Looking for something different to do on Valentine’s Day? How ‘bout faking a right and going for a leg sweep?
American Martial Arts Studio in Shelton is offering precisely that as an alternative to your run of the mill Valentine’s Day date.
It’s called “Couples Martial Art Night.”
“It’s a different kind of date night besides going to a dinner or a movie,” said Jaimee Mansfield, who co-owns the studio on Elm Street in Shelton with her husband, Pete.
Couples Martial Art night is open to anyone — not just students of the studio. Partners will work out together, learning different beginner techniques, Mansfield said.
American Martial Arts academy teaches a blend of tang soo do, judo, and jujitsu.
The Couples Martial Art Night will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The cost is $10 per couple.
Below is an e-mail Q&A we did with with the Mansfields.
Valley Independent Sentinel: How long has the American Martial Arts Academy been in business?
Jaimee: The school opened in November of 1998. We’ve been in the Elm Street location since the summer of 2000.
VIS: Is the first time you’ve done “Couples Martial Arts” night?
Jaimee Nope! This is the second year we’ve done it. We did it two years ago with great success. We had many parents pushing for it to be a monthly class.
VIS: How did the idea come about?
Jaimee: Usually at the beginning of a new year Pete and I sit down and talk about things we can do differently for the year at the dojo. We’ll toss around a few ideas for new events (movie nights, sleepovers, board breaking seminars) as a way to pull in more money for the school, as well as adding something different for our students to try out. We’ve done things like Parent Participation nights (mom/dad come with their child to class and participate), and so that led into the idea for a Couple’s Night in honor of Valentine’s Day.
VIS: What are you and Pete doing for Valentine’s Day?
Jaimee: Haha, we’re actually pretty lame when it comes to Valentine’s Day. We’re not huge fans of over-gifting and fancy restaurants, plus Valentine’s Day falls on a night that we have classes this year. I believe the plan is to grab some fast food after class and come home and watch “Weeds.” So exciting, I know.
Pete: When is Valentine’s Day again? There is no place better to be than the place we were married.
VIS: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris?
Jaimee: I’d have to say Bruce Lee. He was such a pioneer in the martial arts, one of the first (if not THE first) Chinese-American to teach martial arts to Americans (in America), much to the disdain of his fellow Chinese-Americans.
Pete: Most definitely Bruce Lee. Bruce was not only an incredible martial artist — but an amazing philosopher as well. His picture hangs at the front of our Dojo as a tribute to his American martial art- Jeet Kune Do.
VIS:How many kids do you have and how early do you start them in martial arts?
Jaimee: Pete has two boys (Peter, 11, and Evan, 8) from his first marriage, and together we have one son (Orryn, 1 ½ years) and another little boy on the way. Peter and Evan started formal training around age 4, and with the introduction of our infant/toddler program, Orryn has been in class since he was 14 months old. He will be mainstreamed into our formal training program probably around age 3 or 4. The smaller they are, the cuter they look in martial art uniforms.
VIS: We hear you and Pete are HUGE fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Jaimee: sigh Not a fan. At all. The original UFC that the Gracie family started was really very cool. The idea behind it was basically to pit different martial art styles against each other to see what the ‘best’ martial art was. If Helio Gracie were still alive, I’m not sure he’d be pleased with the direction that the UFC has gone. While they do use techniques from styles like Muay Thai and Brazilian Ju Jutsu — the attitude that comes with the sport is not at all in line with true martial art philosophy. I don’t disagree that there are plenty of really skilled fighters out there, and I have certainly been impressed by many of them, but I can’t stand the attitude. Don’t get me started on ‘ground and pound’ either . . .
Pete: “Martial arts without philosophy is just a street fight” — Jhoon Rhee
VIS: Running a small business in today’s economy is anything but easy. What do you think are some of the keys to staying in business?
Jaimee: It is really very difficult, that is for sure. I think the biggest key is remaining relevant. If you remain stagnant and never change your business philosophy, or the offerings of your business, then you’ll end up hitting bottom. We’ve added different classes over the years, done summer camps, different extra events — just to keep things interesting and fresh. We also pride ourselves on our extremely individualized instruction. Every student is taught to his or her own learning level and need, but yet never made to feel different from everyone else.
Pete: Build real relationships with your “clients.” AMAA students are part of our family. We are there for all of their ups and downs in life as they have been here for AMAA.
VIS: How has martial arts helped your marriage, or is that question totally insane?
Jaimee: Hahaha, it’s a funny question, that’s for sure. I think it really has helped, because we were both very much involved with the martial arts before we started dating, so it’s always been a common interest and something we are both extremely passionate about. I feel that martial art training is excellent for relationships because you learn how to control yourself and your feelings in a more constructive way. You don’t have to apologize to a punching bag after fighting with it.
Pete: Being married to a martial artist has its pros and cons. From a guy’s view — picking out a action flick goes over well with your wife. Con — being kicked while washing dishes happens from time to time.
VIS: Steven Seagal or Jean Claude Van Damme?
Pete: Seagal Sensei — without a doubt. Although I have both of them as friends on Facebook, so don’t tell Van Damme.
VIS: I’m thinking about taking martial arts lessons to lose weight, but I’m afraid I’ll run into this guy. What are the first few classes like?
Jaimee: What we tell all adult students is they’ll see the greatest results in the first three months of training (as far as fat loss/muscle gain and increase in flexibility), after that point it’s all about maintaining and increasing your intensity. Also, we are currently offering a free month of training to any new adult student!
Pete: Everyone is always worried that they will walk out with black eyes. Our adults have work the next day — we keep this in mind. Be prepared to be sore — but a good sore. Be prepared to be confused — but wanting to learn more — and be prepared to enjoy it.
For more information, call the studio at (203) 922-1488 or e-mail Mansfield at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Editor’s note: Jaimee Mansfield freelanced several photography assignments for the Valley Indy last fall.
