Martial Arts-Orland park-Forest Park

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Martial Arts Blog Post for Orland Park & Forest Park Students

Dion Riccardo — 2009-10-28T22:00:48-07:00

Victory Martial Arts Weekly Briefing

In this Post:

News and Events
Result of Combat Athlete Comp Team Tryouts
Parent tips for Halloween
Look me in the eyes!

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Before reading this Update, please go to the right and become a fan of the Victory Fan Page. By becoming a fan you will get to see many more videos and stuff we don't have room to post on the blog. We have some really cool stuff planned. Also, please comment below if there is anything specific that you would like to see us create videos and post about.

If You were not able to attend the "Power up your striking game" Seminar you can catch some highlights on the page!

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NEWS & EVENTS

Progress Checks This Week!
Academy will be Closed This Saturday...Enjoy!
Coming Soon! Tapout & Holiday Equipment Sale
Seminar For Adults With Dion Riccardo In Nov!
Comp Team Goes to battle Nov 22nd Tickets on sale soon.

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NEED INSPIRATION?

Danny Sommers, one of our instructors at the Orland Academy told me about this video and it's pretty good worth a look.

Watch the video now...

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MMA Comp Team Try Outs...

We had one of our best Comp Team/ Combat Athlete Try outs Ever. We had over 20 members try out. And 18 made the team! Congratulations to everyone who tried out. You have a lot to be proud of, now let;s get to work.

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Parents Please Read This:

Some Obvious and NOT so obvious Tips!

Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for children and adults. But in order to keep Halloween and fair for children, teens, pets, and parents, everyone should be aware—and commit to– these 10 Halloween safety tips. Trick or Treating is always more fun when nobody gets hurt!

1) Guarantee Halloween Supervision: No child should trick or treat by themselves even if they’re in a familiar neighborhood. Make sure a parent, other trusted adult, or teen-aged sibling or sitter can take your son or daughter from house to house.

If your child wants to expresses that they’re “big enough” to go without supervision, see if you feel comfortable allowing them to approach the houses on their own while you stay in full view on the sidewalk.

Know the route your child will be taking if you aren’t personally going with them.

Teens should go in a group—they might be older but the buddy system is always safer (and more fun!) than going it alone.

If the supervisor is a teen, be sure to discuss ground rules so everyone’s on the same page.

2) Establish a Curfew: If your children are going with a sitter, older sibling, or other trusted adult, ensure that you agree on a time by which they should be home. Time discrepancies can cause undue anxiety—get it out of the way so you don’t have to think about it.

Make sure s/he knows how important it is to be home on time.

The adult or supervisor may want to carry a cell phone for quick communication—however, be sure that the supervisor isn’t talking or texting while s/he should be paying attention to your child!

(3) Ensure Powerful Character: Even if you’re not the one accompanying your child on the Trick or Treating Trip, talk to your child about doing the right thing even when nobody’s looking or in the face of peer pressure. Encourage your children to make good choices based on values and character.

Vandalizing someone else’s house or property is never OK even if you’ve heard that “mischief night” or Halloween are exceptions. They’re not.

Hurting or throwing things at animals or other children won’t be tolerated.

In the immortal words of my grandmother, Thelma (“Nanny”), “please and thank-you are not dirty words.”

4) Remember Halloween Costume Safety: Some costumes might be cute or funny—but if the children can’t see well out of the masks or can’t move well in the body of the costume, they aren’t the best choice. Children need to be able to see so that they can easily cross the street safely, walk up and down steps without incident, and move out of the way of danger, if necessary, with ease.

Costumes should be fire retardant or flame resistant. Candles and jack o’ lanterns are common on Halloween and accidents sometimes happen.

Ensure good peripheral vision out of the eye holes of masks, if used.

Be careful of Halloween props: If swords, sabers, pitch forks, or other items are used, be sure that they’re smooth, safe, flexible, and of no danger to anyone who might touch it, trip over it, or fall on it.

Make sure the costume fits. Shoes shouldn’t be too lose or too tight (even if they look good!) and costumes shouldn’t drag on the ground.

Just a note: Please refrain from putting your youngsters in “sexy” Halloween costumes. They send a twisted message that is both unintentional and inappropriate. Need I say more?

(5) Be Pumpkin Safe: Carving pumpkins can be a fun activity to do with children. However, young children should not be using sharp knives to carve out the pumpkin themselves. An adult should do that part.

While there are kits that allow children to do some carving, be careful. Children can still cut themselves. If your child is using such a kit, be sure to educate fully and supervise.

You can always have your child decorate the pumpkin with a permanent marker and other fun items like feathers, paints, stickers, and googly eyes. This is safer and just as fun.

6) Make your Home Halloween Safe: Nothing ruins Halloween fun more than an accident on your property! While Halloween is often about “darkness” and “spooky props” remember safety first.

Your home should be well lit so that no child (or adult) trips over anything on the way to or from your door.

Set candles and jack o’ lanterns away from the door and walkway so that no costume is accidentally set on fire. Keep paper or other decorations away from any fire. You can also choose to use a battery powered light source or light stick in the place of live candles.

Be careful that no fire source is within reach of your pets. Wagging tails and excited animals can lead to accidents when fire is around. In addition, leave pets inside around Halloween time—aside from some stupid tricks some may want to play, the neighborhood children may not know that feeding animals candy can be dangerous.

(7) Educate Children about Halloween Safety: It’s been a year. Refresh your children’s memory about obeying traffic laws, not going inside anyone’s home, staying on sidewalks (when available), and being aware of the surroundings.

