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Benefits of Martial Arts Musings

Martial Arts Belt Testing, What’s the Purpose?

The best challenges are the ones we have a choice in. By choosing to undertake difficulty, we make ourselves stronger. –Sensei/YDN Caitlin

Pile o' belts.
Pile o’ belts.

Today, I was reading about the history of using colored belts when I came across another great quote. “Achievement of rank should be considered as a side-effect of karate training and not a goal.” (You can read the essay here if you’re interested, but it is a fairly dry [no offense to its author] historical essay full of facts, names, and dates).

Anyhoo, I agree that your training shouldn’t only be focused on achieving belt rank. That’s shortsighted, and misses the point of martial arts.

But I *do* think that testing is an important ritual in martial arts. Let me explain… (click “more”).

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Benefits of Martial Arts Instructor Resources Musings

Grinding in Karate, or Why Karate is Like a Video Game

Karate is like a video game. Karate is better than video games. (Sorry, gamers). In order to bust a move in karate, you will need to engage in the act of “grinding.”

The students in the picture below are grinding. They don’t realize it, but front stance straight punch is the very definition of grinding for karateka. Isn’t it beautiful?

Stanwood Karate
NWSMA youth class in action!

What does “grinding” mean anyway?

In video/computer gaming culture, “grinding” refers to engaging in repetitive tasks for a purpose, either to attain an item, badge, or to unlock access to certain features. The repetitive tasks are rarely entertaining.

Tl;dr “grinding” means to do the same thing. Again and again, a lot. And it’s not terribly exciting or fun.

Hmmm….this is starting to sound like karate! Click the “more” link to hear about why grinding is important, not just in games!

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Benefits of Martial Arts Musings

The Yin and Yang of Exercise and Rest

The following is a guest post by Ali & Destrey, a husband/wife massage duo who both take Tae Kwon Do at NWSMA, along with their son. I asked them to write a piece for the NWSMA blog, because it’s nice not to have to hear myself talk all the time, haha!!

Ali & Destrey run All Mind & Body Massage in Arlington, WA. You can check out All Mind & Body on their Facebook page.

test anxiety
Is your mind/body, exercise/rest balance off?

“Lets explore the importance of balance between exercise and rest.

Exercise is bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical and mental fitness using the mind and body in motion. There are many forms of mental and physical exercise. Looking at physical exercise we may think of a martial art, sports, gardening, playing in the playground, our daily work, or the latest fitness fad. Mental exercises can include doing schoolwork, solving problems, focusing on movement, playing video games.

Rest is a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities. Allowing rest into a busy schedule is important. Rests helps the body and mind to rejuvenate and refocus. Taking five minutes to breath and stretch or eight long hours of good sleep will help provide energy to be healthy. Massage is a great way for the mind and muscles to be rested and repaired. The body repairs and strengthens itself in the time between workouts, and continuous exercise can actually weaken your body and mind.

Finding a balance in life is very important in return it allows us to remain healthy and happy. When life becomes unbalanced we can experience stress or become disconnected to our life. Picture the yin and yang and the harmony of supporting constant change with balance.

Look in to your life and find your balance between exercise and rest. Enjoy getting just enough of both to achieve your harmony.”

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Benefits of Martial Arts Instructor Resources Mental Requirements Musings

Building Good Character in Children: NWSMA’s “Character Contract”

If you’ve been at the dojo recently, you may have noticed that a new activity has taken the place of the Summer Bingo Board.

building character in children
NWSMA’s “Character Contract” aims at building character in children.

Many parents hope that martial arts programs will help with building good character in children. Inherently, they can & do.

But I got to thinking. (Nothing new here).

What if there was a way to encourage our students to think critically about their actions, both IN and OUTside of the dojo? Especially outside, where we instructors often don’t know how they act.

And so, the “Character Contract” was born. Read on to find out specifics!

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Benefits of Martial Arts General Special Events

NWSMA Campers Make Donation

nw school of martial arts
NWSMA campers with their donation at The Caring Place.

NW School of Martial Arts collected school supplies during its annual week-long summer camp. Summer campers walked the items over to The Caring Place in downtown Stanwood to make the donation. Students got a mini tour and talked to volunteers about what The Caring Place does for the local community.

