Essence & Spirit of Martial Arts Part 2

The qualities of Yellow Belt, the Germination of Life, will be Part 2 of our exploration of the Essence & Spirit in Martial Arts.  The qualities are  Honor and Family.  In our student handbook we define Honor as "a good name with integrity".  Honor is used a lot in karate and the martial arts.  Honor is often invoked, but not always understood.  When I ask students what honor means, the answer is usually "to respect someone or something".  There is a lot of truth in that answer.  It also makes honor an action, not a noun like in our handbook definition.  Honor is an interesting and powerful word.  It can be a noun or a verb.  You can have honor (noun) and you can honor someone or something.  If we stay with our martial arts definition of honor as a good name with integrity, how can we make that actionable?  From our living example.  If we want to keep that integrity we have to live it, live it consistently over time.  In karate and martial arts we train hard, follow the teachings of our Grandmaster, listen to our Instructors.  We preserve the knowledge, and share it with the best of intentions and sincerity. We keep the respect and discipline that is our art's foundation and exemplify these qualities while passing this knowledge to the next generation.  We behave and treat others as gentlewomen and gentlemen, never allowing one to doubt the sincerity of HapKiDo's philosophical and virtuous foundations.  The Honor of future generations will be the proof of and reward of our Honor today.


The second quality of Yellow Belt is Family.  When asked about family or what family means, the first thought is our immediate blood related family; our parents, our children, our Grandparents, our aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  In karate and martial arts we define Family as "people united by a common goal".  We always refer to the members of our schools and their family members as Our HapKiDo Family.  The students learning ChungMu HapKiDo  with Grandmaster JiMong Choe as our Martial Arts Father are our HapKiDo brothers and sisters.  We are united by the common goal of Martial Arts.  What is the common goal of Martial Arts?  It is very difficult to narrow so broad a field with literally countless benefits.  Is it the ChungMu HapKiDo Purposes of Training?  Self Defense, Health, Completion of Self Culture.  The fellowship a student of The Way experiences in training is unique to martial arts.  Other team sports do not have the same necessity for Respect and Trust. Martial arts practiced without consideration can be dangerous!  You MUST have a profound level of of mutual respect, trust and friendship to practice safely and effectively.  As you progress in martial arts the philosophical foundations and tenets of virtue they were founded on becomes progressively more important and deepens the profundity of the relationships.  The common goal starts to take shape as making the world better by making ourselves better.  The HapKiDo/Karate/Martial Arts Family is so powerful  because it is Truly Good.  This is the kind of Family the world needs.

Turn over a New Leaf for the New Year!

“You are what you eat” is the phrase that we often hear, when referring to our eating habits. What we put in our body, is what we will produce. For example, if you put low grade oil or gasoline in your car, chances are that it won’t last as long, verses if you put high graded oil and gasoline in it. In today’s society, we are always on the move and it seems as though some of us hardly have time for ourselves, and our health. I totally understand how it feels to always be on the go, but at the same time, we must practice healthy habits to keep our body performing strong in our everyday routines. There are small changes that can make a big difference in how our body performs, which includes, eating a lot of green leafy foods and keeping plants in your home.www.ilovekickboxingduluth.com

Green leafy foods such as spinach, cabbage, collards, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, kale, seaweed and much more, are very beneficial to our bodies. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting phytochemicals (biologically active compounds in plants). Green vegetables are rich in calcium, which helps keep our bones and teeth strong. They also contain vitamin E, which has multiple responsibilities such as keeping our skin healthy and protecting it from harmful sun rays. Eating green vegetables plays an essential role in the proper functioning of our bodies. 

Another healthy habit that can improve the body’s performance is as simple as putting plants in your home. There are two amazing plants that I would like to share; the snake plant (also known as mother in laws tongue) and the aloe plant (also known as aloe vera). In the snake plant, the mother in laws tongue improves the air quality in your home by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen mainly at nighttime. This action provides a deeper sleep, which in return provides a good night’s rest. Did you know that once consumed, the aloe vera plant helps detoxify our bodies? Inside the plant contains a gel substance that absorbs the toxins in our body and then exits through the colon. In addition, aloe vera plants are also great for healing wounds on the skin. The aloe plant is an amazing plant that has a ton to offer in the upkeep and the well being of our bodies. 

To get positive results, starts with a positive attitude. The Year of the Horse is here, so get started turning over a new leaf for the New Year! It may be hard, but not impossible! So, remember to eat plenty of green vegetables and add a plant or two in your home. These are a few simple things that can make a big difference in healthy living.

Happy New Year!