Children should carry a flashlight if they’re going in the late afternoon or evening time.

Children and teens should wear reflective clothes or reflective tape so that cars can see them.

Remind children not to get into anyone’s car and to always remain with the group and teen/adult supervisor.

Children should stay on a familiar, approved route—no short cuts through yards, parks, back alleys or dimly lit, less traveled areas. They might be used to taking short cuts across neighbor’s yards during day light hours, so be sure to impress upon them the importance of staying on populate paths during Halloween.

(8) Let’s talk Candy: Children can rack up a lot of candy on Halloween. Make sure your child isn’t eating it until you’ve taken a look through it and discarded anything opened or sketchy-looking.

a. Feed children a good, nutritious dinner before they go Trick or Treating so they don’t make a meal of the candy they collect from the neighbors.

b. Make sure you read candy ingredients if you are unsure if they contain anything to which your child may be allergic. If you still are unsure after reading the contents, you can always make your own treats.

c. While you don’t need to replace all candy with carrots, you also don’t have to allow your children to eat all their candy at once! Perhaps you’ve read some of my articles on how much sugar is poured into the items children eat and drink these days. While Halloween only comes on comes once per year, that doesn’t mean that the children need to eat a year’s worth of candy in once sitting!

9) Keep Pets Safe: There are a lot of people around on Halloween and not all of them know how to handle themselves around your family pets.

a. Warn children against feeding candy to pets or neighborhood animals. This can cause the animals to get very sick and can attract other, perhaps not as welcomed animals, to your child’s bag of candy!

b. Put a sign on your door that you have a pet (yes, even if friendly!) so that children are aware before ringing your doorbell. You don’t want them to accidentally open your door and let the cat out or be licked by a dog when they’re scared or allergic.

c. Pets might look cure in costumes but make sure that the costumes are safe and comfortable for the animal in question!

10) Prepare Ahead: We still have a couple of days before Halloween so safety preparations can be made. Don’t wait until the day to talk about how to stay safe and make good choices on Halloween.

a. Make sure that your child knows his name, address and phone number. If s/he gets separated from the group, you can be reached. For young children, an address tag can be discreetly attached to their costume.

b. Review “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” While we are all aware that we need to be vigilant about candles, jack o’ lanterns, and other possible outside fire sources on Halloween, not everyone might. Teaching your children to Stop, Drop, and Roll can be a life saver. Talk about watching where you go but also what to do in the rare event that something on them catches fire.

c. Remind them that they can call 9-1-1 to get the police if there is an emergency. Go over some examples of emergencies in which 9-1-1 would be helpful or necessary.

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ATTENTION ALL FITNESS KICKBOXERS - MMA STUDENTS- BOOTCAMPERS!

Here is a short little workout you can do in in 15 mintues! (but it's no JOKE)

3 min warm up of your choice

20 pushups, 20 body weight squats, 20 situps, 20 burpees

1 min of shadowboxing

15 push ups, 15 squats, 15 sit ups, 15 burpees

1 min shadowbox

10 pushups, 10 squats, 10 sit ups, 10 burpees

1 min shadow box

5 push ups, 5 squats, 5 sit ups, 5 burpees

1 min shadow box

1 min jogging in place kicking your heels to your rear end

1 min of high knees

3 minute stretch

Relax and enjoy meditate on what your thankful for!

Have fun and leave me your comments on the workout after your done.

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Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?

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Martial Arts Updates 10/14/09

Dion Riccardo — 2009-10-14T10:42:14-07:00

Victory Martial Arts Weekly Briefing

In this Post:

News and Events
Saturday's Muay Thai Seminar
Something for the Chef of the house!
Simple Man?

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My first little treat...It's a workout MP3 that keeps work/rest time for you- so when your working out on your own at home or running the track actually keeps rounds for you and has some really good tracks...you'll LOVE it!

Go be a fan NOW and download it! Look to the right of this post and you will see it.

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NEWS & EVENTS:

Combat Athlete & Comp Team - Application will be handed out on Oct 12th and DUE back no later than Oct 17th. Try out will be held at Orland Park for Both schools on Monday Oct 19th at 7pm.
Victory Leadership and Instructor Training Course - Want to be trained to become an Instructor or staff member? This a mandatory course that all Instructors and staff members must go through. Applications will be handed out Oct 19th and must be returned by October 24th. This is a 6 week course every on Saturday at 1pm. The Cost is $197 -Leadership Manual is provided. Certification Of apprentice Instructor upon Completion.
Muay Thai Kickboxing Seminar - This Saturday @ 1:30 till 3:00pm Luke Morris will be teaching a seminar called "Power Up Your Striking Game: Keys to Effective Muay Thai" for more details watch the video further down in the post.

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Details of This Weekends Seminar
Watch The Video Now:

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For The Martial Arts Chef

Here is a ULTRA easy and very tasty recipe for the chef in the home. Please leave me your comments and tell me what you think after you prepare it and let me know what you think.

Molly’s Chicken Piccatta

Ingredients:

3-4 oz. of boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded down

1/8 cup of ground almond meal (other nut meal may be substituted)

Salt to taste

1 tbsp Italian seasonings

Non-stick cooking spray

1 fresh lemon or 3 tbsp of pure lemon juice

1 cup of white cooking wine

2 tbsp of jarred capers with juice

3 sprigs of parsley

Optional: Pat of butter or 2 tsp of heavy whipping cream for more texture

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with non-stick spray and preheat the oven at 325 degrees. Take ground almond meal, salt, and Italian seasonings, and blend together with fingers in a flat plate. Using a fork, pick up a piece of chicken and lay one side at a time on top of the almond meal mixture, until it is mostly covered. Place the chicken onto the baking sheet and repeat until all your chicken is coated. Place baking sheet in the oven.

