History of Karate
Japan annexed the nominally independent Ryukyu island group in 1874 after centuries of strong Japanese influence over the kingdom's affairs following the invasion by the Japanese Satsuma clan in 1609. The relationship between Okinawa and Japan is complicated. For purposes of discussing karate, it is convenient to speak of Okinawa and Japan as separate entities. The question of whether karate is Japanese or Okinawan is somewhat akin to asking whether the luau or the hula dance are American traditions or Hawaiian ones: They developed in Hawaii prior to when Hawaii became one of the United States, and so are usually described as Hawaiian, not American. The case is similar for karate, which is...
Common Issues Within Karate
Due to the popularity of martial arts, both in mass media and real life, a large number of disreputable, fraudulent, or misguided teachers and schools have arisen over the last 40 years or so. Commonly referred to as a "McDojo" or a "Black Belt Mill", these schools are frequently headed by martial artists of either dubious skill & training, business ethics, or both. Common means of discerning these types of schools include: High rank at a young age Very large number of black belt certifications from different styles "Grandmaster" status of the head instructor Select organizations within the school Emphasis on testing and fees Rapid promotion of students without discernable improvements in...
The Practice of Karate
In general, there are many components to modern karate training. One common division is between the areas of kihon (basics or fundamentals), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Another popular division is between art, sport, and self defense training. Weapons (kobudo) comprise another important training area, as well as the psychological elements incorporated into a proper kokoro (attitude) such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills. Often in the execution of a technique, karateka are encouraged to issue a loud kiai or 'spirit shout'. Kata (Forms) Kata means "form" or "pattern," and despite how they might appear to the outsider, are not simply aerobic routines. They are...
Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. History The historical origin of Japanese martial arts can be found in the warrior traditions of the samurai and the caste system that restricted the use of weapons by members of the non-warrior classes. Originally, samurai were expected to be proficient in many weapons, as well as unarmed combat, and attain the highest possible mastery of combat skills, for the purpose of glorifying either themselves or their liege. Over time, this purpose gave way to a philosophy of achieving spiritual goals by striving to perfect their martial skills. Ordinarily, the development of combative techniques is intertwined with the...
Creep Towering
I strongly prefer faq to be in HTML, so people can move around the internal navigation easily. However, that is not required. Creep Towering In some maps, you can quickly build tower to kill the best creep. In fact, some creeps are so close together you can creep them all with 3-4 towers. Your hero will gain huge experience. I usually follow this with a safe strategy like mass trolls. Opening Build Altar and burrow. Build a mill. Build a tower. Build a tower close to the creep. Tower creep the enemies while towers are being built. For example, 1 tower can kill the smaller creep. More towers for more creeps. Start building your trolls. When you kill creeps you often get items that'll help in your...
The Role of Nutrition in Martial Arts, Police,...
For a considerable amount of time, nutrition has not played a prominent role in the life of many martial artists, police, and military personnel as a means of improving performance. Top athletes are always looking for an edge. Although the martial arts are more of a way of life and a life style than a sport per se, the needs of the martial artist are the same as that of the elite athlete.Mental aspects not withstanding (i.e. mental awareness, strategy, cunning, etc.), the need for speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and the ability to recuperate from tough workouts (and unforgiving sparing partners) is paramount to the success of athletes and martial artists alike. Police and military personnel...
Is Aikido a Martial Art ?
Sensei Henry Ellis Co-Author of the new book Positive Aikido.- 2005. A direct student from 1957 of the legendary master Kenshiro Abbe Sensi 1915 - 1985..PART 1At first sight of the above title I am sure that a lot of Aikidoist's will be angry, they will assume that this is yet another attack on the credibility of Aikido by other martial artist's. On this occasion they are totally wrong, I have been a student of Aikido since 1956, In those early days I first started Judo in 1955 at the Kenshiro Abbe School of Budo, I studied Karate with Harada Sensei and Kendo with Tomio O'Tani Sensei, so with my background I feel that I have something to offer to this debate.First ImpressionsThe Aikido that I...
