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Many benefits come with attending martial arts classes. Whether you are looking to get in shape, learn self-defence, or simply meet new people, martial arts classes can help you achieve your goals. Here are 5 reasons why you should attend martial arts classes:
1. Get in Shape One of the most popular reasons for attending martial arts classes is to get in shape. Martial arts is a great workout because it combines cardio and strength training. You will be burning calories and toning muscles while you learn self-defence techniques.
2. Learn Self-Defense Another reason to attend martial arts classes is to learn self-defence. In today’s world, it is important to know how to defend yourself in case of an attack. Martial arts classes will teach you how to defend yourself and your loved ones.
3. Meet New People Martial arts classes are a great way to meet new people. You will be meeting people with similar interests and goals. You may even make some lifelong friends.
4. relieve stress Attending martial arts classes can also help relieve stress. Physical activity will release endorphins that will help improve your mood. The focus required for martial arts will also help you clear your mind and relieve stress.
5. boost confidence Lastly, martial arts classes can help boost your confidence. As you learn new techniques and get in shape, you will feel better about yourself. The confidence you gain from martial arts can translate into other areas of your life.
As you can see, there are many benefits to attending martial arts classes. If you are looking to get in shape, learn self-defence, or meet new people, then martial arts classes are for you!
The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Kids Safe Online With Parental Controls: http://w1.msspsz.net/prod/ab6ec72b-0c1e-4120-8f17-c85477de24d5/51bdc116-2dea-4421-bd2a-1d1fc7a23114Dr. Nikola Djordjevic
Going gluten-free has been a very popular trend in recent years, but not all people who’ve switched to the diet are fully aware of all the facts about gluten, and whether or not a gluten-free diet can benefit their health. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye, and that is why our team at MedAlertHelp.org created this infographic full of interesting facts about gluten. What is gluten? It’s a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. It owes its name to the glue-like properties of wet dough. Avoiding foods that contain the aforementioned grains won’t make your diet 100% gluten-free though, as the protein can be found in many store-bought items such as sauces, salad dressings, milkshakes, beer, soups, and so on.
Being aware of the hidden sources of gluten is very important for people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies. Consuming gluten would cause them to bloat, have abdominal pain and headaches, feel tired, be constipated and/or have diarrhea, have joint and muscle pain, and have skin problems.
These are just some of the symptoms gluten can cause, but should everyone stop eating it? What are the risks and benefits of a gluten-free diet? What should you avoid and what should you eat if you are intolerant to gluten? Which food substitutes are available, where can you get them, and which brands offer the best gluten-free products? Plus, which restaurants have gluten-free options and are there any discounts for them?
To get answers to all of these questions and more, take a look at the following infographic.
https://medalerthelp.org/gluten-free-life-infographic/I really like this Great information that I found on the site! By Erin Kurt http://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/8-reasons-why-children-misbehave-with-solutions.html One of the most common expressions parents can be heard saying is, “I don’t understand why he’s/she’s doing that”. There are eight, very common reasons why children misbehave. It is extremely useful for parents to know these because if they can pinpoint the root cause of the misbehavior, they can be more successful at reducing it. Listed here are the eight most common reasons why children misbehave and a solution to help reduce or eliminate the problem: 1) They want to test whether caregivers will enforce rules. Children’s main job is to figure out how their complex world works. In order to master the things they need to at each developmental level they will test their parents. They are literally trying to see where the boundaries are, or, if they exist at all. Although testing is frustrating for parents they should know that it is normal and that this is their chance to really make a difference in their child’s life. How? By setting boundaries and limits and consistently following through on them. This way, their children will adopt positive values and gain self-esteem 2) They experience different sets of expectations between school and home. Consistency is hugely important in making a child feel safe and secure and able to have a comfortable understanding of the world and how it works. If they are receiving mixed messages from home and school they will feel uneasy inside and express this through more testing than normal and will feel an inner sense of stress. The best thing a parent can do is learn a simple method to discipline and then have a conversation with their child’s teacher. During this conversation, the parents should explain their method and ask how the teacher handles situations. The goal is to try and use some of the same language at both the school and at home. With a consistent, clear message, children will rise to the expectation and be happier in the process. 