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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What Does Your Martial Artist Need For The First Class?

So your child is now enrolled in your local martial arts school, congratulations! This is the first step to a rewarding journey for both of you. You probably have a few worries about what lies ahead but at the same time you're probably really excited to see your child get into the martial arts. So what equipment, uniform and gear do you need to buy for the first class?

One of the great things about the martial arts is that it does not cost much to get started compared to some other activities. For example a set of good golf clubs can cost as much as $1000 or more. Starting soccer can lead to multiple purchases of a soccer shirt and shorts, socks and cleats, shin pads and of course a good soccer ball. Baseball and football have similar requirements. Dance and ballet can also become quite expensive with all of the different costumes and outfits for the various recitals. You want your child to look good of course so you are willing to buy whatever is necessary. But you don't know much about martial arts?

Initially for martial arts training you only need a uniform (often called a go or dobok) and that's about it. Of course there are other things you could buy such as a gear bag or a martial arts T-shirt but essentially your only piece of equipment to get started is a uniform. A basic uniform should cost around $30 to $40 and sometimes, depending on the school, your first uniform is given to you FREE as a bonus for signing up for the initial program.
That's fine for the beginning, but now you are asking What lies ahead that will affect my pocketbook?

Your biggest ongoing expense will be the cost of your tuition. Community center programs are obviously cheaper and large schools that are located on busy streets in nice areas are obviously higher because they have to be to keep their doors open.

Concerning the equipment, these are the items that you will need to purchase as your child progresses through the ranks to black belt:

- Better quality uniforms (these can range from $60 for a mid-level uniform, to $100 for a good uniform, and all the way up to $200 for a top of the line uniform - your instructor should offer a good selection to fit the different budgets). Do a google search for uniforms also, there are several companies offering affordable uniforms.

- Sparring gear: Your child will need a chest guard, arm, shin and foot protectors, head gear and a mouth guard. Often your instructor will offer the whole package for a discount and you should definitely take advantage of this to save a bit of money.

- Training gear: Martial arts requires a lot of practice and your child will probably need to practice at home as well as in class. To facilitate this you may need to buy some kicking paddles or a kicking bag (either a hanging bag or a free-standing bag).  These items range in price greatly because there are many different qualities of training products available.

- Weapons:  Depending on your school, there may be a weapons requirement and again this will be an additional expense. Basic weapons don't cost very much however. As usual of course there are multiple upgrade options and if your child wants to enter into tournaments then a better quality weapon will be required. Also, perhaps your gym may have some weapons that your martial artist can borrow during class.

- Instructional support resources:  Many schools offer books and DVDs for curriculum support and although these items are yet another expense they are a one-time investment that can be tremendously beneficial to your child's ultimate progress and development. These tools will help your child practice at home and can also provide you, as the parent, with the means to offer support and help to your child as she progresses through the ranks. The cost of these resources will vary based on the different curriculum that is being studied but very often there are some excellent resources to be found online, on your club website or on other style specific websites. Be sure to do your research in addition to purchasing the necessary content support.

All in all the gear, equipment and uniform cost of practicing martial arts is minimal because in most cases all you need for the first couple of years is a uniform (or two), some sparring gear, some basic training gear for practice at home, an occasional weapon, and some instructional DVDs or books to take your childís understanding to the next level. The estimated cost of all of this equipment is about $400 to $500 over a period of two years to fulfill the minimum requirements. If you break this down on a per month basis then you are looking at less than $20 per month on average for basic equipment costs for the first few of years of training.

The truth of the matter is that like every good parent you will probably spend more because you will want to buy your child some T-shirts and clothing, a gear bag, additional equipment and so on. But these things will still be considerably less than that set of golf clubs! And what's more, you can use these items as valuable incentives for your child as they successfully make it through the ranks of their training.

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

If you are looking for some unique gift ideas for your martial artist check out Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography. Customize a t-shirt, ornament, bag or card with the name of your child and gym or year they earned their black belt. 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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Is Your Child Ready To Become A Karate Kid?

Beginner level Karate Kids seem to be getting younger and younger nowadays. What is the right age to start the martial arts? Is your little one ready to become a karate kid?

As karate has become more popular over the years, kids of a younger age are getting started in the martial arts. There has of course been a strong influence from the Ninja Turtles and the Power Rangers but also with the ever expanding commercial karate schools, specialized programs for the little kids are becoming more and more popular. Programs with names such as Tiny Tigers, Little Ninjas or Little Dragons abound in most martial arts schools. So at what age are kids being accepted into these programs?

It seems that the age of 3 to 4 years old is the youngest age for kids to be accepted into a martial arts program. This basically coincides with the age that a child can begin pre-school and this is no coincidence. So if your child is around 4 years old then he or she will probably be accepted into your local martial arts school. However there are other factors that you should be aware of.

