Why Martial Arts is Good for the Holidays

The holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s, are fast approaching, and everybody knows it’s the perfect time to get together with family and friends to enjoy a nice meal — well, multiple meals over the course of a couple of months.

Some individuals are able to focus on their health and wellness throughout these times, but others who aren’t as strong in the self-control department fall prey to the urges of tasty food and childhood memories. Not surprisingly, most people put on weight during the holidays due to overindulgence.

Fortunately, there is a way to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the holidays, and set yourself up for success. Through a martial arts class, like Taekwondo, practitioners gain a sense of self-control, incredible discipline, and a newfound dedication to living a healthy life.

The holidays are everyone’s favorite time of the year. It’s when people can eat and be merry. This year, however, try something a little different. Put your health and wellness first, and you’ll find that you can enjoy the holidays better when you are prepared for it.

Now, more importantly than any other time, is the best opportunity to get in shape through martial arts. Just before the holiday season hits, you’ll want to be in prime condition.

While almost everyone gives gifts in some form or another during the holiday season, the best gift to give is to yourself. By treating yourself to martial arts training, you’re not only focusing on your own well-being, you’re also giving yourself a fun new hobby you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

The journey of a martial artist is a special and sacred one. By constantly looking to improve yourself at least 1% each day, you are making the conscious effort to move and progress forward. Each day is a step forward, not backward, and as a martial artist, it is important to recognize this.

Furthermore, becoming a martial artist in Taekwondo will engross you in the science and technical aspect of combat. It’s an exciting and refreshing new educational journey to embark on, to say the least. Become a martial artist for the rest of your life, and there is no better time to start than now.

Last but certainly not the least, martial arts like Taekwondo will help you make better, healthier decisions in your life. Martial arts is a unique approach to health and wellness because it involves improving every aspect of your life. More than just physical benefits, martial arts convinces you to take a step back and reevaluate your lifestyle.

Due to the physical and mental requirements of training, you’ll find yourself making many key adjustments when it comes to how you conduct yourself on a daily basis. You’ll make the conscious decision to place your health first, like choosing to get more rest and sleep, for example, instead of bingeing on a night out.

You’ll make better, healthier food choices, opting for clean fuel for your body, rather than harmful processed foods and unhealthy fast food. You’ll choose to hit the gym instead of lounging on the couch all day. These are just some of the decisions you’ll soon find yourself making.

Martial arts will impact your life in more ways than one. Start building good habits through martial arts training, especially before this holiday season. By the time the year comes to a close, you’ll be a much better person overall due to your experience in martial arts.

If you’re looking to get ready for the holidays the right way, give Taekwondo a go!

All Ages Can Benefit From Martial Arts Training

Many believe the martial arts are only for the very young and very fit — but, as research shows, that’s simply not true. People think they’re too old or too out of shape to perform many of the exercises in a typical martial arts program. However, for those seeking a good workout, Tae Kwon Do offers some excellent fitness benefits for mature practitioners, including improvements in balance, flexibility, endurance and mental health.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Sport and Health Science examined 89 men and woman (average age 70) and determined that after five months of martial arts training, participants experienced “significant improvement in motor reactivity, stress tolerance and divided attention,” including improved memory. And the combination of aerobic, balance and coordination exercises helped boost cognitive functions. A secondary study proved further cognitive improvements after 10 months of training. If 70-year-olds are experiencing such major improvements by training in the martial arts, imagine what a 45-year-old can achieve in one year of study.

Not only are martial arts like Tae Kwon Do good for the brain, but they are also good for the body. Balance is a key component. As people age, their strength, vision and sensory perception decrease, making balancing more difficult. Without good balance, people are more susceptible to falling and injuring themselves. Martial artists incorporate balance in the stances, kicks and other techniques they execute.

Stretching is also important in martial arts training. While older adults may not be able to do splits, stretching is necessary to keep muscles flexible and strong. If one doesn’t stretch regularly, muscles shorten and tighten and won’t fully extend when needed, sometimes causing injury. The more flexible a person is, the easier it is for him or her to perform routine and repetitive tasks without harming areas such as the back, hamstrings and shoulders.