3) They do not understand the rules, or are held to expectations that are beyond their developmental levels. Sometimes, parent expectations go beyond their child’s abilities. Discipline and guidance strategies should always take into account the child’s developmental level. For example, it would be unreasonable to tell a 2 year old to clean up his room and expect that he will finish the job. At this age, children need a lot of support and guidance to do a job like this. Reading books about what children can do at each age is helpful with this problem so that parents can know what is developmentally appropriate for them to expect of their child. 4) They want to assert themselves and their independence. Children begin to show their desire for more independence at around age two. They start to want control over certain areas of their life so that they can feel capable and independent. It doesn’t take long for children to identify the areas they CAN control, much to the chagrin of parents. Situations like eating, sleeping, brushing teeth, and dressing are great examples of times when children recognize their power to get you upset and therefore make them feel in control. What is the solution? Give them loads of choice in their daily life so that they feel in control of their life in other, more positive ways. As well, it is key to learn a simple, loving method to discipline so that misbehavior are taken care of easily, without any emotion required. Without emotion, there is no reason for the child to want to rebel in order to gain control. 5) They feel ill, bored, hungry or sleepy. When children’s basic needs aren’t met regularly each day they are always more likely to misbehave, cry, throw a tantrum, etc. The solution to this is simple: have a routine where the child eats, has individual play time, parent and child play or interaction time and sleeps. 6) They lack accurate information and prior experience. When children do something such as go to cross a road for the first time, they do not know that they are supposed to look both ways, so we all know that we must explain to them to look left and look right, etc. However, the same technique needs to be applied to discipline situations. Children will repeat a behavior over and over until they have accurate information as to what they should be doing instead and prior experience of the consequence if they continue the behavior. Using clear, concise language stating what they “need” to be doing rather than what they “shouldn’t” be doing is extremely important. Better to say, “Carry this carefully”, rather than, “Don’t drop this”. In other words, give them something to use as prior knowledge for next time. 7) They have been previously “rewarded” for their misbehavior with adult attention. No parent would ever think of purposefully rewarding bad behavior, but it subtly happens quite often. Remember, negative attention is still attention so if they misbehave and their parent either yells or spanks, they have just been rewarded. If the child whines, cries or throws a tantrum and mom or dad eventually gives in to make them become quiet, they have just been rewarded. The solution? Say what you expect without emotion and then follow through consistently if they continue the negative behavior. The two keys here are: no emotion and little talking. 8) They copy the actions of their parents. The best teacher of how to misbehave or act and speak inappropriately is by watching mom or dad misbehave or act and speak inappropriately. Remember, what children see and experience in the home is what their normal is. So, if they see mom and dad yelling, they will yell. If they get spanked, they will likely use hitting to express their anger or frustration. If they hear, “What?” instead of “Pardon?” that is what they will use. How can we expect any different? Although not always simple, parents need to look at parenting as a life lesson in personal growth. I always say that children can make open and willing parents into the best human beings in the world because they have the opportunity to practice being their best selves every single day of the year. Looking at parenting this way makes it easier to catch oneself more often and start demonstrating good behavior by modeling it.Signing up my nine-year-old Abbey for martial arts classes worked wonders for her self-esteem, her friendships and her confidence.
Tae kwon do came into my daughter’s life around the same time as her diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Actually, her diagnosis came about because of tae kwon do.
After watching me take classes all summer, Abbey decided she wanted to try the sport. On the morning of her first lesson, she sat in the observation area waiting for me to finish my class.
Suddenly, two police officers showed up and stopped the class. “Did anyone here call about an emergency?” they asked. It didn’t take long to figure out that Abbey had snuck into a closed office, picked up a cordless phone, and dialed 911. Twice.
The policemen were kind and understanding. I was not. Abbey had once summoned the police to our home. In fact, Abbey’s aptitude for creative mischief at home and school had prompted her pediatrician to ask if we had ever had her evaluated for ADHD. My husband and I were in denial.
One look at my daughter’s face that morning, and it was clear that she didn’t understand why she had called the police. This incident led me to get Abbey evaluated.
Fortunately, the sympathetic tae kwon do master said that Abbey could take lessons, but she had to wait a week before starting training. Abbey adored Master Boles from day one — she got him and she got the sport, excelling at it. She felt successful at something, for the first time in her life.
