Vigilant Gate Warrior Arts

2012-01-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a season! I've been absent from posting because we had a baby girl! Both my bride and my new daughter are doing great, and I'm finally getting back on track with the blog and newsletter.

Warriors and visitors:
Come to "The Organic Revolution" Seminar
Thursday Jan 26th @ 6:45pm
Revolution Fitness
It's FREE!!!

We'll also have a 99% accurate body fat test available at the Seminar for $25. Very cool.

Fish Oil was used in ancient times!

2011-12-19T12:11:00.002-05:00

Fish Oil has become a popular supplement these days. The standard american diet (SAD) has been shown in various studies to have a terrible ratio of 14:1 to 20:1 omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s. That SHOULD be corrected to a healthy 4:1 to 1:1 ratio! We're not getting enough omega-3s!! Fatty fish is the most abundant source, containing high amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Walnuts, flax seed, and a few other plant based foods have omega-3s, but not at levels that balance the ratio in our diets. Grass-fed beef has 6 times the amount of omega-3s as grain-fed feedlot beef! That balances the beef you eat, but not the whole diet (because beef also has omega-6s). Well, what's the big deal about getting these 'omega-3s' anyway?

Benefits of fish oil supplementation:

Cardiovascular health—(Frank B. Hu, M.D. reported in the April 10th issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001.).
Blood sugar regulation—(April 23, 2002 WebMD article titled Fish Oil May Fight Diabetes).
Mental Health—(Fish Oil Eases Depression, October 18, 2002; study findings published in October 2002 edition of Archives of General Psychiatry).
Eye health—(Fish Oil Benefits Your Eyes, May 8, 2003 WebMD)
Essential fatty acids found in fish oil can also help support healthy inflammation levels
Omega-3s are used for various functions, and found to be an active part of the health of every cell in the human body!

Yeshua and his disciples ate fish as a part of their daily dietary needs. They got their omega-3s! It was common for Israelites to get enough fish, but not for modern americans. So what do you do if you're not eating cold water fatty fish on a regular basis? Consume fish oil.

I was studying the Talmud this morning, and was prompted to write this article about fish oil from a 1500+ year old text. The Talmud was compiled in the 2nd-5th centuries AD, when Jews were in exile throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Dietary changes were were just some of the lifestyle issues taking place among the Jews. Here's the interesting part that prompted me to write today: the ancient sages knew of the benefits and need of fish oil in the diet! So the ruling was made that fish oil, even from gentiles, was acceptable and necessary:

"The rabbis taught: Fish-oil made by a heathen specialist is permissible. R. Jehudah b. Gamaliel, in the name of R. Hanina his brother, said: The same is the case with Hillek (small fish, which have no fins or scales) if they come from a heathen specialist. R. Abimi b. R. Abuhu taught: Fish-oil from a specialist is allowed. He taught it, and he himself explained it thus: The first and the second time when there is considerable fat in it he has to use no wine, so it is allowed, but not in the third time, when wine must be used. " (Talmud/Abuda Zara/X (XVIII):Chapter II)

It seems they even understood that pure fish oil was required, not that extracted with alcohol or any other agent. One of the exciting things about Advocare, is that their OmegaPlex fish oil supplement is one of the most highly rated fish oil supplements on the market as tested by an independent ConsumerLabs study released this past October. I personally take OmegaPlex daily, and noticed a positive change when I switched to Advocare from another brand that I had been taking for the past couple years! Guard your health, peoples- get your fish oil today.

Christmas and Hanukkah gift ideas

2011-12-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

Looking for something special to give in this season of giving? Instead of some 'must have' item that will eventually be outdated or break, give the gift that causes a life transformation! Here's a unique gift idea: martial arts lessons from a hebraic perspective!

$79 per month for a full membership!

That's four hours a week of training, typically $120 per month. Come in at this low rate, and you'll STAY at that rate as long as you train continuously with us.

We'll sweeten the deal even more for the holidays:

3 months and a FREE uniform (normally $35) for $212!

*Continue for $79 per month beginning the fourth month.

Tzitzit and Hanukkah

2011-12-12T19:16:00.002-05:00

Learn to tie tzitzit (tassels)

Thursday, Dec 15th, 6pm @ Revolution Fitness

Friday, Dec 16th, 1:30pm @ IHOP-Atlanta

COST= $5 (you will go home with your own set- typically $20 from most judaica sources!)

This special class is open to all, you do not need to be a VG student to attend. If you are not a VG student, or coming with one, please email us to let us know you'll be coming, so that we make sure to have enough material prepared for you.

