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Happy New Year! Well 2020 has certainly been a year like no other! As we step into 2021, we do so inspired by the strength and tenacity and human spirit displayed in our Tri-City students in what might be one of the most challenging years of training experienced. The uncertainty, disappointments, and challenges were faced by a group of people who rose to meet the challenges and embrace new ways of training and new ways of connecting. We don’t have to be brave and strong all the time,but the willingness to do our best with what we have in the moment can not only help us to attain new heights and achieve our goals, but can build a resilience and tenacity to face any hardship that comes our way. Taking small steps in a direction of purpose can help us experience peace and happiness. Bruce Lee once said, “Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind." In his book, Moving Toward Stillness, Dave Lowry writes about the essence of the Bamboo and inspires readers to investigate its attributes: “...Bend like the bamboo. Be flexible; give before the onslaught of force in the same way the long slender boughs of that giant grass flex in the wind or under a load of snow. Remain supple and spring back against oppression as do the bamboo’s stalks. [...] I planted a stand of yellow-groove bamboo in my yard… heavy flakes were falling. By afternoon the branches of my bamboo had grown a thick white coat of snow. They were bending, lowering beneath their load. Completely distracted from my writing chores, I brewed a pot of tea and sat… If you have never seen it, snow-burdened bamboo doesn’t just sag with the extra weight; it twists over alarmingly. It goes down as if it is suddenly developing the advanced symptoms of some kind of plant arthritis. Smaller stalks will bend double, their tips arching right over into U shapes that touch the ground. Just when I began to doubt the plants’ pliancy, just when I was ready to rush out and knock the snow off to save the plants from snapping, one length of bamboo gave a convulsive shudder. It shrugged off the snow, then, after staggering and waving back and forth, it was upright again. All winter I watched the bamboo I’d planted as it flexed under successive snowfalls and then flung off the weight. Spring came and more shoots erupted from the cold, black ground. [...] I started digging at the base of one of the clumps. And that is when I learned there is a whole lot more to the pliant strength of the bamboo than what you can see in its snow-covered branches. Bamboo, propagates itself by rhizomes, long fibrous roots that spread out horizontally a foot or so underground. These roots expand and intertwine, forming a netlike web. The rhizomes are incredibly tough. As I noted, the yielding bamboo is a familiar image that can be found in all kinds of analogies from all over. But flexibility is only half of the bamboo’s strength. The stalks of bamboo are supple, true. They can bend into incredible curves without breaking. Yet without the stout, deeply entrenched roots below ground, the stalks would topple with the slightest resistance. People who know only of the bending and flexibility of this unique plant are not aware of the rigidity that makes real pliancy possible. With the bamboo, flexibility is possible because of the strong, tough roots at the base of the plant. The bamboo’s strength: flexibility, a true kind of suppleness that allows one to bend and spring back against opposition, is merely an illusion unless there are firm and solid roots to anchor it.” When we reflect on the flexibility of our students who were able to adapt to new and often challenging ways of training (or living), we can recognize that they have a ‘strength’ beneath the surface, in their root systems, that includes connection and alignment of purpose. Moving into 2021, we do so from a place of inspiration. We are inspired by those who have risen when they have fallen; those who have given when they have had nothing to give; those who have shown up even when they felt no strength to do so; those who have created beauty with very little, and those who have moved forward with hearts of courage in the face of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, and hardship. May we remember that 2020 has helped us to build strength and resilience and may we celebrate the dawning of a new year with renewed hope. May we connect as families and communities to work towards our goals as we focus on becoming better versions of ourselves. Wishing you good health, much happiness, great peace, prosperity, and much love. Happy New Year! Kindest regards, Tri-City Training

When announcements were made that our training community would be closing temporarily for live classes, the Tri-City training students and athletes quickly adapted to online live classes and video resource materials. It has been incredible to witness the tremendous growth that has occurred despite the seemingly challenging shift in training methods. ​ We are proud to announce that Tri-City will be distributing 107 certificates and belts to various students, athletes, and instructors who have achieved promotions. ​ Congratulations to our incredible Tri-City Family! We look forward to continuing the journey with you!