As martial artists, we strive to reach our personal best AND to help others. Donating school supplies to those in need is a great way to make a difference! Thanks, everyone!

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Benefits of Martial Arts Musings

Bring Your Best to Get the Most Out of Martial Arts Training

get the most out of martial arts
NWSMA youth class in action!

If you’re wondering how to get the most out of martial arts class, read on.

Have you ever come to class, only to find that you felt weak, tired, unfocused, grumpy, stressed, or just not in the mood?

It happens to us all the time. Whatever went on during the day, the leftover emotions are sometimes still present when we tie our belt and bow in.

How can you do your best when you’re not in the mood for class?

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Benefits of Martial Arts Special Events

2013 “Karate Summer Camp” Open to the Public – August 12-16, 2013

We have exciting news for you! For the very first time, NW School of Martial Arts’ 2013 Karate Summer Camp is open to anyone ages 6-17!! That means you don’t have to be an NWSMA student to take part in the summer martial arts fun!!

NWSMA students, you know what that means? Bring a friend with you to camp!

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summer camp
A group of NW School of Martial Arts students think hard during a mental challenge.

Camp will take place over the course of 5 days, and each day has a theme. Focusing on one skill a day, such as kicking and grab releases, children will learn the basics of how to defend themselves. Benefits of summer camp include:

  • Gaining self-confidence;
  • Learning some basic self-defense skills;
  • Working with a small group to create a short skit about how to peacefully resolve a bullying situation;
  • Making new friends, learning to share & helping others;
  • Being active and exercising in a safe, friendly environment;
  • Getting creative with crafts and games!

Here’s the what/when/where:

  • Karate Summer Camp takes place August 12-16, 2013, Mon-Fri 10:30am-3:00 pm
  • The cost is $100/child/week OR $25/child/day
  • *Bring-your-own lunch except Friday* (We’ll serve pizza on Friday)
  • Located @ Stanwood Mason Hall in downtown Stanwood. We will donate a part of our proceeds to Bikes for Books.
  • Camp t-shirts with NWSMA logo will be available for an optional $20.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ASAP! Contact us at nwschoolofmartialarts@gmail.com, and we’ll email you the registration form and camp program.

Payment will be due in full, cash or check to NWSMA, on the 1st day of camp (August 12). Children will not be allowed to take part if their parent/guardian has not completed & returned the registration form with payment.

Grinning with their trophies after a tournament.
These two love summer camp (and winning trophies at tournaments!!)

NW School of Martial Arts, owned by Sensei Doris Eastbury, has been serving Stanwood since 1988 with martial arts & self-defense classes for all ages. Assisting her with camp are certified black belts who regularly instruct & help in our year-round programs.

Hope to see you at 2013 Summer Camp!

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Benefits of Martial Arts General Musings Scholarly Pursuits

Speed vs. Power? Speed IS Power!

Have you ever seen “tension” moves in a form? They’re often slow, and the martial artist’s body vibrates as they execute them.

Sempai Jasmine at a demonstration. (Credit: Bec Thomas Photography, facebook.com/BecThomasPhotography)
Sempai Jasmine doing a “slow” move in a Karate form. Whats the difference between “slow” and “tension” moves? Read on to find out!!!

 

Have you ever wondered why they’re there?

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Benefits of Martial Arts

Language Learning: One of the Least-Discussed Benefits of Martial Arts

Look at any martial arts website, and you’ll often find a list of benefits of martial arts. No matter the source, the lists of benefits are usually pretty accurate.

However, something I have never seen mentioned is the benefit of learning a foreign language.

Benefits of Martial Arts Learning a Language
Vocab study notes on a sticky note are great to attach to a mirror or cupboard so you can look at them every day!

In martial arts, often, it is required for the student to learn vocabulary in a foreign language. The actual language depends on the art. It can be as simple as learning to count to ten, or as complicated as learning to recite dojo creeds in another language.

Granted, the instructor may not be a native speaker. But generally speaking, exposure to a foreign language at a young age does cool stuff to the brain.

Additionally, martial arts is a kinetic activity, involving movement. By learning in a way that connects language with movement, children may also become more flexible learners.