MMA School in Vancouver, BC

Upon hearing the instruction ‘zazen’, which mean to assume the correct zen posture and ‘mokuso’, which means to begin meditating, we begin our meditation practice. Before the class begins we need to prepare our mind, body and spirit for learning the martial arts. Through the posture and breathing method we center ourselves, clear our mind of distractions and focus on the present, preparing to give a full 100% effort for the duration of the class. Through the relaxation and tension of the lower abdominal muscles, which the Japanese called the hara/tanden, we learn to increase our energy, alertness and focus. In traditional terms by the concentration on the center/hara and alternating tensing and relaxing the muscles correctly in coordination with the breathing, we are learning a method to build more spirit and energy. Meditation is also one of the methods we use to acquire knowledge and understanding of ourselves and subsequently knowledge and understanding of others.

After class we need to acknowledge that class is over and we begin to return to a normal, calm, peaceful state. We often use this time to simply sit and breathe without thought and just absorb the moment. We may also use this time to reaffirm an objective. The trick is to use the concentration on the breath exclusively as a method to rid the mind of unnecessary thoughts that intrude upon our practice. We develop the discipline through this practice, which takes time, and we learned that becoming empty is actually fully absorbed. Empty but full. The practice at the dojo, due to time constraints, is introductory and can be developed more with discipline and extra practice. For a fighter, learning to control their thinking and emotions is a critical component in their champion quest.

Saying osu is one of the practices at the dojo that builds spirit and community. The translation of this Japanese term indicates its purpose. Literally, osu translates to mean acknowledgment and yes, and figuratively it means accepting the spirit of challenge. Of course, in martial arts and in life there are many challenges and we, as practitioners of this art, understand this and acknowledge that fact. Osu, is often said at the appropriate time with sincerity and spirit. Often it is said at the beginning and ending of class. Competitive fighters often use this word as a mental cue to prepare for battle before the fight. It switches the spirit on.

These are the basics. We bow prior to entering the dojo, before class after class, prior to engaging a partner, and after engaging a partner. Bowing styles vary and what is more important than technique is the spirit of the move. The style of salutation varies slightly with the class and the material being taught. In weapons class, for instance, since the material being taught has a Filipino origin, the bow is of a traditional Filipino style that is common in weapons-based systems. In Muay Thai class, the bow starts with the traditional Muay Thai style bow and ends with the Japanese bow that finishes in the "ready stance". This style of salutation is you unique to our tradition and roots. In the Pankration and Submission Wrestling classes, in respect to this arts Japanese roots and pioneering methods, we use the traditional Japanese style bow. Upon entering the dojo we bow with the Thai and Japanese method which finishes the ready stance. Again if someone came from a different background, perhaps visiting, and they perform their method until our style became ingrained, then that is fine. The Thai and Japanese-style bow is coincidentally the same style that GSP used in his UFC entrances, and this method represents the respect he shows to his styles roots.

Shoes can be put in the shoe rack. All other personal belongings including gear should be kept in the shoe racks and away from the mat area. If you must keep your sparring gear handy, then you can store it in your bag in the dojo, away from the mat area. There should not be items scattered around the floor and a little attention to cleanliness is required. The best place for your items is naturally, off the mats.

Upon enrollment all students are asked if they can practice a minimum of 2 to 3 times per week and do some review or home practice on their off days. This is a basic requirement that will ensure progress. We do offer classes six days a week primarily in day and evening. Uniquely we provide a lot of training options so people can fit the martial arts practice into their lives effectively. If people practice as instructed, then results are strong, which is the goal. The benefits of the practice are many and varied and worth the effort. Some people have extenuating circumstances which are discussed individually but the basic requirement is the standard. Some very motivated students train multiple times in the day. We use the unlimited method to help people fit the practice in their busy schedule and to help the serious student get excellent results.

At about the three month mark, on average, the student typically would be ready for an evaluation. For Pankration the white belt pre-test should be done and prepares the student for the complete test. For Muay Thai the white and yellow evaluation prepares the student for understanding the basics and prepares the student for sparring and the full test subsequently. For Muay Thai Skills and Conditioning the Level 1 evaluation is done in this prepares the student for good training habits and continued progress. All of these initial evaluations prepare the student to have a good foundation, develop skills and make progress. Setting goals is important in starting martial arts and lifestyle improvements. Once goals are achieved, the new goals are added to build greater accomplishments.

With so many different martial arts around, and many perspectives on those arts, it can sometimes be a difficult question for a new person wanting to begin the practice. It depends, somewhat, on the individuals’ goals, aptitudes, preferences, and personal style. Some schools and arts are better at providing particular benefits than others. Our style has grown and evolved over the last 32 years of full-time operation, but the main benefits of Self Defense, Fitness, Mental Discipline and Sport have remained consistent. My main suggestion is to do a free week trial and try a few of our classes: https://kelleesama.com/contact/

We are a mixed martial arts style emphasizing traditional philosophy. Some schools do not emphasize the traditional benefits and focus more on the physical. Our objective is to develop in the individual well rounded combative skills so they can deal with a variety of situations, and to help them develop personal character and life skills that have far reaching benefits.

Some people have various obvious conscious goals, and some have deeper personal goals. Some people may want to emphasize the striking arts, Muay Thai, for example, and some people may want to emphasize the grappling arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ and Submission Wrestling/ No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Some people want to emphasize the Fitness aspect, Muay Thai Skills and Conditioning, and some people may want to do it all; Pankration/MMA. A person’s emphasis may also change as new skills develop and new goals emerge with resulting confidence improvement. Our school can provide benefits and variety to many people, Men, Women and Children.