Note: Instead of baking, you can use a small amount of olive oil or olive oil spray to coat a pan and pan-fry the cutlets. Only add small amounts of oil if the pan dries. Just make sure the heat is just below medium. This ensures that the chicken cooks through without burning the breading.

For the sauce, place small pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, spoon the capers making sure to use as much of the juice as possible. Place them into the pan. Pour the white wine into the pan and stir. Finally cut the lemon in half, pit it, and squeeze one half of the lemon into the mixture or pour the 3 tbsp of pure lemon juice. Stir until little bubbles form and then place on very low heat to keep warm.

Once the chicken is golden on one side, flip it over and let the other side cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the other side has browned. Remove the chicken from the oven or pan and place into the sauce. Serve by placing the chicken on a plate and pouring the remaining sauce on top. For an extra kick, you can grate and sprinkle a little lemon zest and parsley on top of the dish. You may garnish by slicing the other lemon half and/or by using a few sprigs of parsley.

Give it a try! Bon Appitit (I didn't spell that right did I?)

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Simple Man

So, I was having a day of reflection. Just kinda lookin at life and evaluating.

All of a sudden a song came to mind, I had listen to this song a lot 15 years ago and had not heard it in years. I could'nt get it out of my head. I then realized that it had a message for me...something to ponder.

I can honestly say that it forced me to make sure that my values were in line.

You see...Martial Arts is a way of life. It has a way of bringing out the best in you, you become an over comer, disciplined and honorable. I have been practicing this lifestyle for over 25 years now and just like you have to get your passport renewed every 10 years...you must look at yourself and evaluate what is true.

Oddly, this song gave me a center point to look at myself and make sure that I am not traveling with an expired passport but I am renewing my commitment to living life by a code...like the samurai of old, a standard of living that I can love and understand about who I am and what I stand for. This song tells a story...what ever your musical preference, LISTEN for the story!

Enjoy and watch the video to feel what I felt:

Martial Arts School Blog Post

Dion Riccardo — 2009-10-06T18:46:20-07:00

Victory Family Weekly Briefing

In this Post:

News and Events
MMA Seminar students speak out!
Anthony B (shoutouts)
Vote for your favorite Hoodie Design

NEWS & EVENTS:

Combat Athlete & Comp Team - Application will be handed out on Oct 12th and DUE back no later than Oct 17th. Try out will be held at Orland Park for Both schools on Monday Oct 19th at 7pm.
Victory Leadership and Instructor Training Course - Want to be trained to become an Instructor or staff member? This a mandatory course that all Instructors and staff members must go through. Applications will be handed out Oct 19th and must be returned by October 24th. This is a 6 week course every on Saturday at 1pm. The Cost is $197 -Leadership Manual is provided. Certification Of apprentice Instructor upon Completion.
Members Seminar - Oct 17th Luke Morris will be teaching a seminar called
"Power Up Your Striking Game: Keys to Effective Muay Thai" more details to come
HOODIES- Victory hoodies Coming Soon!

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Did you Miss The A B C's Of Mixed Martial Arts Seminar?

Watch this Video:

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Did You hear about Anthony B?

I was out in Barrington at a meeting when I got a call.

This was not the normal kinda call I get from Anthony B, usually it's a call about a a students progress or clarification on a technique... but this call was Tony breathing hard and sounding like he was in pain.

Long story short, at practice Tony severely injured his knee.

Luckily, many of the comp and leadership team were there to give him some first aid.

As always Tony is making lemons out of lemonade...He's got a great attitude and that's what makes him an awesome instructor and leader.

I wanted to have everyone who has been taught by Tony at one time or another send him a shout out in the comment section.

Thanks Victory Family!

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Vote on the Hoodie Design YOU Like...

Please Comment on the one you like...Your vote counts!

Thank you

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Are you a Closet Reporter?

I am looking for a person to help write articles and take videos for the blog.

If you are interested please email me at dinariccardo@gmail.com for he details.

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Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?

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Martial Arts - Orland Park/Forest Park/Lisle/Oswego

Dion Riccardo — 2009-09-30T09:56:44-07:00

Victory Family Weekly Briefing

In this Post:

News and Events
Your Child may be under attack?
Latest Edition to Molly's World (Video)
And More!

NEWS & EVENTS:

MMA Beginners Seminar - Both the Orland Park & Forest Park Academies will be hosting a Basics Of MMA Seminar on Saturday Oct 3rd at 1:30 pm Click Here to register!
Combat Athlete & Comp Team - Application will be handed out on Oct 12th and DUE back no later than Oct 17th. Try out will be held at Orland Park for Both schools on Monday Oct 19th at 7pm.
Victory Leadership and Instructor Training Course - Want to be trained to become an Instructor or staff member? This a mandatory course that all Instructors and staff members must go through. Applications will be handed out Oct 19th and must be returned by October 24th. This is a 6 week course every on Saturday at 1pm. The Cost is $197 -Leadership Manual is provided. Certification Of apprentice Instructor upon Completion.
Members Seminar - Oct 17th Luke Morris will be teaching a seminar called
"Power Up Your Striking Game: Keys to Effective Muay Thai" more details to come
HOODIES- Victory hoodies Coming Soon!

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Attention all MMA Fans...

This Saturday Oct 3rd Victory Will be Hosting Our A B C's of Mixed Martial Arts Seminar for beginners!