- Is this the first time your child has been involved in a group activity? If so be prepared for some initial nervousness and unwillingness to get out on the floor without you.

- Have you already taken your child to your local martial arts school to watch a class? If not, then do so as this is a great opportunity to pre-frame your child so he or she knows what is expected and what a karate school and karate class looks like.

- Do you have realistic expectations for your child? Karate for a 4-year old should be about coordination, focus and fun. It is not about self-defense or hard core discipline at this age. These aspects will be gradually introduced over time as they get older.

- Can your child stay focused for about a half-hour at a time? Most young kids have very short attention spans and consequently when teaching karate to a 4-year old an instructor needs to use a series of short but focused drills that flow from one to the other. Be sure to find an instructor who uses this type of method so that your child will maintain interest for the whole duration of the class.

- Can your child follow one or two-step instructions? Your child needs to be able to follow basic directions in order to function in the karate class.

If your child does not do this at home then it may be a sign that he or she will also struggle at first in the karate class. On the other hand a karate class may be the ideal place to help your child learn the value of structure and basic discipline.

All of the above points are just some ideas that you should ask yourself when thinking about enrolling your young child in a martial arts class. The bottom line is you probably won't know all of the answers unless you give it a go but at the very least you should have some ideas of what to expect and how you can help your child make a successful transition into a fun and very valuable activity.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate.

Looking for custom Martial Arts T-Shirts, Cards or Gifts for your child? Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography sells a wide variety of customizable apparel, bags, ornaments and more for your martial artist. A personalized martial arts gift is perfect for a birthday, holiday, belt rank promotion test or black belt test. Gifts suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo or ju jitsu. All belt rank colors represented.

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How To Get Past The Fear Of Taking Your First Martial Arts Promotion Test

OK, so you' have persevered with your martial arts training for a couple of months already. You enjoy learning all of the punches, kicks and blocks. You have learned your first form and you also know some basic partner work drills. It is now time to test for your next belt rank and for some reason it feels like a wave of fear has suddenly come over you that is threatening your future in the martial arts.

You know you have to take a belt test (also called promotion test or grading) to get the next level belt and you want to be successful. Suddenly your previous fear of public speaking seems insignificant compared to the prospect of demonstrating your martial arts prowess in front of your instructor and fellow club members. Can you do it? Will you pass? How do you get past your fears and take the first step to success and progress up the belt ladder?
If this sounds like something you've been through before or something that you are experiencing now then keep reading.

The fear of taking a martial arts promotion test is a real one, but don't make the mistake of exaggerating the test out of proportion. Remember this is just a test and whether you pass or fail, it does not have to be the beginning or end of your martial arts practice. Let me give you some simple tips for dealing with the pressure and anxiety of your first belt test.

Tip #1: Put things into perspective

If you look at your progression from white to black belt in karate as a journey, then your individual belt tests are simply checkpoints or layovers. These checkpoints give you a chance to see how far you have come, how far you still have to go and to allow yourself the chance to enjoy the fact that you've gotten this far. It really is as simple as that. Don't make your belt test more than it is. Nobody will ask you how you did on your yellow belt test once you are a black belt!

Tip #2: Find out what you will be tested on

This is crucial. You must know what curriculum is on the test. Knowing what the required content is for the next belt is like buying a map and planning your route from one destination to the next.

Tip #3: Start preparing for your test in advance

This should go without saying, but many people leave everything to the last minute when it comes to testing. Give yourself the best chance possible by writing your test date on your calendar, finding out the requirements of the test (see #2) and then practicing the things that you need to practice.

Tip #4: Get a good night's sleep before your test and do something relaxing on test day

Again, this is a no-brainer and is the same advice given to any student studying for any test. Karate is no different. So get a good night's sleep and then read a book, go for a walk, listen to some music, meditate. Do whatever it is that calms you down and helps you to focus your mind. If you know in advance that you will have to work all day or do something else that might be stressful on the day of your test, then plan for that in advance and set aside 10 minutes after you finish work to sit quietly and regroup before you go home and put on your karate uniform. Even 10 minutes of calm is better than none when it comes to preparation.

Tip #5: Don't take yourself too seriously

You are taking your yellow belt test (or your orange, green or black belt.) Whatever belt you are taking, I'm sure it means a lot to you and you want to pass. If you didn't want to pass your belt then you would have no reason to take the test in the first place. What's more, your instructor usually will have recommended that you are ready for testing. This means that if you do your best and do what you do in class, with the extra intensity that comes with adrenaline, then you will more than likely pass your test.

