The Seizan Ryu "seal" is derived from the kanji (Japanese characters) for "West Mountain". Traditional seals such as these have been used in a manner similar to the European Coat-of-Arms. Their use is still prevalent in traditional schools.
Midwest Academy's "Outreach" Seminar Training In most professional circles there is an adage that says when you absolutely need something done, find the busiest person and give it to them. Professionals in all fields recognize that the most efficient and successful people often find themselves to also be the most time-constrained people. If you are considering a training program at the Academy, there is a good possibility that you may be one of these highly successful individuals as our Student Screening Process tends to draw people with high motivation and initiative. The Academy screening ensures that our students are people who understand that there is no endeavor that allows one to reap benefits without an investment of time and effort. We at the Academy understand this concept because the Academy is made up of people like you. In order to offer a more flexible program as an alternative to our classes here at the Academy, while still maintaining the educational integrity of our system, the Midwest Academy of Martial Arts offers an Outreach program several times per year. The program was created in response to requests from goal oriented, successful people who were serious about training, but also had serious responsibilities and commitments that prevented them from committing to the Academy's traditional semester based classes. Outreach is a seminar study that requires commitment to term (typically 12 weeks) during which time students attend training sessions for typically 3 hours per week. The program offers students an efficient introduction to the Seizan Ryu system, its principles, techniques and strategies, at a location that is convenient to class members. While not as in depth as classes held at the Academy, the Outreach curriculum provides students with the fundamentals of personal defense with an emphasis on utility and practicality. By its nature, Outreach is not a "for rank" program, however, upon satisfactory completion of the quarter, students receive a Certificate of Training from the Academy. Students who participate in the Outreach program develop a sense of camaraderie with their classmates that is unique to their common training experience. These long lasting friendships are just one of the many reasons that some students continue to participate in successive Outreach sessions. Additional Outreach Seminar topics that may be requested through the Academy include: Basic Firearm Safety, Basic Firearm Marksmanship, Basic Firearm Tactics, Advanced Firearm Tactics, Pepper spray/OC and Taser training, Self-Defense for Yourself and Your Family and a customized Leadership Development Seminar. For information regarding the next Outreach seminar session contact the Academy.