Susana Tomasio

Yoga and Martial Arts World


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The Warrior Within

The answer to the majority of our problems lies within us. It exists as a large tank of free-flowing energy that when channelled to our muscles can give us great strength and when channelled to our brain, it can provide us with great insights and understanding.

This free-flowing energy, is inside all of us; a hidden inner strength and power that is waiting to come out, but it won’t, while we keep distracted by the external stimuli of the world.

This great inner energy can be represented by the image of a martial artist or a warrior – since a warrior symbolises a great force that, if used properly can win many battles for you, but if neglected or misdirected can become your enemy.

And this is the issue! Most of us neglects this warrior force! Ignoring its presence and not even attempting to connect with it. And the result is achieving much less than we are capable of. However, if we choose to tap into this inner energy, we can find our true potential and awaken our passions.

Sometimes, it is through hard times, such as a traumatic experience or a heart break, that this inner strength is triggered. Imagine you fall into a dark, deep well. The first instinct is to become desperate, panic, cry and eventually fall into depression – the fear of never coming out of that deep well. Some may choose to stay there in this state of defeated, while some may discover their inner strength, the urge to stand up and somehow find their own way out of this dark, deep well.

This kind of inner force comes from within, from self-reflection and the ability to be comfortable with our own company. It takes courage, but when we are able to channel the feelings and energy that arise from such dramatic events into something that we love, amazing things can almost effortlessly be accomplished. This energy can either be channelled into physical exercise, or art, music, or science – the best masterpieces were born from this kind of energy.

The Chinese call this naturally occurring energy chi, and it is believed it flows continuously within our bodies. And some have compared this inner energy to the Quantum Physics energy – even if not observable in the same way particles are.

The cultivation of the warrior within and channelling the energy and the feelings into something we love will bring growth, transformation and healing – our lives change. You will no longer be the person you were before; you will be much stronger and confident and you will know that if you have made it through all this process, you will make it through anything else in life!

The Warrior Within Me


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Happy 2020!

Have you written your New Year Resolutions yet..?

The end of the year/ beginning of new, is the perfect time to reflect on our lives and take a moment to re-access our goals, objectives and dreams for a new year ahead.

It is an opportunity to re-start, to leave behind old, stagnate energies and hold onto new beginnings, new experiences and a new life.

Hold onto your biggest dream and create a plan towards it, step-by-step. Be the driver of your life! Be true to yourself so that you may receive many abundance and blessings in your life. Aim to go further and seek what brings joy and peace into your heart.

May the end of this year take all that has hurt you and brought you pain. Throw away what no longer brings you happiness or inner peace and end the year with gratitude, serenity and faith that a great year is ahead for you.

As a New Year Resolution, may you learn to take good care of yourself. Remember you are the most important person in your life. Believe in yourself and believe that the best is yet to come.

Happy New Year from Yogi Kick!


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Is Yoga and Martial Arts compatible?

You may be thinking, Yoga and Martial Arts, how does that work? I often get this question or the strange look when I tell people that, being a Yoga teacher, I also practice Martial Arts. It is like if Yoga and Martial Arts were incompatible!

The truth is that all these techniques, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Yoga, they all have one thing in common: to lead the mind into silence! The goal of Martial Arts is not learning to kick and punch to hit other people! The goal is to bring the mind into quietness through the warrior’s path, by stimulating the values of a warrior such as honour, honesty and courage.  The goal is to be able to control the mind under stressful or dangerous situations. By controlling the body we learn to control the mind! Each tradition has developed its own variations which aim at stilling the mind and reaching the silence within. Performed in the context of different faiths and techniques, they may differ in expression, but in essence they are one. Without the philosophy and spirituality, Martial Arts become a meaningless and dangerous sport!

Tai Chi is moving meditation and Martial Arts in slow motion. I find it quite funny that some people seem to get shocked when we say that Tai Chi is Martial Arts. It is like if they felt disappointed as they thought that it was something else, something magic maybe.. However, Tai Chi is the purest Martial Art, and by practising those movements in slow motion they become a lot more refined and when used in the context of a combat, each movement is perfect and effective  – “one step one kill”.

But also the beauty of Tai  Chi is that we  learn to work with the energy of our body, what we call the “Chi”. And it is the slow movements and the energy created within the body that brings the calm and quietness in the mind. This is the part that people like to hear: Tai Chi with its slow movements brings serenity and inner peace, like magic. They don’t like to hear it is a Martial Art, but it is indeed.

All these different techniques, either Yoga, Martial Arts or Tai Chi they are methods of purifying the nervous system so that it can reflect a greater  degree of consciousness.

So, in answer to my original question, yes, Yoga and Martial Arts are perfectly compatible.

Yogi Kick teaches PaKua Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Yoga and AcroYoga.

