Soja Holiday class schedule

Please note that all kids classes in the afternoons and Saturday are canceled from Dec 24 - Jan 1st.

All adult classes are happening as usual. A few teachers are out of town with family for this holiday week, but their senior students are covering classes for them.

All yoga classes are on as usual.

Soja just upgraded our secure online class booking registration to MindBodyOnline

Soja is happy to report that we just upgraded our online class booking and registration to MindBodyOnline cloud supported software. It looks to be a solid step forward. We are moving for automation purposes. Please have a look see and comment on the user experience.

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=22451

Current clients. Please create a user profile inside this new system. We will need to have you update your billing info via their secure encrypted site. Call the office if you have any questions about this process at all.

New intro to Soja video

Soja has been working with Viral Media Networks for the past couple of months creating the first ever brief Intro to Soja promotional video. Please check it out and tell us what you think. It will go through some small edits, but for the most part this is it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G2fmbKnc9Ds

Soja Thanksgiving Week Schedule

Thanksgiving Week Schedule:

Monday - normal schedule

Tuesday - normal schedule

Wednesday - Normal schedule for adult classes, no kids classes in the afternoon. 

Thursday - No classes! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Friday - Work it off! Morning Kickboxing & Noon yoga classes are on! No Wing Tsun in the PM.

Saturday - No kids kung fu classes in the morning, adult White Crane Silat classes noon & 1pm are on. Come work off those extra calories.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Blackout Oakland by shopping local on Black Friday.

In The Black:

Blackout Oakland by shopping local on Black Friday.

Friday, November 25, 2011, 11am - 6pm

(Oakland, CA) Oakland in the Black is a holiday shopping and community festival on Black Friday to support local business profitability by helping downtown businesses stay in the black.

By supporting our locally owned shops and restaurants we can make a difference. Centered downtown, a wealth of stores, vendors, pop-up shops along with restaurants and local food vendors plus art, live performances, and a fantastic roster of local DJs and musicians will be participating in the festivities. We encourage all downtown businesses, and all local businesses throughout the city, to join in and host an event or activity.

We have all heard about the smashed windows at stores such as Oakollectiv, Tully's, Dryclean Time and art stolen from Refa Senay at the Cathedral Building. These downtown businesses have been significantly impacted, suffering decreased business and even theft and vandalism. They stood in solidarity during the general strike. Now it's time to support them.

The Occupy movement is committed to ending the strangle hold big finance and those that act on their behalf have on our systems. These businesses are our friends, our neighbors, and the 99%. The best way to dismantle the corporate power structure is to create a sustainable local economy where we support each other and take back our community by walking our dollars into local stores.

We, along with other great community groups and other organizations such as Plaid Friday and many others, support the boycott of large corporations on Black Friday, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. The best alternative to camping out at Target or Best Buy is to come have some fun in the heart of our downtown.

Take back the holiday season, enjoy good food and music, be kind, be peaceful, shop for family and friends by spending our money where our hearts are with the wonderful folks who bring us joy and laughter. Come out and celebrate. Come out and hella love Oakland!

We are a small group of local residents, community members and shop owners, not an organization, volunteering our time and talents as a labor of love for our community.

Contact: oaklandintheblack@gmail.com (no vendors please)

Soja Philosophy Night - Sat, Nov 19, 7pm

Soja Philosophy Night



Open discussion of the book:
Meditations on Violence
A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence
By Sgt. Rory Miller, 2008
Saturday, November 19, 7 pm 

Soja invites you to yet another interesting Philosophy Night.
In this friendly discussion we discuss the differences between martial arts training and real world violence.
Participants are expected to read the majority of this book prior to participating in this discussion. Click on the link above to order it from Amazon.com.



You need not be a martial artist to learn a great deal from this book/discussion. There is no cost to participate in this discussion. BYO food/drinks.