Martial arts practice also incorporates endurance training through aerobic exercise. This helps improve cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular health — crucial elements for people of all ages. Kicking targets, sparring with an opponent and performing basic line drills are just some of the ways students can elevate their heart rate.

In addition to physical betterment, many styles of martial arts focus on improving the mind, body and spirit. The “Do” in arts such as Tae Kwon Do translates to “The Way.” This philosophy guides practitioners by improving their mental well-being through both their training and everyday activities.

Why Martial Arts is Good for Women and Girls

Martial arts training like Tae Kwon Do has become one of the most popular activities among all ages and genders. It seems like we have all realized the benefits of how practicing martial arts improves our health. In most cases, training will change your life for the better if you fully commit yourself to it.

Thus, we can see more and more women joining martial art schools for various benefits. This is good since it breaks the bad myth that combat sports are for men only, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Martial arts are good for both genders, and in this article, we will explain why every woman and girl should join the classes.

At first, some ladies may feel nervous working out with a lot of guys. But trust us, this feeling lasts only for one or two weeks. Once you become familiar with training and the people around you, you will stop thinking about this stuff.

It teaches you how to defend yourself

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, it is crucial for every person to learn self-defense skills. Danger is present all the time and you shouldn’t take it for granted even if you live in a safe area. As we know, bad things happen when we least think of them, and it’s always better to know how to fight. And, martial arts classes like Tae Kwon Do will prepare you for this type of bad scenario.

It will get you in great shape

Martial arts training will get your body and mind in top shape. This means training a couple of times per week improves both your upper and lower body strength. And you will feel huge gains after just a few months in Tae Kwon Do.

Martial arts helps you lose weight

Martial arts are a form of aerobic training which means the classes are great for losing weight. In fact, martial arts training is one of the best ways you can lose weight.

This is just one of the reasons why we can see so many women signing up for the classes.

Stress relief

Martial arts are a great way you can relieve stress and calm your mind down. Trust us; there’s nothing like having a bad day and coming to Tae Kwon Do classes in the evening to punch out all the negative things.

Whether it’s the problems at home or work that bother you, martial arts allow you to reset your mind and calm down. Training hard pumps up your endorphins which reduces your anxiety and stress levels.

Martial arts improves cardiovascular health

As said earlier, a lot of people attend the classes because of health benefits only. On top of the other health benefits, Tae Kwon Do training makes your heart much stronger.

Training hard will increase your heart rate per minute and VO2 max in the long run. This is crucial for raising your cardio levels and reducing blood pressure. With that, your heart will become much stronger as well.

It boosts your confidence

Martial arts like Tae Kwon Do are real confidence boosters as it allows you to learn more about yourself like no other sport out there. And above all, they are great for people who go through various mental problems such as depression.

4 Big Benefits to Training in Taekwondo During COVID-19

Quarantine is a time of change. It’s up to you as parents to define exactly what that change means for you and your family. Keeping your kids active in their martial arts training is beneficial to their mental health during quarantine, as well as keeping their bodies active in a time of social distancing.

Benefits of Physical Movement

BOOSTING ENDORPHIN LEVELS IMPROVES FOCUS
The benefits of physical activity are good for multiple kinds of health. Social distancing and quarantine could cause a negative impact on your kids and their mental states. Exercise combats mental health issues by boosting endorphin levels and reducing stress. Studies have also shown that endorphin-rich movement improves mental focus and cognitive skills.

BOOSTING MUSCLE STRENGTH PREVENTS INJURY
Not only that, making sure your kids are active during quarantine will boost muscle strength to prevent future injury, improve cardiovascular health, and control mood swings. Keeping your kids enrolled in their martial arts training is a very important part of keeping them healthy and happy during quarantine. According to the World Health Organization, children from the ages of 5 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of movement a day, at least 3 times per week.

IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH & INNER SELF-DISCIPLINE
Martial arts in itself is a great way to improve mental health. Martial arts can help relieve students of daily stressors and help you get focused. With training that involves philosophies centered around inner self-discipline, healthy competition, and goal setting, continuing training in quarantine is beneficial across all aspects. Plus, getting your kids focused on something other than daily news updates and the stress surrounding them takes the pressure off of parents.

MEMORY IS BETTER WHEN YOU EXERCISE
Exercising on a schedule increases brain cells and energy, as well as improving overall memory. Lifehack’s list of the benefits of exercise cites a study done by the American College of Sports Medicine. In these experiments, two groups of students were told to memorize a list of letters. One group was asked to go run, lift weights, and get physical. The other was asked to stay put. Which group do you think tested higher on the memory experiment? The group who exercised! Allowing your kids to continue training gives your kids an advantage in their future endeavors and improves overall brain function.

Why Kids Love Schedules

KIDS FEEL SENSE OF SECURITY WITH SCHEDULES
Sticking to schedules is a big part of how children cope with life. They comprehend changes easier and more successfully when they are occurring within the context of a familiar routine. Schedules build up a tolerance to normal life changes. The world is constantly changing at an unprecedented rate during COVID-19. School keeps getting pushed back, plans canceled, activities taken away, and more. For adults and children alike, these times are stressful. Kids get a sense of security from a schedule, so forming some sense of normalcy in their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic is important.

KIDS THRIVE WITH ROUTINE AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
Drastic changes can take away a kid’s sense of security, so pulling them away from all hobbies and activities is a shock to their mental health that might bring new issues to light. Keeping your child in martial arts classes will help them feel closer to their schedule and weekly routine. It helps them feel part of their community and with familiar faces. Not only that, sticking with a schedule that includes exercise ultimately increases productivity.

PARENTS GET A BREAK

COVID-19 has been an adjustment for everyone, especially the working parent. Trying to juggle work, kids, and schooling is no easy task. Parents need a break. Having kids stay enrolled in weekly classes allows you to keep some you-time in your schedule. You need it for your mental health just as much as your kids need martial arts classes for theirs!

USE THAT TIME TO EXERCISE
Be an example to your kids by using their class time to take a break and exercise yourself. Parents who exercise regularly are good fitness role models for children and inspire them to lead healthier lives as well. Continued membership in martial arts classes could also present you with an opportunity to get involved in classes with your kids and provides an activity for the whole family to do.

BUILD YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Whether you decide to get active with your kids or utilize class time as a personal mental break, don’t forget that regular exercise also builds and helps maintain your immune system. Exercise boosts your body’s level of immunoglobulins, these are proteins that bolster your immune system and help prevent future infection. When the most prevalent thought on everyone’s mind is how to stay healthy, keeping active is a great way to start. “Every sweat session you do can help strengthen your immune function for about 24 hours,” says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D.

Finding different activities to do can pose a challenge for parents, but continuing membership allows kids to stick with what they already know, martial arts! Especially during the time of COVID-19, the opportunities for physical activity are limited. Taking the time to keep up with taekwondo training during quarantine relieves parents from the stress of coming up with different exercises to do.

How to Keep Them Engaged

Did you know kids are currently spending more than seven and a half hours a day in front of screens? iPads, TVs, and video games are at the forefront of entertainment for students staying at home right now. Inspiring your kids to WANT to stick with classes is the final hurdle to keeping active during the quarantine. While times like this make Stay at Home orders seem like the perfect opportunity to slack off and not do anything, it is our job to prevent this mentality in our kids.

CLASSES PROVIDE COMMUNITY
Providing kids with a chance to see each other and interact is a great way to let them share their techniques with one another and still feel connected to their love of martial arts. We know having kids out of school and extracurriculars takes a toll on their mood. Having an outlet for them to look forward to each week is good for the whole atmosphere of your home.

