Time to Start Thinking "Back-to-School"

Yes, we just celebrated Independence Day, and it's the early part of July, but it's already time to start planning for your child's return to school.  Our favorite question to ask at this time is, "What will your child be doing after school?"

There are no shortage of options for you to choose from, when considering after school activities for your children.  But we believe the best after school programs will include these important elements:

Physical Fitness - Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in our country and our state.  Children need to develop a lifestyle that includes fitness.  Obesity places young people at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases.  Unfortunately, many schools have eliminated physical fitness as part of their programs.  Giving your child the opportunity learn the benefits of physical fitness at an early age will benefit them throughout his or her entire life.

Mental Dexterity - Just because the school day ends doesn't mean your child's mind should not be active or that learning should stop.  Your child's after-school activity should continue to stimulate their thinking, and help them stretch their mental capabilities.  Such a program will actually help improve their performance in school.

Self-Defense/Anti-Bullying Education - Bullying continues to be an issue facing our schools.  We've posted a variety of information about that topic on this blog.  Any after school activity your child is in should give them the skills to both recognize and overcome bullying behavior (both in others and themselves).

Life-Skills Development - The best after school programs will help develop the skills necessary for your child to succeed in life.  They will include important character qualities like courtesy, integrity, perseverance, and self-control.  In addition, they will help your child learn how to set and achieve goals.  They will also help your child develop problem-solving skills.  These life-skills will benefit your child at school, at home, and in any other activity they participate in.

Long-term Perspective - A quality after school program will understand it is helping prepare your child for life.  Its staff won't just be focused on short-term benefits or performance.  Instead they will ensure that a strong foundation is laid for their future success.

Finding a program that can meet all of these criteria can be challenging.  However, All American Martial Arts has created a Taekwondo After-school Pick-up Program (T.A.P.P.) that meets each of these requirements.

The Martial Arts is a great way to help your child develop a healthy lifestyle.  Our T.A.P.P. program develops coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength.  In addition, our programs will also challenge your child mentally.  Your daughter or son will consistently be challenged to stretch their thinking and improve their problem-solving skills.  The Martial Arts are known for self-defense instruction. 

Our T.A.P.P. will give your child not only the physical skills to defend themselves, but the skills to end conflicts before they become physical.  Through our T.A.P.P., your child will also develop the life-skills to be successful in every area of life.  And we know that what's really important is that your child has a solid foundation for their future growth and success.

If T.A.P.P. sounds like a program you would like your son or daughter to participate in, then we would like to visit with you.  Click on this link to find out more about the program and for the most convenient way to contact us.

The Thunder couldn't do it, but we are!

That's right, All American Martial Arts is beating the heat this summer!  We have two great deals for you to take advantage of during what is going to be a hot, hot summer. 

Check these out:

• Summer Camps 2012 - If you are looking for a great way to keep your child physically and mentally active during the summer, our Martial Arts Summer Camps are just the ticket!  They will introduce your child to the Martial Arts in a fun and safe manner.  These camps are just $125 per week, and they include a morning and afternoon snack as well as lunch.  There are still spaces available for our upcoming camps, do don't wait, contact us today.  If you register for more than one camp, you'll save $25 off each camp you register for.  Call us TODAY!
• Summer Special - Are you interested in the Martial Arts, but not sure you can make a long-term commitment?  Our summer special is a great way to find out if the Martial Arts are for you.  This is a 10-week training program that includes:

FREE Uniform
1 Private Lesson
30-Day Family Pass
2 Guest Passes


Come join us in beating the summer heat!  Contacting us is easy.  You can call us at (405) 601-0639, or e-mail us at aama2010@usa.com, or go online and fill out our form to schedule your first FREE lesson at here.

Make this a fun and rewarding summer by taking advantage of one of these great summer deals!

10 Reasons to Take Advantage of One of Our Martial Arts Programs!

We're quickly approaching the end of 2011.  Where did the year go?  Many people will soon start thinking about their goals and aspirations for the new year.  With that in mind, we offer these 10 simple reasons why one of our martial arts programs should be at the top of your list.

• Exercise can and should be fun.  We make it that way!
• The martial arts are a great family activity!
• Fight childhood obesity by helping your child develop a healthy living pattern now.
• Whether you are a student, employee, executive, or entrepreneur, the martial arts can help you increase your focus.

• Most students start for one reason or another, but stay because of the new friendships they make.
• It's not just about kicking and punching.  The martial arts excel at teaching individuals of all age how to improve their mental discipline.
• Your health is one of your most important assets.  Make sure you are investing it it, too.
• Whether it's hot or cold outside, the temperature is always just right on our training mats. 
• There are a lot of activities to choose from, but which one is going to offer you the most value and have the most impact on your life?

• Let's face it, we don't know when danger will strike, and we can't always be with our family when it does. How much is the peace of mind of knowing you or they can protect themselves worth to you?

