Category: Endeavour Blog

Martial arts actually helps teach self-discipline and socialization skills

With a bloodcurdling cry, your 6-year-old leaps into the air in a karate kick, raising your hair and blood pressure simultaneously. Before you panic and pad the walls, try channeling this urge into a martial arts class.

Martial arts is a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve fitness and focus. Some parents may think they also promote violence, but that’s a not true according to Master Greg Silva president of Black Belt Schools International. The martial arts actually help teach self-discipline and socialization skills. In fact, many parents whose children have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills underdeveloped in ADHD kids.

A typical  class begins and ends with respect by a bow to the teacher and parents.  Next the kids have an affirmation pledging to have self discipline, a positive attitude, to use common sense before self defense and to never give up.  After a warm-up, students practice the art’s particular skills, which may include kicks, punches and blocks. Each requires concentration and strict attention.

Progress is  marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colors until black. Testing for each new level, generally every three months, is a good exercise in setting and achieving goals.

But, say experts, it’s the respect kids learn, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, that can be the most important benefit: It often carries over into school, helping to improve behavior and even grades, according to recent research.

Kids can benefit as young as age 4 with motor and social skills.  As they get older there is a bigger emphasis on self defense and competition.

 
Be sure to visit Endeavour and participate in a trial class to see the teachers in action and make sure it’s a fit for you and your child.

Adults of all ages turning to Martial Arts for more than self defense

Greg Silva – President Black Belt Schools International.

I have been involved in the Martial Arts for 50 years now. I first began because my father wanted me to learn to defend myself. At that time I was in fight after a baseball game at age 13. In the following 50 years I was never in another self defense situation. So why did I continue with martial arts? Simple, self defense is just one of many benefits of martial arts training. I happened to love the logic and analytical thinking involved in the training. I also know that martial arts has kept me more flexible , in shape and confident. Not to mention the friendships I made and the great spectrum of people I met and enjoyed training with and learning from. Now in my 60’s I find the same benefits and something extra. The focus, concentration, learning and memorization is keeping me mentally sharp.  
I would recommend it to everyone of all ages. My kids as well as grandkids have either received black belts or are training to be black belts. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Try Before You “Buy”. Most martial arts schools will offer a Free trial program or short term mini program for new students. You want to make sure it’s a fit for you.
*Talk To The Instructor – Most instructors are very accommodating to adults. Remember we are ones that write the checks, have kids who might attend the school and who have friends who might become members. So talk to the instructors if you have a problem or a question.
*Ask For Help – If you are having a problem with a technique, ask for help. The instructors and other students want to help. They remember what it was like when they were “newbies”.
*Lose Some Weight – If you are lighter, it will help to reduce the pressure on your knees & feet. You will also have more energy because you will be hauling around fewer pounds. This should be a first goal when starting. 

 

*Balance Training – As we become less active due to desk work, some of us become less steady on our feet. Martial Arts will teach balance with stance and foundation skills. A huge benefit for everything else you do.  

 

*Kids – If you have children, you should try to take martial arts classes with them. It is a great family bonding experience!
*Have Fun – Last but not least, you should just focus on having some fun and blowing off steam after a long day at work. You won’t be as flexible as the kids in your martial arts class or as strong as the 25 year olds but who cares! Just enjoy yourself. You will love the camaraderie, weight loss, stress relief and non-stop aerobic exercise.
*Take action and sign up for a Beginners Class Trial … Click below! 

Book Today!

Adults of all ages turningto Martial Arts for more than self defense

Greg Silva – President Black Belt Schools International.

I have been involved in the Martial Arts for 50 years now. I first began because my father wanted me to learn to defend myself. At that time I was in fight after a baseball game at age 13. In the following 50 years I was never in another self defense situation. So why did I continue with martial arts? Simple, self defense is just one of many benefits of martial arts training. I happened to love the logic and analytical thinking involved in the training. I also know that martial arts has kept me more flexible , in shape and confident. Not to mention the friendships I made and the great spectrum of people I met and enjoyed training with and learning from. Now in my 60’s I find the same benefits and something extra. The focus, concentration, learning and memorization is keeping me mentally sharp.  
I would recommend it to everyone of all ages. My kids as well as grandkids have either received black belts or are training to be black belts. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Try Before You “Buy”. Most martial arts schools will offer a Free trial program or short term mini program for new students. You want to make sure it’s a fit for you.
*Talk To The Instructor – Most instructors are very accommodating to adults. Remember we are ones that write the checks, have kids who might attend the school and who have friends who might become members. So talk to the instructors if you have a problem or a question.
*Ask For Help – If you are having a problem with a technique, ask for help. The instructors and other students want to help. They remember what it was like when they were “newbies”.
*Lose Some Weight – If you are lighter, it will help to reduce the pressure on your knees & feet. You will also have more energy because you will be hauling around fewer pounds. This should be a first goal when starting. 