Kid's Martial Arts

WHY CHILDREN SHOULD TRAIN IN MARTIAL ARTS DURING SUMMER

Summer is here, and that means that across the Indianapolis area, parents will soon be hearing a chorus of “I’m bored!” escaping from their children’s lips. Combating boredom this summer can be both fun and educational when you choose to enroll your child in martial arts classes. Studying martial arts gives your child a chance to grow and develop over the summer by highlighting physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills. While your child is in school, these skills are used and exercised frequently, but during summer break many children fail to maintain some level of growth and development. Avoid the loss of important social skills and improve their focus while keeping them from being bored by enrolling them in martial arts training. Other benefits of studying martial arts include the following below.

Reduced Summer Learning Loss
Boosting your child’s intellectual stimulation over the summer by introducing them to a new activity like martial arts and Tae Kwon Do can help reduce summer learning loss. Enriching your child’s life with an organized activity that challenges them to develop new skills and utilize their working memory can get them ready to return to school focused and ready to learn at the end of summer vacation.

Increased Social Stability
Positive social interaction over the summer helps reduce your child’s back to school anxiety. Martial arts training helps your child develop proper social behaviors during class time. These behaviors then translate to home and school. In fact, children who train in Tae Kwon Do often receive glowing behavior reviews from teachers and other parents because of their increased social stability.

Improved Emotional Stability
Did you know that most children lose self-esteem over the summer? As a result, returning to school in the fall can be stressful and full of anxiety. Many of the fears associated with meeting new teachers, making new friends, and bullying can be dissuaded by allowing your child to participate in activities that strengthen their emotional outlook. Instead of dreading the return to school they will be excited about all the possibilities a new school year has to offer.

Prevent Summer Weight Gain
While it may seem like your children are more active over the summer, the lack of structure and the increase in snacking between meals can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Weight gain among kids happens twice as fast over the summer because they sleep in later, are involved in more sedentary activities, and consume more processed foods.

What Martial Arts Can Offer Kids With Learning and Attention Issues

There are lots of reasons martial arts can be a good match for kids with learning and attention issues. Here are nine potential benefits:

  1. They focus on individual growth, not on team competition. Many kids with learning and attention issues struggle with the pressure of having to compete with other kids. So traditional sports may not appeal to them. But in martial arts, like Taekwondo and Karate, the focus is on self-improvement. There’s no “letting down the team.”
  2. They offer concrete, attainable goals. Some kids with learning and attention issues may feel like they never “win” at anything. In martial arts, kids work at their own pace. They’re awarded a different colored belt every time they reach a new skill level. This can boost self-esteem and keep them motivated.
  3. Routines are broken down into manageable chunks. A technique or form in martial arts can have dozens of different movements. But kids learn gradually, repeating and adding steps as they go. They learn to anticipate which step comes next and eventually put everything together into fluid movements. All of this gives working memory a workout, but in a way that kids may find manageable.
  4. They emphasize self-control and concentration. Attention is central to martial arts. Kids must stay focused to learn and to perform. When a child’s focus drifts, instructors will often ask them to take the “ready stance.” This position allows them to reset and ready themselves for what’s next.
  5. They can help with coordination. The deliberate, repetitive movements of martial arts can help kids develop a better feel for their body in space, which can be useful to kids who struggle with motor skills. This may also help some kids understand the power of the mind over the body, which some find to be valuable for kids with ADHD.
  6. They provide structure and clear expectations for behavior. Good martial arts instructors have clear rules and constantly reinforce them. They also emphasize good behavior in and out of class. Some even send kids home with behavior charts their parents must sign.
  7. They can provide a safe outlet for excess energy. Contrary to what some might expect, martial arts don’t encourage violent behavior. In fact, instructors often emphasize that fighting is a last resort. At the same time, kicking and karate chopping can allow kids to work out frustration or anger, while also practicing self-control.
  8. The environment is accepting and communal. Respect is a core value in martial arts. Students are expected to show it for their instructor and their peers. Negativity is generally not tolerated in class, and students are encouraged to support each other.
  9. They’re just plain cool! Kids with learning and attention issues can often feel awkward or socially out of the loop. But lots of kids think martial arts are cool. It’s hard not to feel special when you’re wearing martial arts gear and breaking boards in half.
Adult's Martial Arts

Martial Arts & Mental Strength

Martial arts, like Tae Kwon Do and Karate, isn’t just an intense physical activity, it is also an exercise of the mind, sharpening focus and improving concentration in you or your child. One of the many benefits of training martial arts is enhanced mental clarity. Not only will martial arts get you or your child in great shape, but it will also put you or your child in the absolute best state of mind.

