Remaining focused and calm during tense negotiations and sales meetings is critical for executives because emotions cloud judgment and we need to be as logical as possible when making important decisions.
For me, a busy technologist, martial arts and meditation exercises have had a profound effect on my personal ability to remain calm and focused during highly stressful situations. Improved stamina is an obvious benefit but improved circulation helps your brain and other internal organs function better. So I can definitely work longer now and it even seems like I am working and thinking faster. And after a hectic work-day, stress is actually flushed away after a few minutes of training. But don’t just take my word for it…
In an article by Kung Fu Magazine, CEO of America Online, Jonathan Miller praises the principles of Tai Chi. He discusses the importance of Tai Chi in his life and career and credits the practice of Martial arts for aiding in his success. Tai Chi allows him the focus to deal with the everyday challenges of running a large multinational company. According to abc.com before he passed, Steve Jobs became a Buddhist who believed in the importance meditation. Clearly one can deduce that in a high stressful environment the calming effects of meditation is an asset.
Recently, BusinessInsider.com published an awesome article called, “14 Executives Who Swear By Meditation,” and some of the big names on the list include Oprah, Russell Simmons and Salesforce.com’s Marc Benioff. But if the star power doesn’t convince you then the numerous scientific research studies should. In a 2010 survey of people who practice the meditation regularly, 86% reported reductions in stress and anxiety and 70% reported increased concentration and productivity.
So pick up a book on meditation, check out some of the resources I linked to above and take a trial class at a local martial arts school. I promise you will not be disappointed. My fellow technology executives and I who live in northern New Jersey highly recommend the following local schools.
Blue Dragon School of Martial Arts & Shifu Raymond Ahles
This school is very rounded because of the wonderful range of classes and exceptional instructors. From the adult martial arts classes, kids’ classes, meditation, community events and multi-day retreats the Blue Dragon School of Martial Arts has gained a large dedicated following from a wide range of people in the Bergen County area and beyond.
All of the instructors at the Blue Dragon School of Martial Arts are excellent teachers, particularly the Chief instructor, Shifu Raymond Ahles. He is a community leader who is always willing to help anyone and goes above and beyond for his students, family and community. These concepts are also fostered within the school so the students are very friendly, helpful and cordial. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable in the physical techniques, Shifu Raymond Ahles is also versed in eastern philosophy and its applications to modern life. So if you live nearby, or even far away, we highly recommend this school for people of all ages. Even the décor is inspiring and soothing with an indoor koi pond and waterfall.
About the head instructor:
Shifu Raymond Ahles, the owner and Chief Instructor of the Blue Dragon School, is a certified instructor of Ba Gua Zhang Kung Fu & Chi Kung and a 7th Generation Lineage Disciple in the Ch’iang Shan Pa Kua Chang Association. In addition to his 25 years plus teaching experience in the martial arts, Shifu Ahles also holds a B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology and has an extensive background in the healing arts of Oriental Medicine including certifications in Advanced Amma Therapy, Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture. Read more by visiting RaymondAhles.com.
Location & Contact Info:
- 53 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
- Phone: (201) 385-3130
This school is top notch because of the excellent instructors and great facilities. The lead instructor, Sensei David Klein, is very personable and exceptional to say the least. He is a sharp and dedicated role model for adults and engaging with the many kids who love him.
The facilities are stocked with large custom standing wavemaster-styled punching bags and the floor is nicely padded. There is a large glass wall that separates the practice area from the lobby so parents can see all the action from a safe distance.
About the head instructor:
Master Instructor, Sensei David Klein first started training in Tiger Schulmann’s MMA over 25 years ago. He is a 5th degree black belt with 15 years of experience as a head instructor. He is recognized as one of the highest ranking Sensei’s in the organization. Read more about David here http://www.tsk.com/site/about/instructor_profiles/profile.php?id=103
To learn more about Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts in Englewood NJ see their website: http://www.englewoodmixedmartialarts.com/
Location & Contact Info:
- 104 Grand Avenue, Englewood NJ
- (201) 308-6954
The Savarese Jui-Jitsu Academy in Bergen County is excellent because of the friendly instructors and their close ties to the Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro so their core values and skills are sharp. Here is a quote from my friend and current student James B., “Chris Savarese is the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor who I have trained under. The classes are well planned and he breaks down each technique step by step so it’s easy for students of all levels to understand. He has tremendous passion and knowledge for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and my brothers and I have learned a lot while attending his academy.”
About the head instructor:
Chris Savarese is a Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and a representative for Royler Gracie USA/David Adiv Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has traveled to Brazil to train at the world-famous Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro and has trained with some of the best BJJ practitioners in the world. Read more about Chris here http://www.njbjj.com/about_sav.php or check out the rest of the testimonials here http://www.njbjj.com/testimonials.php.
Location & Contact Info:
- 500 Stuyvesant Ave, Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071
- Call (201) 933-5134
- http://www.njbjj.com/
If you have a tip or school you think we should add to the list just let us know in the comments below…
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