and is continuing to do so.

Hard to believe, but not all martial arts, or “karate” schools have a system in place to help teach goal setting and guarantee success!! To Shin Do does, taking the magical principles of our ancestors and applying that self exploration to today and beyond.

Unfortunately, the marketing industry has diluted a standard tag line throughout the martial arts schools in America- something to the effect of: we teach self discipline, focus and respect. The challenge really does not lie with the marketing company that may be doing their job, but the challenge is leaning systems that cannot support what they portend to teach.

One easy example of teaching goal setting and achieving is the black stripe/ red stripe/ belt graduation system. Our To Shin Do school has verified standards handed down from the Stephen K. Hayes headquarters for promotion guidelines. Our owners fly extensively around the country to meet and train on the best methods of “how to teach”. Our To Shin Do instructors participate in ongoing instructors colleges to help convey to our members “how to student”.

We are so fortunate to have this journey, and to have students that trust they are being watched and expertly guided, and celebrated with a belt graduation test day.

Over the next month, we challenge our students to find examples of our unique magical processes in their life, and share these stories on the mat. The classes in January will begin with the exploration of the art of winning- and taking responsibility for what surrounds you in the world. These ideals, as mentioned previously, are not new- but age old- and unique to our system- and honestly missing in most schools that do not have the information to support the process. Our process of the time tested three step set of disciplines and techniques (physical training, intellectual study, intensive exploration) is a pathway to guarantee each student the opportunity of success.

Thank you to all our To Shin Do students- and we value seeing you explore all this rich art has to offer!

*for further information on the eight step accomplishment plan, please see S.K. Hayes book “Enlightend Self-Protection”- pg. 59.

 

Announcements

Great Class Opportunities

Open mat This is your time to work on what you need! You can be your own best coach, so grab a class mate and come review rank material, enjoy some stretch time, work on bag work and make notes in your notebook. SCHEDULED OPEN MAT TIMES ARE TUESDAYS AT 5PM, THURSDAYS AT 5:45 PM AND MONTHLY BELT TEST FRIDAYS AT 5:45 PM.

 

Special Classes This months theme for the Special Ninja and Advanced training class, Black Belt Club class and Masters Club class, will be advanced ground escapes and counters Special Ninja and Advanced training class is on Thursday the 7th at 5:45. BBC is the 26th 5:45 for juniors and 7:15 for adults with the Masters Club on the 28th at 7:15. See you in class.

 

Belt Test This months belt test is on Friday Jan 29th at 6:30pm. Open mat time is from 5:45, so come early and work on those last minute details.

 

Enjoy the training this month!

 

Other News

New Members

Welcome new foundations of self protection members Brendan Petroff, !

December Belt Test
Congratulations to this months Belt Promotion graduates Tim Kanter, Zack Kolosky, David Moshier, Cris Rosario, Jon Torres, Thee Sanpitakseree, Kavyya Thakkar Aaron Witlin and Matthew Zeyn. .

 

Branding and Marketing Seminar

Kriss Gakutoshi Hurdle and Mary Aitoshi Casey attend a marketing/branding seminar in Denver,Co. on Monday, Dec. 14th. The exciting seminar explored philosophies behind presenting a company. Congruent with To Shin Do, Kriss studied “archetypes” in branding- matching Quest element structure. The magic behind marketing solidified the ideals To Shin Do students study as warriors! Yet another example of training in application outside the dojo mat.

 

 

 

An-shu’s Densho Post

For those of you who haven’t been following An-shu’s blog it can be found on the web at http://www.skhquest.com/the-densho/. This blog is truly one of the best. The information is honest and poignant and his observations really give one the opportunity to think.

 

Here is a recent post to get you started:

 

I can’t decide whether to see the movie “Men Who Stare at Goats”.

It purports to be a story about a spooky special program of psychic warriors in the US Army, trained like Jedi warriors for combat in Vietnam and reinstated for Iraq duty.

From the trailer and information from friends in the movie business, the program and its people are portrayed as lunatic. The whole concept is ridiculed, and all is bunched up and passed off as “satire”.