Hanukah Party

Thursday, Dec 22nd, 6pm @ the Swift's House (email for address)

Potluck dinner for all Shoarim and their families! We'll celebrate Hanukah with a telling of the great story, in which ancient shoarim played a key role.

Don't mess with the gatekeepers

2011-11-30T19:12:00.001-05:00

In the ancient Temple on Mount Moriah, gentiles were only allowed to pass so far. Shoarim (gatekeepers, aka Temple guard) kept watch, with four at most gates. One complete copy of the warning to gentiles has been found. Two fragmentary copies have also been found. The stone below is engraved with Greek. Greek and Latin versions were posted at regular intervals around the balustrade of the Second Temple.

Warning to the gentiles

The inscription translates as follows:
"No foreigner is to enter within the balustrade and embankment around the sanctuary. Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his death which follows."

(The above stone was found by Clermont-Ganneau in the 19th century, and currently rests in the Tschinili Kiosk Museum in Constantinople. Mention of these signs are found in historical documents: Josephus, War 6.2.4; 124-26; Ant. 15.11.5; 417; Philo Leg. ad Gaium 212).

Practicing in ancient Egypt

2011-10-28T12:41:00.000-04:00

In the previous post "The Patriarchs Were Warriors", I gave examples from history of the unique fighting style of Israel, and how Simeon defeated the Egyptian guards of Joseph easily, yet when Manasseh wrestled Simeon into submission, Simeon cried out, "None of you must say that this is the smiting of an Egyptian, but it is the smiting of the house of my father," (Yashar 51:44). Simeon was defeated by the same martial art that his father Israel had taught him! It was something different, distinctive, and the brothers didn't understand at the time how this young Egyptian (supposedly) could know it.

Years later, when Joseph had passed and the new Pharaoh oppressed the sons of Israel, Israelites held onto the traditions of their fathers. They didn't forget, they maintained their identity, including the practice of their martial art. But it had to go 'underground'. One of the practice grounds of the enslaved Israelites remains until this day in a cave near Beni Hasan, Egypt. Here, the walls are not covered in hieroglyphs, but rather images of combat notated with late paleo hebrew inscriptions. This is a sample of the research that guides the restoration of shar shaqed.

Left: The defender has caught a kicking leg and lifted his opponent by the leg and throat.

Center and Right: The practice of sword fighting using reeds and guarding with the left forearm, retaining the skill of using sword with forearm bracers or a small shield. We see a perfect example of the simultaneous defense and attack that's prevalent in shar shaqed. The right-facing practitioner is up against two oppenents.

Good Start

2011-10-06T19:51:00.000-04:00

Our new adults class had a good start on Oct 4th, with 8 students. We have room for a few more, so come on in anytime. Shoarim, invite your friends to come for a FREE introduction.

FREE Martial Arts Training!

2011-09-28T17:57:00.000-04:00

We're having a drawing for someone to win

3 months of VG FREE!

Want in? Come to our free Demo / Introduction night and enter the drawing.

Invite your friends, bring them along.

Share this post on Twitter, Facebook, the back window of your car.

6pm Tuesday, Oct. 4th

VG Introduction

@ Revolution Fitness

Directions Here

NEW CLASSES STARTING in OCTOBER!

2011-09-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce that we'll be opening new adult classes.

When? October 4th

Where? Revolution Fitness

Class times? 6-7pm every Tues & Thurs

Spread the word! Invite your friends. We're having a free demo night on October 4th at 6pm. Come in gym pants, t-shirt, and martial arts shoes if you have them. Discover what 'VG' is all about and have some fun. If you'd like to pre-register, e-mail or call me.

Beyond Organic

2011-09-19T00:35:00.000-04:00

You guys know I care about nutrition, and not just mine, but yours as well. One of the top books in my nutrition library is Jordan Rubin's "The Maker's Diet." And to some of you, I've even recommended Rubin's company, Garden of Life, for your vitamin supplements-- Vitamin Code multivitamins and Melaleuca multivitamins are the only two I've found to be worth anything.

Well, Rubin has answered America's need for reasonably priced, easy to aquire, organic beef and dairy products. And he's gone further. I'm most excited about the meat-- totally green fed and kosher meat! Come on! But he's also giving us organic cheeses and diary drinks and a better vitamin water alternative that are loaded with micronutrients and probiotics. I'm an insider, and I'm excited. Find out more:

Beyond Organic

Class changes

2011-08-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Due to all the multiple activities to work out on our missions base, we're going to have to cancel the 5pm and 6:30pm classes on August 16th and forward. I'm very sad to have to give this notice. However, I'm looking into new venues for classes, and also considering new class times as we search for the location.

