Tag Archives: karate classes

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

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

3 Benefits Of Adult Martial Arts

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Do you have a child who takes Karate classes with us? If you do, we’d like to encourage you to participate in adult martial arts. Our adult Karate classes will do so much more for you than simply help you pass the time while you wait for your child’s class to be over. While there are actually hundreds of benefits you’ll experience when you take a Karate class, today we’d like to focus on just three of them.

Mental Benefits

The psychological benefits of martial arts classes are vast, and they are a major reason many of our adult students take classes. In addition to providing you with increased focus in many different areas of your life, you’ll also learn more confidence as your reality begins to reshape itself. Many students are a little bit timid at first, and they’re not completely sure about putting their hearts into the class and applying what they’re learning. However, those feelings of fear soon fade away, and the result is a more open and more calm mind.

Lessons in Discipline

Discipline is one of the cornerstones of martial arts. If we were to be honest, we’d admit that we can all use an extra dose of discipline in our lives. Karate reinforces that in the classroom, and you’ll also find that it spills out into your daily life as well. Along with discipline, respect for yourself, your instructor, and everyone around you is greatly reinforced. The fact is, discipline isn’t just for our kids. As adults, it gives us the extra focus we need in our daily lives to accomplish our goals.

Physical Fitness

It can be difficult for a parent to find time to work out. Gym memberships are often expensive, and actually getting to the gym can be a challenge. If you’re like many parents, you’ve promised yourself over and over again to begin getting some form of exercise. However, weeks go by without those promises getting fulfilled. By taking Karate, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of a well-rounded workout. You’ll experience cardio as well as strength training and toning. You’ll also find that you grow stronger because Karate will teach you how to maximize the use of your growing strength.

Are you ready to make some positive changes in your life? If your child participates in Karate classes, we’d invite you to participate in an adult class as well. If you’re still not sure, we’re offering a one-month trial for parents, free of charge. We’re convinced that you’ll quickly see the benefits of Karate and once the month is over, you’ll be eager to continue.

Contact us today! For more information or register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@verizon.net

Adult Classes Available at the Best Karate School in the Area

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Are you a bit envious of your child’s karate classes? The high-intensity environment is great for physical development, such as core strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity – and it joins together with self-defense skills, self-confidence, and a high regard for general well-being.

Luckily, you can achieve those same goals – at the very same time your child is taking his or her class!

A lot of parents are simply waiting around for their children to finish. However, we are proud to offer a 1-month free training to these parents. There is no risk or obligation for parents who want to give training a shot at the best karate school in the area: Pamfillis Karate Academy within the Towson facility of the Merritt Athletic Club.

You can learn Seido Karate, a Japanese style of karate that is grounded in tradition. From physical to emotional strength, you can see for yourself what the excitement is all about!

Contact us at 410-499-2476 or pamfiliskarate@verizon.net to learn more about the 1-month free training offer for parents. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Please note that there are plenty of opportunities for your child(ren) coming up as well! Take a look at our upcoming summer programs:

•Three 1-week long summer day camps for children ages 6-15. Along with traditional karate, children will have conditioning, meditation, anti-bullying, arts and crafts, and more. Half-day and full-day options are available.

•A 6-week summer program for beginning students of all ages. For one low price that includes a uniform and promotion to the next level, students can attend classes twice a week for one hour.

Take advantage of these offers today! We look forward to seeing you at Pamfillis Karate Academy!