Compared to those limited choices, children of today have far greater potential for trouble, to see or get into things that you as a parent do not want for them. As a parent in a two-career household, I sure don’t want my child sitting at home playing video games or watching television unsupervised. Many schools and day-care centers have specific “after-school” programs just to cover the 2-3 hours in the day between the time the kid is done and the time Mom and/or Dad come home from work.

Not only is there a business opportunity in this market, but a growth opportunity for your children. Would I rather them stay at school with a group of teachers and volunteers who are worn out after a long day of doing their job, playing disorganized games in the gym or having free time on the playground? That’s better than them being at home, left to their own devices. But, in my mind, it’s not ideal. We should want more than that for our children.

A growing number of martial arts schools are looking at offering after-school programs, spring break & summer camps, and other offerings beyond the traditional class schedule. The studio is somewhere that I want my child to be anyway; he has friends from the training he currently takes, he admires and respects the head instructor and his assistants, and I know it’s a controlled environment. Kids with poor attitudes and the ability to be a bad influence are not nearly as likely to be there as a “we have to take everyone” program like at an elementary school.

So, what comes with an after-school martial arts enrollment?

For starters, it’s about when a kids’ class would be held anyway, so there’s normal class time: a warmup, new techniques, and possibly sparring (depending on the age and skill level of the child). There is also typically some quiet time for homework and studying; the discipline it takes to focus at martial arts lends well to a study environment. And since all work and no play makes everyone dull, there are games.

What kind of games, you ask? Well, it’ll depend a great deal on how much space there is and what else may be going on at the martial arts school. Most well-run children’s programs, however, tailor their games to the style of martial arts being taught, as well as what most kids like to do. Typical examples include:

The Tumbling Olympics: Kids, especially younger children with higher energy levels, LOVE to roll around on the mat. So, let them, in all kinds of different ways. Set up an obstacle course on the mat. Blow up a bunch of small balloons and see how long it takes for the kids to pop them all using only their backs. Organize a relay race of forward and backward rolling. If you have a larger crash pad, that’s perfect for seeing how high everyone can jump into a forward roll, or just a silly freestyle event.

King of the Log: If you have a balance beam, perfect…if not, lying a heavy bag down also works wonderfully. Two participants get on and try to get the other to fall off. If it’s a striking school (TKD, karate, etc.), and you have plenty of sparring protection available, use cudgel sticks. If it’s a grappling school, tell the players they can only use one hand on the lapel of their opponent’s gi to try and pull them off-balance and off the beam/bag.

Infinite variations on “Tag”: This one’s always my favorite…it’s a great way for the kids to work on footwork, speed and mat awareness without realizing they’re learning a valuable resource for any martial art. My favorite is called “Tail” (at least, that’s what we call it). Everyone folds their belt in half three times and tucks it into the back of their pants, so it’s sticking out like a tail. When the game begins, everyone tries to pull out someone else’s tail. A player is not allowed to adjust their tail, but as long as some of it is still stuck in the back of their pants, they’re still in the game. The game proceeds until only one person has their tail remaining.

The best part about having an after-school martial arts program is that it develops greater friendships and lasting positive memories about being at whatever studio they attend. If I can get my child to think, “I’m happy to go to martial arts class because that’s where my friends are!” as opposed to “well, I guess I have to go that martial arts place again,” they will develop a life-long love of the sport and passion for training. As someone who appreciates what learning martial arts has done for my life, and sees the value in it for everyone, that’s the greatest benefit.

But running marathons is not without its dangers. As physical therapist and athletic trainer Jim Wharton told USA Today, “Marathoners run on hard streets…the impact of each stride is three to four times a runner’s body weight, transferred from ankles to knees to hips.” This can lead to pain and injuries, which can force runners to stop before they are halfway to the finish line.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize such health dangers and finish running the marathon of your dreams. By following these tips, you will be able to compete with a minimal risk of injury.

