When looking for a quality women's self-defense program, the First thing you must do is to ask for and verify the instructor's credentials. This is true
regardless of whether you're...
* a woman looking to be able to defend herself, or...
* A Parent looking for a self-defense program for your child
This is a very important point, because, like few other things in your life...
... your life, or the life of someone you love, could literally depend on the choice you make.
You and I both know that the world is filled with people who have barely the knowledge, skill or common sense to get by. You probably see, interact
with, and maybe even work with a few of them every day!
This is not to say that a karate instructor with a xxth degree black belt cannot defend him or herself. But, who would you trust your life to...
... someone who has learned the skills they possess for use in a game - for the purpose of earning a belt or trophy, or...
... someone who has direct life experience in actually surviving real attacks from real assailants and had to make sure that what they were learning
would work to save their own life?
We both know the answer to that, yes?
Other Considerations for Girls and Women's Self-Defense
The following is just a partial list of some of the other significant differences between self defense for men and women.
* Cultural Beliefs - at least here in the West, most females have been dissuaded from physical fighting because it's not believed to be very "lady-like."
Goodness! What would people think me if my daughter knew how to protect herself?!
* Situational Self-Defense - rape and sexual assault are two of the biggest differences between the genders when it comes to surviving an attack.
The fact that men are usually dealing with the more obvious situations (muggings and competitive ("oh-yeah! let's go!"-type fighting come to mind).
While women, and more and more young girls, are required to deal with subtle tactics like date-rape or being ambushed by a group.
Throw in the strength differential between men and women that I talk about in books like "The Karate-Myth" and "For Women-Only!", and you see how
each gender has very different situations to deal with, each requiring very different self-defense skills and tactics.
* Wrong Information - I think that the majority of instructors teaching self-defense mean well. I don't think that they intentionally try to mislead anyone.
It's just that...
... if they lack any real experience in dealing with violence to go on, they will do what anyone else does when he or she doesn't know any better...
... they make assumptions that seem logical and rational within their own frame of reference.
The trouble is that the topic is self-protection here...
...real, life-saving, self defense for women...
... self-defense for teenage girls. Not...
... baking a cake, where, if you don't get it right the first time, you can just toss it in the trash can and start over.
No, a mistake in a women's self-defense situation, in fact in any situation that requires defending against an attack from a brutal assailant bent on
doing whatever they want to you, could cost you more than anyone wants to pay.
About the Author:
Before you get one more women's self-defense-book, look on the awesome information about self-defense-for-women on Jeff Miller's site.
Taekwondo Videos
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Age is only a number
I had the rare opportunity to go to my workout at school and take a class during the day this week. Daytime classes are my favorite and used to be my only time to train. Now that my children are older and I work in the mornings again, I have to juggle my schedule like most and make time in the evenings for a workout.
I was surprised to see a senior who usually attends the 6:30pm evening classes, at the mid-day opportunity.
And when I say senior, I mean he is a Master, ranking above me an Instructor, and next week he will be celebrating his 70th birthday.
That's right, I said 70.
We were workout partners for the class and it was a wonderful time. I told him that he had to be in class with me a week before my 70th birthday (I'm 44). He laughed, but frankly, I wouldn't count him out.
I was surprised to see a senior who usually attends the 6:30pm evening classes, at the mid-day opportunity.
And when I say senior, I mean he is a Master, ranking above me an Instructor, and next week he will be celebrating his 70th birthday.
That's right, I said 70.
We were workout partners for the class and it was a wonderful time. I told him that he had to be in class with me a week before my 70th birthday (I'm 44). He laughed, but frankly, I wouldn't count him out.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Spring Renewal
Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. It's also an excellent time to evaluate where you are on life's path.
Ask yourself the critical questions. Is my life going in the direction I want it to? Am I on the right path?
If your answer is "Yes," congratulations and keep on going. But if your answer is "No," it's time to make a change.
You owe it to yourself to turn your life in the direction you deserve. No one else can do it for you. Use this time of renewal to evaluate your path. If that path is undeserving of you, change it.
