MOVEMENT ARTS
POLITO MOVEMENT ARTS CLASS
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 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.
A typical Movement class will spend some time on flexibility work, strength, mobility and coordination drills. All classes are different and no students are left feeling lost or left out. Everyone receives attention, and all of the movements can be broken down to simpler levels. Students that attend testify that the class is challenging, enjoyable, playful, and fun. All students progress at their own pace. There are no pre-requisites or experience required. All are welcome.
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
Our style of Karate is Okinawan Kenpo Karate. The style was created by Master Shigeru Nakamura in Nago, Okinawa to unite various forms. Seiyu Oyata (a high ranked student of Nakamura) created a hybrid style of Okinawan Kenpo utilizing Tuite and Kyoshu Jitsu. (Tuite is “grabbing hand” or “Joint Manipulation” Kyoshu Jitsu or pressure point techniques). All of the original Nakamura katas are still part of our system, and practiced diligently.
Our Dojo (training school name) is East Wave Dojo - Oyata Okinawan Kenpo
Core Philosophy focuses on real-world application rather than sport.
Training includes Kata ( pre-arranged forms), Bunkai (practical application), Kihon ( basic technique) in the form of stationary and stepping drills, Kumite ( full-contact and no-contact fighting) using protective gear, Physical Conditioning using traditional, and modern equipment and bodyweight strength exercises, Kobudo (Classical Weaponry). Training also incorporates extensive heavy bag, and pad training to improve; stamina, cardio, power, speed, footwork, and improvisational fighting technique. Okinawan Kenpo is known for its “inside” fighting, close - quarters combat, low kicks, and emphasis on effective, direct techniques.
A typical class will begin with displaying respect to our style’s founder, (Sherigu Nakamura and Seiyu Oyata) warm-ups, stretching, and basic techniques. At times we will go directly into Kata practice, or the class will be split up according to belt levels, and knowledge. At no time will a student (beginner or advanced) feel left out or ignored. During some classes the group will preform drills, bag & pad training, and Kumite (practice fighting). Every class is slightly different but all classes will begin and end with respect and basics.. At the conclusion of each class, we recite the dojo kun (dojo vows), and again bowing and shaking hands with each other for the practice and teachings.
East Wave Dojo, while based on the concepts of our core style, Oyata Okinawan Kempo, we also incorporate the teachings of Kyokushinkai/Oyama Karate based on over the 30 of training and experience of our founding East Wave Dojo instructor, Michael Polito.
All of our black belt instructors have extensive knowledge in various styles of marital arts, but now share the same, current teacher, Kyoshi G. Senese of L.I. , an original student of Taika Seiyu Oyata.
Tai Chi & Chi-Kung
Chi-Kung is an ancient Chinese system of therapeutic exercises. Chinese medicine views a human as an integral composite of mind, emotions and body which are intimately connected with the heavenly and earthly environments. Health and longevity results from harmonizing these components within oneself and in the environment. Illnesses are perceived as the result of imbalances in any of these aspects. Emotional stress can induce physical problems while physical problems can induce emotional reponse. The interrelationship between the physical and emotional state has guided Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
The term Chi-Kung is difficult to translate. Chi is usually translated to mean air of breath. It is the substance traditionally believed to permeate the human body flowing along paths called meridians. When the flow of Chi is unobstructed, health prevails.
Obstruction in any part of the body brings on sickness. Obstruction can be brought on through neglect and abuse of the body or from emotional disturbances. The word Kung translates to accomplishment of effort. Together, the two words mean “working on Chi” or “mastery of Chi”. This is accomplished through specific movements, rhythmic
breathing and mental imagery.
In the first few years the student is taken through a series of exercises designed to open and strengthen the body both internally and externally. These consist of “stillness looking for motion” <meditation> and “motion looking for stillness” <movement>. The student will eventually find the two are interdependent.
After this initial stage the student learns to control and direct his/her energy to heal one’s self and introduced to Taoist breathing <reverse breathing methods> eventually changing ligaments, tendons and bone.
A detailed study of Hua Tuos Frolics of Five Animals and Iron Body techniques would also be made available to students who have passed through the first two stages. The practice of Chi-Kung can be summarized in three basic principals:
1) The body and mind must practice together
2) Movement and stillness are interdependent.
3) Build your vitality and life—don’t waste this body.
Iaido (Japanese swordsmanship)
“The Art of Drawing the Sword” Iaido consists of four main components: the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from the scabbard (or saya), cutting an opponent, shaking the blood from the blade, and replacing the sword to it’s saya. Beginner practitioners of iaido start learning with a wooden sword (bokken). Apparel may be anything loose and comfortable at the beginning stages, while many students prefer to start off with the formal uniform (hakama).
Michael Polito teaches Iaido under the auspices of Noboru Kataoka Sensei of the NYC Kendo Club. Kataoka Sensei is the 20th generation Menkyo-Kaiden (successor) of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido.
The style of Iaido is Muso Jikiden Enshin-ryu dating back to the 16th century, and still being taught till this day.
Jazz Dance
Jazz dance is a high-energy, expressive style characterized by improvisation, syncopation, body isolations, grounded stances, and a focus on individual style within structured technique. This is a beginner level class geared towards teens and adults who are looking for fun, fitness, and moving their bodies. We will focus on choreography stemming from Broadway, the music video era, and TikTok trends.
Belly Dance
Come learn the beautiful and feminine art of Belly Dance! Belly dance movements foster a deep sense of grounding and can be profoundly healing for both body and spirit. These beginner to intermediate classes explore the techniques of traditional Belly Dance while also incorporating a variety of fusion Belly Dance styles.
Using improvisational techniques as our primary focus — and incorporating choreography at times — we will explore clearly structured movements such as figure eights, undulations, shimmies, and precise hip, chest, and torso isolations. You’ll learn how to connect these movements organically, respond to the music, and develop confidence in your own expressive dance voice. Traditional and fusion combinations will be introduced with basic layering, and short choreographed phrases may occasionally be used as a tool to integrate and anchor the material.
Each class includes a gentle warm-up, core isolation drills, posture alignment, technique work, and movement combinations, with ongoing opportunities to explore improvisational dancing. These movements can be applied to both solo and group work. Depending on the series, we may also explore veils and prop balancing.
This course is drop-in friendly, though some classes may build upon material from earlier sessions — you are always welcome to join whenever it feels right.
What to wear:
No metal coin belts, please. Dance barefoot, or in dance shoes or socks. Wear something form-fitting so you can see your movement, and feel free to bring a hip scarf for extra flair.
KickBoxing
Our kickboxing classes are for everyone looking for a great cardio workout, and to improve strength and power. This class is intended for beginners to advanced practitioners . The class will incorporate proper footwork, punching & kicking skills, speed & agility, bag training, pad work, lots of partner drills, exercises, calisthenics and stretching. This class WILL get you in shape quick! Teen through adult ages