Bringing people, places and events to life
It has been a long, cold winter here in Jersey City. Let’s break out of our shells and welcome spring even if only the calendar says it’s so!
Youniq Pilates (9 Regent St.) is offering $10 OFF any private pilates lesson or auricular acupuncture treatment (weight loss, stress relief, stomach discomfort) on Friday, March 21st.
We’ve got a new program in town, and it’s about to change the face of youth soccer in Jersey City.
While Jersey City has a local league, a couple of competitive teams, a soccer school and different camps run by outside organizations, they have yet to have something as dynamic as USA Global soccer with its dedicated and deliberate training, which is about to bring us to the next level.
Ari Levit, one of its directors, is orginally from Argentina and has been coaching players from ages three to college-age, boys and girls. He holds the prestigious USSF “A” license, NSCAA “Premier” Diploma, NSCAA “Director of Coaching” Diploma, but as Ari says, the main credential is his experience in running soccer programs, training and coaching successfully all over the state of New Jersey.
“When I started coaching, soccer was a relatively new sport in the United States, so much of the professional coaching revolved around teaching the game from a basic level. Soccer was mostly played for fun. Many things have changed in the current scene, ranking points for U10 teams, tournaments all over, and as a consequence, we have made a 180 turn. It’s time to find a middle point.
“I’ve been living in Jersey City for over five years now, and in one of my attempts to help out the JC Soccer Association I met a great coach, with similar views as mine and we decided to partner up to create a unique program in town.”
His partner, Karim Mazarou, born in Belgium, holds the USSF “National Youth License” and is also a resident of Jersey City. “I have been volunteering for JCSA for quite some time and I still do, but I feel there is a demand from Jersey City parents for more dedicated training for their children. Coaches who keep educating themselves in becoming better teachers help children with their confidence and their overall development.”
What makes USA Global Soccer unique and different? Their program teaches beyond soccer. Besides the coaches’ credentials, knowledge and experience, they have developed a unique curriculum, philosophy and methodology:
? Develop game intelligence: Following recent methods of training that help develop the cognitive part of the game. Sessions include music, rhythm oriented exercises, brain centered learning, and soccer activities to develop decision making.
? Developmental appropriate progressions: At younger age groups, the most important part is the development of the player. The activities, and games, should be appropriate for the player, results are secondary. For the youngest players, success is measured by the growth of the players, not the score. As players grow older, the objectives start changing, but focus is on the “how we win” and not just “to win”.
? Modern Coach: A coach is above all a teacher, always learning better ways to educate children and develop their brain along with their body. Using activities that relate to the philosophy and that players can transfer to the game, separates our professional coaches from volunteers.
? Parent education: Feedback is crucial for development. Parents need to know what the objectives are for their child, so a clear path in growth can be seen. If parents cannot measure the success of the program by the score, educating them on what is taught during the deliberate training sessions is crucial.
There are many advantages to their time playing the game. Cognitive development, healthy exercise and the understanding of respect, commitment and teamwork are only a few of them.
“We want to grow with the city, and our plans have a long term in mind.” The coaches will launch a winter program in two locations, Jersey City Heights and Downtown during January and February. “Jersey City is our home. We live, shop, and attend local events, which means we are here to grow and stay. We want to build a soccer program like no other, and ultimately give back to the community for the benefit of the City and the kids.” both coaches agree.
On an exciting side note, Coach Ari and Coach Karim will be running a soccer clinic in conjunction with Ryan Strother, Jersey City Department of Recreation’s Director, in late January at the Jersey City Armory. They are expecting over 200 boys and girls, ages 5 to 18 years old to participate. Those interested in attending can contact USA Global Soccer for more information.
For more information about the Winter Programs, visit usaglobalsoccer.com or contact at info@usaglobal.com.
JC Youth Soccer is about to change, and you heard it here first.
JCG
A new fitness studio opened up in the heights. International Taekwon-Do Academy (523 Palisade Ave.) offers more than just martial arts.