Soja Philosophy Night - Sat, Nov 19, 7pm

Soja Philosophy Night
Open Discussion of the book:
Meditations on Violence
A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence
By Sgt. Rory Miller, (2008)
Saturday, November 19, 7 pm


Soja invites you to another interesting Philosophy Night:
Ever wanted to understand the differences between martial arts training and real world violence? This book is the definitive work on this subject.
Participants are expected to read the majority of this book prior to participating in this discussion. You need not be a martial artist or street thug to learn a great deal from this book/discussion. :)
Register here for this no cost discussion.

Soja Open House this Fri, Nov 4th, 6 - 10 pm

Soja Open House
Friday November 4, 6 - 10 pm 
 
2406 Webster Street, Uptown Oakland
No cost to attend: Bring a friend!
Join Soja for a fun Open House party this evening where you will experience traditional martial arts demonstrations in Wing Tsun kung fu, White Crane Silat, Tai Chi & QiGong, as well as yoga.

Also participating will be the Soja South Pacific Drumming Group led by Soane. We'll put on fun dancing music as well for our community potluck style evening.

Bring something to BBQ & drink, and sit awhile to enjoy the demonstrations of disciplined age old movement traditions.

No evening Silat classes this Monday, Halloween.

No evening Silat classes this Monday, Halloween. AM & Noon classes are on as usual.

Soja will be at the Rockridge Street Festival tomorrow, Sunday 10/9 from 12 - 6pm

Hope you all can come out and join us tomorrow, Sunday, for the Rockridge Street Fair. We'll be at the corner of College and Lawton if all goes well. 12 - 6pm, kids and adults. Drop by our tent/table. Soane and friends will be playing traditional south pacific drums while we do different inspiring martial arts and yoga. 

http://www.rockridgeoutandabout.com/map.html 

Self Defense Workshop for Adult Beginners Saturday, Oct 15, 3- 6 pm

It's time again for Soja to offer our Self Defense Workshop for Adult Beginners on Saturday, October 15, 3 - 6 pm

This workshop introduces you to the basics in self defense concepts and techniques. It is for people who want to develop their self awareness and how to project a protective air of confidence on the street. You will learn how to present as a confident and aware individual; not as a target or victim in challenging everyday circumstances. Learn how to listen to your natural survival senses that we are all born with, but tend to dismiss. This workshop is for adult women and men (17 yrs+) who need a safe space to explore their natural survival skills. 

No previous martial arts or self defense experience is necessary.

Class is conducted inside Soja’s safe, private, and clean studio environment.  Workshop includes both theory and application with verbal and physical exercises, such as confrontational street scenarios. We enable you to identify your best personal responses with verbal, hitting / kicking bag work.

Location: Soja Uptown studio, 2406 Webster, between 24th & 25th Streets

This workshop will be led by Peter Ajemian. It will include scenario based training appropriate to all physical levels. Everyone should be able to defend themselves, regardless of their personal situation.  This class includes some intense verbal training scenarios, as well as some physical contact. You will not need to wear any protection besides your normal street clothes. 

Soja is a shoes off studio, so you'll be barefoot or in socks.  There will be a 15 minute break in the middle, bring a snack and remember to drink a lot of water. More questions about this workshop?  info@sojamartialarts.com

Register by Monday October 10, for only $30 or later for, $45
This class has limited enrollment, be sure to register today.
Register online today with Soja’s secure online booking system. Go to the Soja website and select “schedule” and then search for October 15, then select "services" and choose "Adult Self Defense class."    Call  510.832.7652 for more information.

Soja teaching healthy martial arts classes inside Whole Foods

Soja Mind Body is now teaching healthy martial arts classes inside the north Oakland Whole Foods Market's Wellness Center on Wednesdays and Fridays for 30 minutes. Feel free to drop by and practice.