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PaKua Martial Arts – Belts Ceremony

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PaKua Martial Arts – Receiving belts

 

On Thursday, the 22nd of June 2017, the students of Master Ricardo Tomasio received their new belts.

Aquelis Soares: grey belt – is Master Ricardo’s first Instructor in the UK.

Susana Tomasio: green belt – is one belt away from becoming an Instructor. Susana is also a Yoga and AcroYoga teacher.

Congratulations to the students!

The grading took place on the 25th of May with the world-renowned Master Guilherme Pigatto Arrais.

 

 


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Os 8 Imortais Bebedos

A lenda conta que existiam oito imortais que dedicavam o tempo na praticada da meditação. Combinavam as técnicas antigas de Yoga Chinesa (Kai Men / Chi Kung) obtendo habilidades extraordinárias.

Por lei natural se tornaram peritos no Kung Fu.

Desenvolveram técnicas muito avançadas como o estilo bêbado. Também trabalharam o poder interno para dominar perfeitamente o desequilíbrio; foram oito grandes mestres que dominaram o controle da energia (Chi Kung em seu nível mais avançado).

Dentro deste grupo havia uma monja que era hábil no manejo de todas as técnicas de pernas- técnica que se desenvolveu através da Chi Kung marcial.

Este estilo foi levado ao templo Shaolin para ser ensinado aos alunos mais avançados após a destruição de templo Shaolin, vários monges escaparam e se esconderam em aldeias, e para não serem reconhecidos trocavam seus nomes e se vestiam como mendigos. Em cada aldeia deixavam ensinamentos que os aldeões os melhoravam adaptando a seus costumes e estruturas físicas. Dentro destas transformações o estilo do bêbado do sul da China, que não é tão vistoso e sim efetivo na luta; nesse momento nasce o bastão do mendigo do sul, nome dado em honra a um monge que caminhava pelas aldeias fazendo-se passar por mendigo cego e que manejava seu bastão com grande habilidade.

O estilo do bêbado, com o tempo foi se aperfeiçoando uma vez que perdia sua essência por ser um estilo difícil de aprender e executar. É necessária uma preparação física, mental e espiritual muito refinada, para executar essa tarefa.

Este estilo se destaca pela habilidade de enganar o inimigo utilizando o desequilíbrio, giros, saltos, esquivas e acrobacias, utilizando a força do oponente confundindo-o. As técnicas são utilizadas com energia interna desde o Tan Tien, força da cintura, quadris e ombros, que se combinam para lançar um golpe de punhos e pernas seguidos de rasteira.

A finalidade do estilo é manter o nosso corpo em bom estado no plano físico para transformar e armazenar energia (Chi Kung) que é usada em níveis espirituais mais avançados.

A prática do estilo bêbado é um conjunto de técnicas altamente refinadas, e por isso é considerada como maior alcance do plano físico.

Com a prática são realizadas transformações físicas sobre os órgãos internos e glândulas endócrinas. Nosso corpo se converte em um deposito de energia que eleva o ser humano em seu nível mais alto de consciência. Através dos exercícios Chi Kung começamos a canalizar a energia e a encontrar a conexão com a glândula para o desenvolvimento do feto imortal. A força vital do praticante depende das glândulas mencionadas, com a prática se encrementa o fluxo de hormônios fortalecendo assim, o sistema imunológico. A energia sexual (criativa) melhora limpando e fortalecendo os órgãos.

Isso é muito importante para ter órgãos fortes e desintoxicados, a prática ajuda a eliminar as toxinas, os resíduos e converter a gordura nas raízes do tecido conjuntivo em energia (Chi Kung). Atualmente existem estilos modernos do bêbado que foram simplificados do estilo antigo para facilitar a aprendizagem.


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O Jovem Samurai

Um jovem samurai perguntou ao seu mestre: “Mestre como me torno o melhor guerreiro? ” O mestre então respondeu: ” Estas vendo aquela pedra ali? Então vai até a pedra e xingue bastante.”

O jovem samurai foi, xingou a pedra, e retornou ao mestre. O mestre perguntou: “O que foi que ela fez?”  O Jovem respondeu:  “Nada!”  Então o mestre disse: “Pega tua espada e ataque ela, com vários golpes. ”

O jovem destruiu a espada contra a pedra e retornou ao mestre e disse: “Nada Aconteceu!

” O mestre disse: “Para seres o melhor guerreiro, tens que ser como aquela pedra, teres a frieza de não reagir diante de atos e palavras, e te entao te tornarás imbatível…”

 

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The Young Samurai

A young samurai asked to his master: “Master how do I become the best warrior?” And so the master replied: “Are you seeing that rock ? Go there and swear to that rock. ”

The young samurai went there, swore to the rock and returned to his master. And the master asked: “What did the rock do? ”

The young man replied: “Nothing!” So the master said: “Grab your sword and attack the rock with several knocks.”

The young man destroyed the sword against the rock, and returned to his master and said: “Nothing happened!”