Today’s world is fast-paced and incredibly hectic. So much is going on every day that it’s hard to keep up. It has become increasingly difficult to maintain focus and concentrate on various things we have to do with all that is going on in our everyday lives. Oftentimes, there is just too much peripheral noise that surrounds us, and it takes our attention away from matters that are truly deserved of our time.

One of the most important aspects of our lives to improve is our mental strength. By making our minds stronger, we are able to achieve more. Because martial arts, like Tae Kwon Do and Karate, deals a lot with putting individuals in the proper frame of mind, this makes training in martial arts a great way to exercise our brains.

1) It gives you a sense of calm and serenity.

2) It gives you self-confidence.

3) Improved physical health clears the mind: Sound body, sound mind.

4) Martial Arts enhances concentration and focus.

Tae Kwon Do & Confidence

Self-confidence is the ability to trust yourself and your abilities. For that, you need to first know what you are capable of physically, mentally, and emotionally. To know this, it is essential that you push your limits on a regular basis to see how much you can take. Pushing yourself just a little bit more each workout is the key to extending and expanding your capabilities over time. Since taekwondo, karate, and some related martial arts forms are essentially about self-improvement of mind, body, and spirit, training is a natural, reliable, and enjoyable way to gain self-confidence.

You can train your kids to practice pushing their limits from a young age, so they learn to give their best in every life situation. Get them started young, in their pre-school years if possible, to reap maximum benefits of taekwondo. These early, formative years are important times for developing bodies and minds. Parents appreciate the physical fitness, good manners, and new friendships formed by their children being in taekwondo.

Taekwondo, karate, and certain other martial arts involve progression from one level to the next, each level corresponding to various belt colors going from white to black. Each successive rank includes a number of simple and complex moves that must be learned and properly performed, with tests to be passed, to be graduated in rank and belt color. Classes also include free sparring in protective safety gear with peers and seniors to develop students’ self-defense skills. Advancements in rank and learning the ability to defend oneself helps boost the confidence in your children.

 

Kid's Martial Arts

Why Martial Arts is Better for Kids than Team Sports

1. Self-Defense

This is the number one reason why most people decide to study  martial arts, and Tae Kwon Do or Karate is a great way to learn how to defend yourself. Martial arts teach you the techniques to defend yourself, but also the way to think about defending yourself – anticipate and avoid potential dangers. Training also helps  build up the reflexes you need if you’re ever in a dangerous situation, and give you the confidence to stand up for yourself and fight back if needed – which brings us to our next topic…

2. Self-Confidence

As children become more proficient in martial arts, their confidence gets a big-boost. They become more self-assured and confident. Their teacher’s encouragement goes a long way to help them achieve this goal, but the confidence level will extend far beyond the Martial Arts Studio.

3. Belts and Ranking

Belts and rankings are a public recognition among peers for the student’s effort and progress. Martial Arts ranking system helps teach children to set goals and achieve them, to persevere and prioritize.

4. Discipline

Martial Arts training, such as Tae Kwon Do and Karate, is a physical expression of ‘practice makes perfect’.  In a class a student may execute a single movement  or series of related movements, hundreds of times. This teaches the student that the progress that always happens during small improvements in technique and stamina, flexibility or power – will come through endless repetition.

Even during sparring  – where the student shows how creatively he or she can apply their well-honed skills – there are still rules and protocols to be followed.  All of this teaches children to respect one another, their opponents and colleagues, and how to play games fair and square – lessons that follow them in their non-Martial Arts lives. It also teaches them to commit, to go to practice even when they don’t feel like it.

