WATCH-OUT PUSSYCAT!!!
By GymChick

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Choices… Choices… Choices…

June 21st… The first day of Summer!! (And boy was it a hot one!)
Most of my girlfriends were headed to Narragansett State Beach to soak-in some rays… But not me – I chose to stick close to town to check out the real action and headed to Cranston early that morning to soak in some info on Vee-Arnis-Jitsu, considered to be the most effective street defense system ever devised. (Not that I’m planning to get into a fight anytime soon…In fact, I’ve never been in a fight in my life!) But my curiosity and sense of adventure got the best of me after Sensei Jake Burke invited me over to his school to check out one of his self-defense classes.


Let the adventure begin…

When I first entered the brick-front factory building on Wellington Ave where the Vee-Arnis-Jitsu & Muay Thai School is located I was greeted by dead-silence. I didn’t see or hear a single person around… I wasn’t quite sure if I was in the right place.. I thought to myself: “Oh well, here I go again - -Showing up where I don’t belong!” But then I noticed some arrows in the stairwell that quickly guided me through a maze… A maze that landed me on the 3rd floor where the school is located. I eventually stumbled upon the sign for the school and knocked on the door and heard an intimidating bark from the other side that made me hesitate in opening the door. But when Jake Burke, the chief instructor and president of the school opened the door I was greeted by a “pussycat” of a dog… “Lucky” a sweet and wrinkled Shar-Pei who serves as the unofficial mascot of the school. After a few introductions and a bunch of licks and tail wags from “Lucky”, I unpacked my gear and prepared to get the “scoop” on Vee-Arnis-Jitsu.


The history of Vee-Arnis Jitsu…

I spoke with a few of the people at the school who were preparing for the “open mat” class and learned a little about their workouts. I was quite impressed by a young 15-year old female student who kicked and punched like a true warrior (Definitely a chick I’d trust to watch my back!) I also “picked” Sensei Jake Burke’s brain about the “VAJ System” and he explained the history and principles of this art of self-defense to me. The system was born on the streets and subways of New York where violence and gangs are prevalent. As Sensei Jake Burke explained, “We have a lot of accomplished professional fighters who come to our classes for street-self defense. Our system is not a bunch of fancy footwork… It’s about understanding street scenarios as they happen on the street and better understanding violence. When you understand actual violence, you gain a true understanding on how to defend against it. In other words, we teach people life-saving tactics. From the very first day that they come here, our students learn how to defend themselves. We teach “defense”… not “fighting”. Our classes are a mix of explosive energy that will save your life.”


More Than Just A Self-Defense School….

In addition to Vee-Arnis-Jitsu, the school offers Muay-Thai Kickboxing, Women’s Kickboxing, and Knife Offense & Defense classes. The gym is fully equipped with free-weights and cardio equipment and will be expanding in a few months to accommodate a boxing ring. One-On-One personal training is also available and package rates for the self-defense and k-box classes are as low as $150 per month with a minimum year commitment. (Call 866-397-3533 for details on pricing) The school has been featured in several magazines including BLACKBELT Magazine in 2007 and articles can be reviewed by visiting the school’s website at www.vee-arnis-jitsu.com


GymChick’s New Attitude…

I have to admit, I’ve taken several exercise classes and workouts over the years but I have never really tried any sort of martial arts or self-defense program (Unless you count the handful of times I karate-chopped my little sister when I was a kid for messing with my stuff - Who by the way, had it coming to her) But, I have to say… The VAJ System impressed me. As I mentioned earlier, this chick has never been in a fight so I could most definitely benefit from learning a few self-defense moves. Who knows… There may not be a sweet pussycat waiting on the other side of the next strange door that I knock on!

Check out the photos and videos from my visit to Vee-Arnis Jitsu & Muay Thai School.


PLUS… check out the TITLE FIGHT VIDEO of champ Kurtis Parisi (who was trained by Sensei Jake Burke) vs. Brian Pratt.


CONTACT INFO:
The school is operated by Jake Burke and located at 530 Wellington Ave., 3rd floor (rear) in Cranston. Phone 866-397-3533. Email info@vee-arnis-jitsu.com. Read more and see more videos at www.vee-arnis-jitsu.com. Classes are open to men and women.


Stay strong – stay safe!
GymChick