Soja will be at the upcoming Rockridge Street Fair Sun, Oct 9th

Soja will have a table at the upcoming Rockridge Street Fair on Sunday October 9, from 12 - 6pm. If you are interested in talking to us about our programs, this will be a great opportunity. Listen for the South Pacific drummer friends or look for a bunch of people doing friendly pushing hands/sparring next to our tent. ROCKRIDGE OUT & ABOUT ’11  The Rockridge District Association (RDA) invites you to participate in the annual Rockridge Out & About, a festival celebrating College Avenue, with almost one mile of College Avenue closed and transformed into a street festival. The purpose of the Rockridge Out & About festival is to increase the recognition of the Rockridge Business District and College Avenue throughout the Bay Area. What: Rockridge Out & About, a festival celebrating College Avenue When: Sunday, October 9th, 2011 Where: College Avenue closed between Manila and Alcatraz Ave College Avenue will transform into a street festival focusing on the retail merchants, businesses and services located on College Avenue. Our attendance grows annually and the more our retailers and businesses participate the greater our impact.

Kids Contact Sparring Workshop

Kids Contact Sparring Workshop

Sat., Oct. 8th    /   3-4:30 PM at Soja

 Limited Space Availability - Boys & Girls - Register Online - $20 Fee - Sign-up Deadline Oct. 1st  

Who's It For?

• Any level of student who is looking for an extra challenge to their kung fu practice.
• Students who think they might be interested in competitive martial arts.

Important:  Child must be an current member of Soja's kids kung fu program.

What Will Be Taught? 

• This is an introduction to competitive sparring and contact, offered in a safe and regulated environment.  
• The emphasis will be on a applied striking and kicking movements, as well as, specialized conditioning training.  
• Students, without exception, will be required to wear body and head pad protection provided by Soja.
  
• NO HEAD STRIKES WILL BE TAUGHT OR ALLOWED 

How Do I Register?

• Click: http://www.secure-booker.com/soja/ClassSchedule/ClassSchedule.aspx
  
• Click on the "Kids Sparring Workshop" event on Oct. 8th.
• Complete registration process and have a signed waiver/emergency form on file
• Space is limited!
• Deadline to register is Oct. 1st.

For More Information Call Soja at 510-832-7652

Adult White Crane Silat class starts at Noon today

This is the first day of Soja's White Crane Silat class starting at Noon for beginners and intermediates from 1 - 2pm.  Please see the Soja online schedule for details.

http://www.secure-booker.com/soja/ClassSchedule/ClassSchedule.aspx

Soja is recruiting Adult Students to mentor kids

Reminder : Soja is recruiting Adult Students to mentor kids in White Crane Silat for one hour on Sat., Sept. 24. Please contact Rich Brown: soja_kids@yahoo.com

Join Soja for Parking Day this Friday Noon - 2pm Sept 16

Soja's White Crane group is partnering with Greenbelt Alliance to train healthy martial arts out in front of Farley's East this Friday Noon - 2pm.  Come help us celebrate a good cause on your lunch break: parking day. We'll be creating healthy energy inside a normally static space. :)

33 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 

between Broadway and Webster, 1 block from the Soja studio.

Find out more about this international event by going to the website. 
http://parkingday.org/
Providing temporary public open space . . . one parking spot at at time.
PARK(ing) Day is a annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. The project began in 2005 when Rebar, a San Francisco art and design studio, converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public park in downtown San Francisco. Since 2005, PARK(ing) Day has evolved into a global movement, with organizations and individuals (operating independently of Rebar but following an established set of guidelines) creating new forms of temporary public space in urban contexts around the world.

The mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat … at least until the meter runs out!

Peh Gwee Cap Go (Harvest Moon Celebration) 2562, 12 Sep 2011

Peh Gwee Cap Go (Harvest Moon Celebration) 2562, 12 Sep 2011
Theme for this year:

"Change does not mean eliminating that which is, but rather adding to it."

- Suhu Gunawan Rahardja

Important: Soja class schedule for this Saturday, Sept 10

Soja's class schedule for this Saturday morning,
September 10: 

•    9  am    Kids kung fu  5 - 6 years
•  10 am   Kids kung fu  7 - 13 years
•  11 am   Adult White Crane Silat
  
•   Noon    Adult White Crane Silat Intermediate Level (beginners are allowed to stay and participate if there is space).