Until then, she had quit every activity she tried: piano took too much patience; soccer’s fast pace was overwhelming; gymnastics had too much down time. Martial arts turned out to be just right for Abbey.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and the right ADHD medication made a big difference in her life. Abbey hit the ground running as she entered fourth grade, and never slowed down. She wanted to make up for the previous three tough years.
Instead of having daily meltdowns, she mostly rolled with the punches. Instead of pushing her older brothers’ buttons, she tried to enjoy their company, as they did hers. Instead of having no friends in school, she now had to turn down play dates. Instead of struggling at academics, she discovered she was a gifted reader and writer.
While much of the change could be attributed to medication, tae kwon do also contributed to the metamorphosis. She developed friendships away from school, away from classmates who occasionally called her “weird” because of her ADHD.
At tae kwon do class, no one remembered her as the third grader who hid under the teacher’s desk. Tae kwon do gave her goals, and recognition for each step she took toward those goals. Most of all, the sport gave her confidence.
This became clear after Abbey had been training for six months and was trying to earn her next belt. The other kids had completed their “exam” — breaking boards with a powerful leg kick.
When it was Abbey’s turn, Master Boles reached for an even bigger, thicker board. From the sidelines, I panicked. “That’ll be too hard!” I said to myself. Abbey said, “Cool,” kicked the board in two, and flashed me a grin.
I could hardly believe it. I was so happy for her and so relieved that she met the challenge. Before Abbey received a diagnosis of ADHD, she often called herself a loser and said she wanted to die. She wasn’t even 10 yet, and she had given up on herself.
Worse, she didn’t have any hope that things would change. When I took her back to the doctor, to determine why she was struggling in school, she said, “Whatever. It won’t help.” All of that changed.
When Abbey asked if she could compete in a major tae kwon do tournament several months back — she had already won a small tournament in her school — I weighed the positive changes in Abbey against the inconvenience of getting to the tournament site. It was two hours away, and the timing wasn’t good for the family.
“It’ll mean more than four hours in the car,” I told her one night, as she got ready for bed. “Why do you want to go so badly?”
Abbey stopped brushing her teeth. “You know, mom, I’m remembering how good it felt to stand on the first-place podium,” she said. “I just want to feel that again.”
“Why this tournament? Our school will have another one next season.”
“I know what I can do there. I want to see what I can do here,” she explained.
“But what if we travel all that way, and you don’t get to stand on the winner’s podium?”
Without hesitating, she answered, “Well, then I’ll stand on the second-place podium!”
I knew then that I’d move heaven and earth to give her the chance to try. After she had come this far, how could I not agree to drive her a little further?
So we climbed into the van the day of the tournament and drove two hours. Did Abbey win? Did she get the chance to stand on the winner’s podium again? Did it make a difference?
To me, Abbey was a winner before we pulled out of the driveway. And, the best thing of all, she knew it.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/3596.html
Today, it is more important than ever before that parents find ways to motivate their kids to engage in fitness activities. The childhood obesity epidemic that we are facing today is terrifying. One of the best ways for you to avoid your child becoming an obesity statistic is to encourage them to take up martial arts. A martial art will give children plenty of exercise to keep them in shape, and it will also teach them the values of discipline, honor and respect. To help parents motivate their children to take up taekwondo, karate or another martial discipline, here are some tips they can use to encourage kids to get interested in martial arts.
If children have never been exposed to videos featuring martial artists, they may have no idea what they are missing out on. Show them some clips of talented martial artists doing their thing, and you will be amazed at how quickly they get motivated to give it a try themselves. Don’t be surprised if they are doing some practice kicks and punches before the video is even over. Once you have shown them how cool the activity can be, they will be excited to attend their first class.
One of the biggest reasons that children decide to do anything is because their friends are doing it. Parents can use this fact to their advantage when it comes to encouraging their children to start a new martial art. First, ask your children if they have any friends who are already practicing taekwondo or karate. If they are, it will be easy for you to convince them to join their friends to have fun.If your child doesn’t already have friends working out in a dojo, talk to the parents of their friends. Organize a meeting to get together and talk about encouraging the entire group of friends to start training in a martial art. When children have friends to be with in an activity, they will encourage and support each other. This makes it much more likely that they will stick with the activity they are enjoying together.