I would appreciate any help you can lend in finding a new location. I would also appreciate your input on a schedule that would better serve you (since finding a new location may mean picking new hours anyway).

If you are not a current VG practitioner and came to the site hoping to find out about class times, I'm very sorry to say that only 8-12 year old students currently have a class (Tue & Fri 1:30-2:30pm). However, I would love for you to email me, vigilantgate@gmail.com , and let me know of your interest. That way, when we do get classes going again, I can notify you.

Daniel Academy Students

2011-08-01T20:33:00.001-04:00

The VG Afterschool program will restart on your first day of school, August 16th!

VG afterschool at Daniel Academy will be 1:30-2:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday.

Now's the time to get involved!

2011-07-16T12:01:00.000-04:00

3 weeks FREE training for new students begins Aug 16th!

Adults and youth interested in taking shar shaqed with us will have an opportunity to try us out for free as we kick-off the new school year. Spread the word! We can only take a limited number of new students, so email vigilantgate@gmail.com or call 706-581-1048 to reserve your spot!

Continue training with NO contracts, for a low monthly rate of only $55!

Shalom

2011-06-18T17:28:00.001-04:00

I had great week of ministry in Coastal Georgia, and some great family time including the beach and kayaking the marshes. Sadly, I was not able to wrestle an alligator, they all fled. I think it was the purple kayak. Thanks, Shoar Peter for covering classes, we are on the regular schedule, and I look forward to seeing you this week!

Class Schedule This Week June 6th and 9th

2011-06-06T12:05:00.000-04:00

Attention ALL VG students! I'm out of town and shoar Peter will be leading the class. Due to his schedule this week, we're combining youth and adults and having sessions at the following times:

Monday 6:30-7:30pm

Thursday 6:30-7:30pm

There will not be class on Tuesday!

"Call to the Gate"

2011-05-20T15:26:00.000-04:00

"Call to the Gate"

Shar Shaqed Intensive

$30 for the week or $10 per day

We're going to start out the summer with a week full of 3 hour classes open to beginners through advanced students, ages 8yrs old and up (yes, youth and adults together). It's a great time to invite family and friends to try us out!

May 30th - June 3rd

5-8pm

At IHOP-Atlanta

*Dress in athletic shoes (we'll be outside and inside), gym shorts or pants, and a t-shirt.

*Uniforms are optional for current students this week only.

*Bring water, healthy snacks, and a towel.

You'll learn about shar shaqed, practice techniques, spar, break boards, get an excellent workout (shape up for summer), have a great time, and get incredible Biblical teachings on the mandate of the gatekeeper.

Payment is due on May 30th for the week, or pay by day.

(cash or check written to "VGWA")

Basic Schedule might look like this:

5pm Stretching and warm-up

5:15pm Health and Nutrition Tips

5:20pm Striking Practice (punching, kicking, etc.)

5:45pm Stance training (beginners) Forms (Advanced)

6pm Snack Break and Seminar (such as 'Way of the Warrior Priest')

6:40pm Trapping and Joint Locks

7:00pm Sparring

7:15pm Workout

7:40pm Cool-down and Stretching

7:55pm Closing and Dismissal

*If you need to be late due to work, that will be acceptable.

Guard Your Heart

2011-05-09T15:44:00.000-04:00

"Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life." (Prov. 4:23)

"Keep"-- watch over -- guard your heart. Hebraically speaking, the heart, the 'lev' of a man, is the seat of his thoughts, not his emotions. Concretely, it's the Authority Within. What we might often call in the west, a man's 'will'.

What are we letting our hearts meditate upon, muse upon, or ache upon? Whatever it is, it's influencing us at the core of our being. Whatever occupies our thoughts the most, that thing is our god.

May it be that the True God is your god. Don't let the spring become corrupt.

Take It By Force

2011-04-19T15:41:00.000-04:00

"The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." (Mat 11:12)

Every english translation puts it differently, demonstrating the awkwardness of the greek text from which it came. So I thought I'd clear it up by going back to the source. But that's not so simple as it sounds. I found differences in the EvenBohan hebrew manuscript and the DuTillet hebrew manuscript. Fortunately, the difference in the hebrew is slight, and gives us a clearer understanding of Yeshua's seemingly cryptic statement.

