What Samurai Karate Studio Is All About!

Join me and listen to the video below that describes what Samurai Karate Studio is all about!  It was created by my mentor, teacher and friend, Tom Callos, who has more than 40 years of experience practicing and teaching the martial arts:

I have been training with Master Callos for more than 3 years and I am a proud member of two of the most unique associations for martial artist's and school owners out in the world today. They are The 100 and The UBBT.

Please check out the work we are doing!


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Intelligent Curriculum

I’m involved in a rather revolutionary project involving a change in the what, when, why, and how of teaching people of all ages about self-defense.  The project has been launched by my martial arts teacher’s association, The One Hundred (The 100),  and involves a concept coined Intelligent Curriculum. Intelligent Curriculum is a process where web-technology is applied to teaching people about the depth and scope of self-defense as it applies to today’s world. For example, there isn’t a kick, punch, block, arm-bar, leg lock, or other martial arts maneuver on or anywhere close to a list of top 10 killers of men, women, or children in the Western world. But Diabetes is on the list. With Intelligent Curriculum the martial arts teacher brings a Diabetes disease primer into his or her curriculum, using the Internet, so that the student doesn’t go through years of “self-defense” training without addressing the topic. That’s an intelligent direction for the way we should be addressing self-defense in a world where Diabetes affects more than 25% of all Americans.

Some of the other issues Intelligent Curriculum is seeking to address include the media; bullying; anger; emergency situations; diet; care for the environment; and community involvement.  While all of these issues may not, at first glance, obviously relate to self-defense, they will in martial arts schools of the future. From a teacher’s perspective and from someone who has more than just a passing interest in self-defense, I find the approach to be refreshing and valuable.   There isn't a school in the Columbia area, that offers the curriculum that I do!  I don't say this to brag, but clearly to demonstrate that my school believes self defense is more than just kicking and punching.  My school is focused on fostering change and personal development, skills that will last a life time!

For more information on how I’m implementing Intelligent Curriculum in my school and in our community, contact me here;  Sensei Chris Feldt, Samurai Karate Studio, 2000 Clemson Road, Suite # 9, Columbia, SC 29229, 803-462-9425, samuraikarate@bellsouth.net.

On Respect and The Martial Artist

If you’re a senior or high-ranking martial artist (and, of course, I am speaking to --and about --myself), you have to, first, ask yourself why you need someone to show you “respect.” Do you think you deserve it? Is it important for you to be acknowledged?

When I am thinking clearly, I let go of my own expectations and needs with regards to respect, and I stand in a place where I don’t need anything, any “signs of respect” from people around me.


When I was younger I demanded it. The customs in my school included having everyone stand up when I walked in the room. Everyone was required to bow and give me a polite greeting; and I was addressed with a title before my name, always.


But as I looked more deeply at what I was doing, I began to shed my own need for outward signs of respect from other people. It’s not that I don’t like to be treated like a king, as I don’t mind that at all, but what I don’t want any part of is the attachment to what it means when someone does --or does not --acknowledge my superiorness, rank, experience, good looks, or whatever it is about myself that I personally hold in such high esteem.

I am better, more centered, more whole, and more in the moment when I bring my own respect with me, instead of looking for it from others.


As an exercise (a practice), I now try to only give respect. I acknowledge others, with a bow, with a Wai, with a smile, with a handshake or a hug, with some kind of recognition that in body language is designed to make them feel cared for and/or important.


I don’t ask to be called anything but “Tom.” I don’t expect a bow or any acknowledgment, as I am seeking to shed my need for it. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want or like to be treated like someone special, it means that I am looking deeply at what’s behind that kind of thinking / need.

On the other side of that, I feel it is a very important part of my own practice, for my own mindset, to show people around me respect, especially my seniors. When my teacher walks into the room, I stand up. I bow. I give a polite greeting --and I try to say, non-verbally, “I love you and am grateful to have you here today --and in my life.”

For me, at this time in my life, this is my practice.

Tom Callos


Tom Callos is my mentor and team coach for The Ultimate Black Belt Test and The 100, both are programs for master instructors and school owners.

A Warning to the Consumer About Martial Arts Schools

Some martial arts schools subscribe to business practices that are either flat-out dishonest, near dishonest, or at the very best, what you might call a “win-lose” proposition. What I’m warning you about has to do with membership contracts and pricing. If a school (like a person) you’ve just met asks you to drop a significant amount of cash into a long term relationship with them, well, unless you have it to lose, look for an acceptable alternative. It’s like this: If I know and trust you, I might be more apt to invest in you. But in that we’ve just met, I think I’m going to take some time to evaluate your credibility. If a martial arts school owner or his/her representative can’t get their head around that idea, then put your hand on the exit door, quickly. Martial arts schools often have a 90% drop out rate, which, contrary to some what some might say, is NOT a sign that they teach “real” martial arts.  On the contrary, it usually means they are self-absorbed, arrogant, and provide sub-standard service.  

Schools that charge a lot of money up-front ($600 or more) are doing that because they’re stacking the deck in their favor. If you don’t like the service they provide, they’re not as concerned about your opinions as they might be if they hadn’t already been paid for a good deal of their time --in advance. If you know the school and trust the school owner, then helping the school financially is not an issue. But beware the unscrupulous school owner who’s all about cash up front. There is a martial arts teacher who works as a national advocate for transparent and sustainable pricing in martial arts schools. 

His name is Tom Callos and he actually offers his cell phone number for any parent or potential student of a martial arts school who need information or help in deciding if the school they are in --or thinking about being in --is operating with a fair and equitable pricing policy. Tom Callos may be reached at 530-903-0286. His website is www.tomcallos.com.  