The History of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu - Pt. 2
Jiu-Jitsu in BrazilEventually, in Japan many different variations of the art (Jiu-Jitsu) took shape, including Karate, Aikido, and Judo. But these arts were missing essential pieces of what the complete art of Jiu-Jitsu originally held. Soon the day of the Samurai came to an end, the gun replaced the sword, and new sportive ways to practice martial arts were developed. This lack of reality created years of confusion in the martial arts community, a confusion that legendary Bruce Lee would later refer to as the 'classical mess'. The 'sport arts', such as Judo and Kendo were wonderful in the way of offering their practitioners a safe way to realistically train the techniques of their system, but often...
Martial Arts Sparring and Training Protective...
The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners. The disciplined training of the mind and body give a sense of well being but some aspects of Martial Arts training do present a problem.Most forms of martial art will eventually lead to contact training at some level, whether is is light contact, semi-contact or full contact. Whilst training it is important to wear the right equipment. But what is the right equipment and what protection will it afford you?During this article I hope to point you in the right direction towards choosing the protective sparring gear that is right for you.Head gearThis is probably the most important piece of protective equipment you can purchase. Head...
Karate and Religion: Can They Work Together?
There is a misconception among many that karate is some sort of religion and practicing it may conflict with ones faith. Parents hesitate to enroll their child into a karate school because they are afraid he or she will be converted. They see everyone dressed in white, barefoot, kneeling and bowing to a picture of a person. No one speaks unless spoken to.Karate teaches two very important concepts; respect, and discipline. These concepts are best taught through repeated practice through Karate's protocols on respect and discipline.Kneeling down and closing your eyes before a class starts is simply a practice to meditate and empty the mind in order to focus 100% on your training.Then there is the...
In A Self-Defense Situation Control The...
One thing that becomes painfully evident to anyone who has been studying the Ninja's warrior arts for any length of time is...the shear impossibility of being able to practice all that you've learned. After even a short time in training, the number of skills, technique models known as "kata," and weapons hits a point where, even if you wanted to, you could not consistantly practice everything in the same way that, say, a practitioner of other arts might be able to do so.However, in the martial art of Ninjutsu, you don't have to. For the Ninja's perspective does not limit itself to the building blocks of the art in the same way that is seen in other conventional forms or styles. Instead, the Ninja...
COMMITMENT: Teaching Children the Lessons of a...
It's been said, time and again, that for a child to learn what is most important, he must be shown the lessons through example, not through words. And, if we are to nurture certain traits within our children, we must first develop those traits in ourselves.I've been teaching martial arts to children for a decade and a half and I've discovered something amazing about children - they want to learn what is expected of them. For all of the 'button-pushing,' resistance to your wishes and what-not, children want to know the rules and have a deep-down, almost inherent, need to "do it right."Unfortunately, I've also discovered that many of the parents who bring their children to our programs live by two...
Golfdust - Impact Indicator Training
It has happened to every one of us. You know what I'm talking about. You are on the course, enjoying your day and your game is going pretty well. When out of nowhere you start shanking balls in every direction. You have no idea where it came from and the more you chase the problem the worse it gets. No matter what you try to do you can't seem to get the problem sorted out. Obviously, you aren't making square contact with the ball, but how much should you adjust? How far from the sweet spot was that last swing? You can continue to make small adjustments without knowing exactly where you are hitting the ball. But, this can take quite a long time, and you can't be exactly sure where you might be making...
Martial Arts - Krav Maga
Many martial arts focus on one range of fighting and some of the more diverse martial arts may incorporate two ranges of fighting. The ultimate goal of any martial art is to instil both the skills and the confidence in its students in order for them to be able to defend themselves in a real life situation. No other martial art does this as effectively as the Israeli system of defensive tactics knows as Krav Maga. Krav Maga which is a martial art that incorporates all ranges of fighting was created in Israel in the year 1948 by a man named Imi Lichtenfeld.During the time period that Krav Maga was created, the Israelis were still under British rule and had to find a way to defend themselves...
