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Friday, February 25, 2011

A Family Affair
 In a day when children are often more apt to stay inside and watch television or play video games, “How do you keep them from becoming couch potatoes?” is a question that is often being asked. “It’s hard to compete with video games and TV,” said Frank Silverman, the Executive Director of the Martial Arts Industry Association, “but it’s not impossible. We find that most parents would love their children to participate more in physical activities, but they have to make sure commitments help encourage this (physical activities).” Here are a few suggestions that Silverman has to help keep children physically active. First, join the activity with them. That doesn’t mean you have to train every day or commit to becoming a black belt, but, if you train once a week, there’s a better chance your children will want to go to classes. They may even want to practice with you at home. Second, when possible, relate moves they are learning to what they see on TV or on video games. For example, if they are watching the Karate Kid, talk about similar moves they may have learned in class, or explain that Jaden Smith went to classes at XMA headquarters with Mike Chat and practiced regularly. Other suggestions include maintaining a regular training schedule and encourage them to participate in special activities that support their favorite sports. Of course, the best way  to help them stay physically fit is to make it a family affair!  
7:58 am est 

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Tae Kwon Do Traning with your Better Half
  More and more adults are training in martial arts these days and there are many reasons for the growth. One is the ongoing affect Tae Bo had years ago, which has maintained the idea of kickboxing as a way to get in shape. Numerous people have seen martial arts benefit various aspects of their lives, including getting in shape. Of course, there are new martial arts fitness programs in the limelight that show how the mixed martial arts craze can appeal to the mass market; that popularity is giving martial arts schools more positive exposure. Add to this people’s general quest to be active and you have a recipe for increased adult enrollments in martial arts schools. That being said, schools are also seeing many families take part with either mom or dad joining the kids or just one partner taking lessons. So where’s the better half in this equation? Why not mom and dad or husband and wife? According to Frank Silverman, Executive Director of the Martial Arts Industry Association, one reason is because once adults get serious about training, they often don’t want anyone else interfering with it. It’s really not much different than when you first start working out at a gym and want a friend to go with you. As you progress, you don’t want to be slowed down by a newbie. Silverman says, “This is the reverse of what happens at a martial arts school.” Bringing outside people in almost always helps current students since, martial arts training is a go-at-your-own-pace type of activity. But still, far too often, people don’t want to bring their friends or significant others to their special activity. Perhaps they’re afraid they’ll look silly or their guest may not understand this is serious stuff. At the end of the day, there’s no better place to learn and no better way to learn than to be surrounded by people you care about. They will help keep you motivated and challenge you to do your best. So, call today and invite a family member or friend to give martial arts a try. 
10:45 am est 


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