tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86682504052788888302024-03-04T20:16:44.144-08:00Alan Ellis Martial ArtistAlan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-12726185253487952632012-10-23T04:13:00.003-07:002012-10-23T04:14:24.219-07:00Clark Kent<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Once again and not for the last time I suspect, the spectre of bullying has cast a shadow over our society. This contagion is not just limited to our own localities but is omnipresent in society in general.Over the years I have been approached by many individuals who have attracted the unwanted and unwarranted attention of bullies.I have always advocated the use ( initially) of non violent methods in order to extradite oneself from a potentially dangerous or life threatening situation.Of course bullying takes many forms and is not just confined as we know ,to a physical assault Please visit my blog on bullying <a href="http://wicklowbullyproject.blogspot.ie/" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #548f8f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Wicklow Bully Project</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">However some bullying enters the physical realm.Here the rules are quite simple. You survive, initially. Then you tackle the problem.Now what is surviving ? Well either you run, enlist the help of another, tell a figure in authority,use verbal dissuasion skills or if the aforementioned fail or are not an option then you have to switch , very quickly to plan B.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Plan B ? Well plan B is where you give yourself the permission not to have to take it any more At that moment you must switch from being mild mannered Clark Kent to becoming Superman. It can be done. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">No one said it was going to be easy right? But, with the correct training physically and mentally, you can achieve this.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #665848; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Palatino, Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Your training must reflect the purpose for which is is intended. Remember Martial arts are not ( necessarily ) self defence. Consider this in your training and seek out those trainer with the skill sets to help you in your specific situation..</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #665848; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Palatino, Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">For advice on dealing with bullying Alan Ellis can be contacted on 089-4567533</span></span></span></div>
Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-34256460349810051852012-08-30T05:20:00.003-07:002012-08-30T05:20:53.617-07:00Bullying & Suicide<br />
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After the tragic death of a 16 year old deaf boy who, due to bullying tragically took his own life I am revisiting my project on bullying. As a martial arts teacher I have often been contacted by parents whose child or in some cases children have been victims. What I have discovered on a personal level is that the average martial arts teacher has little or no training nor education in dealing with this issue. Parent entrust us with helping their children. Often times the only contribution we make is the teaching of some self defence technique or lip service to increased confidence or self esteem. Of course our instruction is well intended. However I put this to you. If you or your child were diagnosed with a life threatening illness would you be content to take the advice of a doctor who practiced a couple of hours per week and did not update and educate himself in the latest medical techniques ?<a data-mce-href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/gt8KE-OSTURgaFqfLUqKSARfmlCUDcYq5sZ*1g3FWbuWQlnlV-mKqwUfyX7TMaHb0*3fhtsxy1BiLAgQMfHt7xefmXdDFpTA/bully2.jpg" href="http://api.ning.com/files/gt8KE-OSTURgaFqfLUqKSARfmlCUDcYq5sZ*1g3FWbuWQlnlV-mKqwUfyX7TMaHb0*3fhtsxy1BiLAgQMfHt7xefmXdDFpTA/bully2.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" data-mce-src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/gt8KE-OSTURgaFqfLUqKSARfmlCUDcYq5sZ*1g3FWbuWQlnlV-mKqwUfyX7TMaHb0*3fhtsxy1BiLAgQMfHt7xefmXdDFpTA/bully2.jpg" src="http://api.ning.com/files/gt8KE-OSTURgaFqfLUqKSARfmlCUDcYq5sZ*1g3FWbuWQlnlV-mKqwUfyX7TMaHb0*3fhtsxy1BiLAgQMfHt7xefmXdDFpTA/bully2.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: inline !important; float: right !important; margin: 5px 0px 10px 25px !important;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now most of you reading this may never want to become martial arts teachers , though you can engage and help in your community. Your time and your input can make a vast difference in addressing this issue (bullying). Most of us have family, friends,some of us have children who may have or indeed may be suffering from bullying. Let us not also forget that adults too can suffer from the effects of bullying.</div>
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As martial artists lets try to put something positive into our local communities. We, most of us martial artists, or aspiring martial artists, turned to this path as a direct result of bullying. Perhaps we felt insecure, weak, powerless. For those of us lucky enough to have had instructors who <em>made</em> all the difference and for those of you who are looking for instructors to <em>make</em> the difference , I say this ; be the change you want to see in the world ( not my words, but definitely my sentiments).</div>
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I have a bully project group on this site. You can join <a data-mce-href="http://holisticmartialarts.ning.com/group/the-bully-project" href="http://holisticmartialarts.ning.com/group/the-bully-project" target="_self">here</a></div>
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Most of us don't address topics such as this. We tend to wait until the problem comes to our <em>own</em> door. Unless we make change happen it is I fear, only a matter of time until some of us are adversely affected by this insidious and life destroying epidemic.</div>
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I am intent on developing an ongoing project that will see workshops and seminars dedicate to dealing with this problem. Perhaps some of the instructors and black belts on this site would join me in this? I think that together we can make a really positive and long lasting difference.</div>
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Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-57359064768056537902012-08-30T03:42:00.001-07:002012-08-30T03:42:54.267-07:00Wicklow Bully Project<a href="http://flavors.me/wicklowbullyproject">Wicklow Bully Project</a>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-59617332523179258772012-07-31T11:56:00.001-07:002012-07-31T11:56:22.781-07:00Manners & Martial ArtsPerhaps one of the most profound benefits children can develop through martial arts are manners. Plain and simple. Well, its probably not that plain nowadays though it can be that simple.<br />
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Growing up in an Ireland of the 1960' &70's good manners were a fundamental part of childhood."Please" and "Thank You" , "Yes Sir "and "Yes Ma'am" were daily phrases used abundantly and without a second thought.<br />
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The subsequent decades have seen a steady erosion of what is often refereed to as old fashioned values.The common knee jerk reaction to this lowering of basic etiquette and general good deportment is to blame the parents of today's youth. However, to do so ignores the profound impact T.V., movies, internet and social network sites have on children. Schools no longer assert the influence over students that they once did.<br />
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So, where then are today's youth to learn good manners. Well, there's the military. Have you ever noticed the very fine manners and general good etiquette displayed by those who have served in the military? When you encounter a former career military person who has moved up the ranks you will be impressed with their old fashioned courtesies .You see, in the military you are taught to serve first before you earn the right to command.<br />
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Short of enrolling your child in the armed forces where then can you ensure that they receive first rate education in manners, deportment and civility.<br />
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Martial arts training, conducted by a mindful coach can teach really great manners.. Here's how. Like the military most schools of martial arts have a structured system of rank. In the martial arts we call it grade rank , denoted by a belt, strip, sash, badge or whatever depending on the school. Students can, with hard work, move up the ranks. In a good school this advancement is not just a matter of physical skills.Students must learn, demonstrate and advocate discipline, respect, courtesy, humility, etiquette and many more attributes of " good manners".<br />
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By virtue of its structure and nature martial are an ideal method to imbue good manners.<br />
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If I can be of any service regarding martial arts please don't hesitate to contact me on 089-4567533 or<br />
email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">Motivational Martial Arts</a>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-89278105766874033292012-07-31T03:52:00.001-07:002012-07-31T03:54:31.265-07:00Childhood Obesity & Diabetes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It may appear unusual to find a blog here,on a martial artists blog site, relating to childhood obesity and its role in the ever increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes.<br />
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However to Wicklow based martial artist <a href="http://about.me/alanellis">Alan Ellis</a> topics such as this are part of his mindful curriculum at his <a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">Motivational Martial Arts</a> school. Ellis who is a member of Tom Callo's The 100 group believes that martial arts teachers should pay more than lip service to the ideal's of exercise and good diet.<br />
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"When I started out in martial arts some forty years ago, it was unheard of for instructors to talk of healthy diet" remarks Ellis." Unfortunately in many cases that hasn't changed"<br />
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Ellis feels that while some martial arts leaders do refer to diet, its only in passing to advertise their lessons.Quotes such as "we teach kids to eat healthily" are sometimes just lip-service.<br />
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At his schools throughout Wicklow, Ellis implements programs that address and educate students in various topics, not least that of mindful eating.<br />
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" Levels of childhood obesity in Ireland have reached epidemic proportions" states Ellis. These levels are now among the highest in the world , a lack of exercise,unhealthy diet,and socio-economic background all play a significant role in this"<br />
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In addressing these alarming statistics Ellis believes that education and example will pave the way for a reversal of these trends.<br />