Alright, to start off, this article won't be about "miracle" solutions that will help you get into shape in three easy steps. We're not gods, we're mortals. Therefore, if we want something bad enough, we have to actually put effort into it.In this case, we're talking about gaining/losing weight in a healthy fashion, and not simply getting more muscle mass for the purpose of looking good. Yes, looking good is there in the equation, but the appearance should be a byproduct, not the end goal.After all, if you get a Mr Universe body via steroids and other similar synthetic muscle boosters, but wind up dying as a result, all you'll be in the end is a good-looking corpse. Not a good idea, if you ask me...
Fifteen Ways to Fight Heel Pain
There are many different causes of heel pain, but the most common cause is plantar fasciitis (plan * tar fash* ee * I * tis). If you experience a sharp pain in your heel when you first step down in the morning, it is most likely due to plantar fasciitis. This problem is a result of excess stress through a long ligament type structure (the plantar fascia) in the bottom of the foot. The excess stress causes tearing and results in inflammation and pain. The classic symptoms are pain in the heel at the first step in the morning, or upon rising after long periods of rest. Many will complain of a sharp pain in the heel when they step out of their car or after finishing their lunch...
Facts about Martial Arts for Kids (Part 3)
"Martial Arts or Karate may not be a good fit for my daughter."We are living in the 21st century, and I still hear this one. This kind of thinking is what has been holding women back for centuries. This statement is not only made by fathers, but by mothers, too. If your daughter wants to try martial arts, let her have a chance. Martial arts classes for girls, or women, are very rewarding.Over the years, I have coached successful female martial arts competitors who were every bit as good as their male counterparts...
Three Steps to Picking a Karate Studio.
Three Steps to Picking a Karate Studio. 18th June 2006 Author: Richard Martin If you are like me, you are looking to get in a little better shape. What better way to do that than to start taking up martial arts. There are literally hundreds of different types of martial arts styles, and you want to make sure that you are getting a good deal on your karate lessons. Karate studios vary in quality, and unless you know what you are doing it might not get the best deal available. There are hundreds if not hundreds of thousands of karate instructors and their quality varies widely. Let's take a look at three different tips to keep in mind when shopping for a karate studio. 1. How long. This might...
Kubotan: A Self-Defense Weapon for All Martial...
One of the most popular self-defense weapons in use today by the average citizen and police officers alike is the "Kubotan" (pronounced: 'koo-bow-tahn'), or simply the self-defense keychain. The versatility of the this effective little item is that it lends itself well to being used in different ways by people with different martial arts backgrounds, as well as by people with no formal training in the martial arts whatsoever. In fact, this is perhaps one of the Kubotan's greatest advantages and therefore strengths, in that it can be picked up and easily used by any martial artist, regardless of style or principle fighting method. Regardless of whether a practitioner has studied the techniques of...
The History of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Part 1The Beginning "Where did it all begin?"I don't think anyone can answer this question with certainty, but there are plenty of good hypotheses. Every culture has some form of hand to hand combat in its history. Combat without weapons usually appears in the form of wrestling and sometimes boxing. Looking at the history timeline, one good hypothesis is that the wrestling techniques of Jiu-Jitsu could very well have come from Ancient Greece. Olympic games were one of the Greek's strongest traditions. It is most likely that along with Greek ideas, came one of its most popular sports, Pankration. Pankration was a sport that involved both boxing and wrestling techniques and became more popular to the...
