Joel A Levy

Joel A Levy

Becoming a Black Belt in Life

Archive for category Martial Arts

Highland Park High School partners with NJ Karate League

Oct 16

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts | 1 Comment

Highland Park High School (HPHS) has teamed up with the New Jersey Continuous Contact Karate League (NJCCKL) to promote values such as respect and discipline within the school, and to raise funds for the classes of HPHS.

Highland Park High SchoolOn November 1, 2009 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, the high school, under the leadership of principal Fredrick Williams, will play host to full contact karate competitions presented by the NJCCKL, which is co-directed by Joel and Yvonne Levy of Highland Park.  The couple also own the Family Martial Arts Academy in Highland Park.

NJ Continuous Contact Karate LeagueThe NJ Karate League has been holding similar events around the state of New Jersey for the past two years.  Recently it was featured in Atlantic City, NJ and covered by ESPN 360.

“I am a graduate of Highland Park High School,” said Yvonne Levy.  “It just seemed natural to want to hold our events in my home town.  I have lived here all my life.”

“Our events are meant to be family friendly,” said Joel Levy, the league’s president.  “We have competitors of all ages who engage in single matches for three rounds per match.  The goal of this type of friendly and spirited competition is to grow and improve as a person.”   Many of Levy’s students, including his own children participate in these events.

The high school will get a percentage of the total ticket sales, both online, and at the door.  They will also keep all of the funds received from the concession stand, which is to be run by the Parents of Athletic Teams.  In addition, students from the high school will run a raffle to benefit the school.

The NJCCKL will hold its event(s) in the HPHS gymnasium, which holds over 1,300 spectators.

“The administration and the district greatly values community partnerships.  As such, we are happy to forge a bond with the NJ Karate League.  I am both pleased and confident that this public display will benefit the students which make up the diverse population of Highland Park High School,” stated Frederick Williams, the principal of HPHS.

Tickets for this event are available online at www.njkarateleague.com.  They can also be purchased at Family Martial Arts Academy, which is located at 17 North 4th Avenue, Highland Park.  Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the fights.  Tickets are $15 in advance, and $18 at the door.  This event is family friendly and children of all ages are encouraged to come in costume to add to the fun!

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Punch out your issues on a bag or some mitts; not on each other!

Sep 22

Posted by Joel Levy in Anger Management, Martial Arts | 4 Comments

Edward G. Robinson III, a Staff Writer for The News & Observer, wrote an article (pdf) entitled “Boxing helps youths fight off frustrations” that illustrates how many lives have been improved by this principle.

It has long been known that sports like boxing, kickboxing and martial arts help people develop not only supreme physical fitness, but also channel anger and stress into a positive, often life changing activity.

While some psychologists may look down upon any type of hitting for stress relief, the fact remains that millions of people have been able to get out their stress, frustration, and anger by pounding it out in a controlled, non-competitive environment.

Growing up, I had tons of anger issues. The one thing that always made me feel better was going into my basement and pounding the heavy bag that my father had bought me for just that purpose. Not only did the act of making contact seem to magically take stress away, it also made me tired. The more tired I became, the more my angry energy disappeared, and the better I felt. Many sane people have had a similar experience.

Today, as the owner of a successful martial arts school, where we teach kickboxing and self-defense, I get countless notes, letters, and testimonials from my adult students, and the parents of younger students who tell me how training at my school has changed their (child’s) life. It has taught them respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. It has gotten them into phenomenal shape. And, yes, they have also been able to channel and release pent up frustration and even rage. It is safe, non-judgmental, and nobody gets hurt. Best of all, it works. Students report that they feel calmer, yet energized and effective. They tell me that what gets them through the day is knowing that when they get to their class, they can let it all go on the targets and bags.

It seems to be a perfect example of what Dr. Hans Selye called a “Gross Physical Impact Activity.” That is where making contact of some kind relieves anger. He says that the anger actually gets transferred from your body into the object with which you are making contact. He states that anger can be channeled through four outlets: hand, feet, teeth, and voice. In other words, punching, kicking, screaming, and biting all relieve stress, frustration and anger. That would explain a lot of bad behaviors displayed by both children and adults when they do not have a healthier outlet for their emotions.

