Koammaster's Blog

When it comes to exercise you get what you give.  Every time  you exercise you must bring your “A” game. If you want to get in better shape then you must put total effort into your chosen exercise method. For instance if you are practicing martial arts are you striving hard to kick your highest and fastest? If you are lifting weights are you going full-out and adding that extra rep? Many times people tell me they are exercising but do not feel any different. My guess is they need to put an extra effort into their training. If you are going through the motions instead of playing full-out you will lack in results.

The benefit of martial arts is that you have an instructor on the floor at all times. That instructor will make sure you go the extra mile and push yourself. It is always best to have a someone on your side to help you get motivated. If you have found exercise to be rigid and a chore then maybe you need to try a martial arts school. Martial arts encompass total fitness and has the added benefit of developing the mind. Many other forms of exercise do not help develop the brain. Martial arts are a complete form of exercise that can be enjoyed by all.

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Parenting is often referred to as the toughest job we will ever have. Yet our goals as parents are pretty much the same as a thousand years ago. We want our children to group happy, healthy, and successful. Now we do have far more potential distractions than 1,000 years ago. Modern technology can throw us challenges that can be difficult. It can be hard to monitor what our children see and do. After all we can not be with them 24/7.  Although we monitor things it is hard to manage what they may see on their own. For example when I went to school nobody had a cell phone with internet access. To keep your parenting skills sharp and develop black belt parenting here are three things you can implement.

First-  Eat together as a family. Spending time around the dinner table gives you the ability to communicate. You can ask questions about your children’s day and get a sense about what goes on in their world when you are not around. Remember to keep it a conversation and not an interrogation. Dinner together should be enjoyable and memorable.

Second- Be consistent with your boundaries. If you do not allow your child to play video games during the week than stick to it. Once a child knows they can get the boundaries, rules, or guidelines changed they will begin to push those boundaries more and more. If you have a rule that they must finish what they started then stick to it. Having your child finish three more weeks of a sports season when they do not want to will build far more character then allowing them to quit.

Third- Be involved in their activities and do things as a family. Volunteer at their school, with their teams, or any other activity they participate in. This will also allow you to develop lines of communication with their teachers and coaches. Doing things together will build strong bonds. I can tell you from experience as a former high school teacher that parents willing to come to school events and communicate with teachers had succesful children. The children  behaved better in class and had higher grades compared to kids that had parents you never heard or seen. Children may seem like they don’t want you around but they really do. Deep down they are happy that you take an interest and keep them on track.

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At Griffin’s Martial Arts Center students learn far more than just the art of kicking and punching. We also teach character and the importance of a strong value system. At our center we have the advantage of Master Griffin’s experience as a professional educator and the expertise of child development specialist Dr. Robyn Silverman on our staff. Dr. Robyn as our students refer to her has developed the premier character program in the world. The program is based on a word of the month and incorporates weekly lessons during the month to reinforce the valuable character lessons of the word. This month our word is loyalty. In the past we have had  character training for topics such as honesty, self-control, health, and respect.  Why is this important? Because Powerful Words backed with character training become powerful actions.

Our students take what they learn from the dojang floor and take it out into the community. Our students have honor roll grades, contribute to scout troops, churches, and schools. This month our students will be raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This is the fourth year that our students have used outstanding character to take time to raise money for this amazing cause. The students are using the concept of Loyalty to the dojang by volunteering their time to incorporate a health fair that is free to the public to raise awareness for healthy lifestyles. They are showing loyalty to St. Jude by committing for the fourth straight year to raise money for them. After the health fair they will participate in a kick-a-thon to help the kids of St. Jude. The powerful Words program and our relationship with Dr. Robyn Silverman has created a lifestyle that goes well beyond exercise and self-defense.

Give Griffin’s Martial Arts Center a call at 239-997-8990 and we will be happy to give you a tour of our center and introduce you to the character programs we teach. In fact stop by this Saturday Feb. 4th at 11am and come see our students in action during the health fair and kick-a-thon. In the meantime you can visit our website at www.griffinsmartialarts.com and you can find out more about Dr. Robyn at www.drrobynsilverman.com

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In our 140 character twitter world and 2 minute soundbite society many people have lost the concept of mastery. To truly master a subject, a skill, or a pursuit you must take time and care. Mastery is only developed through persistence and practice. If you want to master a martial arts form you must practice repeatedly. If you want to play a musical instrument you must practice daily. Any thing you want to accomplish at a high level requires time and effort. Great news if you are willing to do this!

People that have taken time to master the things they pursue report a much higher level of satisfaction and happiness then the people who quit and do not follow through. Mastery brings a sense of pride and excitement that can not be duplicated in a short soundbite or 140 character blurb. If you are starting a new activity or working hard in a current activity commit to mastering it. You will find a level of happiness that can not be bought.

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January is almost over! Have you started your 2012 exercise program yet? Well if you haven’t here are three great reasons to start exercising with martial arts. Reason one is that it burns major calories. research shows that a martial arts program like taekwondo or kickboxing burns more calories than almost all other exercises out there. Reason two it has a built-in goal system with feedback. Many types of exercise do not provide any form of feedback on progress. In  the martial arts you have a belt system where you are promoted when you improve and accomplish your goals. Reason three is can be done by the whole family. That’s right everyone in the family can participate and train together. You can come to a class and train as a family! The family that kicks together sticks together. Call your local martial arts school and set up a trial lesson today. Your family will love it!

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It’s time for our annual health fair and kick-a-thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. On Saturday Feb. 4th from 11am-1pm we will host four speakers to educate the community on various health related issues. We have a financial expert coming in and talking about your financial health, an insurance agent to explain the new insurance laws, an MD is coming in to discuss how to keep yourself young and active, and an EMT/Firefighter to discuss in home safety and first aid. Throughout the day members of our school will kick to raise money for St. Jude. This will be a very informative day to benefit the kids of St. Jude. The Health fair is free so stop in and visit us during the fair and get some valuable insight on how to keep yourself healthy. Give us a call at 239-997-8990 or visit our webpage www.griffinsmartialarts.com .

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How is the start of 2012 for you? Are you off and running or sluggishly moving along? Remember the best way to start anything is step one. Reading the first line of a book will help you get going and read to the end. The first step on a walk will help you get around the corner. The first day of working out will get you closer to your exercise goal. We are now heading into week two of 2012. What did you plan on starting this year and has the first step been taken? Do not wait today can be the day to start. If you have taken the first step  congrats and keep going. Remember perseverance and patience can help you accomplish anything!

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