Martial arts training is an important contributor to the health and wellness of American culture and it combines physical fitness with a lifestyle that emphasizes discipline, honesty, respect for authority and the rights of others.The martial arts industry has a small number of large companies and franchises but the mainstay of the business is the small dojo owned and operated by an accomplished martial arts instructor. As a result, it is important for the individual dojo to segment itself in the marketplace by emphasizing the uniqueness of its brand in the marketplace.Private label drinking water is an ideal way to promote a dojo brand because it combines healthy water with a durable and attractive...
A Military Loan Can Help You For 10 Critical...
Among the wide array of loans, one is definitely for the patriots of the country - the military loan. What exactly is a military loan? This is the line of credit that is allotted for a military personnel. It is mainly for the purpose of meeting some urgent and even not so urgent financial needs of an active serviceman or a retiree.There could be a gazillion reasons why a military loan can help. However, here is a rundown of the reasons trimmed to the most critical 10:1. A military loan does not require a collateral.Generally, a military loan is considered an unsecured loan. It is important to note that if one repays his military loan early, he may not have to pay any interest, fees, or penalties...
The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do
The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two martial arts is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a martial arts studio. After all, most practitioners in both karate and tae kwon do seem to wear the same type of white gi uniforms with various colored belts.Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese martial arts today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of...
Silent assassins, vagabond thieves, master less samurai, and all round bad guy. That's the image portrayed of the Ninja in movies and the media ever since the Ninja Boom of the 1980's, and it's an image that's hard to shack off.Like most things that come out of Hollywood, they tend to go for the flashy, most over hyped parts, and then blow it up a bit more. You only have to look at the most recent World War II films released in the past few years to see that.Well the historical Ninja were just a group of people living in the Iga region of Japan, who didn't want to live like samurai. That appears to be their only crime.They created their own system of self defence, and strategies that...
Is All This Martial Arts Training Gear Necessary?
*Please note: While this piece was written directed at parents of youth members, adult students should keep all of the relevant safety points in mind. Remember: Safety and vigilance are not 'things' to do. They are constant states of mind.Occasionally, a staff member or I will have a parent come to us with something like: "This past year, my daughter grew six inches and gained 50 pounds. As a result, I had to buy protective gear twice. It's so expensive and she is heading for another growth spurt. Is all this martial arts safety equipment necessary?"The answer, honestly, is Yes! You see, a lot more is changing with your child than just height and weight. We as parents and teachers easily notice...
Women in the Martial Arts
1st Lady Assistant to Sensei Henry Ellis Ellis Schools of Traditional AikidoI was born in West London in 1963, my father was very involved in the martial arts and a dan grade in Karate he was also a dealer in ancient Japanese arms and armour, although my father has an antiques shop in London's Bond Street, my home was more like a samurai warriors dressing room, with original suits of Japanese armour complete with very frighting face masks that would frighten the life out of my friends when ever they came to visit, there were also very many valuable swords yari and naginata spears.The MastersMy father would travel around the world searching for the best quality weapons, what intrigued me the most...
Ask a hundred people, 'Will you gain weight when you stop smoking?', and virtually all will say, 'Yes'.And yet.....virtually all ARE wrong. If I asked you the question now, what would you say?But before you answer, please read this article.......AND find out the real truth about smoking and weight gain........and THEN answer.The Old Willpower MethodThis is important. Get this clear in your mind.When you stop smoking, it does not mean that you HAVE TO gain weight.There are two parts to this problem and it is important that you understand BOTH of them.First, I need to be honest with you......Yes, in the past, people DID tend to gain weight when they gave up smoking.But this was BECAUSE most people...
How to Put the Sizzle Back in Your Relationship with These Seven Goal Setting Tools Goal Setting and Relationships? That is not as weird as it may sound. Consider the following definition of a goal: "A goal is a future incidence or event that is consciously worked towards." With this in mind, it is perfectly normal to make it your goal to improve your relationship, and these seven goal setting tools can help you. A great relationship is one of the finest things life can offer. When you choose your partner and start on a full-time relationship, you look forward to a future of love, support, encouragement, communication and intimacy. We enter into relationships for many different reasons and with...
