Archive for September 3rd, 2010

Let’s Discuss The Benefits Martial Arts Has On Children Or Teens

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

While many kids take instrument lessons or participate in after-school sports, there is another option that offers even more advantages for a child. Martial arts is an excellent activity for children of all ages, having a significant impact on self-esteem, morals, and discipline. Here we discuss some of the benefits martial arts has on children.

There are many types of martial arts. Options range from the common Japanese arts like Aikido and the Chinese art Wing Chun to Korean Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Capoeira, a dance-like fighting style. The choice will most likely be determined by availability in the proximity of a location. All styles offer varying benefits and advantages. To get a good idea of the differences in styles, often martial arts schools will allow guests to sit in on a class while it is in session.

The health benefits of learning a martial art are indisputable. The exercise is fun for kids while improving muscle strength, coordination and endurance. Many arts also incorporate meditation with has proven advantages for health health and the immune system. Martial arts are a great way for kids to release energy in a supervised environment while gaining great skills.

Martial arts offer children a great opportunity to gain confidence in themselves. Most martial arts operate on a colored belt system. When a child successfully passes an assessment by the instructor, they are rewarded with an increased rank, denoted by the color and striped on a belt. This type of measurable achievement is easy for children to grasp and further a visual display of something they can be proud of.

Children learn a good deal of self-discipline as a result of learning martial arts. Instructors expect students to adhere to the standards of the martial arts school. Often this include specific procedures for beginning glass, as well as how students are to treat each other and regard the instructor and the learning environment. There is nothing like drill repetition to reinforce the rules!

Martial arts allows kids to exercise parts of their brain and bodies that school often ignore and parents aren’t equipped to encourage. It allows children to escape the environment of everyday life and concentrate on their skills and mind, something hard to achieve in team sports or hobby clubs.

Learning martial arts exposes children to a new culture. Often instructors will count repetitions in the language of the country in which a style originated. Children will also learn about the places the art comes from. An instructor may have stories from their time as a student to encourage student in their capabilities.

All over the country, parents are discovering the wonderful advantages of enrolling their children in martial arts classes. From physical to mental, there are too many positives not to discuss some of the benefits martial arts has on children. Now is the time to discover what a child is capable of.

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Let’s Take A Look At The Top Three 2009 Martial Arts Films & Their Impact On The Martial Arts Community

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

One type of film that always fairly popular are movies that have an action theme. This is especially true of martial arts films. In 2009, there were many martial arts films that were created, and some of them did very well in the box office or via other releases. If you have an interest in martial arts films, consider some of the following next time you discuss the top 3 martial arts movies of 2009 and their impact on the martial arts community.

The first movie that should be considered is The Real Shaolin. This is a documentary film by Alexander Sebastien Lee. The documentary is set on four trainees who are at the Shaolin Temple. Two of the trainees are foreigners that would like to become warriors and monks, and the other two trainees are children of farmers in the area, who are hoping to end their poverty by becoming famous martial artists. However, they all eventually discover that they have been slightly misled by films and other documentaries about what their existences as martial artists will entitle them to.

As the documentary continues, the trainees all eventually become very disappointed with what their goals were due to discovering the truth. Most of the students at the temple who are training eventually end up sleeping in the cold, not resting, and often being injured. After experiencing this, the trainees all begin to reconsider what they have seen in comparison to how things are actually portrayed in film.

Another movie that should be noticed is called Raging Phoenix. This is the story of a female rockstar who is captured in a kidnapping ring. The plot is set in Thailand, where women are being kidnapped and used in a laboratory to create medication. However, there is a group of people who rebel against the kidnappers by using martial arts and hip-hop styled dance moves. The result is a film that has interesting action scenes that are a combination of fighting and dance showcases.

One of the third movies that should be mentioned in your discussion is JCVD. However, this film is a bit different than traditional martial arts films. The main actor in the film is Jean Claude Van Damme, who actually portrays himself in the movie, but in a fictional setting. The storyline is that Jean Claude is supposed to be an actor experiencing some hard times, who decides to go back to his homeland to escape some of his problems. In the process, he accidentally gets into the middle of a burglary that is in process. The police believe that he has become a robber, and so the rest of the film is about him trying to clear his name.