Here is a brief description of our classes:

• Pankration/MMA: This class is often considered the ultimate. It covers elements of Stand up, Muay Thai, and elements of Grappling, Wrestling, No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/ Submission Wrestling. Submission Wrestling and No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are considered the same. Since we have classes emphasizing Muay Thai, our Pankration/MMA classes are grappling heavy. We spend a lot of the time in MMA on No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/ Submission Wrestling and the applications of those techniques to integrate them in a free fight like Ultimate Fighting. Our classes are conducted with respect and control. Our Pankration/MMA class covers the integration of striking to offensive and defensive takedowns, clinch work with striking, and grappling applications with and without ground and pound utilizing the arts of Wrestling and No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/ Submission Wrestling.
• Muay Thai: Our Muay Thai class is geared for Self Defense and MMA applications. Muay Thai is often considered the art of 8 limbs utilizing punches, elbows, knees and kicks with detailed clinch work. Our style is mixed with Dutch Kickboxing and other striking arts to be effective for MMA and self-defense. Muay Thai is an excellent work out, physical and mentally, and it is considered by many to be the best art for the stand-up fight. We have adjusted some of the footwork patterns and stance to be more effective in the transition for wrestling and self-defense. In the sport, once the fight goes to the ground the referee will stand you up but for MMA and self-defense, that does not happen. Hence, we have made some beneficial adjustments and evolved our practice. We have gotten good results for many people. We do offer a free week trial, as that is a good way to see if a school is a good fit for a person, and we are happy to provide benefits. https://kelleesama.com/contact/
• Muay Thai Skills and Conditioning: This class is the same style as our regular Muay Thai but is more skill and conditioning based. The techniques are the same but there will not be the progression into the various levels of sparring. In the MTSC class we will cover all the skills of Muay Thai and some structured sparring drills but not the progressive contact sparring. This class is good for a person just becoming active, a Muay Thai or MMA student who wants to work on skills and conditioning, and for the fitness enthusiast. It will also transmit some of the mental discipline aspects. Some people call this class Cardio Kickboxing but really the class is more anerobic than aerobic, as Muay Thai is not a steady state activity but incorporates some high intensity full speed and power movements with plyometric and isometric conditioning aspects. It truly is Muay Thai Skills and Conditioning. Click here to set up a free week trial: https://kelleesama.com/contact/
• Kids/Youth MMA: To give a child or a youth the benefits of self-defense, fitness, and mental discipline, you are setting up your child for success and the ability to deal with the challenges of life well. Our mixed martial art style emphasizing traditional philosophy is great for developing a foundation of skills, which will grow with time. There is no magic pill but if energy and time are put into the practice, the full potential of a student can be actualized. We give special attention to motor skill development, mental focusing attributes, and children’s inherent capabilities. We also emphasize Discipline, Respect, Confidence Development and School Achievement. Kids/Youth will also be developing well-rounded combative skills of Striking, Muay Thai, and Grappling, No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/ Submission Wrestling. Some of our students do enjoy and do well in the No Gi BJJ and Submission Wrestling tournaments. We do offer a joint club discount with Budo Jiu-Jitsu for extra BJJ with the Gi. The confidence and legitimate skill that can develop is great for success, anti-bullying and having fun. We do also offer a free week trial for Kids/Youth. https://kelleesama.com/contact/
• Weapons: Our modern weapons style utilizes and combines the traditional arts of Filipino Martial arts and Okinawan Kobudo for attribute development and self-defense skills in a modern context. We cover various impact and edged weapons use and defense. Currently, we are only doing Weapons training privately, and we are not offering group classes in this art. Some of the elements will be incorporated into our regular classes but if someone is interested in learning this art more fully, they can make an inquiry for personal training.

Learning martial arts is a journey that varies for each individual. For most students, it takes about a year to develop a solid foundation in techniques, gained strength, and confidence in their skills. Continued training beyond this helps refine abilities and deepen understanding, making martial arts a lifelong pursuit for many.

Mixed martial arts is an individual pursuit, and we would do well to consider our own unique improvement and not engage in excessive comparison. It is a journey. People are always looking for a quick fix. How about a lifestyle of improvement and progress? As a counterpoint, some improvement can take place very quickly and the learning curve of skills and fitness development are greatest at the beginning, but it is an art and a practice. I encourage people to start, and a free week trial is a good place to see if we are a good fit for you. We can always improve regardless of age and various circumstances.

Martial Arts is considered a lifelong practice. There are benefits for the older practitioner. The practice will change with age and injury, but it is an art of adaptation and adjustment. The benefits of developing skills for self-defense, fitness and mental discipline can help anyone. Some goals will need to change with time. If you are getting on in years, the career choice of being a professional MMA cage fighter may be over. However, there are still benefits of the practice. If you have injuries, you may need to work around them and still get as many benefits as possible. Some physical performance parameters may change if someone is operating at a high level, but we can still do our best and mitigate the passage of time. With a positive attitude, we can move through life well and martial artists are considered artists of life. So, regardless of age, if the attitude is willing, progress can be achieved for you. You are welcome to a free week trial, if you are willing.

Yes! One of the main benefits of our style is Self Defense. It is one of the primary reasons why people practice. There are many other benefits people get by developing these skills, but it is considered excellent for self-defense because it covers all areas of striking and grappling. Also, since our style does have background in tradition and weapons use and defense, we can impart a well-rounded self-defense training that can deal with more than the one-on-one situation. We cover also the A, B, C’s of conflict avoidance and awareness of potentially dangerous situations and how to adjust our mental states as the situation changes. The confidence that develops from the practice is awesome. If you have any questions, about our style or how to achieve your goals, please let us know.