Is a Chow Chow the Right Dog Breed for You?
The Chow Chow originally comes from China, where it was bred as a guard and hunting dog. Chinese merchants arrived in England with these dogs towards the end of the 18th century, and their exotic good looks quickly found a host of fanciers.Their popularity soon spread to the United States, and the American Kennel Club classified the Chow as a member of the Non-Sporting group. The Chow Chow weighs between 45 to 70 pound and stands 17 to 20 inches high. Some people have commented that its down turned lips can give this breed an almost angry appearance.Combine this with its lion like mane, and it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that this dog is somewhat unfriendly. But the truth is, that they...
Why Train Self-Defense Solo?
For students who attend our regular classes the information below will be nothing new. Many have heard me pontificate on these points at various times, however, I think it's important to share this information with others to hopefully help them focus their training in order to improve upon the quality of their workouts especially when they train on their own. This piece doesn't get into any specific training methods but merely highlights "philosophically" the importance of practicing the exercises on your own. For a more detailed reading please refer to our book Attack Proof.Like many of our students I've studied many martial arts systems over the years and while I was able to develop a degree of...
In the world in which we currently live, it is now necessary that one knows how to properly defend themselves or their loved ones if they are in danger of being hurt. This article will become useful if you want to increase your knowledge of basic self-defense and techniques used to fight off an attacker. You are going learn what self-defense is, why it is needed, basic self-defense moves, and weapons that can be useful if needed.Self-defense refers to the use of violence to protect oneself and is a legal right that you have. You`ve seen it in the movies. A pretty girl is in a parking lot, some guy attempts to rape, she kicks him in the groin, and she runs to safety. This is just an example of a...
WHOSE DREAM IS IT?
"Mom, I want to quit karate." With those few words, Ryan, my thirteen-year-old son, declared war. For two solid years, four times a week, I had willingly driven thirty miles to the nearest karate dojo. In that short amount of time, Ryan exhibited a natural ability that quickly moved him up the ranks. He had earned the first black stripe on his Brown Belt. Only two more tests until he would have his Black Belt. And now, he wanted to quit. The lessons had been Ryan's idea, not mine. To me, karate implied violence. To Ryan, they represented power. "Mom, I'm a wimp. I'm tired of all the bullies picking on me. I need to learn how to defend myself." I resisted. My excuses ranged from, "I don't want you to...
The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do
The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two martial arts is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a martial arts studio. After all, most practitioners in both karate and tae kwon do seem to wear the same type of white gi uniforms with various colored belts.Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese martial arts today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of...
The History of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu - Pt. 2
Jiu-Jitsu in BrazilEventually, in Japan many different variations of the art (Jiu-Jitsu) took shape, including Karate, Aikido, and Judo. But these arts were missing essential pieces of what the complete art of Jiu-Jitsu originally held. Soon the day of the Samurai came to an end, the gun replaced the sword, and new sportive ways to practice martial arts were developed. This lack of reality created years of confusion in the martial arts community, a confusion that legendary Bruce Lee would later refer to as the 'classical mess'. The 'sport arts', such as Judo and Kendo were wonderful in the way of offering their practitioners a safe way to realistically train the techniques of their system, but often...
WHERE DOES SAFETY BEGIN? Personal safety begins with you. It is widely accepted that a wide-ranging personal safety strategy must incorporate prevention, deterrence and defiance. PREVENTION: Is the first and most important element of any personal safety strategy. Prevention includes all those things that can be done to avoid dangerous situation. The most obvious and critical of those things is maintaining a keen awareness of your surroundings at all times. DETERRENCE: Being aware of potential danger is only one step in your personal safety strategy. Deterrence includes a wide variety of tactics to help tip the odds in your favor. Such tactics might include body language, verbal aggression...