I’m happy to say at Samurai Karate, we have very fair pricing. We have structured our programs to meet most everyone's budget AND, we never turn anyone away for lack of money.  Together, we can be creative and figure something out. If you’re considering a look at our school, here’s how you find us:

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

803-462-9425

samuraikarate@bellsouth.net 

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, Taekwondo, or Jiu-jitsu, which is Best?

This is an article full of shopping advice. If you’re shopping for a martial arts school, for training, then you’ve come to the right place. My friend and mentor, Tom Callos, shares his view of what the best style of art to train in:

"I’ve been studying the martial arts for 40 years, I’m a 6th degree black belt in taekwondo, a 17 year practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and my students have included national taekwondo champions, karate point-fighters, and mixed martial arts legends. So, when it comes to martial arts training, in every -- and any --realm, I know (exactly) what I’m talking about.

Here are three piece of advice for you, regardless of the kind of martial arts you might be interested in:

* It’s the coach, the teacher, that makes the “style,” not the other way around. Look for a coach you respect, look for a teacher you feel you have rapport with. If a martial arts teacher treats you poorly, leave. If he or she treats you with respect, you might be in the right place.


* Find a teacher that has a kind of training that speaks to the kind of training you like to do (or think you would like to do). If the class is too easy or too slow for you, say so. If it’s too hard core, consider finding another teacher (or at least address the issue with the instructor). Some teachers will use apparatus to train, some will only need mats or mirrors or a hardwood floor. If you have the luxury of choices, then choose a kind of training that fits your fitness level and interests.


* Every good school offers an introductory program that allows prospective students to try classes before they enroll. If a school does not offer a free trial class, don't enroll.

* Don’t sign any sort of long term contract for lessons with an instructor until you know him or her very, very well. If you know the teacher, go ahead and support them. If you don’t know the teacher, simply wait until you do. If a school owner tries to pressure you into a long term or high ticket contract, find somewhere else to spend your money.

In the end, in today’s world, most martial arts teach many of the same things. Remember however, it’s not “the martial art” that teaches you, it’s the teacher. Look to his or her experience and demeanor before you look at the style.

Advice for Men and Women over the age of 40, Thinking About Taking Martial Arts Classes

First, take it slow. No, really. There’s no hurry, it’s not a competition, and you’re not 20 anymore (even though you look like it). Going too hard, too fast, is why a lot of people who would like to enjoy all the benefits of training, no longer practice the martial arts (or any number of activities). Go too fast, get injured; get injured, quit training.

Second, if the instructor is your age (or older), that’s a good thing. If he or she is younger, make sure they know who’s the boss (you!). You only do what your body says you can do. If and when a class moves into an area you, for sure, want to avoid, you can always find an alternative way to stay engaged. What you shouldn’t do is “100 reps” when your body is telling you the 50 would be wise. Trust me, your teacher will appreciate your input. Give yourself enough time and you will not only keep up with the group, you might be leading it!

Be consistent. Being inconsistent about class attendance can dampen the fire of your enthusiasm. Stay on course!

Try out the class you’re interested, first, before enrolling. There’s nothing wrong with trying a week or even two weeks of classes with an instructor you’re interested in studying with. Most all schools will provide you with an introductory or trial course,(if you like classes, they’re going to know you for a long, long time). If a school doesn’t offer an introductory, it’s a red flag to enrollment.

By the way, mention this post and receive a free introductory course to our school, good for you and up to 5 family and/or friends.

Tom Callos, 51 years of age and a 40 year veteran of martial arts practice (see his bio at www.tomcallos.com) offer the following advice:

“Don’t hesitate to enroll in martial arts classes,” says Callos. “It’s a wonderful, thorough, and engaging form of exercise. Just be mindful about the way you practice. Study some of the history of the art you engage in. Enjoy the process of improvement.”

Mom, Dad, Here’s The Honest Truth About The Martial Arts for Your Child, Age 5 to 13.

By Tom Callos of www.TomCallos.com

 

 
I took my first martial arts lesson at age 9. By the age of 13, when my friends were experimenting, when peer pressure seemed at an all time high, when I just knew my brain power had far surpassed my father’s, and when I couldn’t pass any reflective surface without gazing in wonder at what it beheld, I was firmly and deeply entrenched in my identity as a martial artist.

The classes anchored me, in fact, they were just about the only place where I could stand completely still for any extended period of time (except, of course, if front of the TV).  The instructors emphasized respect, courtesy, and a code of honor that nobody else I knew seemed to care about. For me, that was good. It made me feel unique.

In a good martial arts school, your child will feel like a part of “the team.” And this team, if they’re good at what they do, will have daily talks about compassion, about respect for self and others, about kindness, and about non-violent conflict resolution.

 

 But equally as good as the philosophy can be is the fact that your little one will be training, as in legs flying, rolling, punching, blocking, jumping, and spinning. Each maneuver has an effect on your child’s brain and, of course, their body. When I watch the young people in my classes doing what we do, I always think about how good it is that they’re here, doing something so constructive and positive.

I also reflect back to when I was a child --and that’s usually followed by a silent “thank you” to my parents.

Football, soccer, baseball, tennis, and guitar were all fun, but not one of them affected me as my martial arts lessons have. If you’re a parent, I would highly recommend enrolling your child in a good school --and you might even consider some classes for yourself.

By the way, I'm 51 now --and the martial arts are STILL keeping me out of trouble.

I feel blessed to know Tom Callos.  He not only is my mentor, he is my friend!  He is an amazing person, who has over 40 years of training and teaching in the martial arts and he has such a unique vision of what the martial arts world should represent.    Sensei Chris Feldt


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
803-462-9425
samuraikarate@bellsouth.net