Boxing and kickboxing both involve hitting and yelling. Like the karate kiyai, participants emit a short, sharp shout upon contact with the different punching bags and kicking shields. The combination of being allowed to hit in a way that is safe for everyone, with the stress busting shouts, along with the awesome workout this process provides, creates a truly unique way to relieve the pressures of everyday life. I believe this is why so many people enjoy and participate in these activities.

When taught by a true master, the primary purpose for this type of training is personal development, both physically and mentally. When done right, a person in such an environment can utilize the energy initially derived from stress, anger or frustration to fuel an awesome body shaping workout, which also develops self-esteem and self-respect. Now that is an awesome transformation.

Photo: kate.gardiner

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NJ Karate League huge success in Atlantic City

Aug 31

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts | No Comments

The New Jersey Karate League, featuring continuous full contact karate, was a huge success in Atlantic City, New Jersey. On August 30, 2009, the league, hosted by Shihan Joel Levy of Highland Park, NJ was in full force as part of the South Jersey Sports Extravaganza, held in the Atlantic City Convention Center.

south jersey expoTaking center stage as the culminating event of a two day gala of a variety of sports, six full contact matches took place in front of cheering crowds. The event was also covered by ESPN, and will be available for viewing on ESPN 360.

The event was opened with a title defense by Mike ‘Tequila’ Patrone, who successfully defended his 180 belt against a very game Roger Humphrey. It was a back and forth battle, with Patrone winning a 5 round unanimous decision. Patrone added a bit of fun to the atmosphere by entering the ring in a multicolored clown’s wig, and oversized tie. Of course these came off before the fight actually started.

Following this was a 145 lb match between Randy ‘Pinky’ Reid, and Erik Feeley. Feeley seemed cool and composed, and Reid came out very aggressive. A close battle, it was a split decision going to Reid. Feely reported after the bout that he broke his right hand in the second round, but still finished the fight.

The third match was a 170 pound battle betwee Alex ‘Scrape’ Jenzer and Kenny Cruz. Scrape came into the ring jumping around, waving his hands in the air, and pointing directly into the camera, to the delight of the crowd. Cruz waited patiently in his corner for the fight to begin. Despite the obvious height differential (Jenzer is 6′4″ at 170 lb.) Cruz did a good job of working inside of Jenzer. There were many fierce toe to toe exchanges throughout the bout. Jenzer managed to keep Cruz outside of his range enough and land clean shots winning a decision; which he then celebrated by getting up on his corner chair and whooping it up. Again, the crowd shared his enthusiasm and celebrated with him.

The fourth bout featured another set of 170 pounders in Tim Frick and Dominick Badillo. These guys went at it from the opening to the closing bell. Badillo won a split decision, which could have gone either way. Everybody’s grandmas were very nervous as these two battled it out.

The fifth match highlighted Marco Banuelos and Phil Tanenbaum. This pair of 15 year old 130 pound warriors was loaded with energy. They battled back and forth, each landing tremendous shots, both displaying their offensive arsenals and granite chins. Tanenbaum took a hard shot south of the border which put him down for a few minutes. The tough young fighter chose to continue and went back at Banuelos with a fury. After a few explosive exchanges, Banuelos landed a vicious body shot on Tanenbaum, and the referee called a stop to the fight.

The event concluded with a 180 match between Dovi ‘the evil twin’ Yarmush and Matt Greer. Dovi also entered the ring in clown regalia, adding more humor and fun to the show. The bout was paused early in the first round as Yarmush landed a sharp jab which caused massive bleeding from the nose of Greer. Greer took it casually, and wanted to continue to fight. The two clashed again, and Yarmush got the better of the exchange, further damaging Greer’s nose, and blood went everywhere. The match was immediately stopped by the referee, and Yarmush, was declared the winner. Yes, he put his clown wig back on after the fight was over.

Between matches the show was sprinkled with more entertainment as cheerleading squads performed, and bodybuilders were displayed and their awards were presented. The promoter of the South Jersey Sports Extravaganza, James Jefferson was ecstatic about the NJ Karate League’s presentation, as were the screaming fans, and ESPN.