Written By: Rahkeen Williams, Kickboxing Instructor

678-380-0022

www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

www.karateduluth.com

Essence & Spirit of Martial Arts Part I

Respect and Loyalty are the 1st attributes I will cover in this 12 part exploration of the Essence & Spirit of Martial Arts found in the Choe's ChungMu HapKiDo Handbook.  All of the qualities that are listed are essential for the moral development of a HapKiDoist.
Respect and Loyalty are associated with White Belt, the beginning, the seed beneath the winter snow.  Respect is used a lot in the martial arts.  When you ask a student what respect is, they usually reply with "bowing", or "saying Yes Sir!".  These are great answers, however these are ways of Showing respect.  They don't define it.  What is respect?  Where does it come from?  In our Handbook we define Respect as "an act of giving particular attention."  Respect is an attention to and a consideration of someone (or something) outside yourself and in relation to yourself.  In Choe's HapKiDo and in karate, this particular attention is demonstrated and developed through the rank system etiquette.  A student is required to pay attention to others, especially his senior belts and primarily to his/her instructor.  To learn well this must happen, the Instructor is their primary source of knowledge.  The Instructor must pay particular attention to and carefully consider each student to be able to provide the best education possible  and help each student achieve and surpass their individual goals.  While it is demonstrated differently depending on their rank position, Respect is a 2 way street, you've got to give to receive.


The 2nd attribute is Loyalty.  In Choe's HapKiDo Loyalty is defined as "faith in a custom, ideal or institution.  The student must have faith-- in their Art, their Grandmaster, their instructors.  The Martial art journey is lifelong.  You have to stick around for the deeper benefits to actualize.  The student has to have faith that by staying on this particular path, they will become the martial artist
and person they dream of becoming. This faith is strengthened by the examples and leadership of those that have gone before them.  The Black Belts walking the walk, not just talking the talk.  They see the dedication and integrity of their Grandmaster and Instructors.  They know the strength and longevity of their Art.  They have success in their 1st steps and subsequent steps.  All of these positive lights shine the way and give students the faith to have loyalty.  The Instructors are students as well, and share these same beacons.  The Instructor must also have Loyalty to his/her students.  Teachers must be steadfast in their conduct, guidance and technique to be worthy of someone else's faith.  Instructor and Student do not exist without each other.  Their journey together is ultimately one of mutual Respect and Loyalty.

Choe's HapKiDo Karate of Duluth
678-380-0022
www.karateduluth.com
www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

Health & Fitness

Have you ever felt drained on a regular basis? Or had shortness of breath, after walking up a flight of stairs? If so, our health plays a major factor in how our body functions and operates. The human body requires constant exercise and healthy eating habits here in Duluth Ga and everywhere in the world.

Health and fitness is very important to the longevity of our body. Good eating habits and drinking plenty of water play an essential role in the proper functioning of our bodies. Water keeps everything in our body rejuvenated, from our cells, blood, digestive system, the brain and more. Without water we wouldn’t last very long in everyday activities. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and poultry carry water in them as well .  Water is stored throughout our bloodstream and in our stomach. When exercising it is good to sweat.  Some may sweat more than others. If so, it’s alright.  Sweating is the body’s way of cooling it’s self down when exercising. When sweating we use up water that, the body has stored in our bloodstream and our stomach. While sweating the body releases toxins that builds up throughout the day.  Karate & martial arts & kickboxing are fantastic ways to sweat!

  The majority of our nutrition comes from the food we eat. Fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and poultry provide vitamins, minerals and nutrition that keeps our bodies performing to the max. It also protects us from diseases like the common cold. When we eat healthy and exercise regularly as humans we start to feel good about our selves. Our confidence goes up as well. When it comes to eating healthy and exercising regularly, I know it’s easier said than done. So how can you start making smarter health and fitness choices? Try one day, instead of chips, substitute them for a fruit. Or instead of soda try drinking a bottle of water. You can achieve these health and fitness goals one day at a time.

Never give up!

Written by:

Rahkeen Williams

Instructor 

Choe's HapKiDo of Duluth & Lilburn GA

1630 Plesant Hill Rd.
Suite 210
Duluth, GA 30096
(678) 380-0022
www.iLoveKickboxing.com
www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

www.karateduluth.com

https://www.facebook.com/iLoveKickboxingDuluth

The Benefits of Rolling and Flipping

Everyone likes to watch tumbling.  Running and rolling, jumping and flipping, its a blast.  In martial arts, besides being fun, it is also a practical and important part of your self defense training.  Rolling and flipping teach you how to safely escape joint lock and holds that would otherwise incapacitate you.  You can survive being thrown with little or no trauma.  Its takes some dedicated practice to be proficient, but getting there is quite enjoyable.  Practice safely, step by step and you can savor the journey.  

Rolling and flipping in karate also improves your self defense by teaching you how your body moves in space.  In our daily lives most of us are not being turned upside down very often.  Martial arts rolling and flipping let one experience moving and turning in ways we rarely or never would.  When we think about self defense, we usually think about being attacked by another human, however self defense means protecting yourself.  So if you slip and fall and get hurt, you did not protect yourself.  The break-falls and rolls you learn in HapKiDo karate allow you to land from slips and falls without damage.  Knowing how it feels to be turned upside down spinning gives you the proprioception to stay oriented and aware in the unfortunate event of a car wreck or collapsing building or landslide, etc.
 One of the primary benefits of rolling and flipping that is often overlooked is the health benefits.  Rolling, flipping and tumbling are good for you!  Done properly, the rolls and flips align your spine.  Its like you’re your own chiropractor.  The contact down your back that aligns your spine is like acupressure or massage.  Your own hands can’t do that!  The vibration from the rolls and flips, shakes and stimulates your internal organs; releasing poisons and shaking out fat that is sitting stagnant because that part of your body never gets that kind of stimulation in everyday life.  Even if you workout at the gym, your not getting that kind of stimulation and action in your body cavity.  It really is invaluable  to your well being & longevity.
Get on the mat and go for tumble, you’ll be glad you did!