Next week the new Soja Fall Schedule starts.  To see all the class changes, please go to our online booking calendar by clicking here.

Please note that to see the new schedule, you have to select NEXT week,  9/12 - 9/17 

Questions? Please email Soja at: info@sojamartialarts.com

See you for healthy training this weekend.

Soja partners with Whole Foods Wellness group

Soja Martial Arts is the first to partnership with Whole Foods Wellness in downtown Oakland. 

They haven't even opened doors yet, but check us out! http://ow.ly/6pspl

White Crane Class starts tonight at 5:30

Soja's White Crane Silat class starts tonight at 5:30pm, our new fall schedule starts next week.

CPR / AED Training This Saturday, May 21, 2011 2 - 5 pm

CPR / AED Training This Saturday, May 21, 2011 2 - 5 pm

Soja Mind Body Uptown 2406 Webster St. (between 24th & 25th Streets)

Soja Martial Arts instructor, Rich Brown, offers you a Community CPR/AED training class for Soja members/teachers/the general public.

We still have a spots left = The class capacity is 12 students with a 4 person minimum, sign up today by emailing Rich Brown below.

The training class will cover adult, child, and infant CPR, choking rescues, demonstrations of AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and use of barrier devices.

This is an American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) course and, upon completion, students will be certified for 2-years. Pre registration requires payment in full for $55, with checks made out to Rich Brown, and must be received no later than, Saturday, May 15.

Checks will be mailed to or dropped off at Soja. This class will go on after we meet our minimum of 4 students with a maximum number of 12 students.

rich@sojamartialarts.com or call him at 415.722.0354

Soja 1st Friday party tonite 7 - 11pm

Come on down to Soja tonight & the Oakland Art Murmur 7pm

• South Pacific Drumming class open to public, led by Soane
• BBQ, bring your own meat / veggies
• "Deadful Melody"  Kung fu (wirefu) movie at 8pm - $5.00
• U can't beat that with a baseball bat!

Soja Open House Party! This Saturday, March 5

Soja Open House Party!  This Saturday, March 5
6 – 10 pm  free!  Soja Uptown location
Come out on this first Saturday evening in March and meet the Soja community in person! Yes, it's been a while since we opened up our lovely studio for a open house party. For those of you who've never been inside the studio, come see what we're all about. There will be live traditional martial arts demos (kids and adult) all evening long, kids start early, adults later on. 

There will be a Free beginner class in Traditional South Pacific Drumming led by Soane.

Also at this open house party, meet Esperanza Pallana, the founder of Farm Food Connect. Learn about your family's many options to connect with healthy food in your own neighborhood today!
Soja Uptown location  2406 Webster Street

Self-Defense Workshop for Adult Beginners

Self-Defense Workshop for Adult Beginners

Led by Peter Ajemian, Owner and Chief Instructor of Soja Martial Arts

This Saturday, February 26,  3 – 5 pm

This workshop introduces you to the basics in self defense concepts and techniques.
It is intended for people who need to develop their self awareness and how to project a protective air of confidence on the street. In this workshop you will learn how to present as a confident and aware individual; not as a target or victim in challenging everyday circumstances. Participants will learn how to listen to our natural survival senses that we are all born with, but tend to dismiss. This workshop is geared towards adult women and men (16 yrs+) who need a safe space to explore their natural survival skills. No previous martial arts or self defense experience is necessary.

Class is conducted inside Soja’s safe, private, and clean studio environment.  Workshop includes both theory and application with verbal and physical exercises, such as confrontational street scenarios, and enables you to identify your best personal physical response with hitting / kicking bag work.

Location: Soja Uptown studio,  2406 Webster, btwn  24th & 25th Streets

Register by Tuesday February 22, for only $20 or later for, $30

This class has minimum participant level of 5 people, and a maximum of 20.

Register today by sending an email to: info@sojamartialarts.com
Call  510.832.7652  or email for more information.