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7.5 Reasons Why Kickboxing at FMAA is Better Than Going to the Gym

Aug 3

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts | No Comments

Family Martial Arts Academy

  1. At FMAA we train you in every class. At the gym, you have to be your own trainer.
  2. At FMAA you will practice meaningful movement that could save your life. At the gym you will do mindless reps on the same machines.
  3. At FMAA you always get a fun, exciting and interesting class. At the gym you get boring cardio equipment.
  4. At FMAA we are experts and specialists in teaching kickboxing and martial arts. At the gym you have to be a specialist or risk injuring yourself.
  5. At FMAA we call you when you miss class. At the gym they hope you join and pay but don’t show up.
  6. At FMAA “Everybody Is Somebody”. At the gym you are a membership number.
  7. At FMAA you are part of a supportive social network. At the gym you are on your own, and subject to criticism and the ‘meat market’ mentality.
  8. 5. At FMAA the belt system keeps you motivated, and about 97% of the people enrolled in a program are attending classes. At the gym most people go for the first month and never come back.
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Undefeated Jewish Boxer Teaches ‘Boxing Boot Camp’ July 19

Jun 19

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts | No Comments

dmitriy in robeUndefeated number one ranked professional boxer, Dmitriy ‘Star of David’ Salita will present a three-hour boxing boot camp at the Long Branch PAL, on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 2-5 p.m.

People of all ages and levels of experience are invited to have fun, get a great workout and improve their boxing skills.

“I really love training and sharing my passion for it with anyone else who has the desire,” said Salita. “I am always happy to share my knowledge and experience with others.”

“We are very excited to have Dmitriy at our gym,” said Jackie Atkins, director of the Long Branch PAL. “He is a superb boxer, and also a superb human being. His humility is extraordinary.”

In the boot camp, participants will work on all aspects of boxing, including proper warm-ups, punching technique, combinations, defense, head movement, footwork, and sparring drills. They can also count on some great conditioning which is specific to boxers. “They will go through the same type of training that I use to prepare for my fights,” Salita added.

There will also be time for pictures and autographs, as well as a question and answer session.

“Dima is a special guy,” said Joel Levy, president of the NJ Continuous Contact Karate League, which is promoting the event. “He lives a very disciplined life, both physically and spiritually; sort of like a modern day samurai.”

Salita, who lives and trains in Brooklyn, emigrated from the Ukraine at age 9. He is an Orthodox Jewish professional boxer, which is rare. A few years ago, this unique athlete’s story caught the attention of Disney filmmakers and they produced a movie about his life called “Orthodox Stance,” referring to both his spiritual life, and his fighting style.

Dmitriy, or ‘Dima’ as he is known to his friends and fans, won his most recent fight in Las Vegas, on May 25, by unanimous decision. He is now a number one ranked 140 lb. boxer in the world, and in contention for a world title.

Advance registration for the boxing boot camp is preferred. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, visit http://www.njkarateleague.com/event/.

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Rutgers Grad Wins Full Contact Karate Title

May 21

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts | No Comments

NJ Continuous Contact Karate LeagueMike “Tequila” Patrone, of Highland Park, NJ won the 190 lb. title belt, at the May 17, 2009 competition of the New Jersey Continuous Contact Karate League (NJCCKL). The Sunday afternoon event was held in South River, NJ. This is Patrone’s second title belt, as he won the 180 lb. belt back in December of 2008.

A double major in psychology and philosophy, “Tequila” won his newest title, by unanimous decision in a five round bout, on Sunday, and graduated with two bachelors degrees only a few days later.

boxing glove“It’s an honor to compete against great amateur fighters, who share the same passion for martial arts that I do,” said Mike Patrone. “We don’t fight because we are angry at each other; it’s just the opposite. We gain a tremendous amount of respect for each other, and we grow both as martial artists and as people. I don’t compete to win or lose, but to better myself as a person.” “Graduating from college in the same week just took it over the top,” he said.

“What’s great about the NJCCKL events is that they are family friendly. I speak on behalf of all the competitors in the league when I say that there is an overwhelming sense of pride in providing an action packed fun event for the families that everyone in the community can go to,” stated Mr. Mike, as some of the kids like to call him.

Patrone began training at Family Martial Arts Academy (FMAA) in Highland Park just a few years ago. “He came in with a lot of natural talent, and energy to burn” said the academy’s Director, Shihan Joel Levy. “We converted him from football to martial arts, and he is one of the hardest workers you will ever see. Seriously, this guy trains like an animal,” continued Levy.