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"If we fail to rectify this problem then society as a whole will suffer" he believes.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a recent article in the Ir<span style="line-height: 18px;">ish Times Dr Donal O Shea consultant endocrinologist at St Columcille's Hospital , Loughlinnstown , Dublin echo's his concerns:</span></span><br />
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While children are constantly bombarded with media advertisements to eat junk food and imbibe endless quantities of fizzy drinks, Ellis believes that those with influence in children's lives should seek to educate young people on healthier and ultimately more enjoyable options.<br />
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Martial arts teachers are ideally placed to exert that positive influence, however Ellis encourages parents to question their kids martial arts instructors on the programs available at their schools that address issues such as obesity and diabetes.<br />
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" A martial arts teacher has a duty of care to his students while they are on the mats at their training facilities" says Ellis " I believe that the duty of care should extend beyond the mats and into the daily lives of the students"<br />
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At his schools healthy mindful eating is a prerequisite to advancement in grade rank. Students are encouraged to follow a program which will evolve as they progress and ultimately make a great difference in their lives. In fact Ellis believes, it may save their lives.<br />
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For more information on programs at <a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">Motivational Martial Arts</a> or for advice in any area of martial arts training Alan Ellis may be contacted at 089-4567533 ,email aemartialartist@gmail.comAlan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-90465563912591481262012-07-30T12:51:00.003-07:002012-08-15T13:37:49.321-07:00Questioning - You’re First Step In Kenpo<br />
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Questioning - Your First Step In Kenpo</div>
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Ask a question. In fact ask as many as you can. Remember this, there are no stupid questions. At his Kenpo school in Wicklow,<a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/" style="color: #6e7173;" target="_blank" title="Motivational Martial Arts"> Motivational Martial Arts</a>owner Alan Ellis encourages his students to constantly question.<img align="right" height="375" src="http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/Question%20Mark%20man%20sitting%20on%20it.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" width="300" /></div>
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“I have been to various clubs and schools of martial arts where to question is deemed as disrespectful” remarks Alan.” My own view is that if you don’t ask then you’re going to significantly impair your ability to learn”</div>
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Some schools have a policy that the students should never question. In Ellis’ view this philosophy is short changing the student.</div>
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“If I go to my solicitor or my doctor, I’ll ask questions” states Ellis. In fact asking questions of his doctor may just have saved his life! Ellis documents that experience in his <a href="http://flavors.me/wicklowheartdefence" style="color: #6e7173;" target="_blank" title="Heart Defence Project">Heart Defence Project</a>.</div>
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When it comes to learning a martial art and one that pertains to be a self defence art, the Wicklow based martial artist belives that students should be encouraged to ask questions from day one.</div>
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Some students will learn more visually. Others will take in information through auditory means. Its important that instructors recognise this and seek training in how to communicate with students.</div>
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Ellis is thankful that his instructors encouraged his questioning.</div>
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“I’m sure that at times I was at bit too much “ quips Ellis. “I was fortunate to train with men such as Tommy Jordan and the late Erle Montaigue” “Questions were always encouraged and answers explained in depth ”</div>
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Ellis recommends that if you’re thinking of taking a Kenpo class, or any martial arts class, then you should look at a class and watch how the instructor will interact with his students.</div>
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“Use your common sense” " You wouldn’t accept second rate service in any other area” states Ellis</div>
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“Martial arts training should be no different”</div>
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If you need help in finding a martial arts class that is right for you Alan Ellis may be contacted on 089-4567533 or email at <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com" style="color: #6e7173;" target="_blank">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a></div>
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</a>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-49422931960136011872012-07-27T04:05:00.004-07:002012-07-27T04:27:14.509-07:00Mindfulness or Mindlessness in Training<br />
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Mindfulness or Mindlessness in Training</div>
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Training in any discipline requires effort.That should go without saying. In examining our methods we should look at how effective those training methods are and what return we actually get from our efforts. Repetition it has been said is the mother of perfection. So perhaps it might make sense to understand what we are repeating in our training sessions and why.<img align="right" height="312" src="http://www.karateblogger.com/stari/images/Nakayama1_2.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" width="250" /></div>
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In Kenpo, we learn through a process of seeing , doing and feeling. Our conscious mind filters this information and with enough repetition it is (we hope) hard-wired into our sub concious mind. Once there ( in the sub conscious) the information is stored forever, ready for utilisation in the case of a pathogenic attack.</div>
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In training at my school Motivational Martial Arts based in Wicklow, I am looking at training methods by which accessing the sub conscious mind is made easier.</div>
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To learn marital arts or self defence on a conscious level by looking as if we are ,well, learning to fight, doesn’t yield as much as if we were to practice abstractly.</div>
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In order to assimilate the physical and bio chemical attributes needed to actually fight, for real, we must by pass or distract the conscious mind. This involves shutting out the “clutter” of the conscious mind.</div>
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In my study of Kenpo and Tai Chi I have found that this “distraction” or “abstractness” occurs most significantly in form work. Long seen by many as a mere prerequiste for grade testing or a collection of techniques, forms or kata serve a much more important purpose.</div>
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Enraging the body in form practice will, after the basic understanding of the physical motion, enable a relaxation or slowing down of conscious thought. Once this is achieved the real lesson can begin.</div>
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With the conscious mind now relaxed or distracted the sub conscious mind is open to suggestion. The suggestion or information that we present to the sub conscious is contained within the form. This data includes correct body alignment,balance, integrity of our physical structure, power generation through optimum body mechanics, sequential flow and harnessing of explosive energy.</div>
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By being mindful of becoming mindless we really begin to reap the rewards of our systems form work and training methods.</div>
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Note: Accessing the information in kata or forms requires an understanding of the sequences of movement in a particular form. This requires practice. In my opinion this is one of the prime reasons for a high drop out rate in classical martial art. Most students will not stick around long enough to really learn the form and to reap the benefits. In my locality , as is the trend nationally, the most popular ”martial arts” are kickboxing and mma along with the occasional ulitamte commando killer elite “guru” ( not to be confused with those who genuinely teach <strong><em>real</em></strong> defensive tactics, from <em><strong>real</strong> </em>experience). The rise in popularity of the aforementioned is in my opinion partly due to the ommision of any type of form or kata in their systems apart from a make your own up musical form which would be more at home on the X Factor than in a real dojo. </div>
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</a>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-36820187508585860612012-07-25T07:11:00.002-07:002012-07-27T02:03:30.722-07:00Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try.<br />
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<em style="color: #6e7173;">Try</em><span style="color: #6e7173;"> your best! You can only </span><em style="color: #6e7173;">Try</em><span style="color: #6e7173;">! </span><em style="color: #6e7173;">Try, Try, Try</em><span style="color: #6e7173;"> again ! A veritable library of inspirational quotations accompany this mantra. Yet it seems only sensible to adhere to this advice. For if we try then perhaps we’ll succeed ? Well maybe.But would you really leave your life to chance? To the hope that your trying would yield a profit, a net gain, an end result. Wicklow based martial artist </span><a href="http://www.about.me/alanellis" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">Alan Ellis</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e7173;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e7173;">thinks dif</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e7173;">ferently.</span></div>
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Ellis in quoting Tom Callos of The 100 Project, echo’s the statement ” Nothing Nets Nothing” . Or more commonly put ” You only get out what you put in”</div>
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After a lifetime in the practice and teaching of martial arts Ellis is adamant that nothing takes the place of hard work.</div>
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“ Persistence is the key. I’ve seen many talented martial artists who could not develop the discipline to have consistency in their work” states Ellis.</div>
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Ellis has taught literally hundred of students over the past twenty years, producing black belts and champions from his base in Wicklow.The experience has led him to the conclusion that those who succeed do so because of a mindset based on a personal tenacity. </div>
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“Society has encouraged the culture of try. Children are encouraged to “try your best”. On the face of its an admirable philosophy but one that Ellis feels will ultimetly lead to non achievement.</div>
