Sachem Alum Sensei Jerry Figgiani Publishes New Book

“The Difference: A Mental Approach to Martial Arts”, by Sensei Jerry Figgiani (with Chris R. Vaccaro), a new book released this month, is designed to give you, or your child, the tools needed to develop confidence and the ability to handle everyday conflicts. The book is only available via Amazon.com.

Just as you have to graduate to various levels and obtain different color belts in martial arts, this book will take you on a journey through sections that break down the developmental needs to deal with conflict resolution.

In the first section, you will read about understanding respect, the art of walking away and thinking before acting. Then, it’s on to relaxation techniques, developing self-discipline and understanding your own self-esteem. Once you’ve advanced, you will read about creating an abundance of confidence, how to work on improving communication skills and the principles of awareness. Finally, you will learn about leading not following, creating a mind/body/spirit connection and eventually you will put it all together. Let the journey begin!

“The purpose of the martial arts is to make a difference in someone else’s life by passing down knowledge,” said Figgiani. “My story is about making a difference in people’s lives. As discussed in the book I have a process of self-motivation and respect with thousands of students over the years. Most of the lessons I teach in the martial arts relate to life outside the dojo. I can only hope that people, who have learned from me, continue to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others around them.”

ADVANCED PRAISE

Andre Tippett, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Uechi-Ryu Karate Do, Renshi/Rokudan 6th degree: “After reading through “The Difference: A Mental Approach to Martial Arts,” it opened up the floodgate to so many similar memories for me as I began navigating through my middle school years and the summer before entering high school. Figgiani, Sensei’s book does a great job in laying those things out there. It was the real meaning for respect, learning how to walk away, thinking before acting, developing self-discipline, confidence, and the most important concept of leading and not following. Figgiani, Sensei this will be a wonderful book for those who are seeking the right traits and characteristics to live by.”

Lee Zeldin, U.S. Congressman: "There are vast mental, physical and emotional benefits to being involved in martial arts. Self-discipline, perseverance and hard work are vital components to achieve success. Overcoming challenges in development through the ranks of martial arts will make a person more confident in themselves with long lasting benefits much larger than just the martial arts experience. Jerry Figgiani seeks to instill positive virtues and other positive character traits through his work. Martial arts have inspired him to not only improve himself, but the children and adults he surrounds himself with."

Photo Courtesy of Chris Vaccaro