This past week, all Tri-City Training Campuses participated in our annual Board Break Fundraiser in support of the C.N.G.K. Family Camping weekend (Aug 7-9). Tameshiwari (Board Breaking) gives students opportunity to demonstrate effectiveness of techniques using 1" pine boards. It requires technical accuracy, but just as importantly demands courage, kime, focus, and determination to both get up in front of an audience to present technique and conjure inner strength to get the job done. It is an exercise that has incredible benefits beyond the literal and physical elements portrayed. Giving students opportunity to work collectively towards contributing to the dojo family and providing a platform to teach character building motivates this initiative. We are so proud of our students and their determination and perseverance during this Board Break event! "The boards know what each student needs" and we don't always know why things play out the way they do, but as long as we walk away with having learned something, we can be better for it. Thank-you so all of our families for your support! Congratulations to our students on a job well done! (More images posted on Facebook)

The last year has seen with it the development of two significant Tri-City Training programs -- the Kinder Karate class (offered to 3-5 yr olds) and the Cubs Wrestling program (for ages 4-5).  Both of these classes focus on teaching physical literacy, sport specific movement patterns, social skills, focus, and resiliency skills among others. When considering how much these little ones really learn about "karate" or "wrestling", we are often pleasantly surprised by the skills they can demonstrate in a relatively short period of time.  More significantly however, are the characteristics that build a foundation for resiliency and personal development in life, that soon become evident both on and off the mats. Character development is a priority on the Tri-City Training mats both in karate and in wrestling. When a three-year-old enters the dojo, he/she is learning physical literacy and developing movement patterns and skills that are foundational for life.  The social development and resilience and focus-training helps these young ones experience greater happiness and satisfaction in their (often) ego-centric worlds. These students have fun and develop physical and social skills at the same time. They learn how to train and as a result, build a foundation for learning that is transferable into any discipline. One of the favourite activities during the warm-up is to 'play' animals - each student chooses an animal to act out as they run down the mats.  Collectively, they usually choose "poisonous snakes"  or "poisonous horses" or "poisonous cheetahs" and I do my best to evade their poisonous grasps as they reach their finish line.  It's great fun and learning is happening on many levels.  I can't help but laugh during every single class. As the students march around 'raising their shields' to (barely) block their heads or evade my attack or attempt to turn over their club-mates in a rousing game of "bulldog", I can't help but appreciate that I am learning from them as much as they are learning from me. Over the years, I have learned to fine-tune instruction and create excellent lesson plans based on "best practices" in education, but part of this improvement comes with the realization that sometimes the teaching moments are not constructed at all. And on the days where I tie 10 karate belts 47 times each, and someone is crying, and someone is running the opposite direction, and someone needs to blow his nose... and I wonder what they are possibly learning, I'm graced with some incredible gifts. One particularly challenging day, a rambunctious youngster said, "Sometimes I need to remind my brain not to drop my shields, but I'll keep trying." I was reminded that these youngsters can often easily articulate their mistakes or frustrations, and often have the strength to 'not give up trying'. How easily (as adults) do we admit our weaknesses and use it as fuel to move forward and keep trying? Over the years, there have been many things I've learned from the 4-year olds... here are a few... 1. Sometimes the best plan is to throw away the plan and "go with the moment". 2. Sometimes the four-year-old really does know best 3. Sometimes it's ok to be last place when you're having fun - embrace the moment. 4. Sometimes when the 4-year old says, "I don't want to listen. I'm the Toach", it's ok to say, "No, I'm the Toach. You need to listen." 5. The time in works... they keep showing up and eventually it "sticks" 6. Sometimes it's better to keel over in uproarious laughter than to finish the lesson. Sometimes that's the lesson. 7. Sometimes moving 'dragon eggs' around is the only way to learn collaboration and team work. Sometimes telling a story helps us understand each other and helps us better work together. 8. It's best to move out of the way...even before we try to block our heads...especially if our arms aren't long enough yet and don't block our heads anyway. Move first. 9. At this age, most of these four-year-olds will do something with their whole body... they give their 'whole selves' to the task at hand. They don't hold back because they think they might look 'dumb' or not get it on the first try. They throw themselves in... lessons to be learned here. 10. No matter how the class goes they end it with a 'high five'. Every day I'm so grateful I get to spend time with these little heroes... each one carving his/her path and offering so much of themselves as they learn and grow. It's amazing how much we can learn from others...including 4-year-olds... if we open our hearts to do so.

