MOVEMENT ARTS

The Method

 Michael Polito teaches his students an approach utilizing an evolving body conditioning approach. It is a way that is constantly adapting and improving through research, education and collective knowledge of its student practitioners. This movement perspective is based on Michael's relationships with gymnastic conditioning, yoga, martial arts, calisthenics, meditation practice, breathing, past childhood play, and his connection with nature and human evolution.  The teachings focus heavily on improving and restoring functional natural movement, strength, brain and body connection, and mobility. Our bodies were designed to move, yet most people use only a fraction of their potential. Michael believes strongly the importance of integrating movement throughout the course of the day.

 Michael's  approach has been devised to help people increase their strength, flexibility, agility, dexterity, balance, mobility, mental awareness, coordination and overall movement. Most physical problems and inabilities that people encounter are most commonly contributed to inactivity, improper form and technique,  too much specialization in a certain aspect of training, or diet and lifestyle. In most instances, a combination of all of these. Michael believes that there is no such thing as bad movement, just bad preparation.

A good teacher, or trainer will explain and educate.   Michael teaches movements slowly, with utmost control to protect against injury.  He will also listens to problems and frustrations you may be encountering and design a program that is practical and doable for you personally.  You do not need to be an anatomist, doctor or nutritionist,  but a basic understanding of how your body works will help guide you.

Michael concentrates on a number of different training aspects. Some include; simple to complex strength movements,  re-hab & pre-hab drills and exercises,  mobility training, ground work (using nothing but the floor), gymnastic conditioning methods, and exercises and movement practices obtained from ancient martial arts, yoga and dance practice. He believes that we should be taking more advantage of the outdoor natural environment. Real world strength is what we ultimately need to function in our environments outside of the gym and training facilities. Can you run down a hill of uneven terrain ? Can you throw, lift or run with heavy awkward objects? Can you crawl on your hands and feet comfortably without pain or discomfort? Can you balance yourself, and walk along a log, or climb a tree if being chased by a wild animal? Can you defend yourself if you ever needed to? Who is to say that any normal person would not have to do these things, or many others at some point in their lives?

Michael believes firmly that real functional movement will prepare you for the outside day to day world. It will keep you naturally fit, strengthen your whole body, and provide a higher quality of life. Your training and movement practice should be enjoyable and playful. Something that you look forward to. It should be rewarding and improve the quality of your body, mind and life.

PLAY...To be a need and unconscious awareness. An instinctive action.

Michael offers online coaching, personal training programs, seminars and workshops.

KARATE

Chief instructor, Michael Polito of the East Wave Dojo, started his karate journey in 1979 in Chinese martial arts (Fu Jow Pai Kung Fu). He transitioned into Okinawan Kempo Karate and Kyokushin/Oyama karate, and continued there for the next 40 plus years.

East Wave Dojo is based on the concepts of our core style, Okinawan Kempo Karate, but also includes the teachings of Kyokushin/Oyama Karate. These styles are effectively blended to produce students of strong spirit and mind, life protection skills, and advanced physical strength and excellent health.

The training at the East Wave Dojo is very versatile, consisting of traditional forms and exercises, traditional weaponry, heavy bag and pad work, and controlled contact fighting to increase stamina and power. We learn to fight smart, and effectively rather than out of anger or revenge. Our students are encouraged never to use their karate unless as a last resort, but rather on lending a hand to help others.

Michael Polito’s current teacher is Kyoshi G. Senese of L.I. an original student of Taika Seiyu Oyata. Michael Polito also is a student of Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship) and is a student directly under Sensei Noburu Kataoka of NYC. Michael Polito’s past teachers have included; Shihan Michael Skinner, and Teruyuki Higa.