Proper Clothing

Shoes. Probably the most important pieces of clothing for marathon running are proper shoes and socks. Make sure that you have a good quality pair of running shoes and socks that will stand up to the test of a marathon. In addition, do not run a marathon with brand new shoes, as this will inevitably lead to blisters and pain and certainly will not help you to win a marathon, much less to finish one.
Outfit. Choose your running outfit carefully. The best clothing materials for running a marathon, say experts, are nylon and Coolmax-not cotton.

Practicing this Skill

Practice Makes Perfect. Running marathons is not for the habitual couch potato, say experts. Those who do well in marathons are those who have been regular runners for several years (at least) before the event.
Take a Test Run. Even if you are a regular runner, you may still struggle in a marathon if the only running that you have done is on a treadmill or on a jogging trail close to your house. Since running marathons is synonymous with running on streets, it is essential that you take a test run (or two) on similar topography before the big race.
Have a Dress Rehearsal. In at least one of your test runs, wear your marathon clothing and shoes. Try to start this practice run on the exact same time of the day as the upcoming marathon. A dress rehearsal run will make you feel like a marathoner, which will increase your confidence and your enthusiasm for the actual run.

Before Running Marathons…

Check with your Doctor. It is always a good idea to visit with your doctor approximately a week before competing in a marathon. Your doctor may be able to detect any physical problems (such as ankle injuries or heel pain) that could hamper an otherwise pleasant marathon experience.
Stay Hydrated. Drink copious amounts of water in the days leading up to a marathon and minimize your consumption of coffee and tea. (These caffeinated beverages are diuretics and can lead to more rapid dehydration).
Trim your Toenails. Although a little known danger of running marathons, toenails that are too long can get caught in socks and rip during the race, a quite painful and debilitating issue.

The Night Before Running a Marathon…

Sleep. It is imperative to get a good night’s sleep prior to running a marathon. Such sleep can restore your energy and prepare your body for upcoming stresses of the event.
Do Not Anticipate. The night before the marathon, try not to think about the day ahead. Such anticipation can over-stress you and damage your confidence. Remember…you have trained hard for this event. Your body knows what to do…trust in your training.
Eat a Proper Dinner. Fitness experts recommend that you include a substantial amount of carbohydrates in your dinner the night before running marathons.

The Day of the Marathon…

Wake up Early. Experts recommend waking up early on the day of a marathon for one very important reason-proper digestion of your breakfast. They say that, for best marathon performance, you should eat breakfast 2 to 3 hours before the race. Waking up early will also provide time to review your training sessions, visualize a successful run, and dispel any pre-race butterflies.
Arrive Early. To further minimize stress, experts recommend that arriving at least one hour before the marathon commences.
Come Prepared. Bring an extra set (or two) of clothing in the advent of sudden weather changes. Wear a watch to time your progress. Wear sunscreen to protect from painful (and dangerous) sunburn.

During the Marathon…

Conserve your Energy. Running fast at the start of the marathon is a temptation best to be avoided, say experts. This can quickly deplete your energy, leaving little energy for the longest part of the race. Instead, allow yourself a (relatively) leisurely 3 to 5 miles to move ahead of slower runners

Drink Water. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the race, say experts. Do not wait until you ‘feel’ thirsty before drinking water. The first sign of thirst is a potential signal of dehydration. Therefore, drink water early-well before the 10th mile.

Enjoy Yourself. Whether you win a marathon, or even achieve your goal time for completion, what is important is to honor the fact that you followed through on your commitment. Enjoy your accomplishment–it is one that relatively few will ever embark upon, much less complete.

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The Hwa Rang Do warriors were devoted to developing the mind and body in service to the Silla kingdom. They spent their lives studying history, Taek kyon, Confucian philosophy, ethics, military tactics and Buddhist morality.

The earliest evidence of Taekwondo goes as far back as 50 BC. Martial art styles at the time involved a combination of various forms unarmed combat, aimed at developing speed, strength, and survival skills in young warriors.

