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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

Kick it Up a Notch with a Karate Birthday Party

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Is your child looking for an awesome place to have a birthday? He or she tired of the run of the mill birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese? Well, then why not try a Karate Birthday Party?

What on Earth is a karate birthday party you ask?  Karate birthday parties are parties that feature all the fun of a normal birthday party, but spiced up with fun karate themed activities! It’s a great way to get your kids invloved in something new and allow everyone to, child or parent, to have some fun.

So, what kind of kick butt activities can you expect from a karate birthday party? Well, of course, we feature a lot of fun karate themed activities that try to get the whole group (that means you too parents) involved in practicing karate. From your standard kicks to punches and maybe a few special moves thrown in as well.

Of course, it should be noted, nothing dangerous will ever be attempted at these parties. We’re not going to give your child a samurai sword and tell him to reenact his favorite cartoon fight. All activites are safe and will be monitored by adult supervision.

And what would a party be without cake? After all activities are done and everyone is ready to settle down, there will be time for cake and a chance for everyone to relax.

If this sounds like the right fit for your child’s birthday party, then stop on by our webpage and contact us today!

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

Learn Seido Karate As A Family

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Many parents are very dedicated to taking their children to karate classes.  Most are even good at praising their children when they do well.  It’s time that parents realize that karate classes don’t have to be just for their children; it is training that’s good for both kids and their parents.

Pamfilis Karate Academy  is offering training to the parents of their students.  If a parent feels it is too expensive, they’re certain to be able to afford free trial.  A month of free karate training that will help parents better understand their child’s training, the karate experience and themselves.  This month could start them on a very special journey that results in the strengthening of their mind, body and spirit.

Seido Karate is a form of martial arts designed to help followers achieve the most advanced physical skills possible.  In addition to the physical abilities, it tries to develop unshakable moral character.  Karate is more than just physical training; it is also a way of life.

An important aspect of training in Seido Karate is learning all the benefits associated with Zen meditation.  The incorporation of meditation into the physical aspects of martial arts training is not new, but is an essential aspect of Seido Karate.  Students learn that Zen has nothing to do with any religion.  The unison and inseparability of karate and Zen is explained and understood by its students.

The only belief taught during karate training is that any obstacle can be overcome.  The ability to trust that any problem can be handled no matter if it is physical, emotional or financial is the modern equivalent of the samurai’s bushido spirit.

It is always good for parents to share experiences with their children. Pamfilis Karate Academy provides a special opportunity for parents and their kids to learn and grow together as they experience the many benefits of martial arts training.

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