About Us 
Health, Fitness, Vitality Program
Michael Mroczyk, of Christ Church, and leader of the Martial Arts Group, is offering coaching in a method of effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching for all interested persons. Michael will coach members of the parish and guests. The sessions are open. The greater benefit will be for those whose range of motion has atrophied over time or as a result of injury. The sessions benefit athletes seeking to enhance performance. Children are also welcome.
The sessions involve coaching in a method of effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching of major muscle groups – functional and physiological restoration of muscles, tendons, vertebrae, ligaments and joints and fascia structures. The method restores range of motion, promotes healing and recovery from injuries as well as mitigates effects of aging. Most techniques learned through this method can be performed unassisted with the aid of a rope. During the sessions the leader will actively stretch some participants while others will observe and learn the rope work.
The stretching sessions are held the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, in the Fellowship Hall. The sessions are free of charge, although donations to Christ Church are welcome. Participants should come dressed comfortably and ready to do exercises (rope work) on a padded floor.
The Stretching program arises from Michael's desire to share the benefits of years of teaching functional fitness. The Martial Arts Group has benefited from Michael’s years of teaching, from cooperation with U of M coaching staff and direct work with Aaron Mattes who developed Active Isolated Stretching. The streatching sessions are an opportunity to share this with you.
| "Training produces endurance; endurance produces character; character leads to hope - and hope does not disappoint." paraphrase of St. Paul (Letter to the Romans 5:3-5) |
St. Paul described the body as the “temple of God”, and the great monk, Thomas Merton, believed that the marriage of body and soul in one person is one of the things that make man the image of God. He elaborates in his book, New Seeds of Contemplation, that it is false to treat the soul separate from the body and the body separate from the soul. It is this spirit that inspired the construction of a program that is dedicated to the stewardship of the body within the spiritual environment, the church, which looks after the soul.
The exercise program is suitable for everyone, with focuses on health, strength, flexibility, and agility. The program employs methods and techniques used by ancient arts and by athletic programs of modern universities. Age or initial levels of fitness are not barriers. There is no fee for the program. All parishioners and community members are welcome. The only commitment is to the stewardship of your body.
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“…the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and discovering my true self…” Thomas Merton
Traditional martial arts are principally a study of finding out who one is and discovering one’s true self. While the origins are Buddhist, these arts are relevant in all traditions. For those that are interested in pursuing this path of self-discovery, Christ Church, with support of the ShitoKan School, offers a fully traditional martial arts practice. This practice builds on the health and fitness program and adds self-defense techniques, other martial techniques, meditation and a discipline of daily practices. While practitioners can achieve high levels of proficiency in martial arts, it is a program that is open to all, no matter one’s age or physical condition. The program is taught at two levels, youth (parents welcome to participate) and adults. See schedule at the left and Martial Arts FAQ for more information….
Martial Arts Photos
Pictures of the Martial Arts Group & the Health/Fitness/Exercise Fellowship Dinner