If you are looking for something that not only will improve your physical health, but will also have a profound impact on your life, we encourage you to visit All American Martial Arts today.  And we're making it even easier to try us out with our current specials.

Try our Holiday Special and receive 8 weeks of training, a private introductory lesson, and a free uniform for only $199

Or try one of our introductory offers:

• One month of training for $99 (includes uniform & private introductory lesson)
• One week of classes for $29.99 (includes uniform and private introductory lesson)

Call us or come by today and find out how we can empower you to achieve more than you thought possible!

10 Ways to Measure Self-Defense Instruction

A group of our instructors recently attended a training seminar put on by a national organization.  These instructors all have many years of training and teaching experience.  So, like many of these professional development conferences, they not only learned some new things, but also identified some weaknesses in some of the concepts or techniques being taught.

Fresh off this experience, we thought it would be good to offer a guide on how to measure if the self-defense instruction you are being taught is adequate.  Here's our criteria for effective self-defense instruction:

• Awareness - the first step to effective self-defense is to increase your awareness of your surroundings.  Increased awareness can keep you out of dangerous situations.  It should be a regular part of any self-defense situations.
• Movement - We have a common saying at our school that sums up our approach to self-defense:  "If you don't want to be hit (or kicked), don't be there."  The idea is to not be a stationary target.  If you can recognize the type of attack you can position your body so you can avoid the attack and deflect the blow.
• Protecting Yourself - It should be self-evident that self-defense training should be about personal protection.  However, it is surprising that many techniques being taught actually increase the exposure to physical harm rather than minimizing it.  If a technique does this, we don't advise using it.
• Efficiency - It is unfortunately true that many instructors have forgotten he value of simplicity.  They teach self-defense moves that require many, often complicated, techniques.  Why do something in 8 moves, that you can do in 5?  Or why do something in 5 moves that you can do in 3?  The goal of self-defense is not to show how good a fighter you are, but to quickly and effectively escape or subdue your attacker.  Efficient techniques are the best.
• Effectiveness - It should be obvious that a good self-defense technique is one that actually works.  However, some instructors spend time teaching techniques that simply don't work.  Here's a good tip on identifying a problem with the technique:  if the instructor is consistently the only one in class who can adequately perform the technique, it's probably not very effective.
• Capability - Self-defense instruction should be tailored to the actual ability of each student.  If you are over 40, you're probably not going to be doing a bunch of spinning heal kicks, or leg sweeps.  Teaching techniques that students can actually perform in a real-life situation is a must for self-defense instruction.
• Practice - The old saying that "Practice makes perfect" is especially true for self-defense.  Simply coming to class a couple of times per week and learning a technique in a carefully managed situation isn't adequate for really mastering self-defense.  Working at home, practicing with a spouse, sibling, or friend, and experimenting with the technique in a variety of situations is what will allow you to truly understand how and when to use it.
• Simulate Reality - At some point, it is important to practice the technique in way that will simulate reality.  Speed is one of the most effective ways to do this.  Constantly working on performing the technique as quickly as possible, and in as many situations as possible, will give you the confidence that you will be able to use it if attacked for real.  If your training is always in "slow motion" you are not being adequately prepared for reality.
• Responsive Instructor - Although an instructor has to manage the class and ensure that they are able to teach the lesson on time, they should not shut down questions.  If they can't take the time during class, they should make time after class.  If an instructor consistently ignores or avoids questions, it's a good sign they are not fully confident in what they are teaching.
• Common Sense - Rule #1 of Effective Self-Defense:  Don't abandon your common sense.  If something seems dangerous or ineffective, it probably is.  If it seems overly complicated, it probably is.  If you're being taught techniques that are outside your physical abilities, that's not good instruction. 

There are a variety of martial arts disciplines and all have something valuable to offer.  However, regardless of discipline, these 10 guidelines should be used to judge the true value of the self-defense instruction being taught.  If you have any questions regarding self-defense instruction or would like to know more about the self-defense techniques taught at All American Martial Arts, contact us at (405) 601-0639 or by e-mail at aama2010@usa.com. 

Top 10 List for Choosing a Martial Arts School

At All American Martial Arts we recognize that not everyone has the opportunity to train at our facility.  So we thought we'd provide a "Top 10" list to help you choose the right Martial Arts school for you.  We hope you find it useful and enjoyable.  And, if you are looking for a school in our area, please come compare us against our checklist.