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” We are in an era of the “everyone’s a winner” mentality, remarks Ellis.” Nowadays if every child at a competition or belt ranking test does not come home with a medal, trophy or belt they are upset and parents grumble.</div>
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While we all want what’s best for our child Ellis believes that handing it to a child ”on a plate” only gives a false sense of accomplishment and neglects to teach the rich lessons of the martial arts.</div>
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“Children are naturally competitive, inqusitive and very much open to learning” ”Martial arts teaches should and must respect this and guide the child in understanding that real effort, dedication and tenacity will ultimetly reap rewards”</div>
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“Of course you have to try says Elllis ” “But that should go without saying and not be the consolation speech for a child who has not prepared properly for an event such as a grade test or competition”</div>
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Ellis believes that the lessons learned in planned , methodical preparation for an event are invaluable lessons for any child.</div>
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<span style="color: #6e7173;">At his </span><a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/"><span style="color: red;">Motivational Martial Arts</span></a><span style="color: #6e7173;"> school in Wicklow Ellis employs the Empty Cup Curricuum philosophy. </span></div>
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” Each child is treated as an individual. Of course some basics are shared by all but in general I design the curriculum around the individual.</div>
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The policy applies to adult students also.</div>
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Ellis is dismayed by the casual methods employed by some martial ars schools in awarding grade rank.</div>
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“Without meaning to be overly critical of others in the martial arts world I recently saw a school advertise an upcoming grade test whereby students were advised to contact the school in advance and book their grade.This was advertised on the club’s Facebook page”</div>
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“Students were told to contact the club if they (the students) felt that they wanted to go to the next level” ( and what students wouldn’t!)</div>
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” A not unsubstantial fee was advised “</div>
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The post appeared a few days prior to the test. </div>
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Ellis feels that this attitude is typical of a loss of value in grade rank and of general accomplishment. In trying to address this in his school Ellis has returned to a more traditional approach.</div>
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“A student should not be allowed to decide if he or she is ready for the grade test. This is the prerogative and responsibility of the instructor” states Ellis.</div>
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While trying is of course laudable and necessary, hard work, commitment,dedication, perserverence and tenacity trump it.</div>
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<span style="color: #6e7173; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Alan Ellis is available for group and private tuition for adults and children. He is happy to offer a free trial period at his school so as you can see his philosophies in action and see how his Motivational Martial Arts can help you.</span></span></div>
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He can be contacted on 089-4567533 email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com" style="color: #6e7173;">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a></div>
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</a>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-7883876961419285932012-07-21T03:33:00.001-07:002012-07-21T04:28:26.018-07:00The Martial Pilgrim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7x3cYmxVOCf-xYhfMAYDPd7RdPCQymsLueiqYFsbtve6P4I-cEXNGdT8z9ohKxt052EjNTB_NdpXLC9RXO42vap4TmVHY6IWdVBXM0gRUWb6OkLZxNts4oEY5kMoyloC_fx1ZXVBELE/s1600/martial+pilgrim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7x3cYmxVOCf-xYhfMAYDPd7RdPCQymsLueiqYFsbtve6P4I-cEXNGdT8z9ohKxt052EjNTB_NdpXLC9RXO42vap4TmVHY6IWdVBXM0gRUWb6OkLZxNts4oEY5kMoyloC_fx1ZXVBELE/s320/martial+pilgrim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Setting out on a pilgrimage requires a certain preparation. One has a goal in mind and perhaps a map of the territory ahead. Equipment is needed, essential provisions are packed and then the pilgrim sets out. At first the way is gentle though it takes time to get used to the pace of the journey. Feet blister and joints ache from the new regime. The terrain gradually becomes a little steeper and each step forward causes struggle. Eventually the road levels out and the strain on the body abates somewhat. This is the honeymoon period , the view improves and although it may seem daunting, the territory the pilgrim travels becomes easier to transverse. At this stage the pilgrim has met others along the way. Fellow travelers who have chosen to move along the same path.<br />
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Gradually though the pilgrim notices that his companions one by one, retire from their quest. The pilgrim's journey now becomes more solitary. The initial enthusiasm for the journey begins to wane and his route takes him away from main roads and along little used trails where unexpected obstacles present at regular intervals. At this point the temptation to abandon his holy mission is strong. He misses home comforts.The company of a loved one , the warmth of a winter fire , a rest from his weariness. Still, he is compelled to continue. A force within him , stronger even than his own will moves him forward. He undergoes a metamorphoses. Changes in his body are apparent. The pilgrim gains a physical strength he thought he may never have known. His body becomes lithe. Muscle's and sinews become taunt. A swiftness and sureness in his every step become quite noticeable. Although the terrain is now at its worst the pilgrim is more than capable of meting its challenge. Winding hills , dark forests, rocky paths are all taken in the pilgrim's steady stride. As he nears his destination the pilgrim is elated. He can see his "mecca". His place of fulfillment where he can reflect on his journey. He imagines what is will be like. To finally stand in front of his idol. To pay respect and to rejoice in the blessings of the hierarchy. The keepers of this holy relic.The temple of his veneration is now within sight. Not far to go now for our pilgrim.<br />
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Suddenly though and without warning his body tells him that it has taken him as far as it can. Human flesh is all he is. The journey has been hard, a testimony to what his body can endure. But now he is spent. With the last vestiges of strength and will power he manages to complete the final mile. Standing in the grand temple he is elated. His euphoria is however, short lived. For standing ahead of him, receiving blessing from the prophets are his companions from his journey's start. They had fallen back. Now though they stood before him. Their robes embellished with the insignia of the blessed, the chosen. Their bodies showing no scars of struggle, of the hardship he has endured. They had taken another route, one that was more expedient. A route where effort was not the currency required. A trail where favors, gold and influence had paved an easier quicker route and where struggle was a forbidden word. Yet, they revived the blessing, the acclaim, the veneration of their peers.<br />
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Dejected the pilgrim turns his back on the temple. Leaves behind the idolatry. He walks from the great square with all its pomp and wanders with heavy heart back towards the paths end. Mindlessly his steps take him back along the route he has traversed. In solitude he makes his way back.This time the path is familiar but seen from another perspective. He notices things that he had not seen previously. The new perspective allows him to appreciate the wonder of his surroundings. Now, with his mind unburdened by the urgency of completing his pilgrimage he can begin to see. A calmness descends upon him and for the first time he feels at one with his surroundings. He is not making a journey now, he is part of the journey. Part of the landscape, the birdsong, the wind. The broken hull that was his body now begins to rejuvenate. Now, however he knows deep inside of himself that all he must do is walk. To move along the path. He realises that which he had sought had been where it always existed. Inside of him. In his very being he had always possessed what he needed, what made him unique, and what he could share with others. Finally, all too soon this time, he reaches the end of the path.<br />
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Standing there contemplating which of two paths to take towards the great temple are new eager pilgrims. They ask the way. "Come " he says, " I will show you"<br />
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By Alan Ellis- Martial Artist<br />
<a href="http://www.holisticmartialart.ning.com/">www.holisticmartialart.ning.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.about.me/alanellis">www.about.me/alanellis</a><br />
<br />Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-34868217527350429602012-07-19T02:34:00.001-07:002012-07-19T03:05:52.946-07:00Reasons the Young should take Martial Arts<b id="internal-source-marker_0.8628508117981255"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Young people should take martial arts lessons for the following reasons:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-weight: normal; white-space: pre;"> </span>Exercise is a life-saver. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Child hood obesity,</span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> diabetes</span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, heart disease are all preventable through regular exercise. The mental benefit of a regular training regime cannot be over looked .Feeling good physical can greatly effect the mental health of any child. Today's fast food culture</span> promotes very negative dietary habits. Many young people are now actually under nourished through bad dietary choices.At our martial arts school<a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/"><span style="color: red;"> Motivational Martial Arts</span></a> we are encouraging our junior students to actively become concious of mindful eating. Healthy choices need not be boring. In fact, expanding one's palate can be the start of a wonderful healthy love affair with great nutritional food.Regular exercise helps to increase the metabolic rate , encourages the growth and development of major muscle groups ,which,burns calories and regulates weight. HDL or "good" cholesterol is increased by regular physical activity and exercise.This has a profound long term effect. Also, the cardio vascular benefits mean that the heart muscle can operate more effectively. Children have a habit of growing up. If we can encourages our children to engage in mindful exercise with a purpose then we can help protect them in later life.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Self-defence training can, in a worst-case scenario, be a life-saver.