From the left: Sensi Vincent Curchaine and Sensi Jean-Philippe Perron are seen at the Torii Gate at the dojo in Chesterville. Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – Students wishing to learn some of the ancient martial arts of feudal Japan are able to take lessons at the Samurai Arts Academy-Chesterville Division. The dojo is located at 5  King Street in the small North Dundas community of Chesterville.

Sensei Jean-Philippe Perron  explained students are able to study kick-boxing and Jiu-jitsu from experienced teachers. Perron is a 2nd degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt holder, and along with other instructors, teach at the Chesterville location. Testing for advancement is done at the dojo in Metcalfe by Samurai Arts Academy founder Kyoshi Dwayne Diamond, holder of a 7th degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

“It gives me so much joy and fulfillment to be able to give back to the community and pass on my knowledge.” explained Perron before continuing how participating in the classes enables students to make new friends and become part of the Martial Arts family.

Perron mentioned the role of the teacher in martial arts training is to serve as both a teacher and a mentor. The curriculum is designed to enhance both the mental and physical fitness of the student, with students serving as mentors to their peers.

He mentioned how taking martial arts courses provides the individual with an opportunity to develop discipline and inner peace as well as self defence techniques and street awareness. Perron noted students develop skill sets which are important in societal situations. These include stress management, confidence boosting as well as increasing their knowledge of social skills and self-discipline.

There are three age categories at the dojo in Chesterville which are: six to 10 years of age; 11 to 15 years and 16 years and older. Students are taught primarily self-defenses with a mix of  chokes, holds and joint locks. The courses are scheduled throughout the year and last 45 minutes each, with testing for belt progression arranged by the instructor.

One of the cornerstones of Samurai Arts is respect. Perron mentioned how students learn that respect is something that is earned as opposed to given and that when studying martial arts, you are learning a culture as well as an art form.

The Torii Gate is a very iconic and traditional Japanese gateway symbolizing a transition from the outside world to a sacred space. Recently a Torii Gate was erected at the Chesterville dojo, to signify the area inside is a safe space and to leave the distractions of the outside world behind. He explained that before passing under the Torii Gate one is to pay respects by bowing beforehand and similarly when exiting bow before leaving via the Torii Gate.

Perron noted that running a small business takes a lot of planning and work. He mentioned it is important to be honest, genuine, respectful and sincere when dealing with the public and to not lose sight of why you began the business.

More information on Samurai Arts Academy – Chesterville is available on their social media pages as well as website located at https://saa-chesterville.com.

 

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