The first part is very clear in the hebrew: the Kingdom of Heaven is forcefully advancing / pressing / coming violently. HaShem has a plan to establish His Kingdom on the earth, and it is certain. It is written, "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against HaShem, and against his Messiah, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens laughs; HaShem hold them in derision... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way." (Psalm 2:1-4,12)

I find deeper insight in the hebrew words translated 'forcefully advancing'. It's one word, but each hebrew text has a different word. They are synonyms, but have different connotations. And when I want to understand the deeper subtleties of a text I look at the hebrew letters as word pictures that illustrate the meaning. The DuTillet manuscript has 'באונמ', illustrating that 'might from the inside is forcefully going out' (drawing on the paleo hebrew). The EvenBohan manuscript uses the word 'עשוקה' which illustrates the idea of force as 'to see a pressing on the horizon.' Both seem true to the Kingdom. Might in the inner man of every believer goes out into the world through prayer, through action, through praise, through testimony. And the Kingdom is on the horizon, in sight, and soon to overtake the earth when Messiah comes.

The second portion of this statement is the part most confused in translation. It's simpler in hebrew. But to break it down, there is more depth, so I will draw out each word. Again we find synonyms in the two hebrew texts by which we understand 'forceful men' or the 'violent ones'. The root words of both terms are 'כר' and 'קר' respectively. Both rootwords refer to digging, boring. 'קור' is also used to mean looking deeply into a subject, just as we might say 'dig deeper' in your Bible Study. The violence Yeshua was talking about was not the violence of wickedness, but rather the godly tenacity (might I say righteous masculinity) that makes a way. It's not the violence of hate, but the violence of justice. It takes more strength to right wrongs than to wrong what's right. It takes more strength to make a stand for justice than to go along complacently with injustice. It takes more strength to heal than to kill. Yeshua was teaching us that those who inherit the Kingdom in Olam Haba are those who dig deep and deal violently with anything that hinders Love.

The Dutillet manuscript also includes a word rooted in 'גוז'. It means to sheer, to harvest- as in sheering sheep or cutting down the grain. So after a term about digging comes a term about reaping. Ancient hebrew is expressly concrete in it's concepts, and that from a nomadic and agricultural society. So we find a parallel in this verse to the idea of laborers who plow and sow the fields, and those who reap the harvest.

The final word in both manuscripts is the same, 'אותה'. It comes from 'את' which usually isn't translated into english. 'את' originally meant 'plow' or 'mark', in the sense of reaching the mark. It refers to the agricultural practice of focusing on a distant marker when plowing, so as to keep the furrow straight. Reaching the mark becomes the concrete picture for indicating the definite direct object in a hebrew sentence. Put more simply, 'את' is like an arrow pointing to the object. In this case, pointing to the Kingdom.

If you want the Kingdom, you get it by digging deep, by reaping, by fixing your eyes on the mark to get there. To get there, you have to take part. Dig deep, sow, reap.

It makes me think of the way I plowed my garden 3 years ago. I cleared some of the grass from my backyard, and took a heavy maddox to the hard Georgia clay and rock. Being one for a challenge, I considered it a workout. And in CrossFit fashion I turned my task into an interval workout: going as hard and fast as I could for one minute, resting 30 seconds, repeating. And I didn't just dig, I dug deeper. Once I broke up the first 8-10 inches, I used a shovel to clear it out of the way. Then I took my maddox to the next layer. After digging deep, I added compost and manure and used a tiller to mix the soil. It was hard work. And I dug it up again the next year, and this year. Now, i have a soft bed of fertile ground. I dug with all my strength, with force, with purpose.

You can't plow a field by being a wimp. You have to get violent with the earth. All this is to say that those who inherit the Kingdom are those who plow the fields and reap the harvest. You have to participate in the work of the Kingdom, to be a part of the Kingdom. That's why Yeshua mentions the Prophets. Through great difficulty they 'plowed the fields' for the harvest of our souls. Advance the Kingdom, dig deep. Pacifism doesn't get you to the mark. John Eldredge illuminated this same verse by writing it's opposite to show the contrast: "The Kingdom of Heaven is open to passive, wimpy men who enter it by lying on the couch watching tv." Ha! No that sort of faith isn't faith at all.

Life really is lived out on a battlefield, and the righteous warriors never shrink back, they dig deep and gain the Kingdom.

You are a Tabernacle (Part 3)

2011-04-06T12:13:00.000-04:00

"You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean." (Lev 10:10)

The little serpent of Gen 2 is allowed to live. And so we have a war with a terrifying dragon in Rev 12. Last week, I found a 4" long baby snake in our garden. I showed it to my children, and they thought it was cute. They wanted to keep it. They certainly didn't like that I intended to kill it.

Why would I kill a cute little baby snake?! There was no where to take it. We live in a heavily populated area. This was a baby copperhead. To leave it in my garden was to endanger myself, my children, and my dog who will be going through the garden throughout the summer picking fruits and vegetables. And one thing I know from experience is that snakes love basking in the sun amidst the warm black ground cover in our garden. One day the 'innocent' baby snake will become a venomous danger.

