Allen Martial Arts Academy

The Allen Academy Has Moved!!

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:47:49 -0700

Parents and students,

We are delighted to inform you that the Allen Academy is all moved into it’s new space! We would like to thank all of the staff and students who offered up their time and effort to make the move speedy and painless. We are still located in the same building, but have moved to suite H, just above Millenium Spa.

Classes are open and will be held at their normal times. That being said, we are planning a little construction to give us more workout space, but this will have no effect on classes.

We thank you again for your patience, and look forward to seeing you!

Respectfully,

Allen Academy Staff

The Allen Academy Is Moving!

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:31:57 -0700

Dear Parents and Students,

The past few months have been a period of transition and change within the Allen Academy family. Over that time, we have appreciated your support and understanding and have strived to maintain the level of quality and service that we believe you deserve. At this time, we are faced with a new challenge and we hope for your continued support.

The Allen Academy is moving, BUT there is no need to be alarmed. We are staying in the same building, just moving to a different suite. I want to assure you that it will be business as usual at the Academy and classes will continue as scheduled. We will now be located in Suite H (just down the hall from our current suite). If you are coming from the elevator, exit and turn left. It will be the first suite you run into. There is also a set of stairs at the rear of the building, exit the stairwell and turn right. The Allen Academy has been and will continue to be a positive influence on the community; we’ll just be doing that from a different office!

We will be doing the heavy lifting this weekend. If you are interested in helping out, please contact us:

Phone: (951) 354-0244

Email: allenkjacademy@aol.com

Facebook: facebook.com/AllenMartialArtsAcademy

We will update everyone with the times that moving crews will be active as soon as we have coordinated that information. On behalf of the staff and black belt corps, we thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Josh Chevalier

Shihan 4th Degree

Shinsho Ryu

UPCOMING ACADEMY EVENTS

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:05:43 -0700

Allen Academy Spring Events!

Sunday, April 14th

Rank Test

The Allen Academy will be holding a group rank test for students aspiring for belts yellow and above. The test will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.

As Always, applicants must obtain a test authorization prior to the test date. Be sure to study your material and good luck!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Bo Staff Seminar

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join us for this exciting seminar featuring one of the oldest and most practical weapons in history. This seminar will cover basic movements including thrusts, swipes, and strikes as well as an introduction to staff combat and philosophy.

The seminar is open to all ranks and ages. The cost will $50 if payed before the seminar date and $60 if paid on the day of the event.

POWER RESTORED!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:47:56 -0700

Parents and Students,

We are happy to announce that power has been restored at the dojo and that classes will resume immediately! We would like to thank you all or your patience and understanding through this ordeal, and we look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Allen Academy Staff

Grappling Seminar March 24, 2013 Part 3

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:50:00 -0700

Grappling Seminar

March 24, 2013

Part 3

Grappling Seminar March 24, 2013 Part 2

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:44:32 -0700

Grappling Seminar

March 24, 2013

Part 2

Grappling Seminar March 24, 2013 Part 1

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:37:02 -0700

Grappling Seminar

March 24, 2013

Part 1

Dojo Power Outage [UPDATE]

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:08:11 -0700

Attention Students and Parents:

We have been informed that Riverside Utility will not be able to restore power until tomorrow, March 27th.

All classes for tonight will be cancelled. We apologize again for the inconvenience.

Respectfully,

Allen Academy Staff

Dojo Power Outage

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:33:23 -0700

Dear Students and Parents,

Last night, there was a power outage at the dojo, and classes had to be cancelled. We apologize for this inconvenience and we are working with building management to get the power restored. There has been an issue with lighting in the past month and this is an extension of that problem. Cancelling classes is always a last resort and we are working to avoid future cancellations. We appreciate your continued patience and will be sure to keep you all posted on the situation.

Respectfully,

Allen Academy Staff

P.S. If you have any questions, you may reach us in the following ways:

By phone: (951) 354-0244

email: allenkjacademy@aol.com

Social Networks: facebook, google+, and twitter. Each is conveniently linked through the icons on the right hand side of the page.

Academy Update: Internal Energy Seminar!

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:02:26 -0700

Internal Energy Seminar

With Shihan Robert Hawk
Sunday, August 26, 2012
@10 am - 12:30 pm

The Allen Academy is proud to host a seminar on the power of chi flow. Come experience the benefits of increased energy and active relaxation. This seminar will cover chi flow theories used in acupuncture and acupressure techniques. These techniques are also used in the most sophisticated of Martial Arts! Shihan Hawk will cover various exercises and drills and introduce students to another side of martial training that will benefit both the novice and advanced stylist.

Academy Update: Academy Shirt Pre-Sale!

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:39:32 -0700

Academy Shirt Pre-Sale!

