The School For Chinese Martial Arts And Resilient Stress Management

I start each of my students with a Basic Orientation. In short, during this one hour private lesson, we go over what the student wants from their training and from life and how what we train can aid them in their purpose. Additionally we get to see if we are a good fit to work with each other and to set up a personalized approach to the training.

Then I give them a virtual tour of what the school offers and how it is unique and different. We train power and resilience, not strength and toughness. "True Power is effortless and it renews itself. Power doesnt stop". Master Tian.

Power and resilience reflect a balance of mental, physical, and spiritual fitness, and more. It begins with a demonstration and experience of "Yi"- the instinct to extend beyond your current limits. The Chinese recognized this as the essence of how all life grows, moves, and changes. They saw how it works in nature and  people. In particular they learned to train this energy to build the health and power of what we now call fascia. The health of the fascia is the health of the person. Healthy fascia is resilience incarnate. Fascia only follows yi, muscle power alone can not do this.

As part of the lesson I show them how the forms, the mindset, and the goals of Centered Martial Arts differ from the more widely known forms of kung fu and tai chi. I also introduce them to Resilience Fitness Training, an innovative and integrated system that empowers people with greater fitness and the ability to access their Centered power under stress. It not only enhances training and makes it accessible to all, it also strengthens the ability to productively deal with adversity and setback in life...and to have a life filled with personal development, discovery, health and happiness.

In addition to my martial arts training I have a Bachelors in Human development and counseling and 12 credits of a Masters Of Social Work from Fordham University. I worked for the town of Ramapo as a drug and alcohol counselor for nearly 10 years before the center closed. I became a counselor to help people overcome trauma, addiction, and adversity. I no longer work as a counselor, but I opened the school and designed the Resilience Fitness training to empower and inspire people to grow beyond their limits and to meet life with their Centered power. My education and experience as a counselor combined with my personal life  experiences has inspired me to offer a curriculum that not only serves to improve  physical fitness and self-defense, but also to improve the individuals well-being, quality of life and their relationships. My background in human development has also informed how and what I teach to serve the developmental needs of the children and young adults I work with as well.  

The Basic Orientation is priced at $40 and can be used toward the students next purchase. Currently my private lessons run about $149 for non students and $100 for students. 

Monthly membership starts @ $169 for adults and $139 for children. 

I offer private and group trainings and workshops that vary in prices according to time and attendance. e.g. The Resilience Assesment and Fitness Training which consists of 4- 90 minute classes over 4-6 weeks (with homework training in between sessions) is currently priced @ $499.  

I also do Resilience Training classes, talks and demos for businesses, groups, and teams. 

I began teaching when my supervisor from the Ramapo Counselng Center asked if I would teach Tai Chi to our clients as a positive alternative to drugs and alcohol use and as a preventative approach for youths. It was then I began to see the potential for Martial Arts training beyond the dojo and beyond fighting. I could its potential to empower people to success in their innermost conflicts and personal life. 

Types? I dont know. Our school is comprised of powerful  kind-hearted people of all ages and backgrounds who want more out of life and who care about how they affect others. People who believe they have the right to harm others or themeselves don't last very long at the school. They all change or quit. 

I have three of equal importance: The 100 Sash Graduation at Day Camp In The Park...Video is up at The Fire Mountain School youtube channel.

On March 3rd, I had the great oportunity to teach a 3 hour Introduction to Resilience Training at the Open Center in Manhattan. It was a great success! Link on TheFireMountainSchool.com homepage.

and

Last weekend some of my advanced students performed Wu Chan Tai Chi Sword publicly for the time at the Rockland County Youthfest. Video in production.  

Safety First...power without respect is dangerous. Look for someone who has clear limits to their reactions to pain and adversity, who can show resoect in and out of conflict. 

Does the instructor still train? If its not alive in them it will not be alive in you.

How long do their students train with them for? Ask if you can speak with one or two of them. 

Are you looking for a rescue or a fast remedy to their problems? If you want fast food, you get fast food results.

Are you willing to commit their best effort one day at a time for at least 3 months? There is no bad answer, some is better than none, but the answer to this question will determine how quickly or slowly they will grow and change. You dont need a perfect commitment, but you need to commit.