This film is not so much about martial arts and fighting as it is about dialogue and acting, it would seem. However, as the film progresses, there are martial arts segments that should be noticed. This type of film would be best enjoyed by someone who is interested in seeing how Jean Claude’s martial arts abilities have changed over the years. If you’re interested in entertainment, then you will also appreciate some of the comedic parts of the film.

These films should be mentioned because they made an impact on the martial arts community though various ways. In general, they were all able to make people aware about the existence of martial arts. You will notice that some films are more educational based and have more of a message to them, such as the documentary that was mentioned. Other films are capable of making an impact by showcasing martial arts in a unique format that may get people intrigued.

Remembering some of these movies might be helpful to you if you want to discuss about martial arts films with people you know. The best way that films make an impact on the community and the world as a whole is by educating people and making them aware of what martial arts is about. Because movies are so enjoyable, countless people talk to each other about different movies and what the subplots are about, and this is how the message about martial arts films continually is shared.

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The History Of Karate Is Spoken Through Dedication

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Karate is a new addition to the martial arts family as compared to some of them. Developed in the Ryukyu kingdom which is now called Okinawa, this practice incorporated local movement with the strong Chinese kenpo practice and developed an exciting history of karate.

The strength of practicing karate comes from the striking impact of the blows. Whether using your feet, knees, or hand the movement is sharp and quick. The karate chop is a blow most seen and is an open handed blow to the soft part of the body that is usually protecting the pulse points. An individual that practices karate is called a karateka.

The types of karate were determined by three separate towns on the island. Shuri-te, naha-te, and tomari-te are the cities the styles are named after and also determined by the teachers and the kata that is taught there.

The kata are the basis of this practice. The kata is structure moves in a set pattern that is repeated many times over. The moves are defensive and offensive and often can be used in self defense. The art of moving through these kata brings a place of peace to the mind and allows one to become pure and spiritual in their practice.

In the Ryukyu kingdom the upper class used to go to China to study academically and also learned the art of Chinese martial arts. When they returned home what they learned was incorporated into their own martial arts practice and the two gelled together.

The cultural trade was balanced as Chinese families moved to Okinawa. The Chinese shared their arts, education and their martial arts abilities and connected once more the power of karate to the Chinese.

The teacher Gichin Funakoshi was the ambassador of karate to the mainland Japan. During the twenties the Japanese wanted to have a demonstration of karate believing that it would be the perfect hand to hand combat they needed for their military. Seeing this new art many studios opened up to teach the Japanese this exciting martial art.

The art of karate was quickly learning how to add adaptations to the strength and power of this martial art. The dojo was an all white kimono that was worn while you participated in the practice. To identify the different levels of the martial art they brought color to the dan or belts.

After World War II the Americans and their military base was established on Okinawa. As such, the servicemen that were stationed there began to learn karate. This they brought back with them when their tour was done. Then when the film industry went crazy with martial art films the craze of karate spread to many other countries.

The art of karate is to use perseverance and fearlessness to excel at the kata and be able to defend yourself if attacked. Add to that the ideals of being a leader and you find a martial art that brings a sense of accomplishment not just physically but spiritually as well.

With an assimilation of so many cultures the history of karate is tied to many other countries history. What you do in karate transfers to you day to day life. The practice and the mind set give you a powerful edge in the world.

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When, How Martial Arts School Owners Can Attract New Adult Students Now

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

The health craze is back again. People are wanting to work on their physical appearance and improve their health. By targeting these individuals with advertising it can be how martial arts school owners can attract new adult students. Many school owners can focus on this fitness movement and improve their attendance numbers.

Martial arts are known for their intense workouts and benefits to health. Advertising that mentions weight loss, discipline and health benefits will bring in those adults that are facing those issues. This is a hot topic right now and can be used to the advantage of schools to bring in new clientele.

