HMA: Train Strong, Remain Strong

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

HMA Newsletter: January 2011

" Progress, growth & excellence is developed by habit. The first step is to make up your mind. Second step? Get your butt back down to class." - Sigung Shawn Hayes

Friday, September 3, 2010

HMA Newsletter: August/September 2010 Edition

"It's not about what you KNOW...it's about what you TRAIN"
- Sigung Shawn Hayes

	HMA NEWSLETTER		August - September 2010 EDITION

	Hayes Martial Arts Represented at H.A.P.A. Invitational! Congratulations to HMA for representing so well at the Hawaiian American Protective Arts Invitational that took place on Saturday, August 14th at Estellar Martial Arts in San Leandro. For all but one of the students that competed, this was their first experience participating in tournament style competition. Just look at these results... Stick Fighting Competition: 1st Place: Ronni Fontillas 3rd Place: Jayme Esperanza Knife Fighting Competition - Youth 1st Place: Kayla Hayes Knife Fighting Competition - Women's Adult 1st Place: Jayme Esperanza 3rd Place: Sadora Hayes Knife Fighting Competition - Men's Adult 2nd Place: Josh Schilling 3rd Place: Ronni Fontillas Overall Knife Fighting Competition Grand Champion: Jayme Esperanza Continuous Fighting Adult Competition 1st Place: Ronni Fontillas 2nd Place: Josh Schilling Great stick & knife fighting skills displayed by Crystal Foster as well! What is being part of Hayes Martial Arts really like? If you want an inside look into Hayes Martial Arts, you'll have to get through the fearless warriors pictured below: (L-R) Sifu Bob Gomez, Sifu James Marshall, Sigung Shawn Hayes, Sifu Mickey Lopez For photos from: HMA Life For more pictures from: Hayes Martial Arts 1 Year Anniversary Celebration For more pictures from: Special Guest Instructor Sifu Mickey Lopez Last Edition's HMA Trivia Follow Up: Which HMA Students were Engaged to Be Married? If you guessed Mike and Jerrie, you were correct! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Jerrie Evans! Testimonial of the Month - Mike Gomez Kajukenbo has been in my life for over 30 years...and a huge part of my life for the past 2. It all started for me sometime in 1979 when I was around 7 or 8 years old. As most of you know, I'm the younger brother of Sifu Bob Gomez, and I owe it all to him. He was such a huge Bruce Lee and Martial Arts fanatic...being my big bro(8 years older) I wanted to be just like him. He would emulate Bruce Lee and I would try to emulate him. I think I've seen "Enter the Dragon" over 30 times...mostly with my brother...going over all the fight-scenes over-and-over. So when he started training Kajukenbo at then the-late Professor Gaylord's "Kempo Karate" in some barn in Fremont, I began my training. My training wasn't in the same school my brother attended...it was at home whenever Sifu Bob decided. Everything he learned, he came home and taught me. He trained me just like all of you started...showing me all the stances, blocks, kicks, and punches, grab and punch arts. We would stretch and do knuckle push-ups. There was a point where I'd even wear actual ninja shoes to school..LOL. He also, of course, showed me how to spar and fight. I was his lil' punching bag that he could practice on :) I remember it building my confidence and made me feel that I could protect myself against anyone, especially the older bigger kids in school. I actually recall an instance when I was10 years old and was forced to use grab art 14 on an older bully after school...(and yes for you old-schoolers, it was the original grab-art 14)...believe me, it worked really well. I remember coming home from school and my brother would make me fight his friends in our garage or whoever's garage was available. He taught me so much, as well as how to handle and control weapons like the nunchakau, sai, throwing stars, swords, knives, and staffs(sticks); how to roll and fall properly, and bleed. he-he. Like I mentioned before..I owe all my skills to my big brother, Sifu Bob. So technically, Kajukenbo was the first sport I actually spent time doing and it prepared me for other sports I got into as I grew older. It gave me tremendous flexibility, balance, stamina, speed and strength and actually helped me to become a very good basketball player. But what I think I didn't take advantage of, was actually going to a school at that young age and learning the "Actual Art"; going through the ranks and earning my belts and ranks as a true student. You must learn and practice the art itself, training the grab-arts, punch-arts, and especially the pinons. I never wanted to learn the pinons and go through classes, I just wanted to learn how to fight...but that doesn't truly give you what Kajukenbo (and now Balintawak) have to truly and fully offer. Sometimes life throws a curve-ball or two at you and you go off your path a little...and that's what happened to me. I didn't get the discipline and mental strength that being in class (Especially like HMA) can help you achieve and bring to