So the master said to him: “To be the best warrior, you need to be like that rock, and have the coldness not to react to words and acts and then you will become unbeatable…”

 

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The Wise Samurai

Near Tokyo, lived a great Samurai,  already old,  and  now spending his time teaching young people. Despite his age, the legend was that he could defeat any opponent. One afternoon, a warrior, known for his complete lack of scruples, appeared there. This warrior was famous for using techniques of provocation. He hoped that his opponent made the first move. Gifted  with a privileged intelligence to observe the mistakes of the other warriors, he counterattacked with fulminating speed.
The young and impatient warrior had never lost a fight . Knowing the Samurai’s reputation, he had come to defeat him , and increase his own fame. All the students were against the idea, but the wise old Samurai accepted the challenge. They all went to the town square . There, the young man started insulting the old samurai.

He threw a few rocks in his direction, spat in his face, shouted every insult he knew, offending even his ancestors. For hours he did everything to provoke him, but the wise old man remained impassive.  In the late afternoon,  feeling exhausted and humiliated,  the impetuous warrior gave up and withdrew.

Disappointed that the master had accepted so many insults and so many provocations, the students asked : “As you could bear such indignity?  Why not use your sword, even knowing you might lose the fight, instead of showing cowardly and fearful in front of all of us? ”

” If someone comes to you with a gift, and you do not accept it, whom does the gift belong to ? ” Asked the Samurai. ” To whom tried to deliver it “, said one of the disciples “.  The same goes for envy , anger and insults”, said the master.
When they are not accepted, they continue to belong to whom carries them . Your inner peace depends solely on you. People can not take away your serenity, only if you allow it.

samurai

 

 


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O Sabio Samurai

Perto de Tóquio, vivia um grande samurai, já idoso, que se dedicava a ensinar os jovens. Apesar da idade, corria a lenda de que ainda era capaz de derrotar qualquer adversário. Certa tarde, um guerreiro, conhecido pela sua total falta de escrúpulos, apareceu por ali. Era famoso por utilizar a técnica da provocação. Esperava que seu adversário fizesse o primeiro movimento. Dotado de uma inteligência privilegiada para observar os erros cometidos, contra-atacava com uma velocidade fulminante.

O jovem e impaciente guerreiro jamais havia perdido uma luta. Conhecendo a reputação do samurai, estava ali para derrotá-lo e aumentar sua fama. Todos os estudantes se manifestaram contra a ideia, mas o velho e sábio samurai aceitou o desafio. Foram todos para a praça da cidade. Lá, o jovem começou a insultar o velho mestre.

Chutou algumas pedras em sua direção, cuspiu em seu rosto, gritou todos os insultos que conhecia, ofendendo, inclusive, seus ancestrais. Durante horas fez tudo para provocá-lo, mas o velho sábio permaneceu impassível. No final da tarde, sentindo-se exausto e humilhado, o impetuoso guerreiro desistiu e retirou-se.

Desapontados pelo fato de o mestre ter aceitado tantos insultos e tantas provocações, os alunos perguntaram: “Como o senhor pôde suportar tanta indignidade? Por que não usou sua espada, mesmo sabendo que poderia perder a luta, ao invés de se mostrar covarde e medroso diante de todos nós?”

“Se alguém chega até você com um presente, e você não o aceita, a quem pertence o presente?”, perguntou o Samurai. “A quem tentou entregá-lo”, respondeu um dos discípulos. “O mesmo vale para a inveja, a raiva e os insultos”, disse o mestre.
Quando não são aceites, continuam pertencendo a quem os carrega consigo. A sua paz interior depende exclusivamente de você. As pessoas não podem lhe tirar a serenidade, só se você permitir.

samurai


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Martial Arts classes in Cambridge, UK

 

Hi everyone,

Yogi Kick has an announcement to make:

Martial Arts classes will now be on Mondays 8-9.15 pm at the YMCA.

Learn how to defend yourself in a practical and exciting way.
The study and practice of Pakua Martial Art, will give the student physical strength, while learning unique techniques employing pressure points, levers, and much more. You will gain a better understanding of yourself and your surroundings.

The technical aspect of Pa-Kua Martial Art includes circular movements and the use of the opponent’s strength against himself. A strong emphasis is placed on physical and mental balance, expressed through movements that are both fluid and rigid, strong as well as slow, dictated by the needs of a particular situation. Students learn different aspects of the Martial Art at each belt level, leading them toward a full confidence in their personal skills and abilities upon reaching each successive level and finally the coveted level of Pakua Black Belt.

The benefits of training include:

• Better physical and mental strength
• Improved flexibility
• Self-defense abilities
• Increased physical self-awareness
• Improved self-esteem
• Better self-confidence
• Strengthening of character
• Values of a warrior: honour, strength and courage.

Get in touch if you have questions.

 

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