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by Tom Cako The study of Kata and its application can take a lifetime of delving into each "layer" and each "approach". At Tri-City Training we begin an educational approach to bunkai by giving them opportunity to "interpret" what they "see" in their kata and then follow specific steps to demonstrate the self-defense application for their selected technique or sequence. As students continue in their study they offer interpretation based on their experience and focus at the time. For example, if a student is practicing a lot of takedowns, that student might "see" more throws or sweeps in a kata. If the student is focusing on movement and blocking/attacking angles - that student might "see" the movement and angles in a kata. As practitioners gain more experience - their depth of understanding also deepens. Practicing bunkai from a young age with karate practitioners gives them both the opportunity to begin to understand kata, practice techniques learned in class, see the practical self-defense application of kata, and have fun with being creative in their development of bunkai!

by Tom Cako ​I have met many people in my life, in different countries, cities and towns. Everybody is going different directions and doing different things. I look around at the people around me and see people that have success in different areas of their life. Success can be measured in many ways; business, family, relationship, financial, professional etc… But what is the one thing we all have in common? CHANGE. There is nothing we can do about this! Change is going to happen If you like it or not. So why not change for the better? I have been helping people for some time working as a personal trainer. I have seen some people have great success in transforming their bodies, which carries over to everything they do in their life. And I have seen many people not follow through with their plans. What is the difference between the two? Their willingness to CHANGE. I see two different types of mindsets. One person gets excited about change! As soon as they see their getting comfortable or complacent it’s off for the next challenge. The next step. They take action, they make things happen. They find a reason to change! The second person will find (and get pretty creative) any excuse why they can’t change. This could be the old knee injury from school, the car accident they had 100 years ago, to busy; I can’t get up in the morning. Not enough time or just pure avoidance – silence. I could go on forever with what I have witnessed and have experienced up to this point. They say they want change. But it’s easier to stay the same. They want instance gratification instead of working long and hard hours, making sacrifices to receive small gains and long term benefits. (We will talk more about this in the future) I could give two people the same program and get two different results. It’s about their character. What they portray in one area usually will give an indication to how they run the other aspects of their lives. (But I have been wrong before). So how do we change for the better? “The greatest leverage you can create for yourself is the pain that comes from inside, not outside. Knowing that you have failed to live up to your own standards for your life is the ultimate pain. If we fail to act in accordance with our own view of ourselves, if our behaviours are inconstant with our standards – with the identity we hold for ourselves – then the chasm between our actions and who we are drives us to make a change.” “ One of the things that turns virtually anyone around is reaching a pain threshold. This means experiencing pain at such an intense level that you know you must change now – a point at which your brain says, “I’ve had it; I can’t spend another day, not another moment, living or feeling this way.” Change requires more than just establishing the knowledge that you should change. It’s knowing at the deepest emotional level that you must change. If you have tried to change and failed it’s because you have not associated enough pain with your current situation. You have to place emotional intensity with your actions! This way you’re not just going through the movement, your LIVING in the moment and doing something about your situation right NOW. If you really want to change the way you look it’s usually for a reason other then “I want a nice but or I want a big ape chest” Find out the true reason by asking yourself questions. Find the answers, make a decision do what you said you’re going to do! (Integrity) With this will come self confidence, power in knowing you can change your situation/life and the help the people around you. I decided to write about change in the first news letter because I believe this is the most important part of the process. The first step before you step foot in the gym or what ever you do. This is the foundation. Change in the Mind first and the body will follow! All the best! Tom Cako

by Tom Cako Martial Arts for Self Defence Self Defence is one of many aspects of Martial Arts. People start studying Martial Arts for this reason alone. Learning to be able to protect yourself or the ones you love is a priceless skill. It could be the difference between life and death. Ask someone who has had a traumatizing experience with violence. I bet you wouldn’t hear anybody say “I wish I knew less about how to protect myself”. Or “If I only have taking some kind of Martial Arts, things could have been different”. Many Years ago Self Defence was one of the main reasons people started to learn Martial Arts. I believe all disciplines can help you with this. You have to know what you’re looking for, striking, grappling, chokes, locks etc…… I truly believe people should not kid themselves about taking a few self defence classes and walking away with a false sense of confidence. Of course anything will help to a point, but learning Martial Arts takes a life time. It takes long hours, being consistent, doing hard physical work, repeating this process and continuing with training to experience solid results for self-defense. It can be boring (depending on level of student) and have many ups and downs. But by sacrificing your time, you can truly learn to defend yourself or more importantly, learn to not get yourself into a situation in the first place. You can learn to recognize situations, people’s body language and your environment by learning to be aware, which can come from much training. By becoming skilled in defending yourself, I believe you eventually will go through your life with a certain confidence. I am not talking about a cocky, chest up attitude which attracts confrontation, but a calm assertive attitude. If this is something you’re looking for come out and try a class to begin with at Tri-City Training.