An unclean thought, a common thought, may seem harmless, as harmless as a baby snake with no fangs. But it doesn't stay that way.

Priestly discernment is more than knowing the difference between what's right and wrong. True discernment is in identifying the inception of wickedness. A soul isn't lost in wickedness in a moment. Rather, a soul let's the common thoughts in while being undisciplined in focusing the heart on holy thoughts. When a soul entertains unclean thoughts, and seeing no ill of it in the immediate, the heart hardens. Then the soul continues to open the heart and mind to the common and unclean, while slowly becoming more dull in the area of discernment. Once within the gates of the self, those thoughts do not coexist with holiness, and a war begins within the soul.

Let the garden of your soul be for the pleasure of HaShem, for the holy and the clean. And guard it from the common and unclean thoughts that the enemy brings to slither in and corrupt your soul. Be vigilant against the inception of wickedness.

Classes Reminder

2011-03-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

Monday's Adult Class has now been moved to Tuesday.

Adult schedule: 6:30-7:30pm Tue & Thur.

You are a Tabernacle (part 2)

2011-03-25T11:46:00.000-04:00

"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Cor 6:18-20)

Above all other sins, sexual immorality is distinctly targeted in Paul's warning. Paul understands the holiness of a Tabernacle, of a Temple. He regards your body with the same degree of holiness befitting the Temple of HaShem in Jerusalem. Sex in marriage is intended to express a divine connection with Yeshua-- for the marriage of man and woman is the symbol of Messiah and the Bride (Eph 5:32). It is the ultimate representation of intimacy unto oneness.

Because of this truth, every spirit that opposes God will seek to destroy the purity of sexuality. The spirit of Jezebel provokes the flesh to lust in order to rob the saints of intimacy, purity, and strength.

Jezebel offers a temporary pleasure to rob one of eternal ecstacy. There is a war going on in the Body of Messiah. Pastors are bound in lust to pornography. Pastors are committing adultery. They are the gatekeepers of the congregations. If the gatekeepers allow Jezebel, how much more the congregations? It should not be!

Adultery and Idolatry are symptoms of the same heart sickness: the gaze of the heart is not fixed on Yeshua. He is The Most Beautiful. He is The Most Wonderful. And we were created to behold Him! Therefore, we have been blessed with a hunger for beauty and excitement.

Yet we can so easily be distracted by lesser things. Lust is the corruption of passion for Yeshua; when the yearning for the infinite in beauty and splendor is pacified by temporary things. Being pacified is being sapped of our strength. Sexual immorality is chief among lusts and idolatries in its ability to diminish the saint of passion, strength, integrity, resolve, and holiness.

You are a Tabernacle (part 1)

2011-03-06T13:36:00.000-05:00

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (I Cor 3:16-17)

Being a vigilant gatekeeper requires us to receive this revelation. We must gain in understanding of our existence as little temples for the unfathomable Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). You are the habitation of Ruach Hakodesh!

In the wilderness, the Tabernacle was kept holy, meticulously cared for, and guarded. Though a temporary dwelling place, is was regarded with honor and dignity. Would you think it wise for the priests to store their garbage and filth in the Tabernacle? What about setting up altars to other gods in the court? It's an abomination!

Yet we desecrate the Lord's Temple when we fail to tend to and care for our bodies. Though temporary, they are holy tabernacles. As the Tabernacle in the wilderness was a predecessor to the Temple in Jerusalem, so this mortal body is a predecessor to the immortal one. Care for it as holy. Regarding our own bodies as the habitation of Ruach Hakodesh will stir us up with a passion for holiness.

This revelation gives me a priestly purpose in healthy eating, exercise, and activity. And as the Tabernacle is a hidden place, so too my heart is the hidden place. What I think about, what I love, what I desire, are as much a part of this temple as the utensils of the wilderness Tabernacle.

To care for this temple rightly, I must first acknowledge it as a temple. So I encourage you to meditate on this truth: "The body is meant for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. I am a temple, intended for the habitation of the Holy Spirit." (a declaration gathered from I Cor 3:16-17; 6:13-20)

Zadok the warrior priest

2011-02-23T17:15:00.000-05:00

"The following is a record of the armed warriors who came with their leaders and joined David in Hebron in order to make David king in Saul’s place, in accordance with the LORD’s decree...