Wrestling rooms often bring together very different people who may not otherwise have much in common at all.  It's fascinating to see the variety of faces and personalities that appear.  One of the main things in common, for those who stick with it, is the grit and determination that is upheld to be essential for survival; and the other is an incredible sense of community that is developed without ever breathing a word about it. Those who 'battle' together, and share the pains and triumphs of what it takes to develop such tenacity and endurance as a wrestler, have an unspoken understanding of what it takes to 'make it' on the mat. There is pride for those willing to work so hard and a sense of satisfaction with lessons learned. This past season, the Tri-City Training wrestlers have exemplified what it means to be a part of a positive community both on and off the mats.  People have shown dedication and commitment as training partners and cheerleaders despite injuries or other setbacks. It has been remarkable to see the growth and development in our youngest cub wrestlers, in our youth wrestlers, and in our teens and veteran adult wrestlers. People wrestle for different reasons; some wrestle for the joy of it; others wrestle for the battles; some wrestle for the fitness and conditioning; others wrestle to be a part of a community, etc. There is a place on the mats for anyone who wants to work hard and is willing to be coached. The Tri-City Training wrestling coaches and families are all proud of all of our wrestlers.  Several have experienced their first tournaments this season, some have experienced their first victories, and others have faced their first losses or setbacks.  Everyone has worked tremendously hard and we are so proud of everyone's accomplishments and warrior spirits! Each of us has learned something. Congratulations on a fantastic season! Our adult wrestlers ended the season with a visit to the "Garrison" in Guelph, to have some fun with axe throwing! Thanks to everyone who made it out! A great time was had by all! We are looking forward to getting a jump start on next Season as we continue to train our wrestling skills and to work on strength and conditioning for the next few months. Our training schedule remains the same until June and then our training days switch to Tuesdays and Thursdays. Watch our News for info on the Summer Training Schedule. Thank-you to our coaches, our families, and our wrestlers for your dedication and support, and for creating the Tri-City Training wrestling community. Congratulations again to everyone on fantastic wrestling training so far!

On December 7, 2019, Canadian Naha Te Goju Karate Dojo Heads and members publicly recognized the outstanding achievements of C.N.G.K. Chief Instructor and Head Adjudicator, Hanshi Jay Purdy. The presentation acknowledged his attainment of the honoured level of Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt). Hanshi Jay Purdy has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to the study of Goju Karate with integrity of character as an honoured leader. The presentation was ordained and witnessed by C.N.G.K. Dojo Heads, Kyoshi Mike Robertson, Renshi Tom Cako, Renshi Barbara Lamble, Renshi Keith Harris, Sensei Blair Purdy, and Sensei Christina Graf. Additional C.N.G.K. students were in attendance at the Black Belt Grading, December 2019, in Arthur, ON. Hanshi Jay Purdy has been studying Goju Ryu Karate for over 50 years in both Okinawa and Canada. He established the Canadian Naha Te Goju Karate organization and has seven campuses where his unique curriculum is taught. Sensei Jay provides expert instruction to his Dojo Heads and higher level instructors ensuring quality, correctness, and character are always a primary focus. He has had widespread impact and is now witnessing generations of students as instructors and dojo leaders. ​ Hanshi J has inspired many people over the years. Woodrow Wilson said, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Leading by example, Sensei J has inspired his students to think with greater vision in order to expand their ability in teaching and helping others to experience the benefits of karate and martial arts. Additionally he inspires people to live life to the fullest. Whether it is through karate and training, music, or comradarie and sharing a memory or a laugh, Sensei J has a way of inspiring people to reach higher. He will spend time helping others regardless of their rank or experience, just enjoying the process and the relationships. ​ ​ “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”(M.T.) Thank you Sensei Jay for your continued support and leadership with C.N.G.K. ​ On behalf of all Canadian Naha Te students, we would like to offer sincere gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to the much deserving Hanshi Jay Purdy on your outstanding achievements and success.

The New Year brings with it the gift of opportunity to 'start fresh', create goals, or begin anew. We have the chance to continue to work towards goals or begin new ones, and yet although so well-intended, we often get in our own way of accomplishing these goals. There are so many "reasons" (excuses) to not do what we know will help us become better versions of ourselves. We often hear it said, "I will get in shape and then when I am in shape, I will start karate classes." These people rarely accomplish their hopes of one day getting a black belt because they don't even begin the journey. They tell themselves that others are more talented, or more capable, or have more time, or it's easier for them to get to the club to train. There are many excuses that inhibit progress. If these people would just show up, the 'get in shape' amazingly begins to happen. The key is to just show up and take the first steps. Unfortunately, it is difficult for many to humble themselves and show up "as is". If we can acknowledge that "we are where we are" and start from there, we really increase our chances of succeeding - because we are being honest about where we are and can set realistic goals...and this self-acceptance allows us the freedom to work towards goals. The ability to recognize where we are and where we would like to go is a key step in setting goals and reaching goals. This goes for both competitive and recreational athletes of all abilities. We need to recognize where we are and not allow that to stop us from moving forward, but rather use it to propel us to where we want to go. As we embrace the gift of this new year, may we all have the courage to take the steps towards accomplishing our goals. Wishing you happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health! All the best for 2020, Tri-City Training

Tri-City Training Instructor, Amanda McAlpine -

This past weekend, April 26-28, members from Tri-City's Wrestling Team, competed at the Youth Wrestling Provincials in Ottawa, ON. Individual medals won included multiple representation of gold, silver, and bronze which resulted in an overall team result of SILVER in the Bantam division. Coach Tom Cako was very impressed with the team support and character displayed during the event. "It was fantastic to see the camaraderie and 'real heart' displayed on and off the mat," said Cako. "Each athlete had his and her own journey and I was proud of every single one of them. They worked hard and left it all on the mats." It was a very good experience overall and Tri-City Training families and staff couldn't be prouder!

