Self-Defense - Keeping It Simple

Too often the image most people have of self-defense is what they see in television programs and the movies.  Our entertainment industry can create incorrect perceptions of what effective and realistic self-defense is.  It's easy to forget the highly choreographed movements we watch in the movies are created to entertain, not educate.

When it comes to self-defense, we have learned the truth of the saying, "simple is best."  Trying to teach an endless number of techniques that are complex and time consuming only increases the chances a student will be injured trying to use them.

It is also important not to abandon common sense.  Self-defense is more than knowing how or where to kick and punch.  It's also about understanding your surroundings and recognizing potentially dangerous situations before they arise.

In addition to simplicity and common sense, repetition is also important.  Self-defense is like any other skill you might learn.  To get really proficient requires practice.  A lot of instructors can teach you very good techniques.  But if they are actually going to be effective, they need to be practiced regularly.

We all can enjoy a good martial arts movie.  However, it's important to remember that the keys to good self-defense are simplicity, common-sense, and repetition.  These three keys can help you stay safe and secure.

Summertime Safety - Start Planning Now

Summer is just around the corner.  School will be out, and young people will be enjoying  variety of summer activities.  But because so much is going on, summer is also a time when youth are vulnerable to a variety of dangers.

Use the next few weeks to help prepare you and your child for the summer.  Here are some helpful tips to ensure your child has a safe, as well as a fun summer:

• Make sure your child has important contact numbers:  With cell phones the ability of children to contact parents or other family members is much easier.  But make sure your child has your contact information, as well as that of other family members, friends, and public safety offices.
• Keep reasonable hours:  It's not uncommon for kids to get to stay up later during the summer than during school.  But this should not be a time for them to have no restrictions.  Keeping regular hours will not only help them stay well-rested, it will also help keep them out of trouble.
• Limit time on the computer, play-station, and television:  With all the home entertainment options, it's easy for youth to become physically inactive during the summer (one reason why youth obesity is at record levels).  Make sure your child gets regular exercise and doesn't let the summer become a time of deteriorating health.
• Teach your child to be aware of their surroundings:  It's unfortunately true that summer brings an increase in crime.  Help your child stay safe by teaching them how to be aware of their surroundings and how to notice if something is unusual.
• Know where your child is:  They don't always appreciate it, but one of the most important things you can do to keep your child safe is to know where they are. 

The summer can and should be a time of fun.  Taking these simple steps will help make sure it is also safe. 

Making Good Decisions

“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” – Roy Disney

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to make important decisions if you are unclear on your priorities?  If you’re having trouble choosing between two distinct courses of action, you may want to reexamine your values.  It may be a situation in which you simply need to remind yourself of what is most important to you.  Or, it may be that you need to revise those priorities based on new information, an important experience, or changing circumstances.

In Taekwondo, we have five chief tenets:  1) courtesy; 2) integrity; 3) perseverance; 4) self-control; 5) indomitable spirit.  These are our values.  They guide us not only in how we conduct ourselves on the training mats, but also in how we conduct ourselves at home, in school, at the office, and anywhere else we find ourselves.  These tenets serve as anchors for our actions.

When these values are at the forefront of our minds, making hard decisions becomes easier.  Will the proposed action conform, affirm, or reinforce these values?  Then it is easier to choose it.  If the proposed action doesn’t conform to these values, it becomes clear it is something we wish to avoid.  Regardless, having this clear set of priorities makes decision making more efficient and effective.

If you are finding it difficult to make a particular decision, examine your core values and determine how this decision interacts with them.  If haven’t specifically defined your core values, spend some time doing so.  You’ll find it makes your ability to accomplish your goals much easier.

Make Sure Your Martial Arts Training is "Self-Paced"

One of the great things about the Martial Arts is that it is a self-paced program.  You can progress at the rate you want and are capable of.  This means some students will quickly move up levels, while others will progress more slowly.  The majority will be somewhere in between.  But each student can decide what their rate of progress will be.

But there are some pitfalls to self-paced programs that students (and/or parents) should be aware of.  They include:

·         Student-to-Student Comparisons – This is when a student begins comparing their progress with others.  This can often give a student an incorrect perspective of themselves and others.  A student that is progressing rapidly may think they are “better” than other students.  While one that is progressing at a slower rate may become discouraged and feel they are not doing well.  The martial arts are not a sprint to Black Belt status.  In fact they are not a race at all.  It’s not important how quickly or slowly a student reaches that point, but that they accomplish their goal.

·         Parent-to-Student Comparisons – Parents can also get an incorrect perception of their child’s true development by comparing them to others.  Not every student is in the same program.  Some are training 5 or 6 days per week.  Others train 2 days per week.  In addition, some have other activities they are committed to besides their martial arts training.  Parents should be cautious in comparing their child to others.

·         Self-Paced vs. Testing Cycle – Although the martial arts are self-paced, most schools have an established testing cycle.  Some schools test every two months, some test twice per year.  We have a three month testing cycle.  But testing should not be the only measure of progress.  The ability of the student to understand their discipline, to perform techniques correctly, and to be comfortable demonstrating their knowledge is more important than ensuring they test at every cycle.  Don’t be afraid to hold a child back from a test to ensure they have truly learned their material.

·         Burnout – Because martial arts programs are self-paced, and because when something is new students want to be there frequently, burnout can become an issue.  They immerse themselves too quickly, and within a few months they have lost interest.  This is why a lot of schools will limit the number of times beginning students can attend class each week.  They want the desire to remain.

·         Parental Pressure – This is not a problem exclusive to the martial arts.  You will find it in nearly all activities.  Parents want their child to do well.  But sometimes, we become too invested in our child’s performance.  When this happens, the child becomes resentful of their training, rather than enjoying it.  Parents must be comfortable letting their child progress at their own speed.  If you have questions about their progress, visit with an instructor.  All children need motivation now and then, but they don’t need unrealistic expectations.

If you watch for these traps, you and/or your child will truly enjoy and benefit from the self-paced of the martial arts.  And as always, if you have a question, ask an instructor.