by Tom Cako Classes for Kids -- Why get your children involved in Martial Arts? Don’t all parents want their children to grow up feeling good about themselves? There are endless benefits a child can get from studying Martial Arts. Starting with the Personal Development, Karate classes are taught with a value based structure. Things such as respect for others and yourself, discipline and sacrifice are reinforced right from day one. By emphasizing these values in every class consistently, the child will start to grow from the “inside” out. As most “sports” are highly competitive, karate can spend time focusing on ones self in a positive way. On the physical side, starting your child at an early age is a great idea. They will be trained to improve their motor skills, coordination, flexibility and strength. Through practising technique repetitively and class exercises the child will learn to defend themselves. Eventually the student will be able to walk around day to day feeling confident that they could defend themselves if they have to. At an early age the student will not be aware of this but as an aware adult you can see the changes in the students. Also, many children do not respond well to team sports. Karate can be a great alternative for these children. In the dojo you can build a certain group moral with the students but also have the balance and time to focus on each individual needs, as these can be different for each child. Benefits of Karate Concept of Self Control Physical Development Spiritual Development Leadership Skills Discipline Ability to Concentrate & Focus Self – Confidence Exercise Self Defence Have Fun! If your'e in the Guelph area or close to it and would be interested in having your child come to a karate class. Call Tri-City Training directly at 226 979 2622 or contact Sensei Tom directly at admin@tricitytraining.ca.

by Tom Cako As 2016 comes to an end and a new chapter begins, there comes with it a renewed sense of hope and the opportunity to begin the year with a fresh start. There's something special about a blank canvas -- all the opportunity in the world lies ahead - and as artists of our own lives, we get to paint the picture for 2017. My hope for each of us is that we 'pick up the brush' and take steps towards creating a masterpiece. So often I come across people who don't take steps towards accomplishing their goals because they feel inadequate or afraid or insecure. There are people who feel they need to "get in shape" before they join the karate class, or wrestling class...when in fact, joining the class helps them get in shape! There will always be a "reason" (excuse) to not take steps towards accomplishing your goals - whatever they may be - relational, financial, physical, spiritual... Determine what it is that you are working towards and start now, taking one step at a time towards accomplishing your goals. The beauty of our blank canvas is that we have a lifetime to paint our picture - and it is ever evolving and developing. At Tri-City Training our goal is to look at the bigger picture - holistic development of each person- and provide support as people 'build a lifestyle'. We wish you great success with all of your goals! May you have good health, happiness, prosperity, and peace for 2017! Wishing you all the best, Tom Cako Director, Tri-City Training

Tri-City Training would like to extend a heart-felt congratulations to our newest black belts on the success of their gradings this past Saturday, December 3rd, 2016. Kate Cornish (Shodan Ho) and Sam Seabrook (Shodan) successfully passed all requirements and demonstrated excellence in kata, kobudo, and kumite. Sensei Tom is so proud of their hard work and accomplishments. Welcome to your blog post. Use this space to connect with your readers and potential customers in a way that’s current and interesting. Think of it as an ongoing conversation where you can share updates about business, trends, news, and more.

On Saturday, November 19th, 2016, Tri-City Training hosted the 5th annual Guelph Open Karate Shiai. Sensei Tom Cako began opening introductions by thanking his Sensei, Kyoshi J. Purdy, for the legacy that he began in martial arts so many years ago. His influence has had lasting impact on many practitioners over the years. Participants from all ages and ranks demonstrated kata, kobudo, and excellence in kumite! Special thanks to all participants, black belt judges, and volunteers for all your support. Donations from the event will be submitted to charity, "Right to Play". The event was an enormous success - thank-you for being a part!