So what is being satirized? The possibility of mind powers actually working to defeat enemies? Army personnel being trained in such? The Army itself? The government itself?

I know from personal work experience that the US government did indeed mount a program of psychic remote viewing and intervention some years ago. We got into it on the heels of USSR and China research back when I was a teen.

I also know that the US government did an awful lot to camouflage and conceal the program, though the Russians and the Chinese did not seem to be as clandestine about their programs. Seems that as Communist and officially atheist, the USSR and China governments did not have to deal with any backlash from religious sensitivities. It was all approached as science, and no superstition or religious biases had any place in the consideration. If it worked, then it was scientific. If it failed to work, then it was discarded. Had nothing to do with gods or prophets.

The USA on the other hand has a large population block that fears so-called “paranormal” human capabilities as somehow demonic or ungodly. I was told that much of our official secrecy stemmed from wanting to avoid having Senators and Congresspersons around the country being required to spend lots of time assuaging the anger of riled up religiously fearful constituents from all over the USA.

When people asked me about religious considerations, I always replied that if they truly believed they were created in the image of God, and God was a pretty awesome creator, why would they turn down any gift that came along with the full package of potential?

I sometimes got an odd counter-logic reply that humans shouldn’t presume to be godly. OK, but then why would a God give them powers that the God would want them to turn down? The people should know better than their God?

Anyway, back to the movie. I can’t decide whether to see it or not. Some things like the fully activated capacities of an actualized human being are still so un-mainstream and so popularly disdained by weak and fearful people that such things are not appropriate to be used as bait for ridicule or so-called satire.

“It’s only a movie, a fiction,” a friend chides me. “Don’t take it so seriously.” Well then, maybe I’d better watch a movie that is more in line with what I have dedicated my entire adult life to seeking and sharing. I take fully actualized human capacity very seriously, especially when it is often in the cross-hair aim of all those who use threat and ridicule to hold our culture enslaved to a very small and helpless experience of life.

Just some thoughts from a man whose ninja training years ago had him “staring at goats”.

-An-shu Stephen K. Hayes

 

Announcements

Enjoying the Training Opportunities

We know everyone is enjoying the winter schedule. There are numerous training events aside from regular scheduled classes; please mark your calendars each month so you may fully experience all that your WQS membership has to offer!

 

Open mat This is your time to work on what you need! You can be your own best coach, so grab a class mate and come review rank material, enjoy some stretch time, work on bag work and make notes in your notebook. SCHEDULED OPEN MAT TIMES ARE TUESDAYS AT 5PM, THURSDAYS AT 5:45 PM AND MONTHLY BELT TEST FRIDAYS AT 5:45 PM.

 

Additional kids class Do you have a neighbor that is interested in “karate” or “MMA”? Our kids program is the best in Ventura County! We have added a Tuesday class to our schedule and can provide gift certificates for you to encourage friends and family to check it out!

 

BBC Have your made your promise to go for your Black Belt and beyond? For the last Black Belt Club of the year, we will be working on a awsome Energy experience. Topics to be covered: energy projection, energy sensing, energy guidance and an energy focusing drill- held on Dec 22nd at 7:15pm. (normally the 4th Tuesday of the month- adjusted for holidays). Our junior BBC class this month will feature a fun filled board breaking class – same day at 5:45 pm.

 

Belt Test This months belt test will be on Tuesday Dec 22nd at 6:30pm Come early and work on those last minute details.

 

Advanced class For our silver and gold members- as a thank you for your extra commitment and quest for knowledge, your advanced class this month will be held on Dec 3rd at 5:45 pm (normally held on the 1st Thursday of the month).

 

Fall Schedule Please remember, our schedule is available on the website.

 

Enjoy the training this month!

