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Instructor Resources Media Musings

Summer Martial Arts Training & Why It’s So Important for Children

Summer is tough for martial arts students and instructors alike. It’s hot. It’s sunny. And guess what? There’s no school! It’s so tough to sleep in and–

Wait, what’s that you say? No school? NO SCHOOL!

No school = more time to spend practicing martial arts and working hard for your next rank…….right?

Your instructors would love to see you in class over the summer. We’re not telling you to skip family vacation, (as much as some of you teenagers might like to). Family time is important, and *short* breaks are good for rest and re-focus. Or practicing your forms in an exotic location.

Let us explain why summer martial arts training is so crucial.

Categories
Instructor Resources

Instructor’s Corner: Summer Martial Arts Bingo

Instructors with summer martial arts programs: I just had an awesome idea, and I want to share it with you.

Everyone loves playing bingo, right? And everyone loves taking the summer off from martial arts.

We all know that taking the summer off from martial arts can set students back. We all forget things when we don’t do them often enough. It’s disheartening to watch students slide back multiple belt ranks because of sketchy summer attendance.

You know that summer martial arts training is a great time to focus on achievement and building skills. But this isn’t always enough to convince your youth students.

I came up with a “Summer Martial Arts Bingo” game to help get students involved in the dojo over the summer.

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Mental Requirements Musings

Mental Requirement: Understanding the Importance of a Proper Diet

“Understands the importance of a proper diet” is a mental requirement for our Tae Kwon Do students.

Each TKD belt level has 4 mentals, and students must memorize and recite them at tests. We also usually ask each student to talk about what they mean, and occasionally ask for a short essay if a student has not been displaying the values contained in the mental requirement.

But back to the importance of a proper diet. If you train like an athlete, you should eat like one.

apples!
You know what they say about an apple a day…
Categories
Musings

A Little Self Confidence Goes a Long Way

People who are looking to take advantage of others can spot a lack of self confidence a mile away. Lacking self confidence screams, “Victim!” to bad guys and bullies, who are looking for an easy target.

It’s hard to quantify something like confidence, but we can all tell who has it and who doesn’t. Harder still is gaining self confidence, which often means defeating negative mental habits.

self confidence in action
Nothing like a board break to increase self confidence! (Don’t try this at home please!)

Here are 3 easy tips for increasing your self confidence and self-esteem.

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Special Events

Press Release: Doris Eastbury Receives 4th Degree Black Belt

SBN Doris smiles as GWN Barrett ties her 4th degree black belt.
SBN Doris smiles as GWN B ties her 4th degree black belt.

Doris Eastbury, owner of Northwest School of Martial Arts, received her 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do on Saturday, March 30th, 2013 from True Martial Arts in Overlake. 4th degree black belt is considered the level of mastery in most martial arts styles. Doris is a Stanwood native, and has been training in multiple martial arts since 1986. She credits her continued success in martial arts to indomitable spirit and a desire to continue learning so that she can give back to her students. Northwest School of Martial Arts holds classes at the Stanwood Masonic Hall, and offers affordable self-defense, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do programs for all ages.

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Special Events

Upcoming: May 2013 Women’s Self-Defense Class

Women’s Self-Defense Class: Mother’s Day Discount! $97 value–now only $47! Taught by Doris Eastbury, 4th degree black belt. General information about women’s self defense seminars.

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Class will take place Saturday, May 11th at the Stanwood Masonic Center from 11:30 am-1:00 pm. Sign up with a friend and you both will receive an extra 25% off ($35 each)! Participants must be 13 years & up, as we teach children differently than teenagers and adults.

You don’t have to be a martial artist to know how to defend yourself!  All participants will receive a safety handout and self-defense stick.

Email nwschoolofmartialarts@gmail.com and sign up today! Scroll down for class content.

Class content includes:

  • “5 A’s” of self defense
  • Walking with confidence: posture & body language tips
  • Strong eyes, strong voice
  • How to effectively use your voice
  • Decision-making: thinking through a self defense situation
  • Simple, effective release & escapes from grabs and holds
  • Simple, effective strikes using the strongest parts of your body
  • Targeting: weak points on the opponent’s body
  • Lots of practice
  • Plenty of time for questions!

We’ll go over this information, breaking it down into easy-to-remember points (like the 5 A’s and a girl’s best 3 weapons). There will be plenty of opportunities to practice after demonstrating and walking you through each technique. Protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. NWSMA female black belts will be on hand to assist and answer questions. Our goal is to create a safe and fun environment for you to learn self-defense that may someday save your life. 

Categories
Media Special Events

2013 SBN Thomas Zoppi Championships: Photos

Photos from the tournament over the weekend! There was plenty of exciting stuff going on, from forms and sparring competition, to demos from all 4 schools, and a friendly school team sparring event.

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Categories
Musings Scholarly Pursuits

Why Being a Multi-Stylist is Awesome: Shito-ryu Karate History

Karate vs. TKD: Each of these pairs contain one Karate and one TKD student. They are doing sticking or splashing hands--originally a kung fu drill! Credit: Bec Thomas Photography (facebook.com/BecThomasPhotography)
Multi-stylists: Each of these pairs contain one Karate and one TKD student. They are doing sticky hands, originally a Kung Fu drill! Credit: Bec Thomas Photography (facebook.com/BecThomasPhotography)

There’s a lot of debate in the martial arts world about which style of martial arts is best. With the surging popularity of UFC and MMA, it’s not surprising that we have these debates.

There are some who demand that you stick to one style, one art, one school. There are also those of us who cross train and learn to find value in different styles.

Reading this article recently about the history of Shito-ryu Karate (NWSMA’s style) taught me something really cool.