Ip Man - the Man who Taught Bruce Lee Kung Fu
Ip Man was the second son of a wealthy and influential family. His early years were set against a backdrop of civil unrest and conflict. A bloody conflict with Japan was lost and China was forced to cede territory and money to Japan A coup d'etat followed three years later and for the following few years the country was thrown in to further turmoil by the "Boxer rebellion" (a bloody uprising of martial artists against foreign influence in China). By the time he was 12 the uprising had long since been quelled and the remaining martial artists who hadn't been put to death were maintaining a very low profile.It was at this time that Ip Man started to take an interest in Wing Chun, after watching...
How To Defend Against A Knife - Don't Use The...
Defences against Knife attacks, Firstly if at all possible get yourself and anyone else out of the potential danger area.....RUN AWAY.Yes you heard right, run away. This is not a cowards way out, this is sensible. After all your potential assailant could be on drugs or just plain crazy. Nobody needs a dead hero.However if you can't get away or you are cornered, try to talk your way out of the situation, tell the guy what he wants to hear or give him what he wants, if it's a mugging, but only if you think this will pacify him...Let me explain. If it is apparent that your assailant is going to stab you whether you give him all your money or not then you must do something about the situation before...
Vegas, baby. Vegas! They weren't lying: what happens in Vegas... stays in Vegas!How many times have you heard those catch phrases? Well, we agree - they are both very overstated. But, they really do sum up your Vegas experience. Bottom line: Las Vegas is about checking your husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. at the door and cutting yourself loose from any morals, worries, conscience. This is the place where everyone seems to think that "anything goes" - and it usually does! People actually do enjoy pretending they are somebody else. Even the most conservative woman in your office will let her hair down and give in to that one night stand -- she is in Vegas, after all!With all those poker...
The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners. The disciplined training of the mind and body give a sense of well being but some aspects of Martial Arts training do present a problem.Most forms of martial art will eventually lead to contact training at some level, whether is is light contact, semi-contact or full contact. Whilst training it is important to wear the right equipment. But what is the right equipment and what protection will it afford you?During this article I hope to point you in the right direction towards choosing the protective sparring gear that is right for you.Head gearThis is probably the most important piece of protective equipment you can purchase. Head...
A Brief History of Karate: Part II of III
While Karate was primarily organized in Shuri and Naha, Tomari originally had little direct influence. This is because, at that time, Tomari was inhabited by a simple people; it was a city of fishermen. Tomari had its share of notable masters, however, with Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898), Kokan Oyadomari (1827-1905) and Gikei Yamazato (1835-1905) the most notable. They studied under Annan, as well as Ason, a Chinese sergeant.It is said in Okinawan tradition that Annan, a pirate, was a castaway from a shipwreck on the coast. He took refuge in the graveyard of the mountains of Tomari, and later lived in a cave. Reportedly, Annan was the master who taught the kata Chinto to Sokon Matsumura. Matsumora and...
Chi Sau - Wing Chun Kung Fu Training Method
There are a number of different forms of chi sao, but they all share some common characteristics.They are always two person exercises. The arms always start in contact at striking range They aim to the develop sensitivity to the opponents movements and energy, use of correct position, and ability to find a gap in an opponents defences, and the appropriate use of trapping skills.The six stages of Chi Sau training are:Dan Chi Sao (single sticking hands) Poon Sao (double sticking hands) Jeung Sao (changing hands) Dok Sao (analytical hands) Gor Sao (free applications) Chi Sao Lye Bye Muk (blindfolded chi sao) By looking at each of these stages in more detail we can gain a better understanding of...
Facts about Martial Arts for Kids (Part 3)
"Martial Arts or Karate may not be a good fit for my daughter."We are living in the 21st century, and I still hear this one. This kind of thinking is what has been holding women back for centuries. This statement is not only made by fathers, but by mothers, too. If your daughter wants to try martial arts, let her have a chance. Martial arts classes for girls, or women, are very rewarding.Over the years, I have coached successful female martial arts competitors who were every bit as good as their male counterparts...