Click Here for Details and Registration!

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Parents...Please Read This!

Block those Routes, Now!

No matter how useful the Internet can be, it’s still a dangerous zone for you and your family and perhaps the scariest concern you can face is your Kids Internet Safety; this should be a major concern for any parent whose child or teenager has an access to a computer.

Imagine what could happen to an unprotected child doing a battle with an Internet predator alone while online… the kids do not have a chance against some of the ‘tidy’ processes these predators can use against them.

The Internet might seem like a safe place with a little understanding about the dangers it can bring. Just as you would watch your kids in a playground, park or yard, and how you would equip them with such protection as a knee pad and helmet, they also need a serious monitoring and protection when they are playing, browsing and even doing some of their researches online.

There’s a variety of online protection tools available that can let you control your kid’s access to adult material and other unwanted sites you have in mind for them. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide parent-control options to block certain materials from entering into a computer.

You can also avail of a software that helps block access to certain sites based a “bad site” list that your service provider creates; in this way, the filtering programs can prevent the websites from appearing and there can also be a restriction of personal information that are being sent online. Some programs offer monitoring and tracking online activity of your children.

It’s a parent’s responsibility to make sure their kids are protected in all aspects of their lives particular the life they can have while using a computer and the Internet and there are a couple of easy ways that can possibly prevent them from viewing and being into the dark side of the world wide web. You don’t have to be a tech-savvy person to implement a Kids Internet Security on your home computers… that’s the good thing about the Internet, remember? It a vast storehouse of information that can used to protect your child from predators.

In the next post we will discuss some details on creating a Internet Saftey program for your Child! Please post your comments and questions.

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I want to Thank everyone that Helped out by posting our upcoming A B C's of Mixed Martial Arts Seminar to thier Friends On Facebook.

In a few Days I will give you all the details about the Upcoming Special Suprise I have planned for all that participated (your gonna Love it!).

If you did not get a chance to post this as an event to all you friends...it's easy to do!

Just copy and paste the message below and post it as an event to all of your friends and then send me a email at dinariccardo@gmail,com to let me know that you did and I have a special Suprise Event that You will be invited too. (I just let the cat out of the bag!).

Here is the message:

Special Message for fans of the UFC...

EVENT: The A B C's Of Mixed Martial Arts Seminar

In this 1 hour FREE seminar you will learn the basics of MMA and get GLIMPSE

of How regular training in MMA will help you to feel ALIVE again!

When: This Saturday Oct 3rd from 1:30 - 2:30

Where: Victory Martial Arts Academy in Orland park AND Forest Park

How do I register: Again registration is FREE. Click the link below for more details:

http://victorymartialarts.typepad.com/victory_martial_arts_oak_/a-b-cs-of-mma-seminar.html

BONUS: The First 25 to register online will recieve 2 FREE weeks of training at either of our academies!

Here is the link again...

http://victorymartialarts.typepad.com/victory_martial_arts_oak_/a-b-cs-of-mma-seminar.html

Remember this Seminar is FREE, However the BONUS will run out fast so go to the website now and register

ALL details of the seminar will be emailed to you after you register.

Remember this Seminar is FREE, However the BONUS will run out fast so go to the website now and register

ALL details of the seminar will be emailed to you after you register.

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***DON"T FORGET:After you have posted

this event to your friends- email me letting me know you did this for me and I will send you a suprise Bonus that you are going to totally DIG!! I promise!Thank you for helping me get the word out and changing lives!

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Molly's World Sept Edition
Watch the Video! You will laugh, and everyone needs a good laugh right?

Orland Park- Forest Park Martial Arts Update

Dion Riccardo — 2009-09-24T09:33:02-07:00

In this Post:

News & Events
In His Own Words - Black Belt Matt Kewitt
Video- Lisle Kick Off Seminar
Shout outs
Lessons Learned
Victory Preferred Business Resource Video

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NEWS & EVENTS:

MMA Beginners Seminar - Both the Orland Park & Forest Park Academies will be hosting a Basics Of MMA Seminar on Saturday Oct 3rd at 1:30 pm
Combat Athlete & Comp Team - Application will be handed out on Oct 12th and DUE back no later than Oct 17th. Try out will be held at Orland Park for Both schools on Monday Oct 19th at 7pm.
Victory Leadership and Instructor Training Course - Want to be trained to become an Instructor or staff member? This a mandatory course that all Instructors and staff members must go through. Applications will be handed out Oct 19th and must be returned by October 24th. This is a 6 week course every on Saturday at 1pm. The Cost is $197 -Leadership Manual is provided. Certification Of apprentice Instructor upon Completion.
Progress Checks - See in school Calanders!
SETH SMITH - NAGA 3rd place winner...Congrats Seth!
Members Seminar - Oct 17th Luke Morris will be teaching a seminar called
"Power Up Your Striking Game: Keys to Effective Muay Thai" more details to come
NEW Victory Hoodies - Coming Soon!

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New Victory Martial Arts Black Belt - Matt Kewitt talks about his Road to Black Belt...

It was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I was 18 years old and I thought I had it all figured out. I was going to be done with High School. I had a car, I was going to college, and I had my future all planned out.

I always was interested in martial arts, I read books and magazines on the subject when I got a chance.

I took several months of Karate when I was in junior high. I stopped because when I went to high school I wanted to focus on playing soccer.