Focus on the family. People want to spend time with their families again. Marital arts is an excellent way to bond with family members. Consider offering discounts for families they join together. Even offering classes that are geared towards families can increase the numbers at your school. People are tired of sitting at home and watching the T. V. They want physical activity and the payoff for them joining would be family time and a personal home security force of trained kids.

Frustrated people are running rampant. They go to work and then go straight home and it is making them tired and angry and frustrated. Classes can be offered to release stress and learn to control tempers with discipline and training. This can be very helpful to those that feel helpless. They will feel that they are taking control of their lives again and that will empower them. This type of empowerment can really help entire communities by making more productive citizens.

Traffic is also a key factor in anger and frustration. Road rage numbers are going off the chart. It is almost your civic duty to suggest that people get off of the highway and come learn a martial art. That way they can drive home after class and after the traffic is gone. This will be a big idea that will help a lot of people.

School campuses would be a good place to advertise as well. Offer a self defense class and people will definitely come. This is also another good way to serve the community. Consider giving a demonstration on campus and offer a free lesson for those that are interested.

A singles class could bring in some new adult clients. This can be advertised as an alternative to the faceless dating scene of the internet. It also provides a safe environment for a woman to meet her date. It can also be a great place for a date. The physical activity and focused attention can be a great way to meet others that have your interests.

These ideas should show you how martial arts school owners can attract new adult students. If they are applied correctly to the right method of advertising. If television advertising is in your budget then this would be ideal. Some may even consider just making a commercial for a video site. There are also the usual methods like word of mouth or fliers at the community center. There are plenty of ways that the word can get out about these fresh ideas to improve your business.

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Seeking Cool Careers In The Martial Arts Industry

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

If you’ve finally attained your black belt and you’re looking to get into Careers in the martial arts industry, good luck. It’s not as easy as filling out an application for work as a fry cook. But, there is money to be made out there, even if it can be fairly tricky.

Of course, that’s not to say that you simply cannot find work in the fighting arts. You most certainly can, it’s not at all impossible for those with the skill and the passion. Remember, though, that you’ll be judged more on your ability to relate to others, to treat others with respect, than on your skill alone. Martial arts are, above all, a path to self knowledge and knowledge of others, and an unfriendly, dog-eat-dog careerist won’t last in this field.

Instructor

The most common job in the industry is that of instructor or sensei. There are two ways to go about this. You can start your own dojo, or you can work as an assistant instructor. If you want to run your own dojo, it’s important to take time to learn about the business end of things. When your whole life is the art of fighting, this can be difficult, and sadly, this means that the best senseis usually bring in the least amount of business. You might be able to find an assistant instructor, though, who can help you run the business well.

Being an assistant, you’ll typically earn an hourly wage. If you treat your sensei with respect, if you play your cards right, you may even inherit the dojo from them should they wish to expand or retire.

It’s hard to say exactly how much you’ll make as an instructor, but most do it for the passion, the love of teaching, while drawing their living expenses from investments and so on. Not to say that you can’t make a living as a sensei, just that you do need to study the art of marketing as well as the art of fighting.

Stunt Work

Stunt work isn’t quite as big an industry as it once was. As action movies have become more ambitious, they actually have been phasing out traditional stuntwork in favor of CGI and actors doing their own fight scenes. However, television still has a lot of room for stunt work. You may also find work performing for motion capture for video games and so on.

The downside: You’ll have to live near a big entertainment city like New York, Toronto, LA, etcetera. The good news: It’s easy to find the work and get employed if you have the skills and you’re not afraid of falling off a roof and landing on your butt.

Stunt actors are paid well, but they usually get paid per stunt or per fight rather than on a salary. It’s largely freelance work, so it’s not always easy to make sure you can get paid every week.

New Ideas

You’re in the age of the internet. Take a look at your average martial arts website. It’s usually… Pretty poorly designed. The people who spend their whole lives learning martial arts spend very little time learning about much else. However, if you know what to do, if you know the angles and you have some real, helpful advice to share with your viewers or with your readers, then there’s real money to made in the world of martial arts online.

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