Tag Archives: baltimore karate

Building self-discipline with karate in both childhood and adulthood

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Self-discipline is a quality that many times seems to elude us.  Even as responsible adults, we find ourselves using our time inefficiently, setting goals and forgetting about them, and avoiding what we have to do because it’s boring or slightly unpleasant.

Think about how much harder self-discipline is for kids, whose brains are still developing.  They’re just starting to learn how to organize their lives on their own and concentrate on completing tasks that may not thrill them, such as a long homework assignment or the small chores they’re assigned to do around the house.  Many of our own issues with self-discipline can be traced back to when we were kids and teenagers; the bad habits we cultivated in our younger years often stay with us as adults.

Why is it important to build self-discipline?

With self-discipline comes self-respect.  We become more effective in the world, we accomplish more, and we’re able to tolerate more boredom and discomfort.  Self-discipline can also save us from damaging choices; with greater self-discipline, we tend not to act without thinking first, and we’re capable of making better decisions about our physical and mental health.  So much of success in life, including school and work, stems from persistence; without the self-discipline to sit down and stick with a task, it doesn’t matter how smart we are, because we won’t accomplish much.

How does karate help develop self-discipline?

  • Different research studies (such as this one) provide evidence that many children, even those who struggle with medical issues, experience improvement in an array of qualities such as cognitive functioning and confidence after taking a course in karate.  Improving physical and mental health lays the groundwork for greater self-discipline as well; it’s easier to persist and stick to goals when you believe in yourself and feel stronger.
  • Karate teaches patience and persistence. Both kids and adults see that results don’t happen overnight, but only after weeks of training, with repeated practice.
  • In karate, students will make a lot of mistakes, but will also realize that mistakes are just a part of learning. Sometimes people procrastinate and lack self-discipline because they fear failure deep inside; by emphasizing that failure is necessary and expected, instead of something to be embarrassed about, karate can teach people to fear failure less.
  • Because karate can provide measurable goals, students have a clearer idea of what they’re working towards, and can better set goals in their own lives.
  • The instructors are inspiring role models who demonstrate self-discipline throughout the class.

Taking a course in karate then may not only improve your physical fitness, it will also make you mentally stronger and tougher, more willing to fight for your goals and persist in the face of hardship.

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

Why Parents and Children can Benefit from Taking Karate in Baltimore Together

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Karate in Baltimore is not just for children-adults can benefit from taking classes as well. If you’ve considered enrolling your children in karate classes, you might want to consider taking classes alongside them.

One of the biggest advantages to taking karate classes with your child is the fact that you can practice together. Kids need to spend a reasonable amount of time outside of class perfecting their moves if they are to advance to the next belt level. It can be overwhelming for parents who are unfamiliar with karate moves to help their children practice effectively, which is something that can be eliminated when both of you are enrolled together.

You’ll also be setting a good example for your child by enrolling in martial arts. When your son or daughter observes you exhibiting courtesy and respect, it will be much easier for them to do the same. By being disciplined both in and out of the dojo, you will provide incentive for younger family members to work hard and display self-discipline.

Enrolling your son or daughter in karate means that there is less time available for the two of you to spend together. That’s not the case when you both take classes, as you will be able to bond while learning some martial arts moves. Rather than being separated from one another during class time, you’ll be creating lasting memories of the two of you performing an activity you both enjoy taking part in.

Martial arts will help you maintain a higher level of physical fitness. As a result, you should have more stamina and increased energy. This is a benefit that will help you become a better parent, because you will be able to keep up with an active child more easily. Karate could also help you lose weight and improve your overall health, and leading a healthy lifestyle is one sure way to ensure your child learns the importance of doing so.

When it comes to building self-esteem, improving physical fitness, and learning self-defense, karate classes can help with all of these. Martial arts have even more advantages when parents and children enroll in classes together. Visit the Pamfilis Karate Academy to find out more about the classes that are available.

