STILLNESS
ISSUE.1
JAN.2026
News and learning for families of The Martial Arts Academy of Marin | Shōrinji Ryū Karate | San Rafael, CA
The stillness in stillness is not the real stillness; only when there is stillness in movement does the universal rhythm manifest.
- Bruce Lee
As the winter season settles upon us, I encourage my students to embrace this moment, and gaze inward. As the mind relaxes, we naturally ease into stillness. During this meditation, I reflect upon Karate's greater philosophical essence; a doctrine that is based upon peace, conflict resolution, problem solving, and the well being of all people.
The question then becomes in Karate, why are we fighting? Are we battling simply so we can beat another person, or are we wrestling to make the world a better place? Perhaps to uncover the essence of who we truly are? As these kinds of questions arise, and I urge each of you to redirect your pugilistic focus to a path of self discovery. in order to become spiritually realized, and to leave behind your animal instincts: rather choose to become something greater that the sum of your flesh and bones. If you were ever seeking a cause, there is no greater cause than this. It will test every sense of your being, and the level you achieve always has another level of realization to strive for. This is when it dons on most that mastery is not a destination, but a path of seeking and constant growth.
As you progress through this, many challenges will come your way. You will experience strange and difficult times. However, as a Warrior, you can allow these troublesome and unusual times temper you, make you stronger, and increase your resolve to be a force for good, and spiritual growth.
Let this newfound strength and resolve in turn give you the power to expand your compassion and kindness - to build a better world, for when you are in charge of it, you say what goes. Let this year, this moment right now be the beginning of a better future, a better tomorrow for all.
Happy New Year everyone! The way is clear, and the future is bright.
W
Sensei cultivates stillness while seated before Fudo Myoo, The Immovable One.
january AT THE DOJO ...
SURVEY | DOJO STREETWEAR !!!
FOCUS | STILLNESS AS A MARTIAL SKILL
In traditional martial arts, stillness is not a passive state—it is an essential discipline. Many students think training begins with movement, but in truth, it begins with the ability to be still with purpose. We're training our students to recognize how stillness sharpens awareness, improves timing, and builds stronger mind–body control.
In Zen practice, stillness (zazen) is used to train the mind to notice rather than react. This same principle applies directly to martial arts. A student who can be still can observe an opponent more clearly, regulate their breathing, and respond with precision rather than impulse. Stillness becomes a tool for better technique, better self-control, and better decision-making—both on and off the mats.
January is the perfect month for this focus. Nature itself slows down, encouraging us to refine our inner landscape. By practicing intentional stillness—pausing before a strike, holding a stance with calm focus, or simply sitting in quiet meditation—students learn that strength isn’t only in muscles. It’s in the ability to steady the mind. Students experience how stillness supports balance, timing, emotional regulation, and overall martial development. When they learn to command their stillness, movement becomes smarter, faster, and more meaningful. Stillness is not the absence of action—it is the mastery that guides it.
Statue of a stone Jizo monk, ancient protectors of children and the trail.
🤒 cold/flu season - sanitize your hands 🤒
Hand sanitizer is available at the front desk! Please apply liberally and help prevent germ-spreading.
🤩 congratulations, belt testers 🤩
On Sunday, Dec. 7, the following students tested for and received new belts. Way to level up!
KIDS
Yellow Belt : Santiago Arbocco, Sofia Arbocco, Missale Flores, Milo Li, Charlie Medina-Ghiraldini
Green Belt : Tyler Kramer, Owen Lawson, Liam Corbett, Gabriel Reis
Brown Belt 3rd Degree : Reese Koppenhaver, Nish Dattani, Elody Momeni, Jonah Hilbert, Nola
Stallman
Brown Belt 2nd Degree : Elena Martinez, Ava Bradley
Brown Belt 1st Degree : Radin Momeni, Geo Aguirre, Franco Meono, Veharh Ly, Joseph Tomlin
Sen Schmidt
TEEN/ADULT
Green Belt : Renee Madison
Brown Belt 1st Degree : Alma Nabatian, Katin Garcia, Vincent Niclas
🥳 the dojo is growing 🥳
Have a friend sign-up for and attend a free week of training, and you'll receive a Shorinji cinch bag &
TMAA waterbottle!
👊 dojo streetwear 👊
Represent our dojo with brand new TMAA/Shorinji Ryu branded streetwear! T-shirts, cinch bags, and
water bottles are now available to purchase here, or you can purchase in person. All items bought
online are available to pick up at the dojo, we do not ship any online purchases.
🙏 If you'd like to see more dojo streetwear, please take this quick survey! 🙏
latest | ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
zen | STILLNESS & MOVEMENT
In traditional karate, stillness and movement are not opposites— they are partners, rooted deeply in Zen Buddhism. Zen teaches that clarity arises when the mind becomes quiet, free from distraction and emotional turbulence. This same principle guides karate training: before a technique can be powerful, it must first be intentional, and intention comes from inner stillness. Through practices like mindful breathing, focused stances, and brief moments of meditation, students learn to calm the mind so the body can respond with precision.
Zen philosophies: presence, non-attachment, and observing without reacting, helps karate practitioners stay centered under pressure, think clearly during challenges, and move with purpose rather than impulse. In this way, stillness, Zen, and karate work together to shape not just skilled martial artists, but focused, grounded individuals.
have you met | RUBY (6)
1. If you could invite a superhero to train at the dojo for a day, who would it be?
2. If you could own a magic belt, what special power would it give you?
3. If you could teach Sensei your own karate move, what would that move be?
4. If TMAA's dojo had a mascot, what would it be and why?
5. Why do you keep coming back to train at The Martial Arts Academy?
we want to meet you!
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KIDS' home practice | FUDOSHIN (不動心)
Fudoshin, often translated as the immovable mind, is a state of calm confidence—a mind that stays steady no matter what is happening around it. When one practices stillness and mindful movement, they develop the ability to stay calm during challenges, both in the dojo and out in the world. This steady mindset cultivates patience, spaciousness, and the ability to gauge situations with clarity and equanimity.
This month, spend five minutes a day with your child (stack with an already established habit!) performing one of the drills below.
👊 Shaolin Style
Child chooses 1 kata to perform. They execute the movements at half the speed they normally would. They cultivate "Fudoshin in motion" which is also practiced during Zen moving.
👊 Yin Yang Power Drill
Child throws punches, blocks, & kicks on exhales only. Resets on the inhales. This helps their bodies understand that effective karate comes from a place of stillness and not reactivity.
👊 Stance Balance
Child closes eyes and slowly switches between stances—front stance, back stance, cat stance. They will soon find that the focus required during balance exercises strengthens them both physically and mentally to find the stillness within the movement.
Practicing fudoshin at home reminds students that martial arts isn’t something they turn on and off—it’s a way of carrying themselves every day. With steady breathing, quiet movement, and a calm mind, young karateka learn to bring their Zen into school, home, and their relationships.
Gallery | CHRISTMAS PARTY!