 

Other News

New Members

Welcome new foundations of self protection members! Jeff Barnett (Silver) Omar Haikal and Jim Burton. Also, showing their commitment to their goal of Black Belt excellence, this month we have some new Black Belt Club Members: Angel Mier, Frank Roos and Jim Burton

Refferals

We love Refferals! Earn great prizes or dojo bucks for your referrals! Thank you to Aaron Witlin for his introduction to Jim Burton

November Belt Test
This month kicked of our switch to Friday Night belt testing. All candidates did a great job and worked hard. Congratulations to Justin Hurdle, Chris Poulos, Angel Mier, Jim Desmond, Frank Roos, Daniel Milman and John Bridgeman.

 

Giving

As we approach the end of the year, most people get excited at the prospect of giving and receiving. November kicks of the holiday season with the truly all American holiday, Thanksgiving. Here we take time to show thanks in our lives and to express this to loved ones. Over the last few years we have held a holiday collection the our local food bank “Manna” http://www.mannaconejo.org This year we will also be acting as a collection point, however we will be running the program a little longer. Most food banks find their reserves the lowest after the holiday season. For that reason we will be collecting through to the end of January. Please bring your non-perishable donations to the school for collection. Cans, dried food, cereal etc. are all needed. This season we intend to give big and really make a difference. Giving doesn’t end in December!!

WQS 2010 Health Seminar Series

To enhance your experience at WQS Martial Arts, we are organizing a series of 1-1:15 hour Health seminars to be held at the school. Some of the subjects that are being scheduled will include “Balancing Energy”, “Structural Alignment and Recovery” and “Balancing a Diet to your Body”. These seminars will be open to non members and rewards will be given to members who bring in their friends, family and co-workers. Free to all WQS members, with a small fee for guests, the series will kick off in January. Keep an eye on your e-mail for invitations to this exciting series of events.

 

Fall Schedule Begins Nov 2nd

 

Really exciting news, effective Nov 2nd we will be switching to our fall schedule. This coincides with daylight savings which begins on the 1st. The Fall schedule will have some really exciting classes with lots of energy and new training opportunities.

We are also going to be holding our monthly belt promotions on the last Friday evening of the month. Testing will start at 6:30pm sharp. We encourage all of you to come down for the graduation, be Uke’s and support your class mates. There will be open mat time available before the test from 5:45, so feel free to take advantage of some extra work out time. I am sure following the testing, some of us will make it over to Lampost to celebrate.

 

 

Announcements

November Black Belt Club: Ghost Like Movement with Short Stick Application

November’s BBC will Feature ghost like movement with a short stick application. As always this will be another great class! If you have a short stick (baton) please bring it to class. We have sticks available for a special price of just $5.95. If you need a stick please make sure you purchase by November 13th so that we can get them in prior to the class.

 

Welcome new foundations of self protection members!
Jim Desmond, Jon Torres, Mark Merriman, Josh Holt and Zack Kolosky.

Your referrals are our biggest compliment! Earn dojo bucks for your referrals! Thank you to Frank Roos, Ben Harvey and Mark Merriman for your referrals this month!

 

Oliver!

Our own Tim Kanter will be playing the villain Bill Sykes in the musical Oliver! Ticket price is $15 online or at the door. For more info & to purchase tickets directly, click here.

Performances:
Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 2:30pm
Friday, November 13, 2009 at 8pm
Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 8pm
Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2:30pm
Friday, November 20, 2009 at 8pm
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 8pm
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 2:30pm

Joe Crosby Performing Arts Center – at Oxnard High School
3400 W Gonzales Road, Oxnard, CA

 

From The Universe
I do believe that if people would just start by saying “it’s fun,” when it seems hard; “I’m happy,” when they seem sad; and “I know,” when it seems as if they don’t, they’d finally discover that it really is, they really are, and they always have.
Works for me,
– The Universe

 

Pro Shop Updates

November Pro Shop Special of the month- it is short Stick- Nov special price only $5.95 (Silver and Gold members receive additional discount as applicable)

Other Pro Shop Happenings: New WQS shirts are here! Long sleeve, three quarter sleeve and womens cuts. Prices range from $12.95 to $24.95.

Holiday Pro Shop Specials

Great packages – gift wrapped and ready to go!

2 weeks of training, uniform, and T-shirt for just $19.95!