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Self defence, that is real , gets you out of trouble and home safe material, can be the best gift you ever give your child.We don't necessarily mean that its all about the "physical " either. Of course,we teach the block, strike, kick , escape tactics and then a whole lot more. You see, at our school our instructor<a href="http://about.me/alanellis"> <span style="color: red;">Alan Ellis</span></a> believes that education , in many areas , <i><b>is</b></i> self defence. You might be the world's best kicker, grappler, boxer etc , and good for you, but, if you can't take care of your body, mind and spirit those skills are mostly window dressing. Martial Arts, that is<b><i> true</i></b> Martial Arts seek to develop the student holistically. Some of the benefits that we like to promote and help develop among our students are great diet, anti bullying strategies, community service, mindfulness, kindness, activism, "owning" projects, developing projects and</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">much much more.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There’s more talk and focus on respect, courtesy, and self discipline in a week of good martial arts lessons than the average young person will hear in a year of TV and compu</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>ter time.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">While we now live in an age of great technological advances which can be of great assistance to us all ( I'm using that technology now) , its fair to say that we now have a generation of children for whom life without internet, TV and computer games is unimaginable. TV shows and on line games have eroded the discipline and work ethos that exemplified the courtesy and respect of our parents generation. Its now all too easy to tune in and tune out! Switching on the PC or TV is switching off the imagination, ingenuity , engagement and sheer joy of mindful play and eager inquisitiveness. In many cases that which gets into our children's minds through these "modern mediums" can go uncensored. In fact it might be said that we become somewhat immune to what we would heretofore regard as a "bad influences"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our curriculum for children , and you can check it out for free at<span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/"><span style="color: red;">Holistic Martial Arts</span></a></span>, encourages children to see the great benefits of investing their time and minds in productive activity.Sure it require self</span> <span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">discipline, and OK some use of the PC , thought its constructive use and respectful use.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are always happy to talk to parents who really want the very best for their kids. While watching some TV or playing the odd PC games can be fun there is so much more to experience on this spinning planet. We'd like to offer you the oppertunity to give your child the gift of a lifetime</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feel free to call us on 089-4567533 or email<span style="color: red;"> <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com"><span style="color: red;">aemartialartist@gmail.com</span></a></span></span></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-87800606958851676662012-07-17T23:55:00.001-07:002012-08-16T06:25:40.114-07:00A Notice to the Prospective Student<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFtZDgxV9CjEMfG1_UNjU02RuO7S9Jgy7cz7-0MZy0XgSTOd_4j6k-LkYpLJfWQwHqAsee0PeJZpkwgxVPc7p9mnPoQCjkOj9amlh9Mfv89krUsEZB9BImHgKZuvHt0cHIo816zSFcDA/s1600/yoda-dagobah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFtZDgxV9CjEMfG1_UNjU02RuO7S9Jgy7cz7-0MZy0XgSTOd_4j6k-LkYpLJfWQwHqAsee0PeJZpkwgxVPc7p9mnPoQCjkOj9amlh9Mfv89krUsEZB9BImHgKZuvHt0cHIo816zSFcDA/s400/yoda-dagobah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we all know, men and women sometimes walk through huge sections of their lives like the living dead, oblivious to the beauty, the mystery, and the wonder around them. Likewise, the martial arts teacher, who has at his or her disposal a multitude of ways to wake up, to contribute, to transcend the mundane, and to live the promise of clarity-in-life through </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the practice</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, can walk through the training, the lessons, and the brilliance of it all without being awake ---and without tapping into or realizing what is beyond the obvious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The obvious is the quest for recognition, usually in rank and awards, or in the brand of the car and the watch and the suit. The obvious is the distinction of the color of our uniforms, their cut, the patches we wear, and the titles we give ourselves. The obvious is that we can, indeed, block the punch, execute the arm bar, and teach hand-to-hand survival skills that can serve people when put in situations where they might be needed. The obvious is the business acumen we must acquire to operate our schools in a way that supports what it takes to run them. The obvious is that the martial arts can deliver a vigorous exercise program. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beyond the obvious is martial arts training as a tool for deepening spirituality, connection, and a sense of involvement, mission, and purpose in the world. What better use of the idea of self-defense than to apply it not only to the physical protection of the body, but to the mind (As doesn’t the mind get soft and out of shape or even twisted, without challenge, focus, and purpose!), to the emotions, to the family, to the community, to environmental issues, to the food we eat, to the way we deal with conflict, with stress, with joy, and with kindness? Is not self-defense found in the values we pass onto the young? To the example we set for them? To how we demonstrate, through our own practice, what is wonderful and meaningful and valuable in the world?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re thinking about starting the martial arts as a way to get in shape or to learn self-defense, look for a teacher who is struggling (as it is always a struggle) to move beyond the obvious, beyond the superficial aspects of what the practice of martial arts training brings to the table. The great teacher isn’t necessarily driving the latest model Mercedes, sitting in the most stylish school, wearing the most ornate uniform, or teaching 5000 students in 25 locations. The great teacher is, ideally, living a kind of practice that is beyond the obvious and beyond the ordinary. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you can find that kind of practitioner/teacher, then you have a chance to practice with someone who can talk about and show examples of what the martial arts does for a person, for their family, and for their community, when it is taken out of the “dojo” and put to work in the world. While many men and women walk through huge sections of their lives like the living dead, oblivious to the beauty, the mystery, and the wonder around them, there are also many people who are awake and engaged.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I work with martial arts instructors around the world who are vigorously working to move beyond the obvious. To see what these teachers are engaged in, what we’re working on, and how it’s affecting our practice of the martial arts, visit <a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tom Callos</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.the100.us/">www.the100.us</a></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For further information on how we can help you engage in life contact</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Alan Ellis on 089-4567533</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-83772184787503911522012-07-15T23:06:00.001-07:002012-07-15T23:12:21.875-07:00If you're over the age of 30 should you consider studying the martial arts?<span id="internal-source-marker_0.8877731899458232" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you're over the age of 30, should you consider studying the martial arts?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Well, yes --and no. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You should consider a regular, daily, exercise program. A sensible one; one that starts slow and lets your fitness sneak up on you (rather than hitting you over the head with it). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge6z-j8BbLS8ChV3VOrGORdgCdQgYPDZqun89Y3mxNjsDAGk9-8UWqnzJJHVaXuXeU_uyx9lW2REyNXEH9Yo-tV5LTpbBww2Ck3mgIMkCx2O1JtUGAq_YebsQl95cN-KGsgpv66xTQ6g/s1600/martial-arts-at-50-300x230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge6z-j8BbLS8ChV3VOrGORdgCdQgYPDZqun89Y3mxNjsDAGk9-8UWqnzJJHVaXuXeU_uyx9lW2REyNXEH9Yo-tV5LTpbBww2Ck3mgIMkCx2O1JtUGAq_YebsQl95cN-KGsgpv66xTQ6g/s1600/martial-arts-at-50-300x230.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A martial arts program certainly has the potential to be a wonderfully complete training program, as it includes stretching, strength training, aerobic exercise, and requires a kind of mental focus akin to deep meditation. That is, if the instructor you choose has the right kinds of experience. Instructors that are under the age of 30 are often spectacular athletes, but it’s important that they have an understanding of how to teach people of all ages. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">But Oh, find a great teacher and the martial arts can become your best friend. The training can keep you supple, sharp, and clear thinking. A martial arts school, directed by a conscientious teacher, can be a centering, inspiring, refreshing place that you love going to --and leave thinking about your next session.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, look to the martial arts for new perspective on your life, after the age of 30. It’s not too late, even at 40, 50, or 60. To choose a school take their trial course (which should be free or close to it). All the best school offer new students an opportunity to test drive “the car” before buying. I think you should try my school, of course, but I might be a wee bit prejudice. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you’re thinking about taking classes, allow me to be the first to invite you in. Mention that you’re over 30 and I will offer you 2 weeks of lessons to try us out (no strings attached). Warning: It’s fun, affordable, and invigorating. It’s never to late to start working out. The most difficult aspect of exercise is taking that first step. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Reach me here: </span><br />
Alan Ellis 089-4567533 email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a><br />
Website <a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-80458936135304409032012-07-15T22:10:00.002-07:002012-07-15T22:13:29.573-07:002 Simple Self Defence Techniques<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyjpqgH7Ft0GJC0DXKg29ABgWbLKeDz90Z9xuwnxSsNjZW-dYGrOetsOgXPq_LA50wKimq1DGua3CAGWAaEaf2CTyOy4rWbN2lHFs2JS_SVVWOdw6w2d0THL6RYh15iisaH0nkmYvCqM/s1600/girlready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyjpqgH7Ft0GJC0DXKg29ABgWbLKeDz90Z9xuwnxSsNjZW-dYGrOetsOgXPq_LA50wKimq1DGua3CAGWAaEaf2CTyOy4rWbN2lHFs2JS_SVVWOdw6w2d0THL6RYh15iisaH0nkmYvCqM/s320/girlready.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.4200602469340511" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here are two simple self-defense tips, a one-minute-read, that could save your life --and/or the life of someone you love.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ready?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1.
