Sunday, May 4, 2014

Martial Arts First Degree Black Belt Plate


The unique Martial Arts First Degree Black Belt Plate makes a great gift idea for a black belt test, birthday or holiday. Personalize it with the name of your martial artist and year that they earned their black belt and joined the black belt club. This custom 1st degree black belt sport plate features a digitally enhanced photograph of an actual martial arts belt. Suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo and ju jitsu.

Most orders print and ship within 48 hours. Bulk rates do apply - the more you buy, the more you save. Every order is backed by Zazzle's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Product Details
Style: Melamine Plate
Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or creating a one-of-a-kind dining set, our non-toxic and dishwasher-safe plates show off your photos, designs, and text in vibrant full-color printing. Adorn your home with a custom plate today!

  • Size: 10" diameter
  • Vibrant, full-color printing
  • Drop and break resistant
  • Easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe
  • Not microwave safe
tagged with: martial arts, black belt, first degree, 1st degree, first dan, 1st dan, sports, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo, ju jitsu,plate, melamine plate,melamine,

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Saturday, May 3, 2014

Top Ten Reasons To Practice Martial Arts

People often wonder why martial arts is such a popular activity. There must be a primary reason why someone would get involved in the martial arts. Actually there are several reasons for embarking on the study of martial arts.

1. Self-Defense - Were you ever bullied at school? Have you ever worried about how to protect yourself and your family in a dangerous situation or environment? Well, it seems that you're not alone because thousands of other current martial arts practitioners say that self-defense skills for today's world are the primary motivating factor for them to enroll in martial arts classes.

2. Health and Fitness - Had enough of generic gym workouts? Sick and tired of the same old aerobics class with that annoying music? Many other people have had enough too and are now turning to the martial arts as a great way to improve their health and fitness while gaining many additional benefits through their training.

3. Discipline - This seems to be the number one reason quoted by parents of young children for joining a martial arts club. Discipline is an important core tenet of the martial arts and if you are already the parent of a "wild child", then it's not too late to change their behavior through the time-tested methods of a qualified martial arts instructor.

4. Confidence - Do you lack self-confidence? Come on, be honest - do you tend to do what others tell you to do, or do you stand up for yourself and lead the way in your life? The fact is that the majority of people follow the crowd instead of leading the pack. The study of martial arts is the perfect template for developing core leadership skills and improving self-confidence and many people are beginning to notice this.

5. Self-Control - This can be defined as being the ability to appropriately monitor your own behavior and natural impulses when put under pressure by life's everyday challenges. The way you react to negative events or stress often defines who you are. Martial artists are by no means impervious to the trials and tribulations of life but they are often better equipped to deal with such obstacles through their constant and rigorous training.

6. A New Challenge - Are you tired of doing the same old thing day in and day out? Do you feel that you need a new direction in your life? A simple solution is to try something different and martial arts is a great activity with many hidden benefits.

7. Social Interaction - Human beings by their nature need social interaction with other human beings. Often this need is met at home or at work but these environments are not always the most harmonious of places. Why not step out of your comfort zone? How about you make some new friends who share a common goal - that of self-improvement!

8. Spiritual Growth - Confusion in our modern world is a cause of immense stress and the need for spiritual guidance is great. Many people turn to religion for the answers to this angst, some people begin meditation or yoga, and others are turning to martial arts to reconnect with themselves and discover the true being within. Any of these methods can provide answers; it's up to you to discover which one works best for you personally.

9. Learning about a New Culture - Many modern martial arts can trace their roots back to different countries such as China, India, Japan, Korea, Greece, Philippines, Thailand, and numerous other countries. As the martial arts provide such a culturally rich background, they are often a great initial introduction to learning about our wider world, its history and its diverse cultures.

10. Because my Friend told me it was Fun - Have you ever watched a movie because a friend recommended it? Have you bought a new pair of shoes because you were told they were extremely comfortable? How about a new car? There are many examples in everyday life where we act based on trust in our loved ones' opinions. Beginning martial arts is no different and in many ways studying martial arts is a referral-based business.

So these are "The Top Ten Reasons to Start Martial Arts" and if you haven't "stepped out on the mat" yet then I sincerely hope you take action soon. If you are already a martial artist, then congratulations on taking the first step on your rewarding journey.