your everyday lives...so after a few years of being a punching bag, making home karate movies with Bob, fighting his friends, my cousin Jon Cambra (another Kaju Blackbelt) and just fighting...things changed a bit as Bob moved out and I moved on to other sports and things...mostly playing basketball. I would still practice my kicks and puches and hit the punching bag every so often, but that doesn't compare to what I'm learning, and re-learning today. I've been contemplating for the past few years to start up training again and doing it the right way. I've always been a super-competitive individual and since I wasn't playing as much basketball as I would've liked to, I was seriously itching to do something that would keep me in shape and give me that fill of competitiveness. I grew up hearing names like the Professor Gaylord, Brian Yoshii, Pete Morales, Greg Louguera, the Brinkerhoffs, Rick Deacampo, Percy, and many other outstanding teachers and students in the Kaju family...but the one that stood out most was Spiderman...the stories my brother would have about what a bad-a** he was. Sifu Bob's been hinting to me for years to start up again...so when my brother mentioned that Sigung Shawn "Spiderman" Hayes was looking to start a school, I felt like this would be the perfect time to do it. I finally decided to start January of 2009 before we moved to The Pavilion. So for the past almost 2 years it has truly changed my life and has made me a better person in so many ways: physically and mentally. It's brought to my life more than just improving on my fighting skills and self-defense and getting me into better shape. It's given me more confidence and showed me true honor, respect, discipline and Ohana. I try to live everyday like our Kaju-prayer. I'm very proud and thankful to be a part of the Kajukenbo-Balintawak Ohana. I look forward to achieving my Black-belt and continuing the Kajukenbo-Balintawak traditions and beliefs and passing on the knowledge. I want to take this time to give a huge thanks to Hayes Martial Arts and The Hayes' family for making me feel "at home" since day one...and an honor to be instructed by Sigung: "Spiderman" Hayes...a name I heard so much growing-up and now to have you as my instructor is incredible. Thanks to Sifu James Marshall and Sibak Ron Fontillas for the countless hours of patience in training me all those Saturdays and Sundays...And of course the biggest Thanks to my Brother, Sifu Bob Gomez for believing in me and teaching me so much and giving me the foundation to take in all this priceless knowledge from all these great teachers... Kaju-Love to All, Michael Gomez Got Updates? Sharing is Caring! If you would like to contribute to upcoming newsletters, share a special event, or update your Ohana, please feel free to contact us at info@hayesmartialarts.com.		Class schedules/Upcoming Events 9/7 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/9 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/11 - Full Force, Knife & Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM 37428 Centralmont Place 9/14 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/16 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/18 - Full Force, Knife & Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM 37428 Centralmont Place 9/21 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/23 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/25 - Full Force, Knife & Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM 37428 Centralmont Place 9/28 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 9/30 - Combined Class @ 7PM Guest Instructors: GM Pete Morales & Prof. Pete Morales Jr. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Who's next in the gauntlet? 8/3 - CRAIG FARLESS 8/13 - EDSEL ELIZALDE 8/19 - JAMES PAGE 8/22 - JEMAR CABANIT 8/25 - WENDY SMITH 9/2 - GLENN NEPUMACENO 9/4 - GM PETE MORALES 9/4 - SIFU BOB GOMEZ 9/8- MIKE GOMEZ 9/8 - JAMAL MEADORS CONNECTING OUR OHANA BAY AREA MMA Sifu Bob Gomez's nephew, Justin Ochinero, will be fighting on Sept. 25th. Fights will be between 4pm - 7pm at L.A. Boxing in Brentwood on Brentwood Blvd. For those interested in going, please let Sifu Bob know or you can get more information by contacting news@hayesmartialarts.com. ~ Click HERE to join us on Facebook! ~ HMA is now on YouTube! Click HERE to visit our channel! ~ Representing our Art with Back by popular demand, Sifu Mickey Lopez brings his original t-shirt design back into circulation! For more information or to order merchandise, email Sifu Mickey at raidwarriorfan@hotmail.com ~ In search of a local sports bar with great service and friendly people? Visit Kirby's Sports Bar in Fremont and don't be surprised if you run into Kaju Ohana! ~ Congratulations to those students who are being promoted as you are a part of Sifu Anthony's first belt promotion at his new school in Stockon - Wade Martial Arts Come celebrate and show your support as we workout together, celebrate promotions and EAT! When: Saturday 9/18 Where: 906 Tommydon Street Stockton, CA 95210 ~