The law of attraction states that you draw into your life what you are dwelling on. Let go of the negative and concentrate on only the positive. Know that you deserve the best. Then steer your life.
Ask yourself the critical questions. Is my life going in the direction I want it to? Am I on the right path?
If your answer is "Yes," congratulations and keep on going. But if your answer is "No," it's time to make a change.
You owe it to yourself to turn your life in the direction you deserve. No one else can do it for you. Use this time of renewal to evaluate your path. If that path is undeserving of you, change it.
The law of attraction states that you draw into your life what you are dwelling on. Let go of the negative and concentrate on only the positive. Know that you deserve the best. Then steer your life.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Hong Ik Tournament
Today, I attended the 4th Annual Hong-Ik Tournament at Queens College in Flushing, New York.
The tournament was very well organized with lots of volunteer helpers. There were 12 rings run simultaneously by age and gender. Each ring ran through forms, breaking and sparring for their age group. This seemed to be a more efficient use of time.
Congratulations to Greg Fitton from Grandmaster BM Kim's Taekwondo, my school, who won the silver medal in forms for males 16-17 years. He performed Keumgan exceptionally well.
If you have a shout out for your special competitor, drop me a line at sb@taekwondo-network.com and I'll get it up on the website.
Congratulations to all the participants.
The tournament was very well organized with lots of volunteer helpers. There were 12 rings run simultaneously by age and gender. Each ring ran through forms, breaking and sparring for their age group. This seemed to be a more efficient use of time.
Congratulations to Greg Fitton from Grandmaster BM Kim's Taekwondo, my school, who won the silver medal in forms for males 16-17 years. He performed Keumgan exceptionally well.
If you have a shout out for your special competitor, drop me a line at sb@taekwondo-network.com and I'll get it up on the website.
Congratulations to all the participants.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Boredom Buster Healthy Workout
Are you a type A, go getter, do ten things at once type of person?
Do you get bored easily with the same old-same old?
Want to know the best way to combat that boredom and bring your health and fitness to a new level?
I spent years trying different healthy workouts beginning with aerobics.
It began in college during the Jane Fonda years when I followed the lead of the girls in my sorority. We put a video tape in the VCR, moved the coffee table out of the way and proceeded to jump, bump and squeeze our way into shape.
This was followed, post-college, by aerobics classes at the gym where I wore cute little leotards and colored tights. I could admire myself in the mirrored wall while following the movements of an enthusiastic instructor.
Marriage brought children and more workouts in front of the TV while babies slept.
Somewhere along the way, I took up running as the main stay of my healthy workouts. Oprah was running marathons which meant anybody could do it. I set my alarm for 5:15AM Monday through Friday and braved the weather to run 2 ½ miles through my neighborhood before my husband had to leave for work.
After baby number three, I added biking to my morning routine. Now I had variety! I could run the same route every morning. I could bike a different but longer route every morning. Or there was always the stack of video tapes if I felt like moving the coffee table.
Boy was this living!
Fast forward three years, morning workouts were still a habit and boring. I didn’t even feel like I was exercising any more because the routines were all so familiar to me, the required effort level was dropping, lower and lower.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Let me give you the answer to what you’ve been seeking. It’s the real deal and I am proof positive that it works. I discovered the benefits of Martial Arts.
Martial arts training is a complete healthy workout in every sense of the word. Not only do you increase your physical fitness level in ways you never imagined, but you exercise your mind as well. There is, of course, the standard learning curve to starting something new. But in addition, martial arts training requires you to use your brain.
This kind of healthy workout is very similar to learning ballroom dancing. There are specific steps to be performed in a specific order at the right pace. You work to learn the proper martial arts techniques to build a solid foundation. You exercise your mind to remember what comes next while you work your body to new levels of fitness.
One of the best benefits to martial arts training is that it can be done as a family. It’s a great way to spend time with your children in a healthy, fun activity. You’ll never get bored because the workout changes every time you go to class. Increased flexibility, strength and confidence are a small sample of the benefits package.
Unlike those aerobics classes, when you get good at the routine, not only does it change, but you earn a belt that tells the world how hard you’ve worked and where you stand in the process.