From Levi there were 4,600. Jehoiada, the leader of Aaron’s descendants, brought 3,700 men with him, along with Zadok, a young warrior, and twenty-two leaders from his family." (I Chron 12:23, 26-28)

The young warrior, Zadok is by the hebrew (na'ar gibor Hhayil) more precisely an adolescent Levite who is mighty and bores through the walls of the enemy. I believe this to be the same Zadok that later serves as High Priest later in David's reign, and into Solomon's. It's a worthy meditation to consider this warrior priest. 'Zadok' is a hebrew word that literally translates to be 'straight.' It expresses walking a straight path, or to standing upright. This is the concrete picture of righteousness.

Zadok was a man of the narrow way, and he was willing to fight valiantly to support David. Many people take up causes, and for various reasons. There is a way to walk the narrow, to be righteous, and be a warrior. May you never have to battle with the sword (or gun) like Zadok. But you do go to battle every day. Your battles may be entirely against idealogies, injustices, and the like. I propose that the only way you come out of the battle standing straight, is to be a warrior. A warrior will not back down or give up ground. Too long has the Church taught us to be 'nice' and 'accept'. There's being gracious and merciful, and then there's being weak. The God of Zadok is not calling us to be weak, but to be 'gibor' (mighty)! We were not made to bend, to compromise our integrity; but rather we were made to stand straight, stand firm.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore..." (Eph 6:12-14)

The Patriarchs Were Warriors

2011-02-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

Martial practices are found in every corner of the earth. Combat was necessary for every shepherd who defended his flock, and every man who protected his family. Defense was something to learn because of the dangers posed by wild animals and wicked men. Israel’s martial art goes all the way back to Shem, the son of Noah.

One tradition tells us that Shem killed Nimrod, the mighty hunter of men, who rose up against Him. Another tradition tells us Esau fought Nimrod and cut of his head with a sword (Yasher 27). Abraham lived with Noah and Shem for 39 years (Yasher 9:6), and would have learned to fight during his youth, when he was with Noah and Shem. Shem is the common teacher in the early acounts. We don’t tend to recall Abraham as a mighty warrior. But consider the four kings led by Chedorlaomer king of Elam. They began a warpath:

“In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim... the Zuzim... the Emim ... and the Horites ... to En-mishpat ... defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites ... Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel (same as Nimrod) king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five...” (Gen 14:5-10)

Chedorlaomer seems to be a dangerous force. But Abraham pursues him with only 318 men.

“When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus.” (Gen 14:14-15)

The Scripture says they were ‘trained men.’ Trained how? In the martial practices of Abraham. And that martial practice went on to Isaac and Jacob, and Jacob taught his sons. In Yasher we have some very interested accounts that tell us the sons of Israel fought in a unique manner. Check out this excerpt from Yasher in which 10 sons of Israel have gone to Egypt during the famine to buy grain. They encounter Joseph, but do not yet know him as their brother. The Bible tells us that Joseph imprisoned Simeon until the others brought Benjamin. But Yasher gives us a bit more detail to the story:

“And Joseph said unto them, Seize this man and confine him in prison until his brethren come to him, and Joseph's valiant men (his Egyptian guards) hastened and they all laid hold of Simeon to bind him, and Simeon gave a loud and terrible shriek and the cry was heard at a distance. And all the valiant men of Joseph were terrified at the sound of the shriek, that they fell upon their faces, and they were greatly afraid and fled. And all the men that were with Joseph fled, for they were greatly afraid for their lives, and only Joseph and Manasseh his son remained there, and Manassah the son of Joseph saw the strength of Simeon, and he was exceedingly wroth. And Manassah the son of Joseph rose up to Simeon, and Manassah smote Simeon a heavy blow with his fist against the back of his neck, and Simeon was stilled of his rage. And Manassah laid hold of Simeon and he seized him violently and he bound him and brought him into the house of confinement, and all the sons of Jacob were astonished at the act of the youth. And Simeon said unto his brethren, ‘None of you must say that this is the smiting of an Egyptian, but it is the smiting of the house of my father.” (Yashar 51:39-44)

Simeon recognized that Manassah fought in the style of his father Israel, and not as an Egyptian fought.

Forging the Warrior Heart

2011-02-11T07:58:00.000-05:00

The physical conditioning and practice of sh’ar shaqed is often experienced in sore muscles and bruises. Occasionally we see some blood as well. We sing praises when the timer goes off at the end of the night, as our chests sound like a factory in the conclusion of another intense workout. The bones and muscles respond and grow stronger. The aches and pains heal over time and we find ourselves more tempered for the

punishing blows and deep stances.

Something else is changing too. We discover that we can. We can learn that form. We can break that board. We can kick harder. We can punch better. We can move faster. When the fear of our own weakness dies, we put our all into the next pun

ch, and the next. Underneath the surface of flesh and bone a fire is refining our hearts.