1 month of training, uniform, and T-shirt for just $29.95!

1 month of training, 1 private lesson, uniform, and T-shirt for just $59.95!

1 month of training, 1 private lesson, uniform, book, and T-shirt for just $74.95!

Great gifts ideas as stocking stuffers for friends, family, co-workers or for that difficult to buy holiday party

 

October Graduation

Congratulations to our October 2009 graduating class of Ilya Kravchenko, Jim Burton, David Pabers, and Michael Shroeder! Well done to you all. Every month we are so excited to see how far our students have come and this month was no exception.

 

Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic

by Gianni Torraca

One symbol of To Shin Do is the person stretching beyond their comfort zone. A simple yet profound message, get outside your comfort zone and reap the rewards. Applying this to my love of cycling I wondered how far could I go under my own power? How about San Francisco to Los Angeles? This year I joined over 200 cyclists in the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic. A charity bike tour called the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour sponsored by Amgen. So not only do you get to experience one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world but also help fund arthritis research. Each rider had to raise at least $3000. This year $1 million was raised.

This 525-mile ride leaves from the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and arrives 8 days later at the Yahoo Center in Santa Monica. The ride hugged the coastline making the constant of the Pacific Ocean a familiar companion nearly every day of the ride.

 

Staff I-Fly Adventure

 

The Instructors from WQS were all recently treated to a high (well actually quite low) flying adventure at Universal City Walk’s I-Fly indoor sky diving. The Harvey Family generously presented us with a sky diving party package, that allowed us to experience free falling through the air without flying up to 10,000ft. What an amazing experience. Each of us got some basic training and were then treated to two 1 minute flights. All experienced fun, exhilaration and some of us a little frustration. What a great night it was and to cap it all off, the package included a video. For some of us though, the memory of that night is clear enough-no video necessary.

WQS Offers Free Wifi to Members and Guests

We are very pleased to annouce that we now offer free Wifi to our members and Guests. Feel free to use your laptop, wireless devise, notebook I-phone or Black Berry etc. to browse the web or check your e-mail while at WQS. Parents, not only can you watch your kids in class you can keep up to date on news and e-mail, Truly “Multitasking” . For log on information, please see the front desk.

Festival 2009 Rocked!

Wow, how cool was Festival?   An-shu’s Kanreki year really came together during Festival.  From the spirited training to the energy meditiation, it was one of the best festivals yet.  This years guest instructors included many seniors from around the country.  Our own Tori Eldridge  and all four WQS owners were amongst the lucky ones able to share their gifts with the participants.  Each year three awards are given out for various participation criterion.  This year we returned home with all three plaques, bringing home the third one for overal largest number of students in attendance.  A big WQS shout out to all of our students who journeyed into the heart land.

We also want to thank all of you in attendance for helping Mr Molinsky overcome his shyness and get up on stage for Karaoke.  Can’t wait until next year.

Announcements

Welcome new Members Angel Mier and Kavyaa Thakkar!  Also Congratulations to Ryan Huggins for making his Master Club Commitment working towards his new goal of Nidan, 2nd Degree Blackbelt.

Thank you Ilya for your referral! Referrals are out best compliment- if you have a friend that might be interested in training, please see the front desk for gift certificates.

A heartfelt thank you to all our “Festival Coaches” for holding down the fort while we were in Dayton! To Shin! Thank you to: Michael Calvaresi, Michael Crawford, David Dunlap, Ben Harvey, Peter Margolis, Aaron Witlin and Matthew Zeyn. For anyone I missed, our thanks goes out to all- and you are valued members of our WQS family!

Congratulations to the September 2009 graduation class!

 

 

 

Private Lessons

Ever get that feeling that you didn’t own a particular kata or principle?  Do you sometimes feel that you need some really detailed training on one concept?  Are you getting ready for a test and just want to get a review and some detail training?  Been gone for a while and want to catch up on your curriculum?  Private lessons are a great way to keep on track,  and enhance your WQS experience.  Private lesson coupons are available at the front desk and can be purchased in blocks of 4.  Use one for a  1/2 hour private with one of our amazing Black Belt instructors, or for some really detailed and targeted training, book a 1/2 hour private with one of our To-Shi instructors  for only  2 coupons or 3 for a full hour.