One of the best ways parents can get their kids excited about something is to take them to an organized event. There are frequents martial art tournaments held all over the country. With a little research, you can find one that will soon be in your area. Take your kid to see some exciting live karate or taekwondo action, and you will likely find that they are asking to try the fun for themselves before you even make it home from the tournament.
The fitness benefits of practicing a martial art are not just limited to children. Parents will also benefit hugely from the better fitness and mental discipline they develop by practicing it. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for parents to take a jujitsu or karate class with their children. When families share the fun of the activity, it makes it a bonding tool that will bring the family closer together. Children look up to and want to emulate their folks. Take advantage of this by joining in a martial art with them.As you can see, there are many options parents can use to encourage their children to take up a martial art. Sometimes, a combination of these tips will work best. The key is to keep trying until you find something that works. However, don’t press too hard or you risk pushing them away. Always let the child come to the decision to start without pressure.
http://utahlovesmartialarts.com/blog/With so many quick weight loss programs and weight loss tips around it’s sometimes hard to know where to start when it comes to eating healthy and losing weight. A natural weight loss remedy that doesn’t require a person to follow a detailed plan or buy expensive prepackaged foods is usually the best. There are several basic foods that will not only help improve our overall health, but also help us lose weight at the same time. The following are 10 foods that people can eat to help lose weight more quickly.
Eating cabbage for rapid weight loss was made famous back when the cabbage soup diet was first being promoted. It’s not necessary, however, to mix cabbage with a lot of other items and make it into a soup to receive the benefits of eating this healthy vegetable. Cabbage is one of those foods that supposedly takes more energy to digest than the calories taken in. Whether that’s true or not, there are many great reasons to eat cabbage. It’s high in antioxidants, including vitamin C. It’s also high in fiber to keep you staying full for longer periods of time. Cabbage also contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Cabbage can be prepared lots of different ways so you won’t get tired of eating it as quickly as some other foods. A half cup of cabbage is only 17 calories when it’s boiled. If that sounds too bland, cut it up and eat it in a vinegar cole slaw. Fried cabbage is delicious. Make sure to fry it in healthy, low fat oils and cooking sprays. Cabbage can also be eaten in a stir-fry or made into a roll with meat and rice.
Eating foods high in protein is a great way to burn fat, and especially those types of proteins found in eggs. Protein in egg yolks can stimulate the release of a hormone called glucagon. This hormone can help burn fat, in particular belly fat. Some studies have even found that people who eat eggs don’t have any higher cholesterol than those who ate bagels regularly.
Eggs can be prepared in so many ways that eating this super food is a fast way to lose weight. Whether scrambled, poached, or in an omelet filled with veggies, eggs can be cooked in a number of ways. Hard boiled eggs can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and then eaten as a healthy snack whenever cravings hit. The other great thing about eggs is that compared to most sources of protein they are relatively inexpensive.
Yogurt is full of probiotics, a particular type of bacteria that may help limit the amount of fat that your body absorbs. Make sure to choose a yogurt that says “live active cultures” on the container. Probiotics are good bacteria that helps get rid of the bad stuff in your intestinal tract. The amino acids in yogurt help burn fat while the calcium tells your fat cells to get rid of cortisol, which is a hormone that may cause belly fat to increase.
With so many different types of yogurts on the market to choose from it’s important to know what you’re getting. Some yogurts, especially flavored ones, are loaded with sugar. Make sure to pick a plain yogurt that doesn’t have any added sweeteners or sugars. Greek yogurts are usually a good choice as well.
Salsa is technically several foods mixed together but it can aid in weight loss in so many ways that it’s worth mentioning. The primary ingredients in most salsas include tomatoes, onions, and some type of peppers. Each of these veggies is loaded with a variety of nutrients and are great for losing weight. Salsa is also water based, which is healthy and keeps you full.
The important thing about eating salsa is to make sure and dump the greasy chips and pair this healthy snack with other great options. Use salsa on salads and veggies instead of high calorie dressing. Salsa is also a great topper on most types of meat, especially chicken. Salsa is relatively easy to prepare, can be stored in the fridge for several days, and goes with a variety of foods.