Eat MINDFULLY. Eating without paying attention causes you to eat the
wrong things and/or too much food. Doing either (or both) could, as they
say, “take the shine off your shoes.” Heart disease, diabetes, and all
sorts of ailments await the person who doesn’t practice mindful eating.
Look to the video, below, for for some mindful eating basics (it’s
Harvard Professor, Dr. Lilian Cheung, co-author of</span><a href="http://www.savorthebook.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Savor, Mindful Eating, Mindful Life</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">): The video is here:</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emd9q6_o6Z0"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emd9q6_o6Z0</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emd9q6_o6Z0"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2. The self-defense expert Sanford Strong, author of</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671535110"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Strong on Defense</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, sets forth four survival rules that everyone should know if faced with a dangerous situation or attack:</span><br />
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<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">React immediately</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Resist,</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Avoid crime scene #2</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Never give up.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Want more? (We want you to want more!)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We
are actively recruiting women (mothers and daughters) in our community
for an upcoming 2 hour “What I Need to Know About Self-Defense”
workshop. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you would like to be on our “Self-Defense Tips” mailing
list and/or hear more about our workshops, please contact us here:</span><br />
Alan Ellis 089-4567533 email <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a></span><br />
Website <a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-44573342174492220722012-07-14T06:56:00.001-07:002012-07-14T07:13:18.240-07:00A Few Things You Need In Martial Arts<span id="internal-source-marker_0.22965593707873322" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the martial arts, to make true and worthwhile progress, you would do well to have a few </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"things." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of those things is patience. Patience means you look at the long-term benefits of steady, consistent training; not too hard and not to easy, but training that’s varied, interesting, and --eventually --both meditative and challenging. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6DD1v5gPomIhCYEU-frOa4w7i8-4xCVMO6kVBhSJElMK5a48wMhIwJTap7PM_Jh_t6XPFaIrvOkz1ivlA7fb3HMA1OmN5o2ALcrAIclRx6n6rmSf4F-2uoNDfRXahc3CF3pMpjuTha4/s1600/a+few+things+u+need.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6DD1v5gPomIhCYEU-frOa4w7i8-4xCVMO6kVBhSJElMK5a48wMhIwJTap7PM_Jh_t6XPFaIrvOkz1ivlA7fb3HMA1OmN5o2ALcrAIclRx6n6rmSf4F-2uoNDfRXahc3CF3pMpjuTha4/s320/a+few+things+u+need.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another thing is the big picture view. Your martial arts practice should not be limited to --or even predominately on --the mat. The awareness, the calmness, the confidence, should make it’s way off of the mat and into your world. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“My favorite saying about the martial arts and life is,'My life is my dojo.'” --Tom Callos (</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.tomcallos.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And yet another great thing to have is an instructor with a brain and some awareness. It’s a great, great thing to have friends and mentors who have the makings for a full picnic lunch --and it’s a real bummer when you end up hanging out with someone who turns out to have brought the basket, but forgot to pack the sandwiches. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oh, and a really wonderful thing to have is a good diet. Without a good diet, the body doesn’t cooperate the way it should and training is never as much fun or as productive as it could (and should) be. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you’re considering martial arts classes as a way to have some fun while polishing those “things” that you like most about yourself, consider using the pass you can find here. I like to give new students a good, healthy opportunity to see what the training is like (we always start slow and easy). If you have questions, please, call this number.</span><br />
089-4567533 email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/">www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-25118518248053658012012-07-10T04:38:00.001-07:002012-07-10T04:41:32.272-07:00Self Defence is Found in the Simple Things<span id="internal-source-marker_0.35145270997609135" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Self-Defense is Found in the Simple Things</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We teach self-defence --and self-defence is found in the simplest of things. Kindness, for example; kindness is a beautiful form of self-defence. Good food --and the appreciation of it; there’s a fine, fine kind of self-defecse. Oh, and how about love of community? Participation in --and love for --one’s community is a kind of self-defence that’s impossible to put a value on. And my favorite kind of self-defence is found in a simple rule, The Golden Rule:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUbQCI7AVP4Olx9gHXxi1bdVf0-ugUdMwTvpCHGS9ur6mykh2gvvrxyzI2dUuT7QzZ3KvHRw3ai4dDNbYL6SPrrC5S_WnHh5Meq5VMLNX4yunMRsxHV2vnQsGI5K2JH_oZLIUkkmQx5o/s1600/3-simple-things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUbQCI7AVP4Olx9gHXxi1bdVf0-ugUdMwTvpCHGS9ur6mykh2gvvrxyzI2dUuT7QzZ3KvHRw3ai4dDNbYL6SPrrC5S_WnHh5Meq5VMLNX4yunMRsxHV2vnQsGI5K2JH_oZLIUkkmQx5o/s320/3-simple-things.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Treat others as you would want them to treat you.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Simply perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We like Tom Callos’ (www.tomcallos.com) description of self-defence too: “Self-defence isn’t only about personal protection, it’s about taking care of the people around you and the place you live as well.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And of course, self-defence training is all you already imagined it to be, but with this particular attitude about it, self-defence becomes about living a good life. What a great idea. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For information about our school and self-defence lessons for today’s world, contact us here.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">089-4567533 email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a> </span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-39126019230165595302012-07-05T05:31:00.001-07:002015-01-14T03:15:10.500-08:00Martial Arts Lessons: It’s Not About Violence<span id="internal-source-marker_0.6290425524186222" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Martial Arts Lessons: It’s Not About Violence</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Just the other day a parent asked me if she thought my classes promoted violent behavior in young boys. She was inquiring about lessons for her son and was concerned that he and his friends might take what they’re learning and use it inappropriately.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoePNmxK83j_nUd3gm9FNC75ksFYbdAQTXRyTh71g6x2zBqSfmnjQDHTtcVLEOj2-bZhWjyuD7a4TLbMuDw2-YL4NUF_40m9iaEm_aKLY3clMxJ_LpfyVtNPwbIkC3PeFRabxfxP0kFk8/s1600/stop-violence.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoePNmxK83j_nUd3gm9FNC75ksFYbdAQTXRyTh71g6x2zBqSfmnjQDHTtcVLEOj2-bZhWjyuD7a4TLbMuDw2-YL4NUF_40m9iaEm_aKLY3clMxJ_LpfyVtNPwbIkC3PeFRabxfxP0kFk8/s320/stop-violence.gif" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I thought it was a fine question.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, there have been a few cases (very few) of students “playing martial arts” with friends, the same way they play as their favorite superheroes, but I’ve never heard of the play being malicious or hurtful. I do, however, hear many stories of my young students using the kind of restraint we talk about in almost every class. I hear many stories of the young people in my program --and other martial arts schools --avoiding violence, avoiding conflict, and staying out of trouble as a result of their training.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A good martial arts teacher adds instructions and advice about how NOT to use martial arts, as often as he or she teaches the technical aspects of the arts.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“The ‘cake’ that is what a martial arts teacher offers his or her students,” says Tom Callos (</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.tomcallos.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">), the National Director of The One Hundred (</span><a href="http://www.flavors.me/masterteachers"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.flavors.me/masterteachers</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">), an association made up of martial arts instructors who embrace education over the more media-prevalent aspects of martial arts instruction, “is made up of blocks, punches, kicks, and other maneuvers, But the real “flour” of the recipe is in the restraint, the self-control, and the attitude of self-discipline that makes up the best-of-the-best the martial arts has to offer.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And by way of an offer, any reader of this piece that would like to “taste” the cake we produce at our school, need only to contact us on 089 456 7533 and drop by our school.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And no, it is not about violence or aggression or hurting people. The martial arts are about grown-up adults mentoring young people in the ways of non-violence, self-control, and contribution.