Don't create any more unnecessary obstacles for yourself. You fulfilled the minimum time requirement, you know the material to be tested, you have prepared in advance, you got a good night's sleep, and your instructor thinks you have the ability to pass. So don't take yourself too seriously. Get your uniform or dobok on, tie your soon-to-be-old belt and get to your martial arts dojo!

Good luck on your belt rank promotion test. Believe it and you will achieve it!

Please see Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography for great gift ideas for a belt rank promotion test or black belt test. All gifts are fully customizable and are suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo and ju jitsu. All belt ranks are represented.

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Yin Yang Gifts and Apparel

According to Chinese philosophy in Chinese culture, yin yang is two opposite principles in nature working together in balance and harmony. These two elements of nature rely on each other and need each other to exist. Without the one, the other does not exist. Nothing is totally yin or totally yang, there must be both.

According to about.com:chinese culture Yin characterizes the feminine or negative nature of things and yang represents the masculine or positive side. Some examples of yin yang pairings are female and male, dark and bright, wet and dry, fire and water, rest and activity, hot and cold, heaven and Earth. To have yin yang, the elements cannot be two random and separated things. The nature of yin yang relies on the relation between the two subjects.
The concept of yin yang can be dated back to the Yin Dynasty (about 1400-1100BC) and the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771BC). The oldest known yin yang symbol was transcribed into stone and found in Korea. Because of this it is used in the modern day Korean flag. The origin of the Korean flag is derived from the oriental philosophy called Eum-Yang or Yin-Yang in Chinese pronunciation.
The red and blue yin yang symbol is prominent in the center of the Korean flag and is referred to as the 'taeguk' or the origin of all things in the universe. It symbolizes opposites working together in harmony and balance. The background of the Korean flag is white to signify peace. In the corners you will find broken and solid bars. Each of these patterns has a specific meaning. In the upper left corner you will find three solid black bars representing heaven, and in the bottom right is the opposite with three broken bars representing Earth. The upper right corner has a grouping of broken, solid and broken black bars representing water and the opposite in the lower left corner with solid, broken and solid black bars representing fire.

Choose a yin yang t-shirt, coffee mug, mousepad or apparel gift for a birthday or holiday for your zen yoga friend or martial artist. These unique yin and yang designs feature flowers, sunsets, palm trees, dolphins, rainbows, the American flag and more.

 

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Taekwondo for Kicks and Grins

New Taekwondo design from Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography. Taekwondo for Kicks and Grins! Buy this fun design on t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, mousepads, ornaments, hoodies and more. It makes a unique gift for a belt rank promotion test, birthday or holiday. Your martial artist will certainly get a kick out of wearing it!

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Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography

Announcing the grand opening of the newest online shop from Lora Severson Photography- Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photography.
My original store of Floral, Nature and Martial Arts has become too large for the very popular and ever growing Martial Arts section. So, I decided to open an entire shop just devoted to Martial Arts.
In it you will find keepsake gifts, motivational and inspirational posters,congratulations cards, birthday party invitations and supplies, t-shirts, hoodies and apparel. All gifts are suitable for karate, taekwondo, kung fu or judo. Buy unique Martial Arts themed presents for a belt rank promotion test, birthday or holiday. In fact, with Mother's Day right around the corner, you will find a large selection for the Martial Arts Mom.

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Martial Arts Christmas Gift Sets

As the mother in a martial arts family (we all are black belts in taekwondo) I know that buying Martial Arts themed gifts and cards can be difficult. The local card shop and sporting goods store just doesn't carry a big selection of martial arts, karate or taekwondo products.
Because of that, I decided to design my own martial arts t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, mousepads, keychains, greeting cards, congratulations cards, coffee mugs and much much more. I offer these items online through Zazzle.com and Cafepress.com.
These martial arts gift items are suitable to give as belt rank promotion gifts, birthday or Christmas presents. They make unique gifts for master instructors, coaches and athletes.
Just for Christmas I have created a cute martial arts Merry Kick-Mas design. It features a martial artist kicking guy in all the different colored belts. This seasonal design makes a fun Christmas card or stocking stuffer.
What's even better is that on Zazzle.com you can create your own special custom gifts and cards with my designs and personalize them as you wish. Add a name, martial art, team or school name.
New at Zazzle.com is custom embroidery. I have designed a line of customizable jackets, tote bags and hoodies for the martial arts black belt. Add your name to make it your own.
Make your own gift set when you put a rolled custom martial arts t-shirt in a custom martial arts coffee mug with a custom martial arts keychain from zazzle.com!
No matter what martial art you practice - karate,taekwondo, kung fu or judo; and no matter what belt rank you are...you will find unique gift ideas through Lora Severson Photography.

