Las Sendas Up Close Bringing neighbors closer to their community
April 2008
Premier Martial Arts empowers students with a sense of perseverance and a spirit of constant improvement
Jeannie and Greg Silva
By AnnElise Makin
P
remier Martial Arts just got a new bench, but no one sits on it. None of the uniformed students, anyway. They perform on the competition mat. Only designated drivers and admirers keep that long bench warm. “Martial arts, just another kids’ sport? Think again,” said Premier owner Greg Silva, a Las Sendas resident. Greg is a 10th degree black belt grand master who has revolutionized the martial arts industry in the United States. Recently, he established a new Premier studio, located at 2910 N. Power Road, Suite 103, at the northwest corner of Power and McDowell roads. Greg Silva—with a life career as an awesomely successful competitor, teacher and consultant—has transformed the vision of martial arts. He integrated child psychology into the sport. Thus, the Premier brand of mixed martial arts has become a valuable self-improvement tool and community service. “We are following a unique approach,” explained the grand master. Like many karate schools, Premier also faithfully instills traditional values of courtesy, honesty, respect, self-control and integrity. But that is not enough. “We also empower students with a sense of perseverance, a spirit of constant improvement and a positive outlook,” Greg said with a perfectly steadfast glance from erudite blue eyes. At this time, a group of 4- to 6-year-olds was eagerly demonstrating their stances for tip testing for master instructor Kelly Fiori, a fifth degree black belt. The children proudly showed off competence in five kickboxing and five self-protection drills. “Martial arts drills help children lose their awkwardness at this age,” Greg pointed out. The pint-size group had transitioned to nunchakus (chucks or chain sticks). “This greatly improves a child’s coordination, as both hemispheres of the brain are constantly accessed,” Greg explained. What counts most for a child are step-wise little successes that build self-confidence.“A new belt takes about three months to earn,” said Greg.“But that is too far down the road for most kids.” So, Premier subdivided the long-term goal into onemonth units, each new tier celebrated with tip testing. With ease and humor, the instructors fire up the children
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to do their personal best at Premier. Lessons are taught with child-appropriate similes. How does a traffic light compare with self-defense? Well, at green, somebody is just fooling with you. At yellow, you need to call a teacher, and at red, you must strike. “These scenarios are rehearsed with the children for a whole month,” the grand master reported.“This way, the children gain excellent judgment on real-life situations and tools to deal with serious confrontations.” Premier’s teaching strategy culminates in the black belt excellence awards. Monthly lesson plans highlight topics, such as doing chores, increasing your potential by welcoming change and, many times over again, encouraging individual responsibility.
Parents love Premier’s parenting reinforcement. For the last two years, each member of the Hughes family has been into martial arts. While dad Steven kept an eye on first-grader Jessica’s tip testing, son Jonathan, a thirdgrader, spent the wait for his turn with homework. Steven is already in uniform and anticipating his workout turn. He often partners with wife and mom Melinda to do some sparring. As a family, they have a shuttle system figured out to get everyone to karate practice on time. “In this sport,” Steven summed up,“the greatest opponent is yourself. You get directly out of it what you put in. You work as hard as you can to reach your maximum potential, fully in the present moment all the time.” And effort brings rewards.“This has helped me in school,” Jonathan said.“I gained self-control and self-discipline.” Although, he will admit,“The flying side kicks were hard at first.” But now he’s got the hang of it. premier martial arts CONTINUES ON page 12 »
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! Submitted by Joanne Zeoli
M
esa JBA Fifth/Sixth Grade Girls Basketball team, The Lions, won the title for their division on Saturday, March 8. Coaches Robby Franco and Ray Montoya, both
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT #4460
Las Sendas residents, have been with most of the team members since the girls were in first grade. The Lions rallied against the undefeated Flames, who hadn’t lost a game in four years. The game was an exhilarating example of March Madness, right down to the wire. The Flames were ahead by five points in the first half of the game, and the match-up of the two teams was unbelievably balanced. The Lions came out in the second half with a full-court press against the Flames. The Flames couldn’t adjust, and the Lions took the lead, clenching the victory! Hats off to both teams for displaying superior sportsmanship! Lion team players are: Ashley Tanori, Taleisha Thompson, Gabriela Franco, Taeyler Cunningham, Charokee Davis, Mariah Montoya, Katelyn Gallagher, Alysha Zeoli and Hannah Poledna.
In This Issue Las Sendas Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Track and Field Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Las Sendas Retirees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Artist of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Smart Body Fitness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Liberty Home Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Eastern Arizona Exterminating. . . . . . 9
Relay for Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Desert Rose Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19