As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today's world just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in martial arts such as karate, tae kwon do, kung fu and other martial art styles will improve one's cardiovascular fitness as well as tone...
Jiu-Jitsu in BrazilEventually, in Japan many different variations of the art (Jiu-Jitsu) took shape, including Karate, Aikido, and Judo. But these arts were missing essential pieces of what the complete art of Jiu-Jitsu originally held. Soon the day of the Samurai came to an end, the gun replaced the sword, and new sportive ways to practice martial arts were developed. This lack of reality created years of confusion in the martial arts community, a confusion that legendary Bruce Lee would later refer to as the 'classical mess'. The 'sport arts', such as Judo and Kendo were wonderful in the way of offering their practitioners a safe way to realistically train the techniques of their system, but often...
Creating Teachers Lesson Plans
Often times one of the biggest challenges for new teachers is the creation of teachers lesson plans. It is estimated by educational experts, that for every hour a teacher spends teaching, they have to spend two hours creating the lesson plans. After a certain period this actually is less a factor because teachers have felt a good feel for what is required and their lesson plans are pretty much established.Many schools have set curricula which can be a help to new teachers. They are actually a predefined, established lesson plans that are already entirely spelled out for the teacher. This can be very helpful, especially for the newer teachers who haven't quite picked up on what is needed...
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do you have a profession?"To enter a profession, you invested an enormous amount of time, energy and money. Then you put great effort into earning the respect of clients and colleagues. Now you continually sharpen and update your professional skills.Your profession has become a major part of your identity. Your profession is a key source -- maybe even the main source -- of meaning and purpose in your life. You feel good when others affirm your professional status and skills.Your professional role is so woven into the fiber of your being that your don't merely HAVE a profession. You ARE a professional.All well and good.Your...
Self Defense: Why Most Adults Drop Out of...
The most surprising statistic that most karate and martial arts teachers discover is the one that tells them "why most of their adult students quit shortly after enrolling." In fact, the greatest percentage of adult dropouts from martial arts classes occurs within the first 100 days!This has sparked some groups to investigate the reasons behind this phenomena. Surveys have been conducted both in the United States as well as in Canada. Additional inquiries may also have been conducted in places like Europe and Australia as well.What the researchers found was, to them, incredible. They found that, by and large, the number one reason for adult students dropping out of their programs was......no...
The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do
The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two martial arts is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a martial arts studio. After all, most practitioners in both karate and tae kwon do seem to wear the same type of white gi uniforms with various colored belts.Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese martial arts today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of...
The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do
The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two martial arts is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a martial arts studio. After all, most practitioners in both karate and tae kwon do seem to wear the same type of white gi uniforms with various colored belts.Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese martial arts today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of...
Fitness and Training for Jiu-Jitsu / Self Defense
When I started training Jiu-Jitsu as a system for Self Defense, it became very apparent to me that the students did not take their personal Fitness to a level anywhere near that of competitive Martial Artists or Fighters. Having a competitive Boxing and contact Karate background made me far more conscious of my fitness than many of the people around me. There is not that same goal of getting into tip top condition for an upcoming fight or Tournament because that goal is often preparing for a fight on the street that hopefully would never happen. It is very difficult to sustain a very high level of fitness without a specific goal. Therefore, it is important for the average Student to set their own...
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you to believe that your strip steak, salmon filet, scrambled eggs and bacon came from healthy, happy animals raised on good, old-fashioned family farms. But, as more Americans are coming to realize, behind those perfectly cellophane-wrapped meats, bright white eggs and plastic milk gallons are tales so gruesome and downright shocking that it's a surprise Hollywood has yet to make it a movie about it."It" is agribusiness, the term given to describe the mass production of meats, poultry, fish, eggs and milk in America today, and it's the topic of Ken Midkiff's new book, The Meat You Eat: How Corporate Farming Has Endangered America's...