Apples are truly a super food. They provide the body with fiber that will help you feel fuller longer and will therefore fight cravings and help with weight loss. Make sure to eat the apple and not applesauce or juices. Chewing crunchy foods is always better for losing weight. Chewing will send a signal to your brain that you’re actually eating something solid. This helps your body to feel full faster.
Some studies have shown that while all apples are healthy, eating the Granny Smith apples can give specific benefits when it comes to losing weight. These types of apples seem to contribute to an increase in the kinds of bacteria in the intestinal tract that help people stay lean.
Black beans are full of protein and fiber, keeping you from getting hungry too soon after eating. They will also help keep your digestive system healthy and working efficiently while achieving weight loss. Because of the dark color, black beans contain what is called flavonoids. Some research suggests that flavonoids help reduce stomach fat.
Some people may fear eating beans because of gas. But the more you eat beans the more your body becomes accustomed to this type of food and gas may become less of a problem. If eating plain black beans doesn’t sound appetizing, there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your diet. They can be put in soups, dips, and made into healthy black bean burgers. Overall, black beans are great for losing weight, your health, and they’re easy on your wallet.
Eating grapefruit is not a new concept. Many of the “lose weight programs” through the years have contained grapefruit as one of the prime foods to be eaten. But the reason why is that it works! Grapefruit is almost 90 percent water, meaning it helps you feel full quicker. Grapefruit can also help lower insulin, which increases fat storage in our bodies.
A great way to incorporate grapefruit into your daily diet is to cut one in half every morning and eat each half before a meal. The red and pink grapefruits also have beta carotene which is good at fighting off disease. A half a grapefruit is only about 52 calories and it doesn’t contain any cholesterol. If you find simply eating a grapefruit by itself too tart, there are lots of ways to eat this nutritious and low calorie food. Grapefruit can be mixed with other fruits in a fruit salad, made into a smoothie, and even be part of salsa.
Lettuce has gotten a bad rap in recent years with some claiming that there aren’t many nutrients in lettuce. But that all depends on what type of lettuce you choose. There are several different types of lettuce that can be used in a variety of ways. Romaine lettuce provides vitamin B, Manganese, and folic acid. Generally, dark green and purple lettuce will provide the highest level of nutrients.
Lettuce is one of the lowest calorie foods that you can eat. This means you can eat a lot of lettuce, stock up on a lot of nutrients and still not gain weight. Lettuce is also the type of food that goes well with a lot of other foods. Not only great as a salad, lettuce goes with fruit, cottage cheese, chicken, beef, and even peanut butter.
Several years ago many people hadn’t even heard of quinoa, now it’s a great way to lose weight easy. Quinoa is low calorie and full of nutrients. One serving of cooked quinoa is around 180 calories. It has a low glycemic index which means it won’t spike blood sugar. Quinoa is full of protein, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
This gluten free grain can be eaten with a variety of other foods including vegetables, salads, and even fruit. Quinoa can also be made into protein and energy bars that are not only healthy but delicious to eat. Almond bars, cooked into lentil burgers, and made into smoothies are just a few of the ways to enjoy quinoa and lose weight.
When asking, “How can I lose weight?” don’t forget to include dark chocolate. The secret to indulging in dark chocolate while receiving all the good benefits is to make sure not to overindulge. Taking a few bites of this delicious treat every now and then can help slow the digestive process and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
Dark chocolate contains less added sugar than other types of chocolate and has healthy fats that can help keep metabolism up. It can also help curb cravings for other sweets that may not be as healthy. Some Swiss scientists have even found that dark chocolate can limit the metabolic effects of being stressed.
This great site I got the information from:
http://www.interesticle.com/fitness-and-health/eat-and-lose-weight-10-foods-that-help-losing-weight
I read this article and feel strong about the points that are highlighted.
“The martial arts are ultimately self-knowledge. A punch or a kick is not to knock the hell out of the guy in front, but to knock the hell out of your ego, your fear, or your hang-ups.”
