Jane's guardians were thinking about putting her into dance or gymnastics, but since they already have George in Taekwondo, they thought they would let Jane try a class. Jane LOVED IT! She wasn’t shy or frightened at all, in fact, she was one of the most engaged students during that class. I talked with her guardians after the class, and they were excited about getting her officially signed up. If only it could have lasted…
Read moreGROW!
My parents loved having fresh vegetables from the garden, so I was taught early what it took to grow a fruit-bearing plant. You need three simple things: earth, water, and sunshine. I’m sure you are wondering if I’ve forgotten which blog I am writing on, but I promise that this really does apply to martial arts. Let’s break it down.
Read more5 Reasons to Start Martial Arts Today!
Do you lack confidence? Training in the martial arts can help you feel sure of yourself through physical activity and social interaction. Does your child struggle with respect? They can learn the value of each human life and respect and honor for elders through the tradition and formality of the martial arts. Do you need self-discipline? Training with others will help you to see the benefits of perseverance, goal setting, and accomplishment.
Read moreSelf-Defense: Stronger People Are Harder to Kill
"I know from experience that it can be hard to get motivated even with good reasons. Don’t get wrapped up in the idea that you have to train for HOURS a day to become some sort of gymnast or body builder. Start small… spend 10 minutes a day doing some basic exercises and stretches. Squats, lunges, pushups, crunches/sit ups, all seem like simple things, but you don’t need a full home gym and fancy shoes to make yourself safer and more capable."
Read moreSelf-Defense: What is Worth Dying For?
You enter a deserted little restroom at the back of the store and proceed to take care of nature’s call. While in your stall, you hear someone else enter the restroom, but don’t really pay much attention. This is a busy gas station, particularly at this time of day. You finish your business and go to the sink to wash your hands, as you look down to turn the water on, a vice-like hand grabs your shoulder and spins you into the wall! You are surprised to see a skinny man in his forties wielding a small knife and staring at you with a mixture of fear and anger in his eyes. “GIVE ME YOUR STUFF!” He says...
Read moreSelf-Defense: Diffusing Verbal Confrontation
The absolute best thing you can do before responding to someone who is angry is to stop, take a breath, and consider the possible results of your words before you let them out of your mouth.
Read moreSelf Defense: Personal Alarms and Other Tools
let’s face it, the vast majority of us aren’t MARTIAL MASTERS OF THE HIDDEN KUNG FU LEGENDS. In fact most of the people reading this blog probably have little or no advanced martial arts training at all. So how do we expect to protect ourselves in the event of an attack?
Read moreSelf-Defense: How Not To Look Like A Victim
According to researchers Marcus Felson and Ronald Clarke, opportunity plays a role in almost every crime. In theory, by reducing the possible opportunities for a crime, you can reduce the statistical probability of becoming a victim. People apply this theory every day by locking their homes and vehicles, installing alarm systems, and hiding valuables out of sight. So what about you?
Read moreSelf-Defense: Situational Awareness
Have you ever been to a movie or read a book where a character seems always to be able to predict what is going to happen? Every time the camera pans to some impending doom, it comes back to that character and finds them coolly prepared and responding to the threat. Wouldn’t it be great to have that skill? Well, I can’t promise that you will become a Jason Bourne or Sherlock Holmes, but if you practice the techniques in this post, you will find yourself more able to stay out of trouble or deal with it when trouble finds you.
Read moreSelf-Defense: They Can't Hit What Isn't There.
We all have those gut feelings when something isn’t right. Often times, that feeling is our senses and subconscious analysis telling us that we should avoid a certain area, activity, or person. Got a “bad feeling”? Listen to it! It may save your life!
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