At the headquarters branch school in West Islip the Hanata dojo all the students are wired literally. In all the classrooms there is a new surveillance system. Mostly for the parents benefit but the students are now able to see the classes before them and after them in the office or on a monitor display in A touch of Zen.

Many of the parents have been commenting on how it is really exciting for them to be able to see the both classrooms in action. They are happy that they can see the end of their child’s class or even stay on occasion for the viewing of the entire thing. We as martial arts instructors are happy as well. We love it when the parents show an interest in their child’s martial arts instruction. I believe that this will help people realize the many benefits that we have other than kicking and punching.

The other day a parent asked how the animal walks and the running ties into the martial arts. I was happy to answer. The martial arts is a well rounded activity. It helps the child develop or the martial arts student in a many areas other than the most prominent defending oneself. The student of the martial arts is agile, flexible and most of all aware. The exercises that we teach on a regular basis are those that will benefit them in sports, the development of patience and perseverance. These are all skills that will make them successful business people as well as productive members of society.

Most recently we watched a video called the “Horse Stance” starring Ernie Reyes Jr. The movie talks about how something as simple as the horse stance can develop the inner character, the strength of the body, the mind and the inner spirit. This stance seems so simple and sometimes even boring to the student. In reality it is something so much more. The horse stance teaches a student if they are ready to learn the inner teachings of the martial arts. It is the very essence of why we do the martial arts. That is why it is fun to see the parents watching as well as seeing the exercises. I challenge the parents to see the hidden messages in what we teach. Here’s to a productive future all through getting wired at the dojo.

Allie Alberigo is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the art of Ninpo/Ninjutsu and Jujutsu and has been training in the martial arts for over 39 years, as well as being a martial arts school owner, self-defense expert, public speaker and business owner. Allie is the owner of the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers, which has locations in East Islip, West Islip, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, and Bermuda. In 2000 Allie his first book “The Beginners Guide to Ninpo” and has also released his first video “The Warrior Spirit” (39 minutes). If you have any questions do not hesitate to call 631-321-5432, email him at renshilininja@aol.com, or check them out online at Lininja.com. He loves to hear from you.