People later traveled to different places to learn other forms of martial arts. Those who were experts in Subak also begun teaching the public. The Yi dynasty (1397-1907), oversaw the writing of the first Taekwondo book. It was also at this time that Subak gradually begun to fade with people preferring to use debate instead of military options to settle conflicts. Thus, the art reverted to being a recreational sport again. When Japan conquered Korea in 1909 and ruled there for 36years, the need to learn Subak as a military art was once again rekindled. After the liberation of Korea, there arose many variants of Taek kyon due to the influence of other forms of martial arts.

Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese styles today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of karate practitioners with white depicting novices and black belts (with various degrees) representing instructor levels and higher. There is a whole range of other different colors in between. Modern tae kwon do was developed in Korea after much influence from Japanese karate during the occupation by Japan. Indeed, tae kwon do is sometimes referred to as Korean karate. The Koreans adopted similar white uniforms along with a colored belt ranking system for tae kwon do.

Today, there are two main styles of tae kwon do, one under the International Federation and the other under the World Federation. Many schools have added a black lining to their white uniforms for black belt levels. A V-neck top is often seen in schools affiliated with the World Federation. There are also older Korean styles including tang soo do and moo duk kwan. Some of the more Americanized schools also use uniforms with other colors such as red, black and blue in addition to the traditional white.

It can be generalized that in karate, one would use their arms or hands for 60% of the time for strikes or blocks while the use of legs for kicking will be about 40%. This breakdown is seen in the many forms or katas of karate which are set routines which simulate fighting against imaginary opponents using martial arts techniques. The forms from tae kwon do would have the opposite percentage breakdown with 40% hands and 60% legs. There is also more emphasis on higher kicks to the head level than in karate. Practitioners also utilize more jumping or flying kicks where one is airborne while executing kicking techniques. The Korean forms or patterns are generally a bit shorter and less complex than the karate forms. Some tae kwon do schools have been known to use the odd karate form in its curriculum as well.

In North America as well as other parts of the world, there are separate traditional competitions for karate and tae kwon do. However, the open martial arts tournaments in North America often have competitors from both disciplines competing together. Some of the larger open martial arts competition events will have separate forms divisions for Japanese and Korean style competitors but the fighting or sparring divisions will usually be combined. Many black belts end up studying both styles. Tae kwon do has received more publicity in recent years since its introduction as an Olympic sport.

Another simple implementation of martial arts in daily living is that you learn how to keep being focused and relaxed while doing strenuous exercise. The practice gets your body to twist in new directions, to use muscles you haven’t used before, to learn what ‘natural posture’ means in terms of martial arts. After a while your body becomes soft outside (for the observer) and hard inside (you experience the flow of qi in your body). Simply, if you manage to keep your body relaxed during strenuous exercise then in daily living you can maintain being relaxed in stressful situations. Needless to mention, daily practice enables you to remain calm and focused despite the circumstances and the environment.

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The principle of your technique must be designed to destroy your opponent’s sense of balance. If he cannot apply pressure with his feet, he will not have the power to drive his own movement or to resist yours. You will then see dramatic results in the application of your chosen technique, because all your opponent’s energy will be spent in trying to maintain his balance.

When you study the older techniques, forms and kata, you will discover these principles are applied consistently throughout them – and it will make sense of many of the apparently obscure movements. When you watch other martial arts, you will see how the same principles are applied to receive, lock, throw, sweep, trip, slip, strike and cut. By watching your opponents movements, you will also be able to judge their skill level.

In meditation, the same four principles are used. You maintain posture through balance; you maintain correct body alignment; you breathe correctly; and you maintain proper mental focus and alertness in the same way as you do when you are training.

Sometimes students will approach their teacher and ask when they are going to be taught meditation. They go away somewhat confused when they are told that they have in fact been learning it for some time. Forms and kata, as stated previously, are like mediation in motion.

