Summer Plans

Special Announcement and Schedule Update This summer, Sensei Lara will be welcoming a new member to her family.  She will be going on maternity leave starting at the end of June, with the new baby expected mid-July.  While Sensei Lara is out, Redwood Dojo classes will continue, taught by other highly capable Cuong Nhu instructors.  …

Dealing with the Unexpected: Training in Place

Nearly two months ago on March 12th, we had our normal Thursday evening classes, with no idea that it would be our last time training in person for two months and counting.  We have not stepped foot in the Recreation Center since then, and we do not yet know when we will be able to …

Steps to Sewing Stripes Securely

In Cuong Nhu, ranks are represented by colored belts and stripes.  When you earn a new stripe, you should sew it onto your belt by your next class.  A well secured stripe will last for years, ensuring that it doesn't fray, come loose, or fall off.  Show respect for your rank and the work that …

Injury 101: Modify to Maintain Momentum

Injury is a part of life.  While our bodies are amazingly adaptable and adept at healing, they all break down on occasion.  When this happens, we may need to adjust our actions to give ourselves time to heal.  As martial artists, this goes against our instinct to push ourselves and test our limits.  We push …

The Secret to Becoming a Black Belt

When we first commit to a new endeavor, motivation surges through us, propelling us forward.  We are inspired by our new undertaking, filled with visions of success and the excitement of the journey ahead.  However, this initial high eventually wanes, and so too does our intense fervor when it becomes clear that our vision will …

The Unspoken Fear: Violence Against Women

January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month and this month's blog gets into the serious, scary, and widespread epidemic of violence against women.  It is a heavy but important read for all adults and mature teens. January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month. Have you ever had that dream where you try to scream, but …

December 2018 Schedule

We have almost reached the end of 2018!  We will have all classes as usual for the week of December 17 to December 22.  The last day of Redwood Dojo classes for 2018 is Saturday, December 22.  Our regular schedule will resume in on Thursday, January 3.  During the holiday week, all students are invited to several …

What Really Matters When it Comes to Training, Testing, and Tournaments

Training Training is the fundamental basis of studying martial arts.  At Redwood Dojo, we train in Cuong Nhu.  We train every day we are in class.  Training is the core of our art.  But what does good training look like? You show up consistently.  You have a training schedule and you don’t let it get …

Five Steps to Safety: Applying Self-Defense Principles for Halloween Fun

Halloween has always been a favorite holiday, for kids and adults.  I’ve always been drawn to the creative theatrics of the holiday.  I love coming up with weird costumes, pushing the limits of what I can make myself.  Getting a little scared, seeing the amazing creations of others, and trying to figure out “how they …

Cuong Nhu Etiquette: West Coast Training Camp Edition

Each year, Cuong Nhu instructors from across the country come to the Bay Area to teach classes at West Coast Training Camp. With a full schedule of classes ranging from soft-style katas to advanced weapon training, balanced with meal times spent socializing with fellow Cuong Nhu practitioners (not to mention the famous cookie break!), students …