• Friendly & Courteous Staff - Does a staff member greet you and offer assistance when you enter the door?  Do they show an interest in you by asking questions?
• Professional Instructors - Do the instructors manage their classes well?  Do they know what they are teaching?  Do students respond well and enjoy the classes?
• Family Friendly Environment - Regardless whether just you or a child is training, or if the whole family is, does the staff create an environment that welcomes your family and friends and treats them with respect?
• Convenient Schedule - Does the school offer a variety of classes at times that can fit your schedule.  These may include early morning or daytime classes, as well as traditional evening programs.
• Multiple Programs - Does the school offer a variety of training programs that can enhance the students' experience as they progress?  Do they have different programs for youth and adults?
• Appropriate Facilities - Is there enough space to adequately train?  Is the facility clean?  Do they have an area for parents with small children to watch the floor?  Do they have enough training equipment?
• They Expect a Commitment - Many schools will lure you in with the "No Contract" appeal.  Here's what we know - a school that doesn't expect a commitment from you, will not make a commitment to you.  They are out for the "fast buck" and have little concern about your progress.  Look for a school that expects a commitment from you.  They'll give more to you in return.
• They Emphasize Life Skills in Classes - This is especially important for younger students, but also adults.  The Martial Arts have been and should be about more than just kicking and punching.  A school that fails to embrace the character-building nature of the Martial Arts is giving its students tools, but no guidance on how to properly use them.
• They teach practical, effective, Self-Defense - At All American Martial Arts we believe every discipline has something of value and can be learned from.  But when it comes to self-defense, we believe practical, real-world techniques should be taught.  Schools that ask you to abandon your common sense, or teach overly complicated techniques make harder to defend yourself.
• Demonstrate Value - Whether it's in their youth or adult programs, self-defense or competition programs, or enhanced programs like a black belt clubs or master clubs, the school should be able to clearly demonstrate that you are getting good value for the time and money they are asking in return.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about how to choose a good martial arts school, please feel free to contact us at (405) 601-0639 or by e-mail at aama2010@usa.com.

Two of the Bravest Young Men I Know

When we think of bravery, we often think of members of the military, police, firefighters, and first-responders.  After the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, this is not surprising.  However, I'd like to introduce you to two of the bravest young men I know.

They are not old enough to serve in our military or in law enforcement.  But they have fought an enemy that is insidious, relentless, and devastating.  Ian Black and Ethan Henry have not reached their 10th birthdays.  Yet they have fought a battle that would terrify most adults.

Both of these young men have battled cancer at their young ages.  Both have triumphed.  We at All American Martial Arts have been privileged to be a part of their success.  We have seen the progress they have made not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Now we want to solicit you into the fight against childhood cancer as well.  We have partnered with these two families to participate in the Oklahoma City CureSearch Walk on September 19th.  This event will raise funds to find cures for various forms of childhood cancer.

Ian and Ethan were fortunate to have good medical care, stable families that provided support, and access to physical and mental rehabilitation through the martial arts.  But not every child who is struck by cancer has these assets.

We're asking you to join us in defeating this horrible disease that strikes at too many of our children and families.  Our goal is to raise $1000 for this effort.  You can contribute by going here.  Your donation will help children across our state have the same chance as Ian and Ethan.

If you have any questions, please contact All American Martial Arts at (405) 601-0639 or by e-mail at aama2010@usa.com. 

Bullying Stops Here!

On Tuesday, September 6th, we're taking bullying head on!  The new school year isn't even a month old and we have already received reports of bullying.  So we're bringing back our Bullying Stops Here seminar and have created a single day camp for students to attend. 

This camp will focus on several important aspects of bullying.  First, we'll supercharge participants' self-confidence.  Children with low self-esteem are much more likely to be victims of bullying.  And children who have been bullied will have trouble gaining self-confidence.  It's a vicious cycle that we are going to break.

We'll also explain why some students try to bully others.  It is important for students to understand the mindset of a bully so they are not intimidated by them.  Once you remove the "mask", bullies aren't nearly so fearsome.

Then we're going to give participants a 3-step process to end bullying behavior by others.  This process will give students control over their situation.  It will allow them to understand how to end bullying effectively.  And it will keep them safe.

We're also going to provide students with the absolute best in youth self-defense techniques.  Like other parents, we don't want our children to be involved in fighting.  But we also don't want them to be helpless victims to bullies, either.  The fact is, these techniques, like those we teach every day, aren't "fighting techniques."  They are techniques to end a physical confrontation as quickly and effectively as possible. 

In addition, we're going to help participants increase their awareness and recognition skills.  Students can stay safe and avoid confrontations by increasing their ability to see a problem before it occurs.  We'll help them understand their surroundings and learn to identify potential dangers before they are entangled by them. 

We're also going to address two other important aspects to student safety and self-defense.  The new phenomenon of "pack bullying" - where groups of students roam a campus looking for victims - and surprise attacks.  It's unfortunate that sometimes, no matter how prepared someone is, they can be attacked by surprise.  We're going to help participants understand how to deal with surprise attacks and how to think clearly even if they have been hit first.

This seminar is a must attend event if you have a child in school.  Some schools are out on September 6th, so they won't have to miss school to attend.  But even if school is in, we recommend you consider having your child attend this important event.  It very well could be the most important thing your child learns this year.

You can register for this event by clicking here.