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

Cardio Exercise Can Help With Self Defense

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When it comes to protecting yourself, you can leave nothing to chance.  Whether you want to take self defense classes, learn karate or some other type of martial art, you have to be in good shape.  This is why beginning cardio exercises on a regular basis is a smart and fun way to get back into, or stay, in shape.  Whether you want to go on a jog, ride a bike or take part in a fun game, developing a cardio routine is important.

Jogging/Running

A fun thing to do all by yourself, jogging or running is a great way to get your cardio strong.  It can be difficult to commit to in the beginning, but you will eventually see the results and payoff.

Biking

Biking is another fun thing to do on your own, but can be more effective with a partner.  With biking, having someone around to keep you motivated is great incentive to get in shape.  You can also enter yourself in biking competitions to help get your speed up and better than ever!

Participation In Games

Lastly, getting involved in fun sporting events is also a great way to get in better shape.  This could mean a weekly pick up basketball game, a flag football league or anything in between.  Being involved in one can help your cardio as well as your sportsmanship.

In the end, having good cardio can help you in all walks of life.  This includes getting your karate skills polished and ready to go.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

Meditation: Enhance Your Karate Experience By Clearing Your Mind

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Most think of Karate as a tool for fighting opponents, either competitively or for self-defense. Karate can actually be an excellent social sport. Classes and tournaments offer plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends that share a common interest. Karate can also be a form of discipline: training your body and mind to work together in stressful situations. This is beneficial because one can achieve more self-control, awareness of surroundings, and ability to think clearly in situations where immediate or reflexed action usually prevails. Incorporate meditation into your karate routine by setting aside at least 5 minutes before or after your work out, tournament, or training session, you can achieve piece-of-mind, balance, and discipline.

*It would probably be best to meditate in the comfort of your own home.

  • Step 1: Find a quiet place to sit. Either sit with our back straight in an “Indian” style position or in a straight backed chair. Like in Karate, meditation has the best results with good posture. This allows the meditative calm to pass through your body unobstructed. The quieter the area the better, silence will allow you to concentrate better.
  • Step 2: Close your eyes and regulate your breathing. When you inhale your diaphragm should expand, when you exhale it should deflate. Controlling your breathing is important, and it might take a few sessions before you get it down, but persist and you shall prevail!
  • Step 3: Clear your mind and focus attention inward. Concentrating on nothing sounds like a difficult task but it is achievable. Use some type of timer (such as an application on your phone, there are many that assist with meditation) and only meditate for five minute at a time if you’re a beginner. You can work yourself up to longer sessions.

Maintain the discipline to implement a meditation schedule will definitely translate to your karate skills. Karate is one of the best activities to take part of, enhancing social, mental and physical skills. Try to add meditation to your karate lifestyle, and see a positive change today!

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

Adult Classes – Work On Yourself While You Wait

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At Pamfilis Karate Academy we know that sometimes the toughest job in the world is being a parent. Between pick-ups, drop-offs, homework and all the extra-curricular activities, it’s hard to make time for yourself. That’s why we are currently offering a unique opportunity to parents to work on their mind, body and spirit. We invite you to enjoy 1 month of free training in our Seido karate method while you wait for your child to finish their own classes. This is your chance to not only take part in a one of a kind fitness class, but to share something special with your child.

Seido aims to help students develop strong bodies which will in turn translate to better health and well-being. That’s something everyone can benefit from, especially parents. Beyond that karate is a great way to increase your strength and flexibility. And it can also be a serious cardio workout! It’s truly one of best ways to spend an hour of your day.

On top of all these health benefits, taking Seido may help you forge a deeper bond with your youngster. As children get older parents often struggle to find ways to stay connected with them. Sharing a common interest is the perfect way to bond with your son or daughter.

Additionally our dojo offers a wide variety of adult classes to help you continue with your journey even after the month is over. So why not give it a try? We think you’ll like the results. Give us a call today to get started! FREE MONTH of training!

