Monday, December 28, 2009

New Dojang

We've moved! yup all of 20 feet. As predicted earlier this year we planned on moving to the larger space in the same building. We have bit the bullet and we moved to the new and improved digs. We now have a larger training area, a larger visitor area and finally office space. Vincent has worked late into the night to move the old school into the new. The new space is ready for the one last thing... students! Tomorrow, Vincent will do the final cleanup, and maybe some extra decorating. Drop in if you are in the neighborhood.
Note: there are no official classes until January but if some one calls Vincent he would probably enjoy the excuse to have a workout.

Students remember, the school is now located in the front of the building!

New Years Holiday Schedule

The Otieno Martial Arts Center will be closed from Wednesday (12/30) through NewYears. We will re-open on Monday 1/4/10. Happy New Years to All! We hope to see you in class next Monday!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Holiday Schedule

With the upcomming holiday we will be closed 12/23 - 12/27 (Weds-Sun). Tomorrow, Tuesday will be the the last class for this week.
We want to express our wishes for a Happy and Joyous Holiday to all.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Grading Exams 12/12

The Otieno Martial Arts Center will hold Taekwondo Grading Exams this Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM. A number of students both children and adult will be tested for their next level. Tests will involve demonstrations of skill and knowledge of basic techniques (punches, blocks, kicks), Poomse (formal patterns) and self-defense techniques. Visitors are welcome to come and observe.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Vincent on the Go.

Vincent has been asked to guest teach a Taekwondo class at MJA Martial Arts in Spencer, MA. The class is now forming an will run on Saturday Mornings. More information on this as it develops. Have no fear, Vincents regular classes will continue as usual. Vincent will also be starting a new open Wednesday class at 5:00. PM

Sunday, October 18, 2009

In the News

OMAC in the news again. There was another very nice story written on Vincent in the 10/17 edition of the Sterling Meetinghouse News. (see http://www.sterlingmeetinghousenews.com/)
Stay tuned for more info on Taekwondo in Sterling, MA.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

It's all about sparring.

Yes, Olympic style Taekwondo is about sport contests. E.g. Sparring. That is what the students all train for. With the schools newly advancing students, serious training in the competitive sport now begins. Vincent has set aside time specifically for sparring and competitive training.
As of this writing, every FRIDAY is SPARRING-DAY. All classes on Friday will be geared specificallly for competition training. As the current students are novices to the sport, training is starting at a pace that the students can absorb. As they become more experienced the pace will pick up. Regular classes will continue as usual.

Vincent has expressed his desire to compete again and is looking for some small local tournament to have fun and expose students to.

Friday, September 25, 2009

In the News

The Landmark newspaper wrote a very nice article on Vincent and the school in their 9/17 edition. (the photo with the story isn't too good but Vincent doesn't have any control over what they publish.)

The Sterling Meetinghouse News also just interviewed Vincent, and took a bunch of photos of one of the kids class. It should appear in their next edition. Both newspapers have online editions.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Who is Vincent Otieno?


Who is Vincent Otieno-Sabunnim?

Vincent is a very quiet man who tends to hide his accomplishments under a bushell basket. His short and lanky stature belies the true champion within. Vincent is the owner and founder of the Otieno Martial Arts Center in Sterling MA. He had previously operated 2 other dojangs (schools), one in Leominster and another in Ayer MA but has now settled in Sterling. Vincent hails from Kenya where he grew up and started martial arts training as a young boy. After seeing some Bruce Lee films, he stated, "I want to be just like him." So, he found the nearest martial art school and joined. His first exposure in training was in Shotokan Karate under the first teachers to introduce Shotokan into Kenya.

