Business Conversations: Body Mind Systems Martial Arts Center

There is a mindful method to daily life and Body Mind Systems Martial Arts Center on Main Street is trying to introduce the combination of physical and mental fluidity.

Instructor Bob Lee, a third degree black belt, took the time to talk with Stoneham Patch about martial arts, how to accomplish goals and how to navigate life’s hurdles.

SP: First of all, how long have you studied martial arts?

BL: I’ve studied for 15 years and I’ve taught here for five years.

SP: What do people come learn here?

BL: The main thing is learning how to use martial arts and martial arts principles in order to help you accomplish something in your life. If it’s like relationships, work, family, health, there are many things we want to accomplish but a lot of times, there is something that slows them down. What we do is show people how martial arts training makes the mind and body stronger, making the methods of dealing with these issues and addressing these goals a more positive experience. That’s the main thing we teach here is mindfulness.

SP: Is that mindfulness aspect geared towards meditation?

BL: It depends what your definition of meditation is.

SP: In the classic sense with your arms resting on your knees when you’re seated and breathing…

BL: What people conceive of meditation is an element of the training. Our classes are a bit more active. We try to encourage people to align their thinking. On a high level of application, everything becomes in alignment with your goal. Most people are so scattered: ‘Oh, I’ve got this..’, ‘I’ve got this…’ and a lot of cross interference. If they can align their thinking within a specific action, it would be so much easier for them to get to where they want. If they are too dysfunctional where one thing gets in the way of the other, its not going to go well. It starts with the physical body first.

SP: What are the 8 styles of martial arts here?

BL: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Bagua, Kong Soo, Akido, Udo, Ship Pal Gae, Gumdo. Tai Chi, Bagua and the weapons training are what we use most here. As your training with these different styles, so long as you understand the basic principles, you could go to any other martial arts school and pick up those styles because of your understanding of the basic principles. The details might be different, but the underlying principles are the same. Gravity applies in boxing the same way it does when your doing martial arts of driving. But the structure touches on all the elements of these styles. As time goes on, students gravitate towards what they are best at. It’s like diet where you need a little bit of everything.

SP: If I was to walk in off the streets without any formal training, what would the entry level classes be like?

BL: If people are really motivated, they’ll sign up for a month and see what benefits and results they are getting while the instructors get to assess their motivation and progress.

SP: What is the average age of students?

BL: For adults, it’s 38. There are about 30 adults, 70 kids. Adults are our specialty. Many martial arts schools advertise their school as a child’s activity or as a sport or as a way to get in shape. What we do is not a sport, plenty of other places can provide that. We focus on this throughout their lives.

SP: Is sparring a big part of what you guys do here?

BL: If someone came in here looking to get the head gear on and get in the ring to fight, I would be clear and tell them that that is not what we gear our training around primarily. That comes later on when our students have a level of control and discipline. At the initial level, we are far more technique oriented. That itch to get in the ring and pound on things is seen more often in teenagers and 20 year olds.

SP: I think that’s important because I’m willing to bet that there are a lot of interested parties who are interested in studying martial arts but have no interest in getting clobbered.

BL: Yeah, that’s why our average age is 38. A lot of people who study here are parents who have careers and are at a point where they can focus on themselves again. That’s why our training is awesome for the individuals.