The Wave - West Coast Jiu-Jitsu Newsletter>
The Wave - WCJJ Newsletter #7

September 25, 2007

Contains info about the recent annual Jiu-Jitsu BC Society
training camp and recent promotions. FEATURE ARTICLE:
Meditation Posture and Breathing as Applied to Jiu-jitsu.

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NEWS

*The recent annual JJBC intensive training camp was a great
success. It was hosted by Sensei Raven Pruden of Hara
Jiu-jitsu in Qualicum bay. The theme for the camp was the
mental and spiritual aspects of Jiu-jitsu. The camp's
seminars were taught by Shihan Randy Martin, Shihan Steve
Hiscoe, Shihan Randy Martin, Sensei Allen St. John, Sensei
Ari Bolden, Sensei Joe Freide and West Coast Jiu-Jitsu's
Sensei Lori O'Connell. Seminar topics included the use of
energy fields when reading an opponent, meditiaton posture
and breathing as applied to Jiu-jitsu techniques, attacking
Kyusho (vital points), defending in a circular pattern, and
ne-waza.
view the group photo from the event here:
http://www.westcoastjj.com/albums/album_image/2875011/1486441.htm

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

*Over the past few months, there were several promotions.
Chris Olson and Dave Hartling were promoted to yellow belt
in February. Glenn Chow was promoted to orange belt in
March. And Debbie Bourne and Julian Salari were promoted to
yellow belt in June. It's great to see the club growing
together as a group. Keep up the good work!

*New Location in East Richmond
We have moved our Jiu-jitsu dojo to a new place in East
Richmond. It is a location that is dedicated to martial
arts training so we are right at home there. Visit the
following link to see a map of our new location:
http://www.westcoastjj.citymax.com/location.html

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FEATURE ARTICLE: Meditation Posture and Breathing as
Applied to Jiu-jitsu

At the recent annual training camp, I showed how the
posture and breathing techniques from meditation can and
should be applied Jiu-jitsu techniques. Meditation posture
and breathing carry the benefits of improving application
of pretty much and and all Jiu-jitsu techniques. It also
helps with your mental centring and focus.

In Zazen meditation posture, whether you are kneeling in
seiza or sitting in the lotus position, has the same
structure. You should strive to keep body relaxed with the
pelvis tucked and the back straight with the spine aligned.
To achieve this position, it is often suggested to imagine
that you are being suspended by an imaginary string from
the top of your head.

This posture helps you to use your entire body when
applying techniques when you're doing strikes. This also
applies when taking an attacker to the ground or applying a
lock. There is also the added benefit of keeping your head
out of the way preventing your attacker from doing many
reversals.

You should also rest the tip of your tongue on the roof of
your mouth just behind your teeth. They say that doing
this completes your circuit of energy. In Jiu-jitsu it
also keeps you from having your tongue outside your teeth,
which can get it bitten if you get hit in the head when
caught with it in this position.

The long, drawn out breaths of meditation can also be
applied to Jiu-jitsu when you're taking a person to the
ground or applying a lock. It serves to help focus your
energy while simultaneously keeping your mind centred.

I practice Zazen meditation 20 minutes a day, every morning
right after I get up. By doing regular practice, you can
help cement the posture into your muscle memory. You can
also use the meditation posture through your day, while
you're sitting at work, in your car, eating meals, etc.
This way you can always be working toward improving your
Jiu-jitsu, even when you're not in class.

Lori O'Connell Sensei


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