Think high-intensity training combat classes, women’s self-defense sessions and ZUMBA® fun. Yoga in the Heights also hosts their indoor classes at the studio.
Mr. Vic Teran, the owner, defines himself as “Former Agent-in-Charge, Security Protective Specialist, U.S. Department of State” in his personal email signature, which elicited my curiosity.
His history is quite remarkable. To paraphrase his site:
Mr. Teran began training at age 5, became a Black Belt at age 13, trained with the Korean Olympic Team, then joined the Marine Corps, where he became the Chief Instructor for their TaeKwon-Do team and fought the War on Terror in Iraq. Later, as a Private Security Contractor in Iraq, he conducted high-threat personal protection for high-level dignitaries and trained his teammates in both TaeKwon-Do and Close Combat. He then became the Chief Instructor for the Baghdad TaeKwon-Do Club, where he trained the Iraqi Olympic Committee. Later, Teran was appointed Security Protective Specialist (Agent-in-Charge).
After ten and a half years operating in Iraq, Mr. Teran decided to resign from his position to continue his teachings and training in the art that first taught him the basic fundamentals. “TaeKwon-Do is a way of life,” he states.
Mr. Teran’s experience as a Marine close combat instructor and his understanding of the tenets of TaeKwon-Do and the Marine Corps core values are things he plans to bring forth into his new school—courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, honor, courage and commitment.
So you get it: He’s serious. That’s not to say he isn’t personable—quite the opposite. But he will hold you to a high standard when it comes to martial arts and fitness.
I joined in on the fun for one of ITKDA’s ZUMBA® classes. Wow, was I in for a treat. First of all, the space is gorgeous. Wide, open inviting windows on the front facade, pristine mats for martial arts in the front room, high ceilings, hardwood floors and more big windows in the back that I’m guessing let in a lot of gorgeous light during the day.
When I entered a bit early, I was immediately greeted by Vic, then hugged and kissed by Natalia, the very energetic instructor. What a warm welcome! I chatted with them and Natalia’s mother while we waited for the others to arrive, and I checked out the facility to get a feel for the space, which I can only describe as clean with motivating energy.
Once our group was ready, the studio turned into nighttime fun—by this I mean darkness except for multi-colored strobe lights and fist-pumping booty-shaking music. Was I really in an exercise class? I’ve done ZUMBA® once or twice before, but this really rocked my world. Think of a sweaty dance party at a club where you shake your moneymaker—yet here, you’re sweating it out in gym clothes. It’s like a hip-hop dance rehearsal with ridiculously daring moves and lots of laughs. The next day, my abs and my bum were feeling it. Success!
ITKDA has many different package plans suited for your budget. Walk-in classes range from $10-$13, so drop in for a class and test it out for yourself, and chat with members as I did to figure out what program is right for you and your children. They also host several community events which you can attend to get a feel for what Mr. Teran’s studio is all about. All info here.
Pershing Field’s Charlie Heger Ice-Skating Rink (807 Summit Ave.) officially opens for the season tonight. Opening Ceremony is at 5pm, and the ice will be open for free skate until 10pm. Plus, skating is free in another way—free admission and free skate rentals this evening. Woo-hoo!
The recently renovated rink will have increased public ice time this season, as well as a Learn To Skate program for children and adults under Mayor Fulop’s plans to expand the city’s recreational offerings and encourage community participation.
Break the ice,
JCG
Before you peruse the Farmer’s Market this Sunday at Riverview Fisk Park in the Heights, why not get your free fitness on? Jenna Firshein is leading a Zumba® demo while the weather’s still perfect for outdoor workouts.
The class starts at 11:30 am and lasts approximately 45 minutes. FB info here. All ages and all fitness levels welcome. Let your friends know.
Visit Jenna’s website to inquire about hiring her for a Zumba® fitness party, private training, or a corporate event.
If you miss your fix and can’t make it to one of Jenna’s other classes, there is a new studio in the Heights with Zumba® classes twice a week, which I’ll be writing about in a few days. Stay tuned.