5.  Individual Achievement: No one sits on the Bench

Although there are many lessons to be learned from team and individual varsity sports, the ‘make the team’ model often favors the more physically developed players while alienating the late bloomers.

Coaches have access to a endless supply of players that renews itself each year, the big and strong get picked and get to  play while the less physically developed watch from the bench, this leads to a even greater disparity in skill development as the season goes by.

All kids get equal ‘playing time’. Naturally some kids develop their skills and physical abilities earlier than others but we personally find that many kids who start out with underdeveloped athletic attributes such as strength, speed and size, end up blooming onto some of the finest technicians we have in all of our programs.

If  your child is an athletic wonder who is able to stay ahead of the game with his or her natural talents, athletics may very well bring out the best in him or her. But if you want your child’s full potential to be nurtured through years of disciplined and diligent training look for a martial art school who offers a serious program taught by world-class accredited instructors.

6. Gender Equality

I am sure that while many parents would consider martial arts for their sons, not nearly as many would consider it for their daughters. However the martial arts are one of the few sports where both boys and girls can play together.

Martial Artist also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well (not to mention the convenience of having all of your kids in one place at a time).

7. Weight Control

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic and rising trends in overweight and obesity are apparent in both developed and developing countries (CDC stats).

The typical  martial arts class will often be comprised of warm-up calisthenics, teaching and practicing of moves and some sparring, as well as some active games. The warm up and practice comprise the bulk of the time, and for that time your child will be constantly on the go. The workout each child gets will not only assist in the natural development of his or her muscles but also help them build stronger Cardio-Vascular systems.

8. You can do it with them

Parents and children can take classes together. If you have the proper space for it, you can practice with each other at home, and learn from one another. This will give you a special activity to use as a bonding tool with your kids. You can also become physically fit together.

9. The Never-Ending Season

Many team sports, especially those primarily played outdoors, or in specific weather (think Soccer, Baseball and even wrestling) are seasonal. In Martial Arts we have classes year round. This consistency and availability also helps build upon discipline, and allows children to progress at a much quicker pace in the Martial Arts than in Team Sports.

Martial Arts Benefits for Your Child

Martial arts are an ancient method of training your mind, body and spirit to act as one. Martial arts practitioners strive for harmony, but also learn effective  self-defense techniques. Children who get involved in martial arts reap many benefits in several areas of life. Most martial arts originated in Asia and include karate, kung fu, jiu jitsu, aikido, tae kwon do, judo and muay Thai.

Fitness

Fitness is a crucial element to all martial arts classes, especially where children are involved. Warmups with stretches are common, and the movements of the martial art itself often challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system. Martial artists are known for being toned, flexible and physically fit, and your child will be no different.

Self Defense

The ability to defend yourself against an assailant is an empowering feeling. Most martial arts, such as at this school, use self defense as a cornerstone of the entire program. The precise methods will vary from discipline to discipline, but you can be certain that with regular practice, your child will learn to defend himself or herself in a variety of different ways.

Self Discipline

Martial arts help instill mental focus in your child, giving her the ability to concentrate on a task and see it through to its conclusion. The discipline that is taught in the dojo in regard to uniforms, customs and techniques often translates into other areas of life, including school and household chores.

Respect

Martial arts are all about respect. Punching and kicking are all secondary to the respect that is shown from the moment you walk into a dojo. Children learn to bow to the masters who came before them, and to their current instructors. They also learn to treat other students as they wish to be treated. Quality martial arts instructors, such as at this school, press upon the respect issue regularly and instruct students to practice respect for self, parents, teachers and peers at every opportunity.

Self Confidence

A child who is involved in martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do or Karate is generally a child who is confident in herself. Working through a martial art and the belt ranking system gives a child measurable goals to follow that are realistic to attain. The sense of accomplishment a child feels by mastering a new technique or graduating to a new belt follows him everywhere he goes.