 

A Note from The Universe

You don’t take “baby steps” for the distance they cover, but to put yourself within reach of life’s magic. Just like you don’t hoist your sails to move the boat, but to put yourself within reach of the wind.

Hoist, baby, hoist, baby, 1, 2, 3, 4 -

-The Universe

THQ Gaming Demo

WQS was recently invited by an old friend of ours, David White a Software development Manger for video gaming giant THQ, to come down and perform a demonstration at their national sales meeting.  Unlike our normal reality based demo’s, this one was all Hollywood.  The demo was to build some excitement for the launch of the new Avatar game which is being released to coincide with the New M. Night Shyamalan movie the “Air Bender” Paul Hantoshi Molinsky and Jeremy Park performed jo-staff to the delight of all in attendance- with cool music and ninja costumes. Paul even taught two of their top executives a Jo routine which they performed while dressed as characters  from the new movie.  Kriss Gakutoshi Hurdle and Simon Botoshi Clifford answered many inquiries about our dojo and shared the word about this amazing art of ours, To-Shin Do.

To the outside observer, this was a marketing meeting for THQ—to us, we were training—info gathering, marketing strategies, getting the word out about To Shin Do. Are you aware of ALL your training opportunities?  What a great time we all had and Kudos to all involved.  A special thank you to David and Dee Dee at THQ for their hospitality.

WQS Teaches Self Protection to NPHS Dance Team

Saturday afternoon, we hosted 15 young woman from the NPHS Dance team for an awareness and self protection seminar.  Included in the group was our very own Anna Torraca who along with the others had fun, but stayed  focused  for the two hour class.  Unlike typical Woman’s self defense classes, at WQS,  we focus on being aware and finding places of safety, both mentally and physically in a confrontation or assault.  They listened intently and participated in some drills to make them more aware and also gain some in sight into how to find “open Space” in the event of a confrontation.  During the general Q and A part of the presentation, the questions asked, really showed that they had been listening and learning.  We salute these fine young ladies for taking the time  (on a Saturday)  to come out and really empower themselves.

WQS Monthly Special!

This month we have one of An-shu’s fantastic books on sale. “The Ninja and their secret Fighting Art” is a must have for anyone training in To-Shin Do. Get it now for only $12.95 (Regular price is $14.95 + Shipping.) Pre order your copy at the front Desk. This book really delves deep into the traditions and origins on our art.

 

 

 

 

 

Festival

Wow, Festival is just around the corner. Hopefully all of you going have all of your travel plans set. If you haven’t committed yet it isn’t too late, There are still some $300 flights out there. You just need to look a little.

Festival for those of you who are uninitiated is a time of year where all of us Kooky To Shin Do Ninja’s gather in Ohio to train and play. This year is a really special one, as it is An Shu’s 60th B’day His Kanreki Year (a Full Life Cycle) There will be lots of training ops with both An Shu’s and other senior instructors.

To get the most out of festival, let me offer the following tips

• When you arrive, find a market and buy plenty of Water. It can get really hot and humid in Dayton
• Greet everyone you meet as a friend and tell them where you are from (People Like us Cali folk)
• Train with strangers (well not strangers if you follow the above step)
• Study the Break Out sessions and if you are there with a training partner, maybe take different sessions so you can compare
• Consider training with instructors you don’t normally get to work with
• Practice your singing-Karaoke night is Saturday. Please encourage Paul Molinsky to sing, he is very shy
• Eat a good breakfast, it will carry you through the day (although lunch is provided)
• Be afraid of anyone in a Pink Gi
• Stay at the Holiday Inn. Get an outside room if you can (window opens out)
• Take extra cash-Always cool things to buy

 

Each year awards are given out to schools for attendance. As I am sure you are aware, we have been the recipient of 2 or all 3 many times. Lets hope that this year we bring back all three. Last year we were beaten out of total participants by John Poliquin and the Maine crew. Hopefully this year the third plaque will find it’s way back to WQS in California. If you haven’t registered, please make sure you do so before Sep 5th so you get counted for the awards.