Now that high school was over I was done with playing organized soccer, since I didn’t really want it to dominate my life in college. I always liked being active and I was looking for something to keep me in shape. There was a guy in my church who was talking the Jiu Jitsu classes he was taking. This guy, Ed Wright, is maybe 6’1” and 240 pounds. I pretty much considered him a brick wall of muscle. The thought of Ed getting beat up seemed strange but he was always raving about the place he was going and the owner, Dion Riccardo. I decided to give it a try.

I walked in the door and was greeted by Master Riccardo. He was very positive and I could tell he really liked what he was doing. When I took my first class I was pleased to discover Master Riccardo was also a great teacher. He also had a way about him while demonstrating, I could see the power and control but he never really showed off. During that first summer I could see my Martial Arts skills skyrocket. I was hooked.

That is how I started, but what did I learn? The Answer: Just about everything. The first thing I learned was that tough guys don’t have to act tough. The leaders at Victory Martial Arts were nothing like the tough guys from high school. When I think about the teachers who I’ve admired over the years one famous quote by President Teddy Roosevelt comes to mind, “Speak softy but carry a big stick.” I have worked hard to live up to this standard. Training hard helps keep me humble. I know that there will always be someone bigger, stronger, faster, and better.

The self-discipline I learned at Victory has helped to succeed at other things at life. Before training at Victory I never really pushed myself physically. I often used various injuries or Asthma as an excuse. Well, learned that excuses are bad when kickboxing and grappling. I started pushing myself more and more physically which I found out required more and more mental strength. That mental strength is nice to have when things get tough.

Training at Victory didn’t just gave me general skills, it definitely changed my life in specific ways. Without Victory I would probably be a history teacher, working a job I don’t like just so I get the summer’s off (which when I was 18 really seemed like a good college plan. I also might be married to the wrong girl.

Dan Inosanto said, “A warrior is always at war.” While training at Victory I gained confidence in my physical abilities. The confidence and the physical abilities made me consider a career in law enforcement. And instead of working to get a summer off (nothing against teachers, it just was not for me) I go to war against people who may cause harm to others. Of course its not glamorous or like the movies but I do get to make the “bad guy’s” life miserable once I a while. The best part is, I love my job.

Another major change in my life was prompted by an experience at Victory. At the time I had no car. In order to get from College in Naperville to Oak Park I took the Metra to Berwyn. I would then ride a razor scooter the 3-4 miles to the School on Madison. This may sound a little impractical and it no doubt looked funny but I just loved the training that much. This plan worked fine in the spring and fall but winter was brutal. Razor scooters and snow do not mix well. They mix even worse when you’re exhausted from two or three classes, depending on the day. One of these winter days Master Riccardo offered to give me a ride to the train. During the ride Master Riccardo talked to me about life and my future plans. He asked questions most people don’t ask like if I planned to marry my girlfriend. I was short on good answers, I said probably but I couldn’t give any good reasons. Then he asked me, “Does she bring out the king in you of the fool in you? I never answered the question, but I knew the answer.

Throughout most of college I dated a nice girl. Despite her being a nice girl any objective look at our relationship would make it easy to see it was a mess. We were really at our worst when we were together. I knew she brought out the fool in me. Shortly after we broke up. I later started my best friend from college. We’ve been married almost two years. She brings out the king in me.

One more important thing I learned is: it does not matter what color your belt is. During my training I’ve had a great deal of interference with progress checks. I was either going to the classes without belts (Kickboxing, Grappling on and off) or for some reason the end of the month is always busy for me. I average about a belt every two years. I never let it bother me. Nobody in the JKD or Muay Thai classes wore belts when I started. I try to focus on improving my skills not on wearing a more impressive belt. I remember the during David Meyer Seminar, Master Riccardo put on a Gi with a beat up old white belt. Skills speak for themselves; a belt is just a belt. The being said belts could be useful to the organization of the school. They can also help with setting goals. There is a black belt laying around the academy at Forest Park. On one side it says, “This is your goal” and on the other it says, “This is only the beginning.” A black is a great achievement as long as we remember it is only the beginning.

So, what did I learn on my path to Black Belt? Just about everything. I was a know it all high school kid when I first walked in the doors, 8 years ago. Now, I’m married with a job, a mortgage, and much left to learn. I’ve had medical problems, setbacks, rejections, and failures. But my experiences and training from Victory have been with me every step of the way. I’ve learned to keep getting up, keep coming back, and keep fighting no matter what. It has been quite a ride, but then again: That was just the beginning.

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Victory Martial Arts Lisle Opens - Starting with MMA Classes!

We have now opened our newest location in Lisle,il at Four Lakes. MMA Classes are now being offered Mondays and Wed from 7 to 9 pm. We will soon be adding more MMA classes and a Childrens program in the near future!

This is only the start of our expansion program. Oswego and Downtown Chicago COMING SOON!

Here's the Video of The KICK OFF Seminar:

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Thank you for introducing us to your Friends and Famliy..

Dave Gomez

Gabe Ruiz

Buddy Lee

Jeremy Hochgraver 2 ref.

Tony Pell
Mo and AJ

Scott Kviz Jr.

Marina J.

Bryson

Caged In

Also- I know that everyone that is a part of the Victory Family is constantly telling other people about us On behalf of the entire staff THANK YOU!

*And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO everyone who came out help at the Rib Fest & Taste of Four Lakes

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Lessons Learned From Fights on Oct 19th in St.Charles

First off- I want to thank all of the Victory Family That Came out to support our warriors that were testing their skills!

It is such an advantage to walk out and see the Legion of Victory T shirts walking around.

With that being said, it was a night that we got to show our true colors. Although we did not get to showcase our skills the way we would have liked, we were able to show something deeper.