Thursday, June 3, 2010

HMA Newsletter June/July 2010 Edition

"I'm not supposed to hit girls...
but you're Kaju, so it's okay" - Lucas, Age 8
HMA NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2010 EDITION
1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:
HAYES MARTIAL ARTS at THE NEWARK PAVILION
Hey guys, we are celebrating our one year anniversary in the Newark Pavilion. WOW, so many new faces. In the spirit of Ohana, we are asking everyone to come out and fellowship with us. Doesn't matter if your training or how long you been gone, this is our time to spend together, eat and kick it. Put it this way, if you are receiving this invite, then you are someone special to me. We are going to have a quick 45 minute workout and promotion starting at 7pm and then we are going to have a potluck and sit around trading stories at 8pm. Come down and hang out with us!

-Sigung Shawn

Photos from Hayes Martial Arts

For more pictures, click HERE!

Testimonial of the Month - Jayme Esperanza

I was introduced to Kajukenbo and Balintawak from Sibak Ronni. The passion that echoed from every story that he told and his frequent invitations to come and check out HMA was what encouraged me to finally see what he had been talking about. The first day that I walked into the Newark Pavilion -- as cliché as it may sound -- was love at first sight. It wasn’t just the way the art looked when it was being done, it was the entire philosophy behind it and the values enforced by it. Although at first I was timid about signing up, I figured it was time to set my shyness aside and take advantage of the opportunity while I can.

I’ve heard that “good things come when you least expect it” and that’s exactly what happened when I walked into the Pavilion as a new student at HMA. Trying to recover from probably the worst year of my life, I wasn’t expecting 2009 to be a complete turnaround rather I was just hoping to get through the year without any worries. But I started to realize how much things did turn around for me once I started training. At HMA, we are taught to look within ourselves because that’s where our passion for our art comes from. We’re motivated to pursue our desires to be better martial artists, to test our strengths and face our fears. We practice humility and restraint so that we use our art to protect ourselves and our loved ones -- not to be boastful. We are learning to develop our bodies and minds by following the right morals to live by. So through time, as I would absorb more and more of these practices, I was able to emerge as a stronger person internally as well as externally. The confidence that had been lost the previous year was back with a fierce sense of capability, ambition, and most importantly, Ohana.

Those who set out to educate others can reiterate the same types of messages to those who are willing to learn, however it takes more than concepts and vocalizations to make an impact. To me, this is what set HMA aside from any institute of instruction that I’ve encountered. Sigung Shawn, Sifu Bob, Sifu James, and Sibak Ronni have shown relentless dedication in providing me with the foundation I need as I build myself to become a better martial artist. It is because of their unselfish commitment as instructors to share their knowledge of Kajukenbo and their willingness to fight the distance with each and every one of their students that they are able to truly inspire us. They are not only educators and mentors, they offer themselves as fellow martial artists which I believe has created a solid line of trust that makes our relationships genuine.

Because of HMA, today I am empowered with the knowledge and skill of two different arts that I have chosen to further develop myself in and will carry with me throughout my lifetime. I am not only a fiercer, healthier, and smarter person overall, I am also blessed with a new family of Kajukenbo and Balintawak martial artists. I am forever thankful.

- Jayme Esperanza, HMA Student
Class Schedules/ Upcoming Events
7/6 - 1 Year Anniversary CELEBRATION
Newark Pavilion
@ 7PM - Newark Pavilion

7/8 - Beg @ 6:45PM /
Adv @ 8PM
Newark Pavilion

7/10 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

7/13 - Beg @ 6:45PM /
Adv @ 8PM
Newark Pavilion

7/15 - Beg @ 6:45PM /
Adv @ 8PM
Newark Pavilion

5/17 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

7/20 - Beg @ 6:45PM /
Adv @ 8PM
Newark Pavilion

7/22 - Beg @ 6:45PM /
Adv @ 8PM
Newark Pavilion

7/24 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

7/27 - Beg @ 6:45PM /
Adv @ 8PM
Newark Pavilion

7/29 - Combined Class @ 7PM
Guest Instructors:
GM Pete Morales
& Prof. Pete Morales Jr.

JUNE/JULY BIRTHDAYS:
Who's next in the gauntlet?
6/30 - LEA LEYVA

7/08 - AYSIAH ESTORES

7/10 - JAMES MONTOYA

7/12 - WILROLAN RAVELO

7/15 - CESAR JAUREGUI

7/22 - JASMINE SOSA

HMA Student TRIVIA!
Which 2 HMA students are currently engaged
to be married?

ANSWER: Click Here!
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HMA is now on YouTube! Click on the image to visit our page...