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Martial Arts Black Belt Drawstring Backpack

Martial artists, carry your stuff in style with the personalized Martial Arts Black Belt Drawstring Backpack. This custom light weight nylon bag features a black belt design with a white background and makes a great gift idea for a black belt promotion test. Customize the cinch bag with your own name or text. Perfect for carrying your martial arts uniform to the dojo or gym. Suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo or ju jitsu.

Most orders print and ship within 48 hours. Bulk rates do apply - the more you buy, the more you save. Every order is backed by Zazzle's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Product Details
Style: Drawstring Backpack
Customize this lightweight drawstring backpack for a fun and stylish carryall bag! Design a one-of-a-kind backpack with your graphics, photos, and text. Great for sports, school, and other occasions!

  • Dimensions: 19.25” x 16.25” x .125”.
  • 100% nylon construction.
  • Designs printed on outer facing side of backpack.
tagged with: martial arts, black belt, blackbelt, black belt gift, black belt test, karate, taekwondo, martial artist, kung fu, judo, black belt backpack, martial arts backpack, drawstring backpack, drawstring bag, backpack,bag

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Friday, May 2, 2014

Developing An Effective Personal Training Plan For Martial Arts

If you are a member of any serious martial arts school with a reputable instructor then you will have no doubt heard in class the words Be sure to practice at home. Martial arts training goes beyond the dojo. Often, this advice is given without any suggestions or tips on how to actually do this. How do you practice at home? How do you develop an effective training plan? How often should you practice?

If you have been practicing martial arts for one year or more then you have probably made it to the intermediate ranks of your style. You are probably going to class twice a week and ideally you are also practicing at home. Here are some tips to help you develop a plan to fit into your schedule and reach your goals. A Martial Arts Training Log may also help keep you on track with your schedule.

- Find out when your next rank promotion test will be held and what material will be tested. This is a simple task. Just ask your instructor and get a copy of the school's grading syllabus and write the date of your next test in your schedule.

- Decide how many times a week you intend to go to class. To be successful in any martial art you should go to class at least twice a week. Avoid going four or five times a week because this will lead to burnout. Your classes are the place to learn your material, check that you are doing things right, and to find good training partners with similar goals - not the place to escape the realities and responsibilities of life.

- Set realistic time blocks at home for additional practice. I recommend short, focused sessions two or three times a week instead of long daily sessions leading to burnout, fatigue and excess stress. A balanced training program will include two sessions a week in class of about 1 hour each plus three 30 - 45 minute sessions at home three times a week.

- Set yourself up for success by practicing at home at a time that is both quiet and uninterrupted.  Consider this your me time and make sure that you are only focussing on yourself and not anyone else.

- Don't practice the same things in every session. Decide in advance what you like most about your training and what feels like hard work and not much fun. Begin your training session with something fun and upbeat to give you energy, then take on the challenge of the task or drill that you least enjoy or are having the most problems with; and then finish your session by rewarding yourself with the opportunity to practice the aspects of karate that you most enjoy and are best at. This way you start and finish on a high but still manage to practice the more difficult things too.

- Be consistent in your training. Set a schedule and stick with it. If something comes up and forces you to cancel, be sure to give yourself the same respect you would offer to anybody else with whom you had an appointment, and reschedule your training session. The moment you start accepting your own lame excuses to not practice at home will be the beginning of the end of your successful journey to the black belt, and the true mastery of your style.

These tips should help you to be successful in your chosen martial art and the bottom line is this.... The real secret to developing an effective personal training plan is to simply take the time to make a plan and then to stick with it.



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Martial Arts Brown Belt Compact Mirror


The personalized Martial Arts Brown Belt Compact Mirror makes a great gift idea for your martial artist girl for a brown belt test. Customize it with the name of your athlete and the year she earned her brown belt. Suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo and ju jitsu. This cute martial arts compact mirror features a brown belt design with a white background.

Most orders print and ship within 48 hours. Bulk rates do apply - the more you buy, the more you save. Every order is backed by Zazzle's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Product Details
Shape: Round Compact Mirror
Customize a compact mirror for stylish touch-ups while on the go! Available in round, square, oval and heart shapes, this luxurious compact mirror features an all-metal construction and two interior glass mirrors. Personalize the compact mirror with your photos, texts, and designs for a one-of-a-kind accessory that fits perfectly in your purse!

