Eleven Benefits of the Martial Arts

by Sensei Carol, posted in The Martial Arts

 

Gichin Funakoshi, Father of Karate

The martial arts have been around for 2500 years. The Chinese were the first to discover that health and wellness could be gained through exercise and a proper attitude, and that is why the martial arts and health are intertwined. A strong body makes for a strong mind. The Chinese also discovered the points used in healing, if applied in a different way, are also the points that destroy, maim and kill.

This is why you will not find a combative martial artist. Rather than the way of war, a true martial artist will seek the way of peace. A traditional bow says “I hide my weapon. I come in peace.” (Left open palm over a closed right fist.)

Here we cover the two most important rules of the martial arts, and the eleven benefits that will be gained with consistent and dedicated practice. Continue reading “Eleven Benefits of the Martial Arts” →

A Word About the Martial Arts

by Sensei Carol, posted in The Martial Arts

martial arts is good for kidsFrequently, parents bring their child to the dojo with despair in their eyes.  “We’ve tried everything to get Johnny to calm down, but nothing seems to be working!”

Parents enroll their child in the martial arts as a last resort, desperate for him to learn to cope with the stressors of life and school. Many times, the parents are at the end of their ropes, not knowing what to do about the bad attitude, the poor grades, and the defiance.

Nothing special is done for these children. They learn the same techniques as the other students, they are expected to pay attention and follow along.

Within three to six months, the parents come to the sensei (teacher) amazed that their child’s grades have improved, his attitude is better, and he is more outgoing and gets along with others.

This used to puzzle me. Yes, the instructors were great, but what makes the difference in such a short time? Continue reading “A Word About the Martial Arts” →

Beat a Bully Without a Fight

by Sensei Carol, posted in Self-Defense
Beat a Bully
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We all have run into a bully at some point in our lives.  Whether a child or an adult, a bully will harass and invade your space when you least expect them to.  Just when you think you are safe where they won’t bother you, here they come.  It seems the bully is everywhere!  And if he isn’t in your presence, you carry him around in your thoughts.

The most common advice people like to give someone who is bullied is to “ignore them.” Well, you are ignoring them. You take a different route to school, you change your routines and perhaps change your classes to “ignore” this person that won’t leave you alone.

This advice of ignoring is given without forethought or consideration of the situation. Unless it is happening to them, people do not stop to consider what they would do if they were bullied. – Or stalked. Stalking is the adult form of bullying.

For the purposes of this blog, we will keep to the subject of bullying, but bear in mind that the bully graduates from high school, and goes on to be the bully at work and at home. Also, for the purposes of this blog, I will use “he” as the pronoun to describe a bully, but also bear in mind that girls and women are terribly mean and use words, rather than actions, to cut deep. Continue reading “Beat a Bully Without a Fight” →

How to Use a Kubotan

by Sensei Carol, posted in Weapons

One of my favorite weapons is the kubotan.  I prefer the ones made with metal alloy because they hold up well, are strong and reliable, and will not break when you use them.

The kubotan is a handy weapon that can be carried as a keychain.  Much more effective than using your keys, and you will always have it with you when you need it.

The techniques for using a kubotan can be used as effectively with pens, toothbrushes, the handle on eating utensils, sticks – anything that is handy will work just as effectively.  Tactical pens are used in the same way.

The thing about carrying a weapon is it is never there when you need it.  You have to reach for a gun or open your knife, but when you attach your keys to your kubotan, you have it in your hand, ready to go.
Continue reading “How to Use a Kubotan” →