You see, our night started by Cesar's opponent not showing up to compete, when that happens it is always very disappointing to our competitor as well as to the team. But, Ceaser handled him self with maturity and poise...I am proud of him.

Then, Mark Mack took to the cage...

He had a battle with a game opponent and did his best to execute our game plan for 3 rounds.
Mark got taken down a few times which weighed heavily in the judges decision.

We came back to the locker room and Mack like a true combat athlete talked about what he did not execute and was already talking about his next opportunity to go to work on his skills. Most impressively he was a gentlemen and a sportsman in his first loss and I know it will make him better.

There is no quit in Mack and I am proud of him for that!

Lastly, Sonny took the stage.

We were all very excited to see Sonny Perform...But he didn't get the chance.

His opponent who started in the middle of the ring as the bell was rung stuck out his hand in a gesture of sportsmanship and just as Sonny reached out to "Touch Gloves" his opponent pulled back the hand of good conduct and sucker punched him knocking him down and ending the fight.

Of course, I brought my complain to the powers that be and they stated that although they did not like it - it was within the rules.

For a moment it reminded me why I left competition over 15 years ago.

Of course, everyone was in shock - Sonny however acted with dignity even though his opponent acted very dishonorably.

I am very proud to say, that even though the entire Victory Family was upset and angry no one allowed our named to be disgraced with dishonorable action.

Of Course, Sonny was very disappointed. I felt sad for him and take responsibility for this because I had not informed the ref that his opponent was trying to start in the middle of the ring before the bell had rung.

I am writting a formal complain to the commission about the rules regarding sportsmanship and will also send video of Sonny's opponent starting the match in the middle of the ring before the bell rang. I will do this in hopes that they will take the loss off of Sonny's record and also to force them to rethink their rules on fighter sportsmanship and the beginning protocol of matches.

I am proud of Sonny- He had the best camp that I have seen him endure, he was disciplined throughout and handled himself honorably in the face of very dishonorable situation.

We will not be bitter but we will become better- I know this for sure!

DIon Riccardo

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Featured Victory Business Resource

Please do business with these kind folks...

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Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?

Martial Arts Blog Post for Orland Park & Forest Park Students

Dion Riccardo — 2009-09-16T22:03:22-07:00

Pre Fight Interview: Watch the Video Now!
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NEWS & EVENTS:

3 Comp team members will be testing their skills Sat. Sept 19th. Let's have our biggest crowd to date in attendance. Tickets are still Available at both Academies- Ask Your Instructor!
MMA Beginners Seminar - Please tell your friends that are interested in starting MMA training that we will be hosting FREE MMA Seminars for Starters at both academies at the end of the month -- Details coming soon!
Combat Athlete & Comp Team - NEXT MONTH- Details coming soon!
Victory Leadership and Instructor Training Course - NEXT MONTH- Details Coming soon!
See The In school calendar for progress checks.

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Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?

Special Labor Day Weekend Post

Dion Riccardo — 2009-09-04T17:42:59-07:00

Hey Victory Family...Happy Labor Day!

In this Post:

Vitamins for the Mind
Message to the Parents from Mr.Calderone
Get 20% off equipment (one day only)
News & Events
Volunteers Needed
Who is Greg Jackson?

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Vitamins for the Mind...For Martial Arts Students

"He can who thinks he can, and he can't who thinks he can't.
This is an inexorable, indisputable law."

When we are "in the thick of it," overwhelmed by too many things that need our attention, it’s important to remember that we are never given more than we can handle.

When life’s challenges make us question this, our best coping mechanism is to follow the reliable and well-known course to our calm center and anchor ourselves there.

It is for these times that we have been practicing regularly, so that our mind, body, and spirit will know how to find the peace within.

Even in the midst of seeming chaos, a deep breath can help us turn within to find the space to work from, the calm at the center of the storm.

Tapping into our inner resources we begin again, bringing our focus to the needs of the present moment. Asking "why?" shifts our energy away from the task at hand. We can seek answers to those questions once we get to the other side of the present challenge. For now, we accept what is. Once we have collected scattered energy and created space, inspiration will strike, help will arrive, and what seemed impossible will either become possible or we will find it has become unnecessary. The flow of the universe and its perfect order has room to move in our lives when we get ourselves and our extraneous thoughts out of the way.

After the thick has become thin again, we have the opportunity to learn from the situation with a better idea of our true capabilities. We can now ask ourselves the "why" questions with the goal of fine-tuning our lives. Perhaps we have taken on more than is ours to do or made commitments out of obligation rather than insight. It could just be the ebb and flow and life, or we may be receiving life lessons on a fast track in preparation for something wonderful to come. But when we have a chance to make new choices, we know the best ones are made when we work from center.

The Victory Competition Team Creed:

I can't therefore I must!

In your Corner,

PS. Happy Birthday Cooper!

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ATTENTION PARENTS:

WATCH THIS VIDEO

Back to School Buddy Bash Saturday Sept 12th During Class Hours!

We want to celebrate the kids getting back into school mode and allow them to bring their friends to see what they do at the Martial Arts school!

Don't forget to bring in Buddy permission slips!

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2 DAY -
LABOR DAY PRO SHOP SALE

For 48 hours (Monday Sept 7th & Tuesday Sept 8th ) everything in our online proshop is 20% off our already low prices.
Get everything from gym bags, Training Gloves, Tapout tees, Board shorts and tons of other equipment.
When checking out Use Coupon code:laborday

Click the banner below to browse the shop!