The Allen Academy is now accepting orders for the 2012 Academy T-Shirts!

Shirts Will Be Priced As Follows:
1 for $15
or
2 for $25

Orders will be limited to the number of sign ups, so be sure to place your order at your next class! Feel free to ask an instructor about tanks, long sleeves and sweatshirts.

To: The Shinsho Association Student Body From: Scott Mullen of the Allen Academy Dear Students:...

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:26:14 -0700

To: The Shinsho Association Student Body

From: Scott Mullen of the Allen Academy

Dear Students: It is with great pleasure that I am being allowed to address you as the new Headmaster of the Shinsho Association. I have trained under Professor Allen for over a decade and am proud and honored to be asked to lead our association. Along with this announcement comes the awareness of the responsibility that has been bestowed on me, and on my fellow black belts in charge of the everyday operation of our main school. Without a headmaster, the system falters; without the lead black belts, the school will not function; without the student body, there is no new blood to pass this system on to. We as an association must move forward and honor Professor Allen’s decision to step down into an advisory role. We must also continue to strengthen our system.

My dictionary says that a system is “an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles, doctrines, or the like in a particular field of knowledge or thought.” The root of the word is the Latin word “stare”, to stand. Now is the time for us to stand together. All life is change and we are judged by how well we adjust to it. If we stand together, move together, and communicate together, we can continue to develop a system that has high standards and continuity.

Please join me in fostering a group of people committed to our system. Thank Professor Allen for his decades of service, appreciate the fine instructors you all have, and greet me with a smile when we meet in the coming weeks. I am truly honored to serve you all.

Respectfully,

Headmaster Scott Mullen

An open letter from Professor Brian Allen

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:24:07 -0700

Attention Students:

It has been my honor to serve as the Headmaster of the Shinsho School since the birth of the Shinsho System. In that time I have had the pleasure to work with thousands of students and have overseen the promotion of 19 Black Belts. But it is time for a change. As many of you know I have suffered from severe and chronic back pain since I was t-boned by a semi-tractor-trailer truck in 2005. In spite of many doctors and procedures, I still have not found significant relief. As of January 1, 2012, I have retired as the Headmaster of the Shinsho School. When I considered who would succeed me, there was a short list of incredible candidates. And after careful consideration, I am proud to announce that Professor Scott Mullen has been appointed as Headmaster.

Headmaster Mullen is a wonderfully talented martial artist with 40 years of martial arts experience. He is an incredible teacher in the Yucaipa School District with a Bachelors degree in Education and has been continuously recognized as an outstanding educator. He is also the Master Instructor of the Redlands school, the MullenAcademy. It is with the greatest confidence in Headmaster Mullen that I pass on the history and the traditions of the America Shinsho Association.

As my final act as Headmaster, I am announcing the promotion of the following Black Belts:

Scott Mullen, 6^th degree, Professor
Hendrix Yuri, 5^th degree, Shihan
Joshua Chevalier, 4^th degree, Shihan
Robert Hawk, 4^th degree, Shihan
Jane Burkheimer, 2^nd degree, Sensei

Please congratulate them the next time you see them!

Respectfully,

Brian Allen

Headmaster of the Shinsho School

Japanese Swordsmithing

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:03:00 -0700

Japanese Swordsmithing:

Thanks to Sam Hart for posting the link.

Cutting Was A Success!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:46:07 -0700

The Allen Academy would like to thank all those in attendance for Sunday’s Black Belt/ETP class. Cutting went off without a hitch and was huge amount of fun!

I will be posting photos and video from the event over the course of the week, so be sure to check back daily!

-Josh

Attention Students: We are having a bee problem near the elevator and have contacted the building...

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:55:34 -0800

Attention Students:

We are having a bee problem near the elevator and have contacted the building manager. Until we get the matter resolved, please do not use the elevator. If you see any bees around, please let us know.

Respectfully,
The Allen Academy Staff

ADDITIONAL CLASS THIS WEEK 2/23/2011 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:42:19 -0800

Attention Students:

The Allen Academy will be having a class this Thursday from 6:30pm-7:30pm for any adult student who would like to get in some extra training before the belt test this Sunday at 10 am. Hope to see you there.

Respectfully,
The Allen Academy Staff
www.allenmaacademy.com
951-354-0244

Rank Test Feb. 26

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:22:43 -0800

The Allen Academy will be hosting an adult belt test on February 26th at 10am. Children will be testing in class during their regular class times. All students will need to be checked off on all their material to receive a test authorization.

Respectfully,
The Allen Academy Staff
www.allenmaacademy.com
951-354-0244

Academy Closed 2/19

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:20:52 -0800

The Allen Academy will be closed Sunday, February 19. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank You,

Allen Academy Staff

The Negative Effects Of Sitting

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:58:00 -0800

I happened across this article yesterday, and I felt like I should share it with all of you. It is especially important for those of you who work in an office and spend a great deal of time sitting throughout the day. Enjoy.