- Bruce Lee
Recently on a visit back home, I met my one of my close friends at his son’s martial arts studio so I could drop in and see what young Ethan was up to. Ethan was one step away from getting his white sash in Poekoelan, an Indonesian martial art. He beamed with pride as we watched him do various forms and drills. Shortly after I left town, Ethan earned his white sash, upon which he got to join the big kids in the adjacent room. There the big kids practice more advanced forms, techniques, and even some sparring. He was thrilled.
Ethan’s always been a good kid, but from what I observed the martial arts gave him quite a healthy dose of self-esteem and self-respect - two of the many benefits one gains with participation in them. Whether your kid is too bossy, too shy, or perhaps just a little hyper, the martial arts can help your child learn many important life lessons. (And, of course, those same lessons apply for all of us, not just kids.)
Reason #1: They (and You) Will Get More Active
This is the obvious reason kids should do martial arts in this day and age - to get active and moving. In case you haven’t noticed, we have an epidemic when it comes to our nation’s obesity problem. We’re also increasingly unfit in addition to being overweight. The problem is particularly alarming as it relates to our kids. Youth sports and physical education programs are great, but not every kid is an athlete and many schools no longer offer PE. The martial arts offer many benefits, but when it comes to fitness, becoming a true martial artist means becoming a supremely fit person. When I was practicing boxing or muay Thai kickboxing on a daily basis, I was in the best shape of my life by a long shot. Martial arts can help your child get fit and healthy.
Reason #2: They’ll Learn to Find Focus and Stillness
Of the many challenges that parents face today, one is that we are constantly plugged in. While there are a great many benefits to the Internet, there are many more benefits in stillness and silence. Unfortunately stillness and silence seem to be rare to find. At some juncture in life, every one of us comes to learn that the greatest obstacle we face in this lifetime is ourselves. That battle is fought in the stillness of our hearts and the willingness to confront ourselves. As Bruce Lee pointed out, behind the punches, kicks, and knees, a true martial artist learns to sit with himself and see where his weaknesses are. In years of martial arts classes, I remember many challenges, breakthroughs, and setbacks. What I do not remember are distractions or gimmicks like you often see at your local health club. At the martial arts studios and boxing gyms where I trained, there was no loud music or flat screen TVs, just hard work and sweat equity. As a martial artist, your child will learn what it is to be still, challenged, and focused.
Reason #3: They’ll Learn to Take Hits
In the martial arts, your child will learn what it is to take a hit, whether that hit is a literal blow or a disappointment like failing a test.
Part of life is learning that we all take hits. The key is in learning how best to take that hit and get back up. Unfortunately, this lesson seems to be lost on many in our every-kid-gets-a-trophy culture. In the martial arts, your kid will learn to fail - a lot. Half of martial arts is hitting, but half is also getting hit.
When people hire me to teach them boxing, they can’t wait to lace up the gloves and start hitting things. Seldom does someone mention how enjoyable it is when I tap him or her upside the head with a focus mitt for dropping their hands.
The first time I got struck in the head sparring in kung fu, I immediately rushed to the mirror to see if there was a mark on my face. The students in class laughed about it for months. While I didn’t find it too funny at the time, I came to learn that accepting I would get hit enabled me to relax and better protect myself. That acceptance led me to be able to better respond, maneuver, and anticipate. Ironically, learning how to take a hit is perhaps the best way for your kid to learn how to avoid it.
Reason #4: They’ll Gain Self Confidence and Self Respect
As noted in talking about my friend’s son Ethan, I was able to witness firsthand the confidence he gained by participating in the martial arts. Being able to advance and play with the big kids gave Ethan a tremendous amount of confidence.
Of course, playing with the big kids also gives all of us a little reminder of humility - someone is always bigger and stronger. I remember Sifu gently threatening the two young boys in our kung fu class that if they ever used their kung fu training in the wrong way or to show off he would have their hide.
The right martial arts school will teach your child that there are no tough guys. Every martial artist ultimately learns this sense of respect and true confidence. Your child will learn that confidence and respect for others comes from a deep sense of self-knowledge.
Reason #5: They’ll Connect Their Mind and Body
What they don’t teach you at your local health club is how to really listen to your body. To listen to your body is to also see your thoughts and have heightened awareness of your emotional construct.