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Barns and Farm Photography

I am a lover of old barns and farm implements. To me they are a reminder of years gone by and important history of the rural Midwestern United States. So many tall majestic barns have gotten old and have been replaced by subdivisions and strip malls. I love barns so much that my husband and I recently built an addition to our home that is made from recycled barn wood. The wood is from a 100+ year old dairy farm in rural Wisconsin that was being torn down to make way for a new pole barn. The wood has so much character it almost speaks to you of the olden days.
Before our barn was torn down I took several photographs that I have made into a barn and farm photography gallery to share with other barn and farm lovers. These fine photographs are my tribute to the Rural and the Rustic.
I offer my barn and farm fine art prints through Imagekind.com. Imagekind.com is one of the fastest growing online art sites. They offer giclee art prints for all price ranges from over 50,000 talented artists and photographers. If you thought you couldn't afford fine art prints...think again. Their service and quality is impeccable. Choose from a variety of different quality papers and custom frames.
A custom framed barn photograph makes a thoughtful and unique gift for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas. Imagekind.com also uses the same high quality photographs and makes greeting cards that are sure to become a keepsake forever.

Special on Wednesday 19, 2008 Imagekind.com is offering Free Shipping on orders of $50.00 or more! Use coupon code FEMHOL6 at checkout!

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Sunflower Folklore

Here is a bit of Sunflower Folklore for the sunflower lovers in the world. Just some more reasons to love sunflowers.

Did you know
-that if you grow a sunflower in your yard it will bring you good luck?

-that a sunflower cut at sunset will bring good luck in the next day?

-if you want to know the truth in any situation, sleep with sunflowers under your bed?

-to wear sunflower seeds around your neck to protect against against small pox?

Are you looking for sunflower themed gifts for a sunflower lover in your life for Christmas, a birthday or anniversary? The Sunflower Shop at Lora Severson Photography carries a complete line of sunflower related gifts, greeting cards and apparel. As always at Zazzle.com, you can customize and personalize these items to make them a special gift.

A sunflower enthusiast will enjoy sending or receiving these floral greeting cards featuring a perfect yellow sunflower. Be sure to add the matching floral postage stamps.

Perfect Yellow Sunflower
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loraseverson

Perfect Yellow Sunflower
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A featuring 12 original floral photographs of blooming yellow sunflowers always makes a thoughtful and useful gift.

Sunflowers 2009
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loraseverson

While you're at the Sunflower Shop, be sure to pick up some stocking stuffers for sunflower lovers this Christmas holiday season. Choose from sunflower magnets, sunflower buttons, sunflower keychains, sunflower stickers and more. There is also a wide variety of hostess gifts for a sunflower fan including sunflower coffee mugs, sunflower tote bags to name a couple.

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Martial Arts Benefits

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids by John Parke

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we’ve all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.
But when your five-year old yells at you “Mom, Kids Rule!” or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these “family programs” really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded “bling bling” pop culture of today.
Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.
Martial Arts Training
From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid
You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission – but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?
First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.
Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the “sport”, but mental and emotional lessons as well.
Comparing that to other kid’s activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and “winning at all costs” seems to be the order of the day, it’s not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.
Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70’s, when I was growing up!
The Advantages
• Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.
• Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.
• Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.
• Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.
• Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.
Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?
Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child’s personality and the training techniques.
Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn’t center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.
Here’s a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you’re likely to find:
Martial Arts From Japan
Karate
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Centers on building strength and endurance
• Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
• May use weapons
Jujitsu
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Involves lots of sparring
• Teaches a fair amount of weapons training
Aikido
• Uses a more “spiritual” and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.
• Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy
• Does not involve sparring or competitions
Judo
• Uses gentle, “wrestling-like” movements
• Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts
• Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development
• Engages in competitions
Martial Arts From China
Kung-Fu
• The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles
• Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques
• Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.
• Engages in sparring competitions
Martial Arts From Korea
Taekwondo
• Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.
• Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.
• Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.
Choosing The Right Instruction
If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you’d like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child’s and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.
Say you’ve found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?
1. Good Instructors
Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!
2. Space and Safety
Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.
3. School Values
Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid’s karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school’s ideals match your family’s principles.
4. Prices and Schedules
Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family’s lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.
Baby Blackbelts
Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.
Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.



For more information, please go to our site: http://www.LloydIrvin.com - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maryland (BJJ) and Muay Thai Boxing Maryland, Virginia and DC’s own Lloyd Irvin is a Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Grappling Hall of Fame Inductee. He is now offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Maryland and a FREE 30 Day Trial of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maryland (BJJ), Thai Kick Boxing , Maryland Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts program.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

For a complete selection of Martial Arts gifts including martial arts t-shirts, tote bags, keychains, greeting and congratulations cards visit Lora Severson Photography/Martial Arts at Zazzle.com. Customize Martial Arts products with specific martial art sport, name, school or team name.

Martial Arts Black Belt
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