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NEWS & EVENTS:

WE will be closed for Labor Day on Saturday Sept 5th & Monday Sept 7th (Comp team will train on that Sat Sept 5th...we will let you know the details
3 Comp team members will be testing their skills Sat. Sept 19th. Let's have our biggest crowd to date in attendance.
BACK to School Buddy Bash will be on Saturday Sept 12th for 7-12 year olds at the academy.(Watch for flyers for this event at the academy)
Been looking for new equipment? We will be having a 2 day SALE EVENT for all items on our Victory online Pro Shop Monday Sept 7th and Tuesday Sept 8th. MMA Equipment, Uniforms and everything else.
MMA Beginners Seminar - Please tell your friends that are interested in starting MMA training that we will be hosting FREE MMA Seminars for Starters at both academies at the end of the month -- Details coming soon!
Combat Athlete & Comp Team - NEXT MONTH- Details coming soon!
Victory Leadership and Instructor Training Course - NEXT MONTH- Details Coming soon!

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Victory Wants You!

On Saturday Sept 12th we are doing 2 exciting events.

We will be holding classes outdoor at the Rib Fest in Forest Park and in Lisle at the
Taste of Four Lakes.

We are in need of students who would like to participate in working out at one of these 2 events. We will have a booth at both of these events and want to show the communities what we do.

If you are interested to hang out with the Victory Staff and Instructors and get a extra training class please fill out the form below and one our Instructors will contact you with the details.

You can stay as long as you like,we will be at these events from 1pm to 7pm.

We will have a special bonus for all those who enroll!

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What does George St Pierre, Rashad Evans,

Nate Marquardt and Keith Jardine have in common?

Greg Jackson! Their MMA Training Coach.

I have been talking with Greg to come in and do a seminar at Victory.

But, before I commit to that I want to get your feedback if you would be interested in

Participating in a one day MMA seminar done by Greg.

The cost to the school is $6000.00 so I want to be sure that this is what you want before we commit ourselves to it. So, the cost would be about $120 per person to attend the event.

Please leave me your feedback in the comment section.

I think this would be a great experience for Victory.

Also, I just talked with Cung Lee and Bob Cook, both are interested in coming to our academy to teach seminars would you be interested in having them in as well?

Please leave me your feedback, I need to know if all of our students would attend a event like this?

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Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?

DON'T Forget to Leave Your Comments!

Victory Martial Arts-Orland Park-Forest Park-Blog post Sept 1

Dion Riccardo — 2009-09-01T10:33:22-07:00

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In this Post

I just never Quit!
Get 20% off equipment (one day only)
News & Events
What I learned on the road to Black Belt
FACEBOOK and Victory Martial Arts
Who is Greg Jackson?

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Hey everyone,

You know the other day I was thinking about my life and the things that I have been through.

I realized that there has been many trial and tests but one thing remains constant –

I JUST NEVER QUIT!

I remember coming up as a green belt. There were so many more naturally gifted athlete back at the old American Martial Arts Academy. At times I was envious. But what I noticed as that as time went on some of the most highly skilled guys…never completed their goal. They gave up and quit.

If I have had any degree of success in life – it is due to the fact that no matter how hard it ever becomes I just won’t quit! I give Glory to GOD for that.

As I was sitting their on my front porch catching some sun, I remembered one of my favorite movie scenes that depict this so well. And I found it for you…

Watch it now and leave your thoughts and comments on this clip and your experience.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMT

One day Online Pro shop sale – MONDAY Sept 7^th ( Labor Day)

If you have been wanting to get a pair of new gloves, Tap Out Shirt, Heavy Bag or any other equipment now is the time to GET 20% OFF your entire purchase.

But Remember, it happens This Upcoming Monday –Labor day for one day and one day only.

Use the Coupon code:laborday

At the end of your purchase to get the 20 % discount!

==============================================================

NEWS & EVENTS:

WE will be closed for Labor Day on Saturday Sept 5th & Monday Sept 7th (Comp team will train on that Sat Sept 5th...we will let you know the details
3 Comp team members will be testing their skills Sat. Sept 19th. Let's have our biggest crowd to date in attendance.
BACK to School Buddy Bash will be on Saturday Sept 12th for 7-12 year olds at the academy.(Watch for flyers for this event at the academy)
Been looking for new equipment? We will be having a ONE day SALE EVENT for all items on our Victory online Pro Shop Monday Sept 7th. MMA Equipment, Uniforms and everything else.

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What I Learned on the Road To Black Belt

By Anthony Buontaconti

My road to black belt started one early morning when I looked in the mirror after being up for a couple of days on a cocaine bender. I know you are thinking how could it have begun there, well it began there because when I looked into my soulless eyes I hated what I saw. I had nothing in life, I craved women, I craved drugs, I craved money and I was full of myself because I had all three. What I didn’t have was fulfillment, honor, discipline, peace, or joy. I knew I had something in me, but my obsessions for myself blocked what that was. On that faithful early morning my life came crashing down, I was addicted to drugs, I lost my girlfriend who would have died for me because I would constantly cheat on her, and I lost my job at a gentleman’s club, what a great day it was!!!

The best day of my life was also the worst, as I said above my life came crashing down that faithful morning, when it did I said never again will I let this happen to me again. You know what happened, it did. When I composed myself after a couple of months I forgot how I felt that day and I was good for awhile, the problem was that I didn’t change my fiber, I didn’t change my selfishness, I didn’t change my outlook, in other words I was recovered, but not repaired. I got a job working in the same industry, I started dating a girl that would die for me and cheated on her, I went back to drugs, I was a glutton. I also must have been crazy to think if I did the same things that I had done in the past the outcome would have been any different. I am stupid, but luckily God is smart and he put something in me that needed, unknown to me, to come out.