 

*Balance Training – As we become less active due to desk work, some of us become less steady on our feet. Martial Arts will teach balance with stance and foundation skills. A huge benefit for everything else you do.  

 

*Kids – If you have children, you should try to take martial arts classes with them. It is a great family bonding experience!
*Have Fun – Last but not least, you should just focus on having some fun and blowing off steam after a long day at work. You won’t be as flexible as the kids in your martial arts class or as strong as the 25 year olds but who cares! Just enjoy yourself. You will love the camaraderie, weight loss, stress relief and non-stop aerobic exercise.
*Take action and sign up for a Beginners Class Trial … Click below! 

Book Today!

Martial Arts Proven Beneficial for Individuals with Autism

A recent and growing trend that has provided many benefits for children on the autism spectrum involves their engagement in karate and other martial arts.A 2010 research project conducted by the University of Wisconsin physical therapy department confirmed what parents were already reporting – in the course of learning martial arts, children with autism essentially came out of their shells and grew more socially assertive and cooperative. They exhibited better balance and motor coordination, eye contact improved and play skills were further developed. Greater self-esteem was also reported, with the added bonus of these kids being able to defend themselves, if need be.
Karate and martial arts assist kids on the autism spectrum with the ability to concentrate and focus their attention in a consistent and highly structured environment. Additionally, parents find that new skills carry over into home and at school. The release of energy in a safe and ritualized environment can bring a child to a new sense of calm. Friendships are formed around a shared activity and that sense of belonging can be the greatest reward of all.

If contemplating martial arts for your child, it’s always good to consult with his or her doctor prior to beginning any physical training. Observe the class before committing your child to it. It should be small and solely for children with autism, at least initially. Higher functioning children may be able to integrate into regular classes immediately. Confer with the instructor about your child’s needs and make sure you feel you can successfully partner with them.

Once your child is underway, have them practice at home in a no pressure environment and offer encouragement and reinforcement for the moves they have already learned. A demonstration for siblings or other relatives will also go a long way in building confidence and self-esteem.

Martial arts offers therapeutic rewards and parents will enjoy the fact that their child can participate in activities that other kids take for granted. And with summer fast approaching, it just may be the perfect activity to consider.

Signs your Child is a Victim of Bullying

At Endeavour we pride ourselves in being able to combat bullying and help children grow in self esteem and confidence which in turn will give them the mental tools to become bully-proof. 

Here are the signs to spot as a parent if your child is becoming a victim 

1. Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings.

The less reasonable your child’s explanation, the more likely bullying is involved.

2. Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick, or faking illness, especially in the mornings.

This could either be to avoid the bullying or as a result of the bullying. Typically, it’s both.

3. Changes in eating habits.

Skipping meals, unable to eat meals, or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

4. Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, or complaints of headaches.

Processing the abuse can take a toll even when sleep should provide rest and healing.

5. Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school.

Simply put, it’s tough to concentrate on anything else when anxiety is working in the background.

6. Loss of friends or avoidance of social situations.

Victims often lose the few friends they have. Other kids don’t want to be associated with victims or they’re afraid it’s “catching.” Victims seldom become “loners” by choice.

7. Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem.

This may include anxiety-based behavior and self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about hurting themselves.

8. Generalized fear.

Your child may seem afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs).

9. Appears sad.

Not just sad, but moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home. A huge part of this is that he or she won’t talk about what’s wrong.

10. Begins to bully other children.

This is a disturbing sign that’s often a natural consequence of being bullied. Victims may begin to take it out on siblings or weaker friends and become aggressive and uncooperative with their parents.

Let’s help make our children confident, proud and focussed Young Champions! Spot the signs and work with us to build your child towards and happy, healthy and awesome lifestyle !!