October Class Schedule

Starting October 3rd, our weekly class schedule will be:

Monday
6 PM- Beginners at Joria Productions
7 PM- Intermediate at Joria Productions

Tuesday
 6 PM- Beginners at Joria Productions
7:30 PM- Intermediate at Ripley-Grier Studios

Thursday
 6 PM- Beginners at Joria Productions
7:30 PM- Intermediate at Ripley-Grier Studios

Joria Productions  is located at 260 W. 36th St. (between 7th and 8th) on the 3rd floor.  You can ask which room we're in at the front desk.

Ripley-Grier Studios is located at 520 8th Ave. (between 36th and 37th) on the 16th floor.  Check the monitors by the elevator to see which room we're in.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well as this space, for any changes or updates to the schedule.  Feel free to e-mail us with any questions!

See you in class!

Level Test September 24th

The next level test will be on Saturday, September 24th at 2:30 PM at the Dumont dojo.  If this is your first test, it can be a pretty intimidating experience.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Don't forget to kiap!  Seriously.  You could do everything else perfectly, but if you forget this, you're going to fail.  No one expects you to be perfect at this level, but as long as you can demonstrate your spirit and commitment, you'll be fine.
• Maintain Zanshin ("remaining mind" or focus).  Even if you end up on the wrong foot or don't cut properly, don't let it show.  Don't make faces or heave heavy sighs.  Make any small adjustments you need to and just keep going.  Try not to let anything break your focus.
• Tap into your chianshim (power).  Make sure to engage your core.  A good cut comes from speed and  chianshim, not brute muscle.
• Relax and breathe!  Easier said than done, I know, but try.  Make sure to move slower than you think you need too.  When you're nervous, you'll speed up and make mistakes you wouldn't ordinarily make.  Practice going slower than you think you need to so that on the day of the test, you'll move at the proper pace.

Check in with the instructor if you're not sure what you need to do on the test.  Remember that you need to have your own sword and a uniform before you can take your first test.  It's best if you can practice in your uniform at least a few times first- hakama can take some getting used to!  The cost of the test is $40 and is due before the beginning of the test, along with the testing application form.

The dojo is easily reached by New Jersey Transit, but we are also arranging a car pool from the city.  Please let us know ASAP if you'd like to get in on the car pool.

If you can't make it to the test on the 24th, we will be offering an opportunity to take a video test on Monday, September 26th during regular class.  Send us an e-mail if you'd like more information or have any other questions about the test.

Good luck!