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

How To Properly Place Promotion Patches/Stripes

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Seido Patches (pictured on the left)
Gi Top with the patches properly placed 

For the Seido patches:  Both the circle and the rectangular patches get sewn on the left side of the gi top.  The circle patch should be placed below the left arm seam, with the plum blossom circle centered on the shoulder seam.  The rectangular patch goes on the left, front, chest area for you (or your child) … the patch should have the line at the bottom and should NOT be lined up with the seam of the jacket, but should be “readable” when the top is tied onto your child.

Advanced Stripe (pictured on the right)
Junior brown belt with a properly placed advanced stripe 

The advanced stripe for the belts should get sewn on as follows…

For juniors (those children with a white stripe in their belt): the black stripe should be positioned on the side with the white stripe running through the belt, with the circle symbol at the bottom of either end of the belt (doesn’t matter which end of the belt the advanced patch is sewn on).

For adults: follow the same directions, eliminating the “white stripe of the belt” directions. If you have doubts and would like to safety pin the stripe onto the belt and then get approval from one of the adult black belts that would be fine.  This patch is NOT “iron on.”  Must be sewn on or, I have heard that folks use Liquid Stitch (my experience has been that the belt becomes too stiff with that method).

Get fit and don’t quit! Parents of students get a FREE MONTH of training!

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

Never Too Old for Martial Arts

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Many people think that you can only start off in martial arts when you are young. Many parents see the benefits of martial arts in their children and want to get into it themselves. And why not? Martial Arts is amazing exercise for your body and your mind. It is also a fun, and rewarding hobby.

If you’re looking for a great workout, martial arts is the way to go. What makes it so great is that you are burning calories and the exercise is always new and interesting. Think about it: day after day, lifting weights and doing the same exercises over and over is boring. With martial arts, you are always being challenged to learn something different and exciting. And with various degrees of skill level, you always have something to work for.

If you are someone who has a hard time focusing on one thing, martial arts can help. Martial arts helps develop focus and discipline. Constant practice of something through repetitious movement and breathing exercises helps increase our discipline. It takes a lot of concentration to be able to focus learning one thing for a long period of time and martial arts helps strengthen our ability to concentrate.

Martial arts is also fun. Who doesn’t get a kick (pun intended) out of learning some cool, new martial arts technique? It’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Doing martial arts with the family is another great way to have fun and spend time with your loved ones.

So, if martial arts is starting to sound fun to you, then give us a call! At the Pamfilis Karate Academy, we are always looking for new members to join our martial arts family.

Get fit and don’t quit! Parents of students get a FREE MONTH of training! For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com

Karate Fitness

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How long have you been looking at your calendar in search of the perfect time to get fit? Well, when would NOW be a good time for you? Fitness has nothing to do with the timing; it has everything to do with the habit. It’s actually harder to get started than it is to maintain a habit that you’ve created. It’s even harder to stew around and think about getting started. Just going for it is always the best option. You don’t even have to go all out and knife hand a brick into dust. You just need to take small steps. The amount of stress you’ll lose when you get going will make you wonder what took so long.

Treating fitness just like any other habit is essential. You get up, get dressed, go to work, etc. Fitness is no different. Just put a little time aside for it. Pick the most convenient class time, walk in, and let the excitement of the crowd let you do the rest. Make it easy so that it can easily become your habit. A good habit.

Think like a kid. Try it, you’ll like it!Lot’s of kids are a little nervous about something new. But the minute they jump in, they get lit up. Now it’s a reason to keep coming. Open up to new possibilities and you’ll be pleased you did. The best part about Martial Arts as a fitness program is that you’re not just dropping a few pounds. You get to live out a new adventure and get away from the monotony of the day.

Get fit and don’t quit! Parents of students get a FREE MONTH of training!

If you’re looking to jump right in you can grab a 6 week summer program for all beginners! For ONLY 169.99 you get two classes per week, a uniform, and a promotion to your next belt! Get in shape and get an official “Hero” status in front of your kids!

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com