Over the next couple of years Vincent proved to be a fighter and discovered the art of sport Taekwondo. He switched styles to train under the "father of Taekwondo in Kenya" and quickly established himself as a pre-emminant champion defeating rivals one after another. His skills gained national attention both as a member of the Kenya National Olympic team but also rising to team captain. Note: in Kenya, Taekwondo atheltes are held in great esteem. Vincent had a small school in Kenya where he taught Taekwondo to other potential champions. Training in Kenya is not like training in the US. It was (is) brutal in the 110 degree heat typically outdoors. Vincents favorite practice is what he refers to as "jungle training" which to all descriptions is an arduous, difficult yet satifying training to hone skills and build an undefeatable spririt.Vincent encourages his students to "fight like a wounded lion.", we can only guess where this concept came from.

Vincent went on to win medals at a number of competitions including the All Africa Games held in Zimbabway bringing contestants from all around the world. As member of the Kenyan national team he went on to the Olympics when Taekwondo was being introduced as a demonstration sport. After that he has settled in the USA competing in a number of regional tournaments and persuing his college education. Now he has again opened his own school (Otieno Martial Arts Center) in the US and has been bringing Olympic style training to students of all ages. He has trained about 50 students so far and his new school in Sterling, MA is only just starting with about 9 students. Vincent is aspiring to put together a world-class team of fighters and he himself is looking to return to competition.

Promotional Exams Held

Promotional Exams were held on Friday Sept 18th. The small dojang was packed with students and visitors to witness the examinations. The testing on this round was for some beginners in their first test. The test consisted of examination of basic blocks, punches and kicks, as well as combinations and self-defense techniques. Poomse was examined and graded against the World Taekwondo Federation standard. The Otieno Martial Arts Center is proud of its students as all examinees passed their test. The photo was taken immediately after testing and the awarding of the new ranks. Shown Right to Left are Christina K. (aka C1) promoted to 9th Gup, Vincent Otieno, instructor, Christina K. (aka C2) promoted to 9th Gup and Lisa C, promoted to 8th Gup. Congratulations to all!

The next formal exam is scheduled to be held on December 11th. (Exams are generally held every three months).

Saturday, August 22, 2009

1st OMAC shindig

Yesterday evening we had our first Otieno Martial Art Center shindig. Our get together was graciously hosted by one of our students, Lisa! She organized the entire event and held it at her home. It was a great event attended by many of the students. Saddly not everyone could attend due to other commitments. However the event was a huge success. Food was plentiful and great conversation too. No, we did not have anyone do any ahp-chaki for their dinner but the thought was there. Food? Chicken, Buffalo kebabs (real buffalo!), salad, and Lisa's special lasangia just for Vincent! (yes Vincent has a weakness for Lasangia and hmm, isn't Lisa's gup exam comming up real soon?) Special deserts were brought in, and honestly I have no idea what they were but they were sweet and tasty. Vincent got introduced to Radishes, ask him about this when you see him. The evening went by way too fast but that's what happens when you have fun. I am sure we will do this sort of thing again.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Otieno TKD News - August 6th

Latest things going on.
1. Otieno TKD is starting childrens classes, enrolement is now going on.
2. Otieno TKD kickboxing/areobic classes are filling up, hurry to get your spot.
3. Otieno TKDoffers Olympic style Taekwondo classes classes are on-going.

The Otieno Martial Arts Center (OMAC) hopes to offer a wide variety of Martial training and experiences for the student these are just a few of the things planned and on-going at the school.
Stay tuned.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Children's Classes


We are making adjustments in the school and making room for childrens classes! We have open enrolement, forming classes now. So come on down and get the best spots before they are gone.
For the month of August, we are offering deep discounts to new students.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Sign up! (and yes, join too!)

It took some time but finally the school has its sign up!
The school is located directly across from the Public Library on Main St.
The training area is located towards the back of the building through the door visible on the right in the photo. As you enter go straight down the hall, you can't miss us.
As the studio grows we hope to occupy the space
with the window where we have our poster. At any rate, come visit us, we enjoy having guests. We may be small right now, but we have big plans.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Monday, July 6, 2009

New school

The Otieno Martial Arts Center is now open for Business!
Location: 27 Main Street, Sterling, MA
Phone: 978-602-4796

Join us!

Class hours M-F, 4PM-8PM