I always was interested in the martial arts and the UFC, but I was never dedicated enough to be a part of them. As I was getting older I would wonder as I watched the UFC, could I do that, could I do that. I wondered if I could do that not only physically, but mentally as well. I pondered that thought over and over, you know what I came up with every time was a ?, I wasn’t sure if I could step into a cage have someone lock me in there and get it on. Was I a sissy, what if I needed to protect my loved ones could I even do that or would I run and hide? There was one to find out.....Go For It!!! I remember sitting on my couch thinking stop living life as a selfish coward look for a place to help you answer that question. I looked on the computer and found this place called Victory Martial Arts Academy, it was right around the block from my house (God works in mysterious ways), so I said what the heck lets go check it out. Little did I know that when I walked into that place I would be saved. I would be saved on so many levels.

Like I said I was doing all the same things at that time as I was doing when my life came crashing down the time before. Well I started at Victory and was there for a month when it all came crashing down again. I was still doing drugs, I was still cheating on my girlfriend, both of which made me lose her, which in turn I then lost my house, I was unemployed at the time, but I was able to at least keep my dog. I was right back in the same place, but worse I didn’t even have a roof to put over my head, but I had something different this time I had a strength that was coming from one place, and that place was Victory Martial Arts Academy. This time I didn’t feel hopeless, I didn’t feel angry, I didn’t feel useless, because I had started to change from the inside in the short time I had been at the academy. I was on my way to repairing myself.

It takes a long time to repair yourself when you are so one way, but the process was at work and I could feel it, don’t get me wrong I was upset, but I saw being strong in a different way. I knew I couldn’t change the past, but I could change how the future was going to turn out. I dedicated myself to the healing, by training and allot of dieing to self I flushed that miserable person I was before down the toilet. Doing the right things in life aren’t always the easiest, but they are onliest (play on words I know it’s not really a word). The things that happened to me after I dedicated myself to Victory were truly miracles. I found out a lot about myself and I learned about the greatest thing in the world God.

I was lucky enough to act on my thoughts and when I did my life changed. Through the academy I have learned and felt peace, joy, happiness, honor, respect, confidence, truth, responsibility, selflessness, dedication, humbleness, and most importantly love. I have learned not only how to love others, but I have learned how to love myself. I am so honored to be a black belt candidate, and I truly thank all of you who helped me on this journey, you will never know how you have touched me and helped me. Becoming a black belt will be such an honor, but more than that it is a reflection of everyone involved in the academy because I couldn’t have done it without you all. I also want to say none of us can do anything without the Lord in our corner.

Mr.B birthday is Sept 11th- Happy Birthday B! Sifu

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Victory Hits FACEBOOK! (TY- Steve & Rachel)

We are starting our face book fan page and soon you can catch us there.

We also want to get all of friends out there as well so if you are on face book please take a minute to fill out the short form below so we can request you as a friend...

Contact Information

First Name *

Email *

Other Information

What name should we look you up on facebook?

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What does George St Pierre, Rashad Evans,

Nate Marquardt and Keith Jardine have in common?

Greg Jackson! Their MMA Training Coach.

I have been talking with Greg to come in and do a seminar at Victory.

But, before I commit to that I want to get your feedback if you would be interested in

Participating in a one day MMA seminar done by Greg.

The cost to the school is $6000.00 so I want to be sure that this is what you want before we commit ourselves to it. So, the cost would be about $120 per person to attend the event.

Please leave me your feedback in the comment section.

I think this would be a great experience for Victory.

=============================================================

Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?

DON"T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Martial Arts Blog Post for Orland & Forest Park Students

Dion Riccardo — 2009-08-25T15:08:48-07:00

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In this Post

Vitamins for your mind
Could this really be? (video)
News & Events
Victory goes to Honduras
FACEBOOK and Victory Martial Arts
New Victory Black Belts Graduate
Few sponsorship spots left!

======================================

Vitamins for your Mind

By Dion Riccardo

There was a man who had 2 birds in a cage.

He was being extremely cruel to these 2 birds. Taunting them and poking at them and physically abusing them.

A passer by saw him mistreating the birds and asked him what was he doing.

"I love to mess with these birds - I love taking all of my frustrations out on them." he said.

The passer by said "what would it take for you to stop being so nasty and cruel to these 2 birds?"

The man answered after a long pause and said "The only way I would let the m go FREE is if YOU take there place and let me abuse and be cruel to you."

The passer by without hesitation said "I will take their place!"

And so the deal was made...but the amazing thing was that when the man opened the cage to set them free, only one decided to fly the other remained in the cage even though he was set free.

2 things...

What kinda of MAN would give himself up to be treated harshly for someone else to be free?
Why did the one bird stay in the cage even though he was FREE?

The story ends with the man being outrageously beaten, ridiculed and shamed untill another ONE came to his rescue.

Please leave your thoughts and comments to this story!

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I have had the absolute pleasure to have a private student for over 2 years...
You may know him, he is one of the most kind, giving and humble guy i have ever met.

The irony of it is ---he goes by BAD BOY BILL (the infamous DJ that put Chicago House Music on the MAP).

Take a look at this video of him at the end of a grueling 1 1/2 hour workout...

Watch the VIDEO:

Dina and I have been listening to his NEW Album for a couple of days now and it CRANKS!

Go to: BadBoyBill.com

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Not a Victory Martial Arts Student Yet?