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At least 100 kilograms heavier than the average juryo weight of 149 kilograms, and the tallest in the division at 191 centimeters, Yamamotoyama gained experience in amateur sumo’s top ranks at high school and Nihon University before joining the Onoe stable, where he picked up experience fighting a range of wrestlers from fellow man-mountain Baruto to the more wiry Satoyama.

Apparently this makes even bigger than Musashimaru:

Ex-Yokozuna Musashimaru, who enjoyed a career free of injury despite similarly imposing 237-kilogram bulk, proved that size is not necessarily an impediment to a stellar sumo career.

“But it’s very tough for big men unless they train their lower bodies,” the former grand champion warns.

The heaviest recorded sumo wrestler was Hawaiian born Ozeki Konishiki, who once weighed 284 kilograms in his prime. The previous record for a grappler born in Japan was the 240 kilograms by juryo wrestler Susanoumi.

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With 30 years of teaching and competition experience, his proficiency earned him the Australian Full-Contact KF Championship and the perpetual trophy for the most outstanding fighter in 1984. Senior Master Richard has represented Australia twice in the World Wushu Invitation Championship, China. In 1990 Senior Master Richard returned to Asia to study in Macau.

In June 2001, became certified by the International Wushu Federation as a judge. In order to become qualified it was necessary to demonstrate a sound understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of international competition routines.

Senior Master Richard’s extensive skills may be attributed to a long list of some of the best martial arts Masters from China. They include; Pan Qin Fu, Wu Bin, Huang Jian Gang, Bai Wen Xian, Wang Deming and many more. Senior Master Richard still keeps in contact with these Masters on regular visits.

As a teacher with great patience, integrity and respect, Senior Master Richard embodies the spirit of KF. Advanced level courses will greatly enhance your mental, physical and spiritual development. Students find that his classes improve their confidence and self-esteem as well as their fitness level and self-defence skills.

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In 1914, Thai-Boxing conquered Europe by storm, was the first time you could enjoy a Thai fighter there and caused enormous excitement among the audience, so Thai fever spread rapidly across the seas. Art, the national sport had become a hugely successful event as work began to build the biggest and best stadium dedicated to Muay-Thai hitherto built. And in 1921, opened the first stage with the first ring “full-size” for the Thai-Boxing … the Sanam Muay Suan Kularb, and there came by thousands to enjoy the fighting and the art of Muay-Thai.

Soon to be accepted the standards of traditional boxing on the concept of the ring, so they built stadiums “European format.” After that, they quickly introduced the use of gloves … the first to use in a sporting event (in 1927) were two wrestlers known then: Kau Nai Nai Muangyos and Sirisek Chok Chai, both fought bravely in the stadium Sanam Muay Ta Chang.

In 1929, the most revolutionary and world-famous stadium opened in Lumpini Park, opened the Lumpini Stadium, a place of worship and veneration for all tha i. It was conceived as a world-class stadium to host the best fights of the now famous art of Muay-Thai.

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Some careless definitions state that the “game of capoeira” (“jogo de capoeira”) is a sport practiced at academies or in the streets, with no set rules but characteristically ordered nevertheless, with its own music, for which the instrument that sets the pace at practice bouts is the berimbau, or musical bow.

This definition, however, considers capoeira only by sporting aspects, to the detriment of the ways all its other features blend in with Brazilian society. Capoeira’s mythical and religious aspects, for instance, are a part of that which is considered “sacred” in Brazil, something that permeates all beliefs, lifestyles, dreams and aspirations in our society.

Sérgio Buarque de Holanda, one of the most famous Brazilian sociologists, referredt to these aspects as religious feeling, both intimate and close to the heart, accepting of spiritual contributions from many sources, and a paradigm of the courteous nature with which that writer credits the Brazilian people.
Thus, the magic that permeates the world of capoeira gives form to a vast spectrum of meaning through which this expression of Afro- Brazilian culture maintains ties with all that is sacred, and with several of the expressions and traditions of Brazil’s popular culture.

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