A martial artist is taught to see, feel, and listen - both internally and externally. Tapping into intuition, fear, and courage are examples of being able to put the physical together with the mental. How often have we heard the phrase “being paralyzed with fear”? Being able to combat such a thing is what you learn in the martial arts.
Reason #6: They’ll Learn Conflict Resolution
People often ask me whether I have ever used my martial arts and boxing training in a fight. Indeed I have used the skills learned from martial arts many times to resolve conflict, but thankfully, never in a physical altercation outside the ring.
One of the first lessons Sifu (Master) taught us in kung fu was that words were never grounds for a fight. That advice right there has saved me many times. In the martial arts, you learn that there is no such thing as “fighting” words. Instead, you learn to respond without reacting in the martial arts.
Reason #7: They’ll Learn to Breathe
Of the many things I have learned in the martial arts and boxing, breathing is near the top. Back in my kung fu days, Sifu told me that he could tell how someone fights just by observing how he or she breathes.
Indeed, nothing is more essential to the success of how we move our body than tapping into the life force of our essence - our breath. Ask a professional athlete, or an actor, dancer, or signer, and they will tell you that to succeed in any physical craft is to access your breath correctly.
I am shocked at times working with adults who never learned to breathe properly when under physical exertion. This skill can literally save your life. In the martial arts your kid will learn the essence of how to breathe and even relax under pressure.
The bottom line is that almost any child can and will benefit from participation in the martial arts. As to what martial art, it’s honestly not very important. For a typical six or eight year old the point is to just get them moving and focused. The key in choosing a teacher or school is to do your due diligence when it comes to evaluating the integrity of the program. As a starting place, I would choose a prospective instructor or coach who talks more about the needs of your child than his or her program.
http://breakingmuscle.com/family-kids/7-reasons-why-your-child-should-practice-martial-arts
With women's boxing now a sport in the Summer Olympics, more and more women are getting into the ring. Find out what makes kickboxing such an amazing workout for women
By Melissa Greer
Combining martial arts techniques and heart-pumping cardio, kickboxing is a high-energy workout that is guaranteed to burn calories and fat.
“It’s an incredibly efficient workout. Kickboxing alone burns about 750 calories in an hour,” says Sammie Kennedy, CEO and creator of Femme Fitale, Ontario’s newest women’s-only kickboxing and mixed martial arts program (MMA). “Add in jump rope and conditioning drills, and you could burn anywhere from 750 to 900 calories in an hour.”
The cardio-conditioning element of kickboxing is one of the most effective ways to burn fat—especially that stubborn belly fat that’s associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. A study published in the American Journal of Physiology found aerobic exercise to be better at reducing belly fat than resistance training, by burning an average of 67 percent more calories.
A typical Femme Fitale class combines kickboxing and MMA drills with jump rope, circuit training and core strengthening exercises.
“There’s a large toning component to kickboxing because it forces you to engage all the muscle groups in your body,” says Kennedy.
By using kickboxing pads, as opposed to simply air boxing, you’ll burn even more calories. “You’ll also work your back and trim your waist because each move requires a lot of core power behind it,” she says.
Engaging your core will also ultimately improve co-ordination, while the constant movement in kickboxing improves flexibility and reflexes.
While the majority of women are turning to kickboxing for the physical workout, the self-defense aspect is a perk for many people, says Kennedy. “We teach it with an emphasis on ‘this is why you’re learning this,’ ‘this is what you would use this for.’ It’s important for people to know why they’re doing certain moves and engaging certain parts of their body,” she says.
Having the ability to protect yourself is a valuable asset and it’s empowering to know that if you were in a dangerous situation, you have the knowledge to help get yourself out of it safely
Sometimes the best way to release stress after a hard day at work is not a cold beer, but some intense physical activity. Kickboxing offers a healthy way to get out some of the day’s frustrations out of your system, which will also help you get a better night’s sleep and improve mental clarity.
“It’s an excellent release to be able to beat up your boss on the pads,” says Kennedy. “Boxing also increases the release of endorphins, which can diminish with stress.”
The group atmosphere of kickboxing is even more effective in releasing endorphins. While any type of vigorous activity will release these feel-good chemicals, group exercise enhances their impact, according to researchers from the Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology in Oxford, England.