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Got Updates?
Sharing is Caring! If you would like to contribute to upcoming newsletters, share a special event, or update your Ohana, please feel free to contact us at info@hayesmartialarts.com.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

HMA Newsletter March 2010 Edition

"There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Know the difference."
- Sifu Bob Gomez

MONTHLY HMA NEWSLETTER	MARCH 2010
HMA Welcomes New Students: Michael Watson, Trena Watson, Phillip Martin, Dylan Martin, Skyler Martin, Lucas Martin
Congratulations to HMA's Recent Promotions It is with great pleasure that we promote the following students with their new belts: Receiving a Yellow Belt Sandy Yogi Jerrie Dequinia Receiving a Purple Belt Jemar Cabanit Jayme Esperanza Mike Sills Receiving a Blue Belt Crystal Foster Receiving a Green Belt Kayla Hayes TRAIN STRONG TO REMAIN STRONG! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Congratulations again to Grandmaster Pete Morales and Professor Ron Esteller on being awarded with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to the art of Kajukenbo. For photos of this event: CLICK HERE! Food For Thought... At the age of 10 my Dad wanted me to be involved with some kind of sports or activity. My Dad signed me up for baseball and I was bored by it, but when Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon hit the theaters – well, I figured if a little Asian man could be that powerful, so could I! That’s how it started. My Dad and I searched for a Jeet Kune Do school, but in the 70’s only one existed, and it was all the way in San Diego (run and owned by Guro Dan Inosanto). I knew I didn’t want to learn just any martial art, I wanted to learn a mixed martial art like Jeet Kune Do. That’s when we found a Kenpo/Karate school on Fremont Blvd. in Fremont, CA. It was run by GGM Charles Gaylord (he was Sifu back then), Greg Lagera, and Bill Gifford. The building it was in was called “The Barn.” Why HMA? Why not? No, seriously. Sifu James and I had been teaching on and off for eight years after Golden Dragon closed its doors, and we were taking a break when Sigung Shawn called up and asked for help to begin his school. I took some time to think his invitation over because teaching in a garage or a public park is very different than teaching in a dojo (I was very hard on those students – if they didn’t do their homework I would just throw them out!), but ultimately I chose to take on the challenge of instructing in a dojo again. Sigung Shawn is teaching me how to balance the formality of the dojo with the freedom of garage class. Occasionally that “rogue” side slips out in class because I really want our students to be the best they can be, both in and out of the kwoon, but I try to keep it under control. Teaching is in itself a constant learning experience, but hey! Here I am, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep learning. What keeps me going? Why am I still training and teaching Kajukenbo after 36 years? One reason is that for me it’s truly a way of life. Kajukenbo is not seasonal, and it does not end when I walk out of the dojo – it’s a part of me, and in my blood. Many people think Kajukenbo is just a way of getting into shape, and that the art is only for the dojo. Until folks realize that Kaju has more to give than punches and kicks, they’re missing out on something special. The key is to let it in, let the art be a part of who you are as a person. The lessons Kajukenbo teaches – hard work, respect, discipline, honor, integrity and responsibility – are the values by which I try to live my life. The other reason I’ve stayed with Kajukenbo is the students. As a black belt it is my responsibility to “pass it forward” by teaching a new generation of Kaju-Kines so the art is not lost. I love our students, to me they are my second Ohana and I’m privileged to teach them for as long as they want to learn. As instructors do not get paid for teaching; we do it because we enjoy it. Our hope is that the students enjoy it also, and give back to us by training hard, not only in the dojo but at home too. I have no children so this knowledge is, in a way, my family heirloom. When I go, the people I have taught will have a little bit of me with them, and that’s a comforting thought. With Love and respect, Sifu Bob	Class schedules/Upcoming Events Saturday Classes are BACK! Matted for takedowns, wall to wall training bags, MMA ground dolls: Full Force,Knife & Balintawak trainings from 11:30 - 1PM. 03/04/2010 Classes Canceled Newark Pavilion 03/06/2010 NEW Full Force, Knife & Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM 37428 Centralmont Place in Fremont 03/09/2010 Open Mat @ 6PM Beginners Class @ 7PM Advanced Class @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 03/11/2010 Combined Class (Beg/Adv) @ 7PM Guest Instructor: GM Max Pallen Newark Pavilion 03/13/2010 Class Canceled 03/16/2010 Open Mat @ 6PM Beginners Class @ 7PM Advanced Class @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 03/18/2010 Open Mat @ 6PM Beginners Class @ 7PM Advanced Class @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 03/20/2010 NEW Full Force, Knife & Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM 37428 Centralmont Place in Fremont 03/23/2010 Open Mat @ 6PM Beginners Class @ 7PM Advanced Class @ 8PM Newark Pavilion 03/25/2010 Combined Class (Beg/Adv) @ 7PM Guest Instructor: GM Pete Morales Newark Pavilion 03/27/2010 NEW Full Force, Knife & Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM 37428 Centralmont Place in Fremont 03/30/2010 Open Mat @ 6PM Beginners Class @ 7PM Advanced Class @ 8PM Newark Pavilion MARCH BIRTHDAYS: Who's next in the gauntlet? 3/9 - KAMAL KASHYAP 3/12 - RONNI FONTILLAS 3/29 - KATHERINE GERONIMO Got Updates? Sharing is Caring! If you would like to contribute to upcoming newsletters, would like to share a special event, or share something with your Ohana, please feel free to contact us at news@hayesmartialarts.com. Got Flyers? We have them available for you...