What does it take to win? Many would say that in order to accomplish a goal or 'win a championship,' a person must have certain characteristics that will lead to that result. Champions are not born overnight. They must work hard, put the 'reps in', and persist in the face of hardship. This week we had the privilege of witnessing a true champion take the podium in a very important wrestling tournament. Although the grit and determination on the wrestling mats that day lead to a gold medal, it was the journey to the podium that makes us so proud. Nick Ditoro joined Tri-City Training at the age of 10. He and his brother Joey, with enormous support from their parents, wrestled faithfully two or three times per week for 7 years. The Ditoro brothers are an example of what it takes to get a job done. They win and lose with dignity. They are respectful, positive, and work hard. Both Nick and Joey are exemplary wrestlers, and excellent role models for all our young athletes at Tri-City Training. In order to experience success, people must be coachable and adaptable. They must surround themselves with supporters and positive people who encourage them towards their goals. They must persist in the face of disappointment and adversity. Nick is an example in all these ways. Last year he trained hard to make it to regionals, but when he did so he learned he wasn't allowed to compete because there hadn't been enough wrestlers on his team. He was the only one. Many people would face this disappointment and feel sorry for themselves... Nick saw the disappointment as an opportunity. Because Nick's school didn't have a wrestling team, he had been unable to compete representing his High School. In response, Nick started a wrestling team at his school. He recruited team mates and then helped to coach. Nick faithfully continued to train...and this year was able to both compete and win his regional tournament. Where many would have given up, he 'made his own way' and was able to accomplish his goals. Nick didn't just win the regional championship as the 'underdog.' He came back from disappointment, started and helped to coach a team, continued to train even harder, and lead by example on and off the mat. It is inspiring to see his journey. Congratulations Nick on your outstanding success!

Dear Tri-City Training Families & Friends, It is hard to believe another year has come and gone! The New Year can be such a gift in that it provides a great opportunity to reflect on the past, experience the moment, and prepare for the future. As we approach 2018, I'd like to offer a personal thanks to each of you for being a part of the Tri-City Training 'family.' You have enriched our lives immensely and it is a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with you and your families. At this time I am reminded of practical ways we can work towards experiencing the life we dream about. 1. Make sure you make the most important thing the most important thing. If we want to achieve our goals, we need to know what we value most and live accordingly. We can't say we value one thing...spend the majority of our time on another... and expect to get the results we are looking for. How we spend our time needs to be aligned with what we say we believe if we truly want to accomplish our goals. 2. Write it down. Writing out goals and realistic timelines can help us work towards actually accomplishing our objectives. Writing it down can help you do something each day to get closer to goals and help you stay accountable to taking the steps necessary. 3. Learn from the best & do something about Mindset. Our mindset affects our results on the mat, in the classroom, at the office, and in life. Your mindset is what separates you from the person equally talented. Study the people you admire and respect; learn from them, then execute. Learning from those who have achieved goals can help us push past our limitations or our "normal." What is our "normal"? When 500 pushups a day is "normal"...50 in a class is "easy". We need to determine the framework in which we operate -- our mindset will often determine our path to success. What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year. We wish you all the best for 2018 and look forward to working alongside you as you work towards your goals! May you experience clarity, peace, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year! All the best, Tom Cako Director, Tri-City Training

Canadian Naha-Te Goju Karate Chief Adjudicator, Kyoshi J. Purdy, and all of the Dojo heads would like to extend congratulations to the successful Black Belt candidates from the winter Black Belt grading held in Arthur, December 2nd, 2017. Connor Ancheta (Purdy Center for the Arts), and Max Bailey (Tri-City Training) were both promoted to Shodan. Ed Charleton, (Arthur Karate Dojo), was promoted to Nidan. All three candidates demonstrated excellence in body, mind, and spirit. Throughout the grading, Kyoshi Purdy and several other instructors were able to offer valuable feedback to each candidate. Each gradee was challenged and successful in meeting each difficulty with perseverance and in good character. It was an excellent learning opportunity for all attendees. The Black Belt grading offered a superb demonstration of the quality of instruction and excellence in training exemplified by C.N.G.K. dojos. Congratulations to all candidates.