Sage Arts
A masterful blend of many arts, Sage starts with the fundamentals of Kickboxing and intelligently progresses through the various skills and techniques of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Filipino arts and weapons, groundwork, and into Kung Fu. Although the art becomes increasingly complex, all of the combatives are organized in simple, easy to understand methodologies. Complexities are introduced as the student's state of consciousness improves, allowing them to apply more difficult, and potentially more effective, techniques.
"Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories."
- Sun Tzu
Under stress, one's ability to control fine motor movement decreases. Thus, the system is built around uniquely integrated gross (fundamental) movements that are easy to rely on when under duress. This allows one to use the same basic maneuvers, throughout different states of consciousness, with applicable effectiveness.
An important focus of the teachings is in the area we call 'the funnel'. This is 'a narrow band' that separates what a student is able to apply and what is just beyond their abilities, that maximizes learning. This eventually creates an infinite variety of viable combat responses – instead of deciphering which technique the opponent will attack with and then deciding on the appropriate response from a very limited repertoire, they become 'free' to simply listen and respond with almost any movement. With this vast outline of knowledge the student becomes aware of vital combat questions. At the upper levels, they are capable of researching, integrating, and creating their own style to become a real martial artist.
"We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training."
- Navy SEAL saying, based on a quote by Archilochus.
Mastery of the basics, discovery, transformation, and creativity are the goals of the Sage system. Life is ever changing, there is always one more step to take. Sage is one way, of many, to absorb knowledge, contemplate on truths and apply wisdom.
In a short period of time, the student can grasp the overall view of a vast array of martial arts techniques. Moving gracefully at slower speeds, with an emphasis on relaxation and control, one can safely practice complex, dangerous, and difficult techniques with ease.
In this relaxed, non-competitive, yet non-cooperative, environment students of all ages, health conditions, and experience can train.
Being exposed to constantly changing and unpredictable combat situations, the student develops the ability to spontaneously respond. This thinking-on-your-feet skill increases confidence and improves one's ability to creatively deal with the unknown.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."
- Aristotle
Peace
The ability to defend oneself can cultivate a profound sense of confidence, security, and peace. The practice of martial arts is an exercise in focus and mindfulness. When being physically aggressed (albeit in a safe, controlled environment), emotions, thoughts, and reactions can come to light. This presents a great opportunity to practice calmness and strength of character with a view toward being able to apply this state of peace and mindfulness to other areas of your life.
"I allowed myself to be bullied because I was scared and didn't know how to defend myself. I was bullied until I prevented a new student from being bullied. By standing up for him, I learned to stand up for myself."
- Jackie Chan
Meditation
All these famous high performance people have ONE habit in common.
Sports: Michael Jordan, Joe Namath, Derek Jeter, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Barry Zito, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Jim Carrey, Patrick Swayze, Patrick Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Clint Eastwood, Howard Stern, David Letterman, Burt Reynolds, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston, Jeff Bridges, Cameron Diaz, John Stamos, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dr. Oz, Martin Scorsese, Greta Garbo.
Music: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Katy Perry, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Sting, Stevie Wonder, John Denver, Tom Petty, Eddie Vedder, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, Prince.
Business: Steve Jobs, Evan Williams (creator of Twitter), Ray Dalio (largest hedge fund manager), Tony Robbins, Bill Ford (CEO of Ford), Larry Brilliant (Google director), Richard Branson (Virgin), Marc Benioff, Russel Simmons (Def Jam), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook creator).
George Lucas, Navy Seals Special Forces, Snipers and many, many others.
They all........MEDITATE!
And all true spiritual masters in the form of Prayer (which also gets you into the 'zone' and even beyond):
Jesus, Buddha, Arjuna, Shams-i-Tabrinz, Lao Tzu, Rumi, Brother Lawrence, St. Francis, Lai Tsi.
"Exercise, prayer, and meditation are examples of calming rituals. They have been shown to induce a happier mood and provide a positive pathway through life's daily frustrations."
- Chuck Norris