HMA Newsletter April/May 2010 Edition

"Through this fist style, one gains long life and happiness."

HMA NEWSLETTER

APRIL/MAY 2010 EDITION

Class Schedules/Upcoming Events

5/4 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/6 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/8 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

5/11 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/13 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/15 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

5/18 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/20 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/22 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

5/25 - Beg @ 6:45PM / Adv @ 8PM Newark Pavilion

5/27 - Combined Class @ 7PM with Guest Instructors: GM Pete Morales
& Prof. Pete Morales Jr.

5/29 - Full Force, Knife &
Balintawak @ 11:30-1PM
37428 Centralmont Place

Golden Dragon Ohana
Continues to Grow!

Congratulations to Sifu Anthony Wade on opening Wade Martial Arts (WMA) in Stockton, California!

Check out pictures from Sifu Anthony's first class at WMA. There to support him were Sigung Shawn, Grand Master Darren Tibon, and some of their students. To view more photos from this event, click HERE!

APRIL/MAY BIRTHDAYS:

Who's next in the gauntlet?

4/08 - MICHAEL WATSON

4/25 - JAYME ESPERANZA

4/27 - NAOMI HAYES

4/27 - EMILY PRENDERGAST

5/07 - MICHAEL PRENDERGAST

5/22 - NICOLE WALSH

5/22 - JOSH SCHILLING

HMA WELCOMES THE NEWEST ADDITIONS TO OUR OHANA:

Jamal Meadors
Michael Prendergast
Emily Prendergast
John Prendergast
Josh Schilling

HMA TRIVIA!

DO YOU KNOW?
What other skills does Jemar Cabanit have besides Kajukenbo & Balintawak?

Click HERE for the answer!

HMA Welcomes Guest Instructors

Over the past couple of months, HMA has been honored to have a variety of guest instructors share their knowledge with our students, exposing them to a variety of techniques such as knife fighting, wing chun, jiu jitsu, arnis and kajukenbo. Many thanks to : Grandmaster Pete Morales, Professor Pete Morales, Sifu Mickey Lopez, Sifu Anthony Wade, Grandmaster Max Pallen, Percy Titsworth, & Russell Bender

Testimonial of the Month - Sibak Ronni Fontillas

I started my Kaju journey at the age of 10 years old..but didn't really start Training to be a "Martial Artist" till the age of 15. The day I walked through the doors of this pavilion and made my commitment to becoming a part of the Golden Dragon family. The many days of painful and extremely tiring workouts tested my determination for that "front spot" the front of the line where everyone of us as students strive to have the honor of standing in. I never got that spot as a teenager...but after almost 18 yrs later we walked through those pavilion doors again but under Sigung Shawn Hayes and Hayes' Martial Arts where I am now a brown belt and the "spot" I always wanted to be in, is now MY Spot! Were back home and believe me, I hold that spot with pride and dignity that it took me this long to get there. HMA has given me back that determination that "Ohana" feeling that is shared with all of the students as well as anyone ready to walk through the same doors as I did and work towards standing where I am.

HMA has taught me to be a good leader and role model to each and every one of u at HMA, student or teacher, parent or child, spectator or not...We at HMA are family, we are "ohana"...and we all train to be Martial artists here...our motivation is each other. And our goal is that "spot", Not the belt. We have each others back from white belt to Black. We all are brothers and sisters in arms. That's what makes up our school. No one can take that away from us. HMA is the family that trains together with every little bit of our hearts put in there to make up the true definition of "Ohana".

-Sibak Ronni Fontillas