Story

I’ve often said how important eating breakfast is to your overall health. It is your first meal of the day…the breaking of the fast from overnight. Your first meal of the day provides your body with the fuel necessary to get started. For that reason, it should be eaten right at the beginning of your day. There’s no sense in “running on fumes” until lunch time.
Studies show that people who eat breakfast actually eat more healthfully throughout the day than do those who skip breakfast, both in timing and in quality. So by eating a healthful breakfast, you are truly setting up your entire day to be healthful.  read more »

We have all been told that honesty is the best policy. However, how many of us actually make honesty a priority in life? Honesty can be defined as saying or doing what is truthful and right. If you put honesty first in each and every thing you do, then you will notice that you happy with yourself and your choices in life.
In many cases, temptation may make it hard to choose the high road of honesty. Sometimes, at the expense of others, we make the wrong choice simply because we know that we won’t get caught. Dishonesty is the wrong choice because it is unethical and may negatively affect others. Dishonesty also puts us in positions that can turn friends and family against us.  read more »

I recently stumbled across a “diet” book with a rather interesting premise: the same characteristics that help people achieve financial goals also help them reach weight goals. The book is How the Rich Get Thin by Jana Klauer, MD. She has many tips and techniques that she includes in her book, along with the diet plan which is based on five “non-negotiables:” exercise daily; include protein in every meal; add calcium to your diet to boost your metabolism; conquer your food cravings; and eliminate all processed food.  read more »

Generosity means sharing what you have. However, to be truly generous you must do more than give things away that have little or no value to you, and you must give with no expectation of being compensated.  True generosity involves sharing things that are meaningful or have value without expecting any thanks or consideration in return.  read more »

One very important characteristic of successful people and leaders is their ability to take initiative. The word initiative can be defined as knowing what needs to be done and doing it without specifically being told to do so. This includes getting homework, projects, and chores done on time. It also includes being responsible, considering other people’s feelings, and always keeping safety in mind. People who take initiative tend to have more opportunities, more friends, and much more happiness in their lives.

In the Martial Arts, you can demonstrate initiative by letting your instructor know ahead of time when you need to be absent from class, and asking for some extra training when you return to cover the material that you missed. Most importantly, you can also take initiative by independently practicing your curriculum at home at least three times per week and training extra-hard before testing. If you take the initiative in determining how to get the most out of your training, including following these suggestions, then you will almost certainly accomplish any goals that you set in your Martial Arts journey.  read more »

How it works: Match these martial arts styles with their correct description by writing the corresponding item letter on the answer line.

A. Tai Chi Chuan B. Jeet Kune Do
C. Aikido D. Judo
E. Muay Thai F. Shotokan
G. Taekwondo H. Capoeira
I. Kendo J. Escrima
K. Kung Fu

1. Generic name for Martial Arts from China meaning “skill from effort.” ______

2. Type of kickboxing in Thailand known for leg kicks, elbows and knees. ______

3. Gichin Funakoshi found this Japanese karate system. ______

4. Filipino martial art sometimes also known as Arnis and Kali. ______  read more »

Martial Arts Success Stories

Karate Has Helped Me In Many Ways
By Joshua “Spaceman” Oliviera, Age 11

I have been taking karate for five and a half years and have recently earned my green belt. Besides all the new moves I have learned, I have gained a lot of self confidence. Training at my Martial Arts Academy three times a week really helps my confidence and my ability, and I look forward to class each time.

Not only does karate help me physically and mentally but I have made a lot of new friends. Knowing that I can do something is great, but having my friends cheer me on is even better! Sparring with my friends in class is also fun because no matter who wins or loses we can talk about the match afterward and try to get better.  read more »

Everyone has been taught that honesty is the best policy. However, the truth is not always pretty and sometimes the blunt truth can be extremely hurtful. Tact is a manner in which the truth can be carefully worded in order to have consideration for others’ feelings. In other words, if you need to say something that could upset a person, use tact to express yourself in the least hurtful way. Tact also means avoiding insults and rude replies when speaking to others.

As a Martial Artist, you should use tact as a natural part of your everyday manners. The responsibility of a Martial Artist includes protecting others, including others’ feelings. Feelings are extremely valuable to people, and it is important that we protect those feelings by using the art of tact.  read more »

To minimize the debilitating effects of dehydration during exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends a series of steps. Staying hydrated during Taekwon-Do, long bike rides, hikes and weight-resistance workouts is crucial to higher peak performance - and continued health.
Steps:

1. Drink liquid early. Take in 16 oz. of fluid 2 hours before you exercise.
2. Drink liquid often. Take in about 5 to 8 oz. every 15 to 20 minutes; this gives your body a chance to absorb a constant flow of liquid.
3. Add sports mixes containing carbohydrates and electrolytes to your liquids, especially when exercising for more than 1 hour.
4. Keep the liquids within the 60 to 70 degree range for easier absorption.
5. Keep drinks accessible when exercising. Store all fluids in easy-to-use containers that can be opened without disrupting your exercise.
6. Drink after working out to compensate for the fluid your body loses during exercise.

Tips:  read more »