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-19020998633794301212012-07-04T01:46:00.001-07:002012-07-04T01:49:32.429-07:00Children’s Classes in Martial Arts, What to Expect<span id="internal-source-marker_0.0736317927222957" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Children’s Classes in Martial Arts, What to Expect</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Expect there to be one or more experienced teachers on the floor in your child’s class. Expect the teacher to, at times, appear to have the patience of Job. Expect a bit more, Oh how shall we say it? ENERGY, every so often. Expect the teacher, whether gently guiding everyone along or cranking up the troops, to wear a smile (a happy one!). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnKVM23QA5k7xchFBWsfvTFkYJaZ11j1SyN737TmWYqtqi_M3SjLTfXviOCJczKpVelbBamixZ0aw6tk-rAxRZPfLCcL8PKmIC5fuUnuNvEx1qHEATaEQUuMIijT9mR_DYS01QqFTODY/s1600/kids+martial+arts+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnKVM23QA5k7xchFBWsfvTFkYJaZ11j1SyN737TmWYqtqi_M3SjLTfXviOCJczKpVelbBamixZ0aw6tk-rAxRZPfLCcL8PKmIC5fuUnuNvEx1qHEATaEQUuMIijT9mR_DYS01QqFTODY/s320/kids+martial+arts+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Expect a lot of talk about respect, about leadership, about good manners, about anger, about a whole bunch of things just about any parent would love to hear some OTHER adult talking to them about. That’s the way we do it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I haven’t been a ‘karate kid’ for some time, like decades, but the experience is still in my mind like it happened yesterday. Parents, enroll your child in a good martial arts school. You’ll never regret it -- and your children will never forget it.” -- Tom Callos,</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.tomcallos.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Expect a lot of good-sleep-inducing exercise. And expect some special events, as one of our primary goals is to teach our students to take what they practice on the mat and apply it to other things (like school, like work, like fun, and -- to the community).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Expect to look back on your son or daughters martial arts lessons with great pleasure and fond memories. Expect, genuinely, some very good times.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For a free trial program and mark my words here, there’s no “hook” or sales pitch in this offer. This is simply a way for you to test drive our school, before ever THINKING about enrollment. Click<a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/"> here</a> or contact us at: 089-4567533 or email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-29134851061842078042012-07-03T02:14:00.001-07:002015-01-16T04:04:37.725-08:00Advice for Men and Women over the age of 40, Thinking About Taking Martial Arts Classes<span id="internal-source-marker_0.16737222714002442" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Advice for Men and Women over the age of 40, Thinking About Taking Martial Arts Classes</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjktZuxITFePbyUQzF7sS5NU5LBBNg2jOW7gg7danHk6hSqgA1DHNoMf-3qFgxebXN7wn6vkKh7KRs3wjHazbTymv2uURjPNIqo3SrGpDeSNSQTuIiKB_R6eKMZoTZRWpR441aqFswazI/s1600/exercise-for-middle-age.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjktZuxITFePbyUQzF7sS5NU5LBBNg2jOW7gg7danHk6hSqgA1DHNoMf-3qFgxebXN7wn6vkKh7KRs3wjHazbTymv2uURjPNIqo3SrGpDeSNSQTuIiKB_R6eKMZoTZRWpR441aqFswazI/s1600/exercise-for-middle-age.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">First, take it slow. No, really. There’s no hurry, it’s not a competition, and you’re not 20 any more (even though you look like it). Going too hard, too fast, is why a lot of people who would like to enjoy all the benefits of training, no longer practice the martial arts (or any number of activities). Go too fast, get injured; get injured, quit training.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Second, if the instructor is your age (or older), that’s a good thing. If he or she is younger, make sure they know who’s the boss (you!). You only do what your body says you can do. If and when a class moves into an area you, for sure, want to avoid, you can always find an alternative way to stay engaged. What you shouldn't do is “100 reps” when your body is telling you the 50 would be wise. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Trust me, your teacher will appreciate your input. Give yourself enough time and you will not only keep up with the group, you might be leading it!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Be consistent. Being inconsistent about class attendance can dampen the fire of your enthusiasm. Stay on course!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Try out the class you’re interested in, first, before enrolling. There’s nothing wrong with a class with an instructor you’re interested in studying with. Most all schools will provide you with an introductory or trial class, without a fee (if you like classes, they’re going to know you for a long, long time). If a school doesn't offer an introductory, it’s a red flag to enrollment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By the way, call us on 089 456 7533<a href="http://www.holisticmartialarts.ning.com/"> </a>to receive a free class at our club.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tom Callos, 51 years of age and a 40 year veteran of martial arts practice (see his bio at</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.tomcallos.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">) offers the following advice:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Don’t hesitate to enroll in martial arts classes,” says Callos. “It’s a wonderful, thorough, and engaging form of exercise. Just be mindful about the way you practice. Study some of the history of the art you engage in. Enjoy the process of improvement.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information on our classes and schedule please contact us on 089 456 7533</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-43507284919966418692012-07-02T13:27:00.001-07:002012-07-02T13:28:53.417-07:00Mom, Dad, Here’s The Honest Truth About The Martial Arts for Your Child, Age 5 to 13.<span id="internal-source-marker_0.18434470378056722" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mom, Dad, Here’s The Honest Truth About The Martial Arts for Your Child, Age 5 to 13. Written by Tom Callos of</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.TomCallos.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> for...</span>Alan Ellis Martial Arts<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I took my first martial arts lesson at age 9. By the age of 13, when my friends were experimenting, when peer pressure seemed at an all time high, when I just knew my brain power had far surpassed my father’s, and when I couldn’t pass any reflective surface without gazing in wonder at what it beheld, I was firmly and deeply entrenched in my identity as a martial artist.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The classes anchored me, in fact, they were just about the only place where I could stand completely still for any extended period of time (except, of course, if front of the TV). The instructors emphasized respect, courtesy, and a code of honor that nobody else I knew seemed to care about. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For me, that was good. It made me feel unique.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In a good martial arts school, your child will feel like a part of “the team.” And this team, if they’re good at what they do, will have daily talks about compassion, about respect for self and others, about kindness, and about non-violent conflict resolution.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">But equally as good as the philosophy can be is the fact that your little one will be </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">training</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, as in legs flying, rolling, punching, blocking, jumping, and spinning. Each maneuver has an effect on your child’s brain and, of course, their body. When I watch the young people in my classes doing what we do, I always think about how good it is that they’re here, doing something so constructive and positive.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I also reflect back to when I was a child --and that’s usually followed by a silent “thank you” to my parents.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Football, soccer, baseball, tennis, and guitar were all fun, but not one of them affected me as my martial arts lessons have. If you’re a parent, I would highly recommend enrolling your child in a good school --and you might even consider some classes for yourself.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By the way, I'm 51 now --and the martial arts are STILL keeping me out of trouble.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here’s a guest pass for the family:</span><br />
Contact us on 089-4567533<br />
email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-37959187816671867922012-07-01T01:18:00.001-07:002012-07-01T01:20:59.246-07:0010 Tips for Martial Arts Students to Deepen Your Practice<span id="internal-source-marker_0.3738204387542693" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10 Tips for Martial Arts Students to Deepen Your Practice</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><img height="300px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OuKPLmAXdcTUwgFe0xHZrTtlcVMpPt-VBx5cqLj_0LUChW7sKeIQ9C7ZwiIzU_XkkhmsaqKTX4mztFGC4F8nckFinXc4UfCNa7qt_vDJ_8bNFYKsEx3Fv1QAAEWIhOoN" width="450px;" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You didn’t start your study of the martial arts to “go through the motions” of it all, did you? Of course you didn’t, but look around you in your next class and I’ll bet you spot a number of your classmates doing that very thing, going through the motions. It’s human nature to get distracted, to multi-task, and wander off course.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To deepen and strengthen your practice so that you stay on the mark and make reasonable progress, I offer you these 10 time-tested, Tom-tested tips:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. As often as you can remember to do so, say to yourself “I am aware that I am training” (kicking, punching grappling, or whatever it is you’re doing at the moment). For me, that never fails to get my head out of the clouds and back into my practice (I am aware that I am writing this!).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Use a training partner (or partners) to hold you accountable to more intense, more focused, and more “present” practice. Friends are a good thing.