The recent college grad is also very popular among the kids at his favorite workout spot (FMAA). “My son just loves Mr. Mike,” said one parent who was in attendance at the fight. When the fight was over, and Mike “Tequila” Patrone was announced the winner, the kids, friends and families of his dojo were jumping up and down, and screaming. Kids were coming up to him to hug and congratulate him.

A smiling Mr. Mike offered congratulations to his opponent, Yusuf Yoldas, who gave a tremendous accounting of himself in the fight.

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Highland Park Girls Get Their Kicks in the Ring

May 21

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts | No Comments

tamar_and_shoshanaTamar Zinkin 9, and Shoshana Levy 11, both of Highland Park, have something in common, which is not so common for young Jewish religious school girls. Both of them are full contact fighters in the New Jersey Continuous Contact Karate League (NJCCKL).  The two young girls just fought in separate full contact matches on Sunday, May 17, 2009 in the gymnasium of Moshe Aaron Yeshiva High School (MAYHS).

The league was founded by local martial arts couple, Yvonne and Joel Levy, and includes competitors from numerous martial arts schools from around the state of New Jersey. Both Shoshana and Tamar are students at the Levy’s dojo, Family Martial Arts Academy (FMAA), in Highland Park, as well as competitors in their full contact fight league.

NJ Continuous Contact Karate League“This was my third fight, and I think I have gotten a lot better since my first fight,” said an exhuberant Tamar Zinkin. “My side kick was really working well for me; I think I knocked her down like three times or something. We worked on that a lot in training, so I’m glad it paid off,” she continued. In addition to her regular classes at FMAA, Tamar receives private instruction once a week from the Academy’s chief, Shihan Joel Levy.

“It’s really, really fun,” said Shoshana Levy. “My dad is also my trainer, and I love how hard he pushes me, because it makes me better. This was my second fight, and my opponent was really tough. I know I have a hard right hand, but I couldn’t believe it when I knocked her down in the second round. I like challenging myself, and I can’t wait until my next one.”

Tamar’s father Effy Zinkin was thrilled with his daughters’ performance. “This is so great for her as far as building confidence and self-esteem.” Effy commented. Mother, Devora said she couldn’t believe how calm and confident Tamar was in the ring. “Her opponent was ten pounds heavier than Tamar, which is twenty percent of her body weight,” she noted.

Shoshana shared that she had a loose tooth the morning of her fight, and was worried because her mouthpiece didn’t fit correctly. She bit into an apple repeatedly so the tooth would come out, and she could get her mouthpiece in. “It bled a little, but no big deal. We all thought it was pretty funny,” young Ms. Levy chuckled.

Out of the hundreds of students who train at FMAA, only a very small handful actually compete, let alone fight full contact. Tamar and Shoshana are among the very few.

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The Shoe Rack Theory

May 19

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts, Personal Growth | No Comments

shoesIt has long been a custom in the Martial Arts, that upon entering the dojo, students remove their shoes and place them in the shoe rack. Part of this custom is for hygiene and cleanliness. A clean dojo and well kept dojo is certainly better than a dirty one.

Even better is a philosophy called the “Shoe Rack Theory”

Students remove their shoes and place them in the shoe rack for a more purposeful reason. They are also placing all of life challenges and any stressful thoughts or negative issues from their day, in their shoes before entering the mat.

This allows you to give yourself fully to your training.

Mentally… physically… and emotionally then after a great class;
you will be able to better deal with any of the challenges
placed in your shoes before class.

Sometimes, you actually may find they’ve disappeared all together…

Meaning that after a great workout and practice session, you have relieved yourself of all the stress you had before your class and/or relieved yourself from any negativity.

Martial Arts training is proven to be an outstanding way to relieve stress and cleanse your mind, body and spirit of any negativity.

If you practice this philosophy every time you enter the dojo, you will find yourself in a better mood and you will also enjoy greater benefit from your Martial Arts training.

This philosophy can also be applied to walking into your own home…
… Mentally, leaving all stress and challenges in your shoes upon entering
so you can enjoy quality time with your family and loved ones.

One way you can maximize the benefits of your Martial Arts training is to practice and apply the philosophies you learn in class to your everyday life outside the dojo.

Everyday I train is a great day… which is why I train everyday!

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The Difference Between Self-Escape and Self-Defense

Feb 8

Posted by Joel Levy in Adult Safety, Child Safety, Family Safety, Martial Arts, Personal Safety, Teen Safety | No Comments

This article by Joel Levy was published in the February 8, 2009 issue of The Highland Park Mirror.