Sh’ar shaqed isn’t about the fight; it’s about learning to stand. To be bold. To be fearless in the face of men.

The heart of a man is the seat of his inclinations and will. In hebrew we write ‘heart’ with a lamed and a bet, and pronounce it ‘lev.’ It is drawn

in ancient hebrew as the shepherd’s staff and the nomad’s tent. These pictures tell us that the heart is the ‘authority within.’

I pray your heart be refined, forged, and made sharp in your practice of sh’ar shaqed. May you have no fear of man, when you stand for Truth; no fear of suffering, when you raise your voice for Justice. “May Christ dwell in your lev through faith.” (Eph 3:17)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might... Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Eph 6:10,13)

Shalom

Construction is finished!

2011-01-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

We're back in our building tonight. The walls are finished, and the snow is melting away.

Remember: NEW CLASS TIMES for Adults: 6:30-7:30 pm VG, with the workout starting at 7:30pm

(Orange belts will meet at 6:00pm for advanced training. Other students, when you enter, go ahead and stretch out, being respectful of the higher belts in training.)

Upcoming

2010-12-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

Shoarim, We'll be having a belt test mid-January, and I'll release the date soon.

No classes are cancelled through the holidays or school break.

Hanukkah Celebration

2010-11-30T18:01:00.000-05:00

Hey Shoarim,
Instead of class on Thursday night, we'll meet for dinner at 6:30pm.

1711 Sundale Dr. Lawrenceville, GA 30046

It's hanukkah potluck, so bring a dish, bring family, and come eager to celebrate the festival of lights in the month of Hope. We'll tell the story of the warrior priests who would not conform to the image of the world, but took a stand for the ways of HaShem, and how a miracle happened in the Holy Land.

Belt Test

2010-10-20T13:04:00.001-04:00

Adults Belt Test: Thursday Oct. 28th, 6pm

Youth Belt Test: Friday Oct 29th, 1pm

-Whether testing or not, all students should be there. Family and friends may be invited. Please get a test form and turn it in with dues for the test.

Shalom,
-Nagiyd Swift

Water collapses the mountain!

2010-09-17T15:02:00.000-04:00

Shoarim Steven and Peter demonstrating takedown techniques during July Belt Test

Rosh HaShanah

2010-09-07T14:49:00.000-04:00

Thursday Night Feast for Adult VG class
6:30pm
The Swift House
1711 Sundale Dr. Lawrenceville.

Bring a dish or drinks. Rosh HaShanah is celebrated with many sweet foods, and some traditional foods, of which I will explain the meaning behind at our feast.

Traditional features:
Round Challah
honey
apples
bananas
beets
carrots
cabbage
pomegranate
sweet tea (okay, so that's a Southern tradition, not a Jewish one)

Other things:
We need a few to bring a meat.
Dessert is nice too.... you can ignore my nutrition advice on a feast day. :)

Nutrition Seminar and Rosh HaShannah

2010-09-03T12:18:00.000-04:00

Monday night at 7pm, we'll have a 30 minute Nutrition Seminar for adult students. With the Global Bridegroom Fast beginning Monday, I think it would be a bad idea to do an intense workout, so after V.G. we'll talk about eating while we're not eating.

Thursday night, September 9th, NO CLASS. Adults are inviting to a Potluck feast, 6:30pm, at the Swift house to celebrate Rosh HaShannah. We'll feast on sweet things. lol. Traditional foods would be good, but not necessary.

NEW SCHEDULE

2010-08-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

V.G. Youth / Ari'im Class (7-15yrs old) Wednesdays and Fridays 1-2pm

V.G. Adults Class Mondays and Thursdays 6-7pm

Adults Workout Mondays and Thursdays 7-7:30pm

Congradulations!

2010-08-03T18:23:00.001-04:00

Great turnout for the Rank Tests last week, with 12 students advancing. When pictures come in I hope to post. So if you have any you'd like to share, send them in!

Rank Testing NEXT WEEK

2010-07-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

Youth Rank Testing 10:15-11:45am Wednesday July 28th

Adult Rank Testing 6:30-7:30pm Thursday July 29th.

Classes Cancelled

2010-07-01T09:27:00.001-04:00

No V.G. classes July 5th. See you guys on Thursday!

Monday Classes cancelled June 28th

2010-06-23T15:37:00.000-04:00

There will be no V.G. classes for Lions or Adults on June 28th. Thank you for understanding.

CrossFit Certified!

2010-06-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

As of June 6th, I'm now a certified CrossFit Trainer. Let me know if you want to do CrossFit classes, as I plan to offer an introduction beginning in a couple weeks. There is no better way to get fit!