(copied and pasted, the link at the bottom of the post will take you to the main article.)

How Sitting All Day Is Damaging Your Body and How You Can Counteract It

Do you sit in an office chair or on your couch for more than six hours a day? Then here are some disturbing facts: Your risk of heart disease has increased by up to 64 percent. You’re shaving off seven years of quality life. You’re also more at risk for certain types of cancer. Simply put, sitting is killing you. That’s the bad news. The good news: It’s easy to counteract no matter how lazy you are.

Photo remixed from Lack-O’Keen/Shutterstock and Nip/Shutterstock.

Let’s start with the basics. Since childhood you’ve known being a couch potato is bad. But why? Simply put, our bodies weren’t made to sit all day. Sitting for long periods of time, even with exercise, has a negative effect on our health. What’s worse, many of us sit up to 15 hours a day. That means some of us spend the bulk of our waking moments on the couch, in an office chair, or in a car.

Sitting all day long isn’t hard to counteract, but you have to keep your eye on two details: your daily activity and the amount of time you sit. Let’s start by taking a look at what sitting all day does to your body.

An Estimated Timeline of the Effects of Sitting

It’s difficult to get an accurate assessment of what sitting all day will do to you because the effects work in tandem with diet and other risk factors. So we’re going to start with a relatively healthy person who does not drink in excess, smoke, and who isn’t overweight. Then we’ll estimate the effects of sitting for over six hours a day based on what starts happening immediately after you sit down. For a general overview of the effects, take a look at this chart from Medical Billing and Coding to see a breakdown of what that happens in your body when you sit down. (If the majority of your sitting time takes place at a desk, keep in mind that a standing desk has its own problems, too.)

Immediately After Sitting

Right after you sit down, the electrical activity in your muscles slows down and your calorie-burning rate drops to one calorie per minute. This is about a third of what it does if you’re walking. If you sit for a full 24-hour period, you experience a 40 percent reduction in glucose uptake in insulin, which can eventually cause type 2 diabetes.

After Two Weeks of Sitting for More Than Six Hours a Day

Within five days of changing to a sedentary lifestyle, your body increases plasma triglycerides (fatty molecules), LDL cholesterol (aka bad cholesterol), and insulin resistance. This means your muscles aren’t taking in fat and your blood sugar levels go up, putting you at risk for weight gain. After just two weeks your muscles start to atrophy and your maximum oxygen consumption drops. This makes stairs harder to climb and walks harder to take. Even if you were working out every day the deterioration starts the second you stop moving.

After One Year of Sitting More Than Six Hours a Day

After a year, the longer term effects of sitting can start to manifest subtly. According to this study by Nature, you might start to experience weight gain and high cholesterol. Studies in woman suggest you can lose up to 1 percent of bone mass a year by sitting for over six hours a day.

After 10-20 Years of Sitting More Than Six Hours a Day

Sitting for over six hours a day for a decade or two can cut away about seven quality adjusted life years (the kind you want). It increases your risk of dying of heart disease by 64 percent and your overall risk of prostate or breast cancer increases 30 percent.

If this looks bad, don’t worry. We’re going to show you how to counteract the negative effects of sitting without totally altering your lifestyle. Photo by John O’Nolan.

Counteract the Consequences of Sitting and Still Maintain Your Current Lifestyle

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Happlily, you only need to do two things to counter the effects of sitting all day:

Remember to stand once an hour.
Get about 30 minutes of activity per day.

Whether you’re a couch potato watching marathons of Firefly or an office worker sitting in front of a computer, an Australian study suggests short breaks from sitting once an hour can alleviate most of the problemsdescribed above. This isn’t about working out (which is positive in its own right but doesn’t counteract the effects of long periods of sitting). It’s about creating pockets of moderate activity throughout the day and giving your body a respite from sitting.

What exactly is moderate activity? I talked with Dr. Brian Parr, associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Health Sciences at the University of South Carolina Aiken to find out. He points out the distinction between moderate activity and exercise:

We usually tell people moderate activity is equivalent to a brisk walk. This would include yard work or cleaning your house — anything that gets you moving counts. You don’t have to do what people think of as exercise.

Of course, couch potatoes and office workers don’t always have thirty minutes to spare. After all, a Firefly bender might take up an entire evening. Here’s the good news: you can break up that thirty minutes throughout the day. Dr. Parr continues:

This is the best part. We usually tell people to break it up into ten minute segments, but that’s because it’s the most practical. If I tell you that you can spread it out throughout the day, you’re going to say, “Well, I stood up and walked across the room to my soda.” What was that, about ten seconds? You’ll start to micromanage. From my perspective, that’s not how people should do it. But you could do it that way.