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Duluth

1630 Pleasant Hill Rd.

Duluth, GA 30096

678-380-0022

www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

Stress Reduction Benefits of Exercise: Mind and Body

In this day of go, go, go, stress is the name of the game. We have so many tools around us to make our lives easier, but somehow stress keeps piling up. We can’t rid our lives of stress entirely, but we can lighten the load and manage it. Stress affects both our minds and bodies, but we can reduce its effects with regular exercise.

Mind:

As your mind gets stressed you begin to feel overwhelmed, unable to concentrate, forgetful, and short-tempered. Get moving and let your brain take over.  When you exercise your brain pumps endorphins (“feel-good” neurotransmitters) that boost your mood.  Pumping fresh oxygenated blood through your body spreads the “feel-good” feeling. Have you heard the term “runner’s high”? That’s what they mean, feeling good by releasing endorphins naturally. The secret is you don’t have to be a runner to experience the high, thirty minutes of kickboxing is an excellent way to improve your mood. 

Regular exercise can help regulate your sleep. Exercise regularly and your body will naturally help you fall asleep and stay asleep, leaving you ready to tackle the day ahead.

Exercise improves your focus. When you work out, you are focusing on a single task. A workout routine focuses your mind on a singular task, forcing your mind to slow down and complete one task at a time. 

Body:

Regular exercise builds physical strength, stamina and endurance. You become physically stronger and are able to last longer through the tougher parts of a stressful day. The physical benefits include gaining muscle strength and bone density. Cardiovascular activities, like kickboxing, will strengthen your heart and lungs, lower your blood pressure, lower your blood sugar and raise your metabolism. 

Reduce your stress, improve your general health, raise your self- esteem, and sense of accomplishment with exercise. Your outlook will be more positive, your confidence level will soar and you’ll be able to handle anything life throws your way. 

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts

1630 Pleasant Hill Road

Duluth, GA 30096

(678) 380-0022 ‎

www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

Defeat the Bully! (without fighting)

What is a BULLY? 

A bully is someone who will pick on people for just about anything!  They repeatedly use physical or psychological intimidation because it makes them feel better about themselves.

Types of Bullies

• Know-it-all Bully – Always has a better idea or better way and never gives others a chance to share their idea without putting it down.
• Fancy bully – Makes fun of people because of how they dress or what they don't have. 
• Strong Bully – Big and strong and uses his size to intimidate others (usually smaller kids). 
• Trouble Bully – Breaks all the rules, always gets into trouble, seems to enjoy being in trouble. 
• Cyber bully - Uses the internet and social media to bully and harass.

What does it mean to be bullied? 

Examples of bullying include teasing, exclusion, making threats, spreading rumors, and hitting.  

It’s not the person’s face, hair, or clothes that cause the bully to pick on someone or be mean to someone. Bullies usually target someone that they feel is weaker than them. 

What does the targeted person do that makes them seem weak?

• Looks down 
• Speaks softly and nervously  
• Acts weak or insecure 
• Does not have many friends  
• Feels and moves awkwardly

Why do bullies bully? 

Usually bullies treat others badly because they think that it will make them feel better about themselves.  Often they are sad or upset about something in there life. 

How to avoid being the bully’s target: 

• Make friends—Remember the golden rule. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. If you treat someone with respect, even if they are mean to you, they are more likely to be nicer.
• Look strong:

1. Exercise
2. Look up - Don’t look down or at the ground
3. Make eye contact
4. Stand up tall
5. Speak up

• Ignore the bully—This means pretend that the bully is not there. That means that you don’t look at them, listen to them, or get upset about what they are saying!
• Walk away—When using this method you must first ignore the bully, then simply walk away to a place where the bully cannot pick on you anymore.  
• Agree with the bully— The bully usually wants you to fight back or argue back with them, but if you agree with them then there will be no reason to pick on you or fight with you. 
• Get a BUDDY—This is one of the safest ideas if you are dealing with a bully that likes to fight. If you have a friend with you bullies will most likely stand clear of you. 
• STAND UP FOR YOURSELF— Avoid being bullied multiple times. If you have tried the above, it is time to be stronger.  Negate the bully by telling him/her, “I understand it makes you feel cool to act like a bully, but not everybody likes what you doing or thinks bullies are cool.”  

Note: HapKiDo can be used as a self-defense to protect yourself but not to start a fight.

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts

1630 Pleasant Hill Road

Duluth, GA 30096

(678) 380-0022 ‎

www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com