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Eat better food before and after ever class (and, of course, that translates into ALL THE TIME). If you’re body’s jammed full of food-delivered chemicals, cups of corn-syrup, and crates full of unnecessary carbs or fats, you’re going to find you don’t function like the well-oiled machine you're supposed to be. Contrary to the way a lot of people live their lives, what you eat IS important to your performance. In fact, what you eat IS self-defense.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Breath deeply, focus on breathing deeply, think about breathing deeply, and maybe, if you have a habit of forgetting, write “BREATH DEEPLY” on the backside of your hand. To see just how much this helps you, do it. You’ll feel the benefits right away.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5. Take your practice off of the mat. Courtesy and respect for others isn’t something that’s practiced in the school with people you’re semi-afraid of. It’s for that ding-dong at the supermarket (you can tell what someone is made of by how they treat the people that mean nothing to them). It’s for your Mom, who sometimes bugs you in a big way. It’s for the substitute teacher (yes, even for him/her).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Practice at home, a minimum of 10 minutes a day on the days you don’t attend classes. Little things add up, so even 10 minutes of practice can help you grow. Oh, and if you don’t think 10 minutes matters, try to hold your side-kick out out for 10 minutes or try and hold your breath for 10 minutes. Yeah.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">7. Read age-appropriate philosophy. Champions, whether in science, baseball, chess, jiu-jitsu, or cross-country skiing, all have belief systems that make them rise above hardship and overcome obstacles. They all learn to cope with defeat --and victory. Reading the words of someone with experience can be the next best thing to talking with them face-to-face.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">8. Go crazy. Yes, act in a way that most people would consider very odd indeed. For example, when things start getting really hard, you pretend they’re getting easier. Crazy! When everyone else complains -- and for good reasons too, you find the good in the situation and jump up to be the first person to turn whatever is wrong, right. Insane! When everyone else quits, you stick to it! You’re a nut!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Actually, you’re a martial artist. </span><img height="231px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mRZbK5Hf47mtosWYQ8rlmx3uomibKotLY9CTqT6DQVxZWDZ3zWv8kWBJ666OBLyT6LVOFtq7T5DdtxHcK0StjtirigCzS0_mUC7Ul_wWWmgNtNpn12QEhbGUjFRtWAYq" width="216px;" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">9. Measure your own personal performance on a scale between 1 and 10, with “1” being your worst performance -- and “10” being an all out, focused, beautiful-to-behold effort. Try to operate as close to level 10 as you can during your classes (whether you’re standing still or doing difficult maneuvers). And while you’re at it, try to LIVE at level 10, whenever possible. It’s a good thing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10. I hate to drop this one on you last, as it’s a bit of a let-down after all this glorious focus on you and yours, but maybe the best way to deepen your own practice of the martial arts is to help other deepen theirs. Yes, that’s right, in the end, it’s not about you at all. Funny how it always works out that way.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tom Callos</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">About the Author: Tom Callos’ bio and project portfolio may be read at</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.tomcallos.com</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">For advice on martial arts in the Wicklow area contact Alan Ellis 089-4567533</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a> </span></div>
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</span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-47345048912551411282012-06-30T06:31:00.000-07:002013-01-22T08:10:02.819-08:00What Should You Expect Of A Martial Arts Teacher?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB7qxFjgRfIeluWzdkIfKViiJ8qpFY3OaJbTdaNiHPiJcRwgtaosq9PV0aVYyarlNroH1oNV6ZRoxWyQ__OVxlocorL0cM8RAAdqjZQMoUZ1kRom25VAgprvsCwf1clrrBMbwfy2QPio/s1600/How-to-Choose-The-Best-Martial-Arts-School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB7qxFjgRfIeluWzdkIfKViiJ8qpFY3OaJbTdaNiHPiJcRwgtaosq9PV0aVYyarlNroH1oNV6ZRoxWyQ__OVxlocorL0cM8RAAdqjZQMoUZ1kRom25VAgprvsCwf1clrrBMbwfy2QPio/s320/How-to-Choose-The-Best-Martial-Arts-School.jpg" width="213" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4616244756587675" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What should you expect of a martial arts teacher?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, what </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">SHOULD</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> you expect from a martial arts teacher?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You
should expect -- and get common courtesy, yes? Of course. You might
even expect uncommon, beyond-the-norm courtesy I would think? After all,
isn’t a good deal of the martial arts about learning and practicing
respect?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You
should expect the teacher to be in good -- to excellent -- physical
shape. An exception to that rule might come from a teacher who has an
unexpected health condition or who suffers as a result of a disabling
accident. Stephen Hawking, for example, is still without question a
brilliant theoretical physicist, despite his physical limitations. But,
in most cases, your teacher should be an example of the benefits of the
lifestyle that the martial arts promotes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You
should expect your teacher to be knowledgeable, beyond his or her art.
It takes more than a knowledge of kicks, punches, grappling, or
sparring, to be the kind of teacher one imagines a “Master” of the
martial arts to be. It takes some life experience, some mistakes, some
losses, and some mileage on one’s life odometer to accumulate a little
"wisdom" (common sense).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the group of instructors I am a part of,</span><a href="http://www.thenewwaynetwork.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The One Hundred</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, each of us is listed on this site:</span><a href="http://www.flavors.me/masterteachers"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.flavors.me/masterteachers</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
Each member listed there maintains a “project portfolio,” a record of
the things we have done -- or are currently doing -- that, as the head
of the project,</span><a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Tom Callos</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, says, “Shows how we take our martial arts out of the dojo and put it to work in the world.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some
of The One Hundred members are new teachers, so their project
portfolios are just getting started, while other teachers on the team
are veterans of dozens of remarkable community-based projects.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“In
the future,” says Tom Callos, “all martial arts teachers will be judged
not only by their physical skills or experience, but by how they’ve
applied their ‘mastery’ to things in the world that lives outside of
their schools.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One
thing you should definitely expect from every cognizant martial arts
teacher is a chance to try his or her classes before making any kind of
commitment to attending regularly. Ask for an introductory course (we
will provide you with one free of charge), to try some classes before
determining whether the school is a place you would like to spend time
at.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If and when you’re ready, call, write, or stop by our location, here:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">085 870 8885 or email <a href="mailto:aemartialartist@gmail.com">aemartialartist@gmail.com</a> </span>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-67711180834410423112012-06-29T03:36:00.001-07:002012-06-29T03:36:16.325-07:00Alan Ellis - cuttings.me<a href="http://cuttings.me/users/show?id=1856#.T-2FCriCa1M.blogger">Alan Ellis - cuttings.me</a>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-14131940946229770692012-06-29T02:17:00.001-07:002013-01-22T08:14:38.028-08:00Obvious And Not So Obvious Benefits Of Martial Arts<div class="postbody">
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There are some obvious benefits that young and old alike garner from taking martial arts. The first one is the exercise involved.Exercise if tailored for the age and the ability of the participant, is good for the body, the mind and yes , for the spirit too.<br />
A not-so obvious benfit of studying the martial arts is the often unspoken requirements to be present in the practice."When you're dealing with kicks ,punces and arm bars" says veteran martial arts teacher <a href="http://www.tomcallos.com/" target="_blank">Tom Callos</a> of Hilio Hawaii "You sinply have to stay <strong><em>in</em></strong> the moment to kep from getting socked in the nose. Awareness of what I call the here and now is something that you can instantly take off the mat and put to work in your every day life"<br />
<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/pT7b4au-GgP8ShTNUdHmoM1TLWJilsp9a9I86yCqvZyBC7gbO6-nIBvq0phnJwVpVltLWrju0zdCi1vT4X3Xgfq9ZtgllrnO/gooddietfood.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pT7b4au-GgP8ShTNUdHmoM1TLWJilsp9a9I86yCqvZyBC7gbO6-nIBvq0phnJwVpVltLWrju0zdCi1vT4X3Xgfq9ZtgllrnO/gooddietfood.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
With exercise and mindfulness comes a third component that is not a benefit you'll find in every martial arts school, but is something we are deeply involved with. Its about food and its connection to fitness and health. The Diet Chronicles is a project where a group of martial artists are starting to document on video, what they eat and how its prepared-in an effort to eat more mindfully.<br />
Some of the video journals are being posted to an on-line community based around the book<br />
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Savor(<a href="http://www.savorthebook.com/">www.SavorTheBook.com</a>). Savor is co-written by Havard nutritionist Dr Lilian Chung and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.<br />