The main reason you want to shoot for the ten minute chunks is because you’re creating a mini-stress in your body that helps increase your endurance. In the real world, this means you won’t get tired halfway up the stairs. Think of it this way: you don’t train for a marathon by sprinting for ten minutes every day. Instead, you increase your endurance with longer jogs. The same goes for daily activity, you want to sustain activity for long enough to make it useful in your daily life.

Let’s look at how you can estimate your daily activity and make sure you get out of the office chair throughout the day. Photo by cell105.

Start by Finding Your Daily Baseline with a Pedometer

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The first thing to do is track how much activity you get in a regular day. For me, the easiest way to do this is a pedometer that tracks the number of footsteps I take. You can purchase a cheap $3 pedometer like this one from Amazon, or use an app on your iPhone or Android.

The first step is to take a 30-minute walk and see how many steps you take. My total was a little short of 4,000. Yours will vary based on how quickly you walk and how large your steps are.

Next, you want to find a baseline of your daily activity. Start using the pedometer when you wake up in the morning and keep it in your pocket (or running on your phone) until you go to bed. This will give you an estimate of your regular daily activity.

For me, this was frighteningly low on the days I didn’t purposely exercise. My total number of steps? Under 2,000. This is downright horrible and equates to less than a mile a day. Clearly, I need to get up and move around more often. Photo by Adam Engelhart.

Meet Your Daily Activity Target by Slightly Altering Your Behavior

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If you’re like me, you’re well under your target exercise range. A few simple changes to your daily behavior will help you reach your goal. Here are a few ideas for how to do it without really trying:

Park near the back of the parking lot.
Stand up to visit the file cabinet instead of rolling your chair.
Walk over and talk to a coworker instead of emailing them.
Take the scenic route to the bathroom instead of the most direct.

Since I work from home, I have to make a more concentrated effort to meet these goals. I’ve started walking to a nearby coffee shop in the afternoon and I hop on an indoor bicycle for at least 10-20 minutes a day. If all else fails, I’ll do laundry because I have to walk down two sets of stairs.

Meeting your target activity level is just the first step. The second part is much simpler and only requires you stand up now and again. Here’s how I remind myself to do it. Photo by o5com.

Set an Hourly Standing Alarm to Remind You to Stand

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We know that if you stand up for just one or two minutes every hour, it can reduce the negative effect of sitting all day. Technically, you don’t even have to move, the act of standing alone helps. When you’re in the moment and working hard, it’s difficult to remember. I found enabling the hourly announcement in OS X the best reminder. To set this, click Settings > Date & Time > Announce the time. Windows users can set up a similar hourly reminder as a task by clicking Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler.

If the alarm isn’t enough, you can download dedicated software to remind you. Windows users can use free programs like, Workrave or Breaker to set up automated alerts. For Macs, Time Outseems the best free option. These programs will remind you to stand and dim the desktop to force you out of your chair.

It’s up to you how you use these micro-breaks. You don’t even have to move if you don’t want to, but if you want to get a little activity in that minute, here’s a quick way to do it without leaving your desk area:

Stand up.
March in place for twenty seconds.
Reach down and try to touch your toes for twenty seconds.
Wander around and pick up or reorganize for the last twenty seconds (eventually your desk area may even be clean).

I also set up an iCade at a standing level so I have something to occupy me when I stand up. Personally, I need objectives and I’m not good at just idling for a few minutes. The iCade adds a sense of purpose if I don’t want to stretch.

Turn those Crappy Commercials into an Excuse to Get Up

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TV commercials suck. Instead of wasting time watching the same car commercial you’ve seen for the last 20 years, consider the commercial break a chance to stand and stretch.

To help me find constructive things to do during commercials (or the credits when I’m in the midst Netflix marathon), I keep a to-do list on the coffee table as opposed to at my desk. This works as a gentle reminder to take out the trash, do the dishes, clean the litter box, or whatever else needs to get done. The best part? I don’t have to watch commercials.

On a similar note, when playing video games online, I use the end of a match as a notification to stand up. If I’m playing a single player game, I stand during loading screens.

The point is that most of the activities we sit down to enjoy have these types of natural breaks in them. If you’re reading you can stand up after a chapter or two. If you’re playing board games you can stand up after each match. Instead of sitting and turning your mind off, stand and do it. It’s really that simple. Photo by annethelibrarian.

The moral here is two-fold: stand up once an hour and get at least 30 minutes of activity in a day. That’s it. Unless you’re overweight, you don’t have to start exercising or going to the gym to counteract the negative effects of sitting. You just have to make sure you’re moving throughout the day. You don’t even have to give up your TV marathons—you just need to accent them with a little hourly effort.