See you all there!
WQS

 

Referral Rewards

Referral rewards is back (actually it never went away). Share this art with your friends, coworkers and family and reap the rewards. Every referral of yours who signs up after the trial program earns you $50. We have a tremendous online offer available on our new website http://www.wqsmartialarts.com Your referral can get a 30-minute private lesson, a week of classes, a uniform and 50% off their first month all for $29.99.

 

Energy Medicine

for vitality and health

Based on Donna Eden’s book Energy Medicine you will learn and practice exercises called 5 Minute Daily Energy Routine to help balance and align your energies.

September 10th – $25 Per Class

Morning Class 10:00 am – Noon

Evening Class 7:00 pm – 9:00pm

Mary Jayne Collins, Ph.D: (805) 371-1679
Akashic Bookshop & Center, 1414 Thousand Oaks Blvd #103, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

 

Nisei Week Review

by Jeremy Park

Every year in August there’s a festival celebrating Japanese/American culture called Nisei week. Events and activities were held all throughout the Little Tokyo portion of downtown for the 69th annual festival with events including; Dance, Fashion, Food, Games, Sumo, Martial Arts, Anime and movie viewings and much more. This year was my second time attending the Taiko Drum Gathering and closing ceremonies on the final day of the event. As a drummer myself, I greatly enjoying watching and hearing the performances of the many Taiko groups in the Southland Area. We also were able to see exhibits of Bonsai trees, Sumi calligraphy and painting, Textile dyeing and more along with the closing ceremonies. This event ends with a giant parade in the street of dancing groups and any willing participants performing traditional folk dances to music. With the large crowds of people around, it is a good time to check out all of the many fun shops and markets which make up Little Tokyo. It also gives me reason to visit one of my favorite restaurants, Daikokuya, that is among the many small authentic eateries. Next year, we will be sure to mark the dates of the festival on the dojo calendar so anyone interested in attending will know in advance.

 

An-shu’s at WQS

What a great weekend it was with An Shu’s Rumiko and Stephen Hayes. We trained, trained and trained, but most importantly had fun.  Having one An-shu, let alone two, is always such an honor. But this year it was even more special considering it is An-shu Stephen’s Kanreki (60th B’day) year.  His open and honest explanations of all that he does is such a treat for all. 

The one constant in all of An-shu’s instruction is the practical application of this art.  Ninjutsu is too often maligned by the media as folk lore as the art of the assassin. We know better. Ninjutsu is the art of winning without compromising ones values.  We are able to stay safe and protect our loved ones, while all the time staying true to our ideals of leaving the world a better place than how we found it.  If this all seems a little esoteric, ask your self this. For those of you who attended, didn’t you leave the seminar with a sense of excitement, enlightenment or at very least a feeling of accomplishment. (maybe all of the above)? 

This in it’s self makes you a more complete, fulfilled person which can only positively impact those around you.  Take time to reflect on your training and remember that only you can take the knowledge that you collect and turn it into something powerful.

SKH Quest Owners’ Meeting

Kriss Gakutoshi Hurdle and my self (Simon Botoshi Clifford) were proud to represent the owners of WQS at the mid year owners meeting in Dayton Ohio last weekend. Many of the national schools were in attendance and we spent much time discussing the vision we have for the organization as a whole as well as planning for enhancements to our system and curriculum.  The beauty of To-Shin Do is that it is a living, breathing art.  We are able to adapt the system to meet the needs of the early 21st century and beyond.  Many potential programs were discussed and resources were shared.  We are all working towards a more unified organization that will allow for sharing of teaching technology and programs.  An-shu also spent some time working on advanced training that we will be sharing with all of you in up-coming special training classes.

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Congrats New Students:

Kavyaa Thakkar and Jim Burton

New BB Club Member


Cris Rosario


New Gold Level Member


Ilya Kravchenko



Spirit Coupon Winner

Tommy Siedner