This will be much more than the high intensity gymnastics workouts we do during VG classes. CrossFit classes will incorporate weightlifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning. The prescription of CrossFit is defined as 'Constantly varied functional movement at high intensity.' It's hard work, but the reward is simply the most effective, direct path to improving your fitness across every measure, including cardiovascular respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.

No Little Lions for the summer

2010-06-01T17:04:00.000-04:00

We had a great Little Lions class (4-7 year olds) during the school year, but not enough interest for the summer. So we are canceling the summer sessions. However, if you want to get your kids involved, let me know-- when the interest is there, we'll be happy to add the class back on the schedule.

NEW SCHEDULE / NEW PRICING

2010-05-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

Beginning May 24h:

*Little Lions (4-7) 5:30 - 6:15 pm Thursday

*Lions (7-15) 10:15 - 11:45 am Monday and Wednesday

*Adults (15+) 6:30 - 7:45pm Monday and Thursday**

*Now accepting New Students, you are welcome to just show up for a free class to check us out.

** Child Care is provided during Adults classes. Please contact Chad for more info.

Class date change next week!

2009-12-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

Hey guys. Due to several requests, we'll move next week's classes off of New Year's Eve, to Wednesday Dec 30th. Same time of day, just avoiding the 31st because of New Year activities and traffic.

Shalom!

Group Parkour Days

2009-11-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,
I've talked to several of you about getting more time working out together. I free run on Sundays (when it's not raining) at Alexander Park. I'd like to invite you all to join in a group run / parkour training day every Sunday at 2pm. Email or text me if you are coming. I'll be there this Sunday, but not the next two (around Thanksgiving week).

Typically, I run a couple miles for warm-up, then do parkour training about an hour. It's a lot of fun, and a great full body exercise. I'll keep a phone on me if you come late and need to find us.

Next Belt Test - new date, Dec 17th.

2009-11-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

December 17th Belt Test, 6pm-8pm, Multipurpose Room at IHOP-Atlanta.

Regular Adult classes will be cancelled, and instead we will have our belt test from 6pm until finished (between 7-8pm) All students should be in attendance, whether you are testing or not. Little Lions and Lions students are encouraged to attend if you would like to see a test. We may or may not be ready for the younger classes to test at this time (we should know in a couple weeks).

*If you are testing, please let Chad know you intend to test.

Family and friends are welcome to come watch.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

There will be no classes on Thanksgiving.

Enjoy being with family.

Important Class Update

2009-07-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

This week WE WILL NOT HAVE CLASS Thursday, July 30th.

Beginning August 6th:

Men's V.G. will be 6:15-7:15pm.

Women's V.G. will be 7:15-8:15pm.

Please arrive 15 minutes til and begin your stretching before class to maximize training time.

Students that are late to class will have to ask permission to join class, and will be asked to perform extra training before joining the rest of the class.

NEW STUDENTS: August 6th is an excellent time to get involved with V.G. (Both classes are currently open to more students, just come a bit early to the class you wish to attend.) Class cost is $40 per month, paid monthly. Wear athletic clothing for your first classes, until you get a uniform (gym pants and a t-shirt preferred, mat shoes, or training). Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions.

Update for July Classes

2009-06-30T20:06:00.000-04:00

Hey Shoarim,

Beginning July 9th, we'll be meeting every Thursday:

Women's class 6-7pm @ IHOP-Atlanta

Men's class 7-8pm @ IHOP-Atlanta

I want us to participate in the 21 day fast July 5-25. It's a going to be hard to train for most of us, especially if you decide to do a water only fast. So, for the fast, we're going to switch our focus and meet as a Band Society. We'll take our "Tenents of the Kingdom" and the "Meditation of the Gate" into the practical application of our philosophy. I can think of no better inward focus during this appointed time than to strive for holiness within ourselves... together.

Since I'm not intending to teach V.G. techniques during this time, there will be no dues this month, for new or old students. Also, uniforms will not be required, you can wear your normal clothes. However, I strongly encourage all current students to be in attendance each week and take it just as seriously as you would our regular training. I believe the most important aspect of V.G. is the lifestyle it's philosophy cultivates. Therefore, I feel it is very good for our young school to spend 3 sessions focusing on our lifestyles. I also want to welcome and encourage new students to come and get involved in the group.

Dues for August can be paid July 30th, as normal training resumes. And hopefully we will have a larger training hall by then. Things didn't work out for a Thursday class at a new location yet, but I feel like that's the Lord, hedging us in for the fast.

One last thing: Get the word out, and invite friends to join us.