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To see one of the Diet Chronicle videos click this link:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3gANPh_RvY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3gANPh RvY</a><br />
"What we consume is as important and relevant to self defence in to-days world" says Callos, "as any kind of martial arts technique."<br />
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For more information on using martial arts to improve the body , mind and diet contact Alan Ellis on<br />
085 870 8885 or email aemartial artist@gmail.com</div>
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Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-674652840366748992012-06-28T07:37:00.001-07:002012-07-19T03:42:45.723-07:00Wicklow Martial Arts ProjectIf you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to train in martial arts this is your opportunity. Thee are lots of martial art, schools , clubs, teachers, and groups in our community. All are doing good work. Each art ,any of them ,will have some thing good to offer. While saluting these groups and their work. I’d like to offer you another perspective on martial arts.<img align="left" height="245" src="http://www.freedesign4.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/free-vector-martial-arts.png" width="245" /> <br />
You see there are a group of martial arts teacher ( leaders) who inspired by individuals such as Tom Callos , promote and develop martial arts in a very holistic manner.<br />
Most of us have heard that martial arts are not just about kicking or punching right? What then , do they (the arts) also offer ? Well , you might have seen martial arts advertised as offering confidence , self esteem , fitness , real self defence. Usually,in terms of children’s lessons one might see added to the blurb the following : anti - bullying , discipline , respect , healthy eating. Really ?<br />
Next time you make inquiries into martial arts lessons for yourself or your child do ask the instructor what they mean when they say they teach or offer the above benefits. Perhaps you might ask them to show you examples of their work.<br />
My point is this. If you commissioned a painting wouldn’t you want to see some of the artist’s work ? Would you allow a contractor to commence work on your home without seeing the plans ?<br />
By examples of work I don’t mean photographs on the wall portraying teachers/students clutching trophies. Nor do I mean a parade of pre pubescent junior black bets. Nor do I mean a display of their martial prowess or that of their students.<br />
Can the teacher show you how he/she has inspired the students to attain , live, understand and be educated in the benefits that the school advertises. Could the teacher explain to you how he/she has encouraged students to become leaders in their communities. Perhaps you might ask how the teacher has engaged with and actively become involved with the progression and development of each student.How does his curriculum allow for this? Can you see evidence.Real proof.<img align="right" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogbZ8SNQktqJQk4qQEC0gmifmEOxvU7vV6jO8uOVIUAirLC-9YlloqOFtdWOsw-YXX2EpulZV8hnxux7JWMy1Ad4IbJ0uocy7vvXXI_vd6uLfXBfYDBIorVf_n2FstBCwqmO5pbXQQyo/s400/mixed_martial_arts.jpg" width="380" /><br />
The martial arts community, with a few notable exceptions, has failed to live up to its billing. Yet it still bills its students. The yearly tuition cost in the average martial arts school here in Ireland ranges from € 600 - € 1500 . This doesn’t included belt testing fees which could add another €100 - €300. Lets add in equipment purchase , on average , € 100 p.a. , then lets say association fees of € 30 - €50 , then we have special events such as seminars or club competition , lets say another € 50 - €100. So at these conservative figures you could be paying € 880 - €2050 yearly for your participate at your club. Now I haven’t taken into account club merchandise , t-shirts , hoodies, caps , badges etc , lets not forget special programs ( black belt clubs) , private tuition , guest events etc. It all adds up to a considerable investment on your part.<br />
Now I don’t know about you but to me € 1000- €3000 per year is a lot of money, particularly in these days of austerity. If I’m paying this out I want to get value , real value for my buck.<br />
Now let me be clear there are many teachers who work hard for their salary. They are trying to provide a good service and are doing so with integrity. I don’t begrudge any individual the right to earn a crust. However , if what is advertised in terms of benefits falls short of what is actually delivered then the teacher is short changing the students and letting himself/ herself down also.There should be an expectation on the part of the student that what was promised to be delivered will be. Likewise there should be a commitment on behalf of the teacher to provide this service.<br />
Merely taking a student to black belt or coaching a student to win a tournament is not enough. These are transitory things. Remember the promise of confidence , health , fitness , self esteem, discipline , good diet ? I know black belts and tournament champions who display few if any of these qualities. What of compassion , empathy , activism , tolerance, sense of justice , responsibility ? Rarely are these benefits advertised yet alone delivered.<br />
I am offering an opportunity to a small group of individuals for a time to take lessons free of charge , no financial cost , to see what martial arts can really do for you . This is your time to invest in your self. If martial arts speak to you then you have found a great vehicle to inspire great change in your life. Let me explain to you also that I will never refuse tuition to anyone due to lack of ability to pay.<img align="right" height="223" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c48.0.403.403/p403x403/580040_395659107151291_1366448010_n.jpg" width="299" /><br />
These classes will commence shortly in the Wicklow area. If you are interested then contact me on 089-4567533 email aemartialartist@gmail.com<br />
If you need assistance locating inspirational martial arts outside the Wicklow area please let know as I can connect you with some excellent instructors.<br />
<a href="http://motivationalmartialarts.tumblr.com/post/26069527523/wicklow-martial-arts-project"> </a><br />
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</div>Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8668250405278888830.post-39264640689002104162012-06-15T04:07:00.004-07:002012-06-15T04:10:39.033-07:00InertiaThis morning as I sit here seeking inspiration I'm inclined to wonder wheterI've hit my intellectual wall? I mean, I'm familiar with the concept in regard to marathon runners and I've transversed many plateaus during my years training. But right now my colossus of brick seems to by those formed in my mind.<br />
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Perhaps my neural pathways are clogged with too much traffic or outside stimuli. The upshot of it is that despite my best efforts here I cant seem to grasp an idea or thought. I guess that they are there . Floating in the ether somewhere. But like elusive quicksilver they are just out of my grasp. Perhaps the environment here doesn't help. Currently I'm sitting in my home with the rhythmic dripping of water bouncing off the tiled floor. The result of a slipped tile. As its bucketing down , a nod to my plastic receptacles dotted around the kitchen floor, take a bow lads, I can't at present ascend my roof and aligning the offending tile. Oh and yes, I forget my leg is recovering from a severe break.So I'm not going to give my best rendition of my spider man impersonation right now.<br />
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Still back to the task at hand . I'm kinda stuck. I have a lot to say. But what? What gems can I find lost in my distracted mind? I have opinions, views , information that I think someone may like to hear , share comment on. So what have I got to do to get them in order, and then out into the world.<br />
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OK . This is a challenge. This is now an opportunity to grow. If I were mentoring a student how would I go about inspiring that person.? Hard to know. When someone is stuck what do we do to get that person moving again. Perhaps we recognise the potential for movement, for growth, for expression. But how does one ignite the spark.<br />
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Let me think. ........<br />
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This is how I see it. In order for me to move forward I need to look at the principle of inertia<br />
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The term "inertia" is more properly understood as shorthand for "the
principle of inertia" as described by Newton in his First Law of Motion.
This law, expressed simply, says that an object that is not subject to
any net external force moves at a constant velocity. In even simpler
terms, inertia means that an object will always continue moving at its
current speed and in its current direction until some force causes its
speed or direction to change. This would include an object that is not
in motion (velocity = zero), which will remain at rest until some force
causes it to move.<br />
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OK got all that...............?<br />
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So I guess my velocity is now zero..........mmmm so now I need some force to move me!<br />
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OK so I'm going to use force , borrow it even ( thank you Kenpo) , but either way I will move. In what direction I know not. But move I will. I 'll pick a thought and chase it down with all the vigour of a mental predator ( sounds scary to me though!) Still nothing ventured nothing gained. Ah, a chink of light in the darkness. Inspiration! A remembered conversation! A beacon in my mindful mind. Now. I can move. I can think. I can do. And you can too. Pick a subject. Quickly! Anything! Take it , run with it, pursue it, develop it, own it. Now . Your doing!<br />
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So am I.<br />
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May your force be with you.Alan Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13109836509825628859noreply@blogger.com0