  • Dimensions: 2.75” l x 2.75” w x 0.3” d (round), 3” l x 2.6” w x 0.3”d (square), 2.3” l x 2.8” w x 0.4”h (oval), 2.6” l x 2.8” w x 0.3”h (heart).
  • Designs printed in full color on metal insert on front of compact mirror.
  • Opens up with two glass mirrors.
tagged with: martial arts, martial artist, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo, brown belt, brown, tkd, tae kwon do,compact mirror,mirror

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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Martial Arts 2nd Degree Black Belt Necklace


Congratulate a martial artist on achieving their second degree black belt with the pretty 2nd Degree Black Belt Pendant Necklace. The custom martial arts necklace makes a unique black belt gift for a black belt test, birthday or holiday. This cute necklace features a martial arts black belt design with two gold bars inside a sterling silver plated round pendant.

Most orders print and ship within 48 hours. Bulk rates do apply - the more you buy, the more you save. Every order is backed by Zazzle's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Product Details
Size: Small
Keep your favorite image, design, or words of inspiration close your heart with this beautiful square custom sterling silver plated necklace. Complete with a 18" sterling silver-plated chain (2" extender) and lobster claw clasp, this necklace is finished with a UV resistant and waterproof coating to protect your imagery for years to come. The necklace arrives in a special black felt bag that is perfect for gifting.

  • Sterling Silver-Plate.
  • Made in the USA.
  • UV Resistant and waterproof.
  • Add photos, artwork and text.
  • Charm diameter: .75".
  • Chain length: 18" with 2" extender.
tagged with: sports necklaces, martial arts, black belt, second degree, 2nd degree, karate, taekwondo, tkd, kung fu, judo, ju jitsu, tae kwon do, second dan, 2nd dan, martial arts necklace, black belt necklace,necklace,necklaces,jewelry

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Martial Arts Etiquette

Have you ever walked into a martial arts school and wondered what all of the rigid hierarchy and bowing is all about? Are you currently a new member of a martial arts gym and are wondering what all of the foreign words and chanting means? Many share your confusion and wonder if it is all necessary.

Here is your quick cheat sheet to The Dos and Don'ts of Martial Arts Etiquette.

Depending on your martial arts school and style, some or all of the following may apply:

1. DO show respect to your instructor and fellow members while you try to find your place within the group and see if the school matches YOUR goals and has YOUR best interests at heart. If the school does meet your expectations then continue to train there and continue to show respect to the instructor, the club members and the traditions of the style. If the school does not meet your expectations then politely excuse yourself from that particular gym and go on your way.

2. DO open your mind to different ways of doing things. For the most part martial arts practices and methods have been transmitted down through the generations and as such carry a lot of cultural-specific traditions. In many ways these traditions help to accentuate the overall benefit of the martial arts experience.

3. DO try to learn more about the background culture of your chosen martial art. For example, Karate is originally from Okinawa, Taekwondo is from Korea, Kung Fu is from China. By knowing where your art originated you can begin to learn some basic cultural knowledge about your chosen style. Your instructor should be able to help you find material for this.

4. DO your best to follow the directions given by your instructor and to fit in with the class, at least while you are in the discovery phase of seeing if martial arts is for you. You will probably have many questions and depending on the situation it may not be appropriate to ask your questions in the middle of the class. However, make sure that you ask your instructor and other club members about things that don't make sense to you or that are confusing before you go home. They should be more than willing to answer your questions and offer help.

5. DON'T give up your spiritual values or religious beliefs. Just because you start learning about some mysterious Chi force or miraculous feats, don't suddenly think that you have found the answers to all of your unanswered questions. While martial arts can provide some very enlightening wisdom and inspiration, you should always remember why you first enrolled in the martial arts. It was probably to learn self-defense, to improve your health and fitness, or to join in with a worthwhile activity together with your child.

6.  DON'T forget the value of humility. It is very important to be respectful in a martial arts environment and not to be too outspoken. As with anything, actions speak louder than words and all too often members of martial arts clubs get into trouble by speaking out about things that they don't understand too soon. It is better to give your chosen art a fair chance and to let your efforts in class initially do the talking until you feel that you have reached the point of being accepted and are able to ask intelligent questions.

To many people martial arts are a completely foreign activity and it takes some time to acclimate the themselves to the specific culture and nuances of the art.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in martial arts.

Looking for personalized Martial Arts gift ideas for a birthday, holiday, belt rank promotion test or black belt test? Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography offers custom t-shirts, ornaments, cards, bags and keepsake gifts to commemorate your martial arts journey. Gifts are suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo or ju jitsu. All belt rank colors are represented.


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