Sunday, February 26, 2017

Don't miss Sahila's fight coming up! Tickets for sale at the gym (cash only: $30) or online at Backforwardkick.com !!!

Saturday, February 25, 2017

CLOSED FEB 26

We are CLOSED on Sunday Feb 26 ALL DAY!
Instructors will be training with Ajahn Suchart to refine their skills.

Sorry for the inconvenience and see you Monday!

Sunday, February 19, 2017

CLOSED ON FAMILY DAY MONDAY FEB 20

Another Saturday in the books!

NOTE: we are OPEN Sunday Feb 19 but

CLOSED MONDAY FEB 20 FOR FAMILY DAY

March 4th marks our next grading opportunity. As always, having your name on the board is not a guarantee that you will even be going to grade. It is recognition that you are taking steps on a path. Continue your hard work and remember to use every day, every repetition, and even every rest period as a step towards your goals.

We are often asked, "what do I need to do to get my Blue shorts?"

A better question would be, "what makes a good blue short student, after the test is said and done?"
The answer lies in the question itself. It is not about reaching a destination, but following a direction... How do I can continue to improve and be a better student every day? This is the question that every TRUE champion, and even every Kru must ask themselves as well. Attaining a title belt, or certification as an instructor is an opportunity, not an end game. The Blue shorts test is no different. It's an opportunity to learn deeper.

Learning at the Blue short level comes from being taught new techniques, refining/optimizing old ones (more often than not), and stronger emphasis on self discovery. Become the best you can be, not just for one test, but every day for the rest of your life.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Please Note we are CLOSED on Family Day (Monday Feb 20, 2017). Enjoy your day!

Tickets for Sahila's SHEfight at the gym!

Come to York Muay Thai to grab your tickets for Sahila's fight on March 11th for SHEfights: #beboldforchange !!

$30 Cash only.
Proceeds go toward the SHEfights Youth Training Grant, to support the development of female youths aged 17 and younger.

We have spoken about how "when we open up, we are at once the most vulnerable we can possibly be... But also the most powerful." This is most fitting for our studies during swing kick month. Our focus is on opening up our body weight into our kicks, landing THROUGH the target...Not just "at" the target. While there are many variations and styles of kicking, we believe its most important to learn a strong base swing kick.

But as we mentioned before, maximum power means vulnerability- being on one leg and commiting your body weight can leave you open. Our offense/set up weeks will focus on how to decrease this vulnerability through combinations and timing... allowing us to open up with the least amount of risk.

That said, we want to touch on something matching this theme of vulnerability and power. You'll notice at YMT, the gym etiquette is to Wai (bow) to those we see at the gym. Instructors, students and staff alike will bow to each other regardless of level. As far as gestures go, one of the most vulnerable and submissive things you can do is bow to someone. In fact, in most other arts, students or juniors must bow first to instructors or seniors. But at YMT, our instructors and seniors alike will often bow first either because they are physically able to, or to share our gym's culture with someone new. It's a symbolic way of not only saying "I respect you", but also "I'm not above you. You are a part of my journey. I can learn from you. Let's grow together".

It's a powerful thing: to constantly remind each other AND ourselves that we are connected. It's also one of the things that keeps us motivated during tough times, both in training and in life. Having people that you grow to trust and respect goes a long way in keeping you focused on your goals, while helping make a positive difference in someone else's life. It is our hope that, regardless of your status or level at YMT, you not only feel respected and welcomed, but you extend those feelings to everyone around you. Together we can grow.

The next time you see a new face at the gym, put yourself out there. Be vulnerable and give them a Wai. If they aren't yet acquainted with our traditions, then you've got yourself a conversation starter :)

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Kru Jen at SHEspars

Thank you to SHEspars for having Kru Jen out to tell her story at Milton Muay Thai. It is her hope that she can help inspire and empower women to do the great things they are capable of.