On the SAFE Side

Most martial arts schools, my own included, teach some form of self defense. Some teach more practical methods than others, but what always struck me as interesting is how rarely the schools teach what to do to avoid needing self-defense in the first place.

Don’t get me wrong. Responsible instructors will always tell their students something along the lines of, “Common sense before self defense.” But few really use a systematic method based on true research and statistics, to teach kids, teens, and adults how to live a safer and more aware lifestyle on a daily basis.

In my own search for answers to these questions years ago, I came across some hard-core bodyguard training. Like many others, I thought bodyguards were just big scary guys that beat people up. And I did meet some that were ‘monsters’ — at least on the outside — but I also met others that were maybe 5’3” and 120 pounds.

I also discovered that a good number of them were women, and for good reason. Imagine a female celebrity such as Beyonce wanting to go into Victoria’s Secret . . . . or even just needing the ladies’ room. She certainly doesn’t want a male bodyguard shadowing her during her more personal moments.

What I learned is that Executive Protection Agents (what true bodyguards are called), far from being punch-drunk goons, are highly intelligent, well-trained, and methodical professionals.

The biggest part of this job is what is called Advance Work: gathering as much advance information about everything from potential threats, to the client’s food preferences, to medical needs or conditions. The better the ‘advance’ is, the better the job goes, and the more potentially bad situations are avoided in the first place.

As a professional and lifelong martial artist, I took it upon myself to study and train with these agents. That included learning advance work, handling a motorcade, receiving lines, third party protection, and many other skills. Fighting skills per se were not as much of a focus.

At our Family Martial Arts Academy, in addition to the regular Martial Arts curriculum, we also teach a variety of self-escape and personal safety courses as well. As I see it, knowing you can take it to a higher level if necessary gives you the confidence to use the lower level skills first. You won’t panic in a situation if you know you can handle it if it goes bad.

At the same time, a calm confidence will help you to think clearly in order to spot potential danger, and use your self-escape tools to avoid it. Without true training in the lower level skills, there is a danger that you go straight to the higher level skills first, which may not be the appropriate response.

Self escape training is fun, and gives people the confidence of knowing what to do in the majority of circumstances that require some action. This is especially true if it is based on honest Bodyguard or Executive Protection skills, tactics, and training, because getting to safety and avoiding trouble is paramount.

You may ask, “What about the small percentage of the time when something more than self-escape is required?” That is where the confidence in your martial arts skills is essential.

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Humility

Oct 27

Posted by Joel Levy in Martial Arts, Personal Growth | No Comments

As martial artists we constantly strive to higher levels of skill and ability. One of the key ingredients in this pursuit is the quality of humility. We often say that a black belt is a white belt who never quit. One of the concepts behind this is that while we increase our proficiency, we must also remain humble and eager students of our art. Often the more we learn, the more we realize there is to learn. The recognition of this alone should keep us humble. There are, however, many cases where a person, regardless of their pursuit, gains some level of competence and with that becomes arrogant or cocky. This is typically when a person also becomes vulnerable to being knocked down a peg or two. It is a classic mistake. You experience some level of success at something, and suddenly you think you know it all, and that great equalizer called life comes along, and BANG, you find yourself in the dirt. A person at that point would be wise to heed the words of Mahatma Ghandi; “I claim to be a simple individual, liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors, and to retrace my steps.”

In martial arts we call this the classic brown belt syndrome. At that point a student may have developed a great deal of skill. They may or may not, however, have developed the humility and control that comes when that skill is seasoned. By black belt, the student should have also become a black belt on the inside. That is they have surpassed themselves as brown belts in skill and regained the eager humility they had as white belts. They also come to appreciate those who have taught them. They demonstrate this simply by allowing themselves to be taught and passing this knowledge on through helping others. One of my personal mentors has said, in remaining humble to his own teachers, “It is easy to look down on a giant when you are standing on his shoulders.”

The irony is that the more humble we remain, the more others want to bestow honor upon us. By contrast, the more we demand that honor be given to us, the more we lose the respect and admiration of those around us. This concept was put very well by Benjamin Franklin who said, “To be humble to superiors is duty; to equals is courtesy; to inferiors nobleness.”

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