There’s nothing sexier than being able to kick some butt, and look great doing it. The intensity of kickboxing means you’ll see improvements and results quickly. Femme Fitale’s sessions run for eight-weeks with twice weekly classes.
“When you’re putting yourself through a program that does really challenge you and you finish it—that alone boosts confidence dramatically because you’ve accomplished something and that’s something to be proud of,” says Kennedy.
I found this great article from Best Health website:
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/fitness/5-amazing-benefits-of-kickboxing-for-women/5/
Watch for signs of bullying such as fear of going to school, lack of friends, missing belongings, torn clothing, sleep disturbances or nightmares, increased fearfulness and anxiety. Look especially close if the child complains of vague illnesses, such as stomach problems or headache on school days. The child may fear retaliation and keep the bullying secret for this reason. In Australia there is a fear of being labelled a “dobber” for bringing the problem to the school’s attention. Dobbing, ratting or snitching are negative labels used by the harasser to discourage children from reporting. It takes courage to report. Reporting is done to help keep someone safe. Let the child know the bullying is unlikely to stop unless you report it and get help together.
Ask your child if there are any bullies at school. This is a good way of finding out about any existing or potential problems without asking them outright. A good place to start these conversations is in the car or other place where you have little eye-to-eye contact.
Be aware of what is happening in your child’s life. Take the time to listen to them to acknowledge their concerns. Let them know it is okay to discuss anything with you, and that you will support them fully if they have any trouble at school, including bullying. Ask your child what they think is the best course of action if there is a problem. This helps them to feel like they have some control over the issue. Consult your child with any action or decision you take, as it will affect them directly. Make it clear it is not your child’s fault.
Engage with the school. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and the principal of the school. If they know you, it is easier to discuss potential problems with them.
Have a chat with other parents that have children attending your school and ask them if any of their children are being bullied? Another parent will often tell you about an instance of bullying at school simply because no parent wants to think of their child being bullied.
Do not be afraid to speak up. It is difficult to catch a bully in the act in many instances, but if enough people speak up, a pattern will be noticed and something can be done. Give the school a reasonable amount of time to do something about the problem.
Provide the school with something in writing. If the school has a written record of bullying, they are more likely to do something. The school will need evidence to discipline a bully. If there is any evidence of the bullying such as witnesses, bruises, etc. include it, as well as times and locations of the incidents.
The vast majority of teachers and administration at schools take this issue seriously and will do what it takes to try and combat bullying. However, there are a few that have the attitude that “Kids will be kids”, and look the other way. If the teacher fails to accept responsibility, it is especially important that the parent get involved. It is also necessary to find another person at the school that has the power to do something about the problem.
Try to control your anger over the incident. If you approach the school in a respectful, but concerned manner, you will have a greater chance of getting their cooperation.
Set a good example for your kids by treating everyone in your life with respect and dignity. Do not allow bullying to occur in your home or workplace. The few times I have had to suspend students from martial arts training were usually related to their inability to keep their hands to themselves. Encourage your children to take a stand whenever they see bullying.
Practice role-playing. Encourage your child to react calmly and confidently to taunting. Help your child understand that responding with physical aggression or insults will usually make the problem worse. For example, have your child practice saying “Leave me alone” in a loud commanding voice and then walking away.
Teach your child how to show confidence rather than shyness and vulnerability. Children can learn to look people in the eye and speak up when they talk.
Get your child into a martial arts program. There is truth in the saying “We learn to fight in the martial arts so we do not have to”. A martial artist walks with confidence, but rarely has to use their skills. Any bully can sense it. A lack of confidence plays a big factor in whom the bully selects to intimidate. Another big benefit of martial arts is the friendship that is promoted in classes, and this will also help your child.
Bullying is not something we have to accept. It should not be considered a “normal part of growing up”. It is damaging to the child’s psyche and can have life-long consequences. It leads to absenteeism at school and poor academic performance. Bullying has even contributed to youth suicide. Children should not be afraid to go to school or play outdoors. They all have a right to feel safe. Do you have any other ideas that will help parents deal with the problem of bullying?
I found this blog on Australian Martial arts website
http://www.karate-kids.com.au/category/bullying-and-self-defence-for-kids/