For a goal oriented, boredom busting, healthy workout, you can’t beat martial arts.
Do you get bored easily with the same old-same old?
Want to know the best way to combat that boredom and bring your health and fitness to a new level?
I spent years trying different healthy workouts beginning with aerobics.
It began in college during the Jane Fonda years when I followed the lead of the girls in my sorority. We put a video tape in the VCR, moved the coffee table out of the way and proceeded to jump, bump and squeeze our way into shape.
This was followed, post-college, by aerobics classes at the gym where I wore cute little leotards and colored tights. I could admire myself in the mirrored wall while following the movements of an enthusiastic instructor.
Marriage brought children and more workouts in front of the TV while babies slept.
Somewhere along the way, I took up running as the main stay of my healthy workouts. Oprah was running marathons which meant anybody could do it. I set my alarm for 5:15AM Monday through Friday and braved the weather to run 2 ½ miles through my neighborhood before my husband had to leave for work.
After baby number three, I added biking to my morning routine. Now I had variety! I could run the same route every morning. I could bike a different but longer route every morning. Or there was always the stack of video tapes if I felt like moving the coffee table.
Boy was this living!
Fast forward three years, morning workouts were still a habit and boring. I didn’t even feel like I was exercising any more because the routines were all so familiar to me, the required effort level was dropping, lower and lower.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Let me give you the answer to what you’ve been seeking. It’s the real deal and I am proof positive that it works. I discovered the benefits of Martial Arts.
Martial arts training is a complete healthy workout in every sense of the word. Not only do you increase your physical fitness level in ways you never imagined, but you exercise your mind as well. There is, of course, the standard learning curve to starting something new. But in addition, martial arts training requires you to use your brain.
This kind of healthy workout is very similar to learning ballroom dancing. There are specific steps to be performed in a specific order at the right pace. You work to learn the proper martial arts techniques to build a solid foundation. You exercise your mind to remember what comes next while you work your body to new levels of fitness.
One of the best benefits to martial arts training is that it can be done as a family. It’s a great way to spend time with your children in a healthy, fun activity. You’ll never get bored because the workout changes every time you go to class. Increased flexibility, strength and confidence are a small sample of the benefits package.
Unlike those aerobics classes, when you get good at the routine, not only does it change, but you earn a belt that tells the world how hard you’ve worked and where you stand in the process.
For a goal oriented, boredom busting, healthy workout, you can’t beat martial arts.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tae kwon do Clipart FREE
link to Taekwondo-Network Free Clipart
See our clipart page with 30 new images. Password protected, just sign up for free and receive the password in your email.
Enjoy!
The Greatest Benefit of Tae kwon do
Anyone who trains sincerely in the martial arts cannot identify one greatest benefit. But if I had to put a label on it, I would say that I have received the knowledge that I can change my life and the world I travel in, through perseverance of spirit.
The conscious awareness of what is right and wrong and gauging my actions accordingly has made me stronger, happier and more aware of the mark I can leave on the world. I have become a better parent, spouse and friend because I am making choices based on a value system that I have honed through the study of Tae Kwon Do.
Sounds like a tall order, right? If studying a martial art like tae kwon do can do all that, why isn't everyone a martial artist?
I'll tell you, millions of people around the globe are. And more are starting every day. But no, everyone isn't doing it. They aren't doing it because it isn't EASY.
Studying a martial art takes dedication and perseverance. It takes strength of character and mind. You don't have to be born with these qualities. Martial arts training helps you develop them.
And once you have them, no one can take them from you. Then you can consciously make your mark on the world.
The conscious awareness of what is right and wrong and gauging my actions accordingly has made me stronger, happier and more aware of the mark I can leave on the world. I have become a better parent, spouse and friend because I am making choices based on a value system that I have honed through the study of Tae Kwon Do.
Sounds like a tall order, right? If studying a martial art like tae kwon do can do all that, why isn't everyone a martial artist?
I'll tell you, millions of people around the globe are. And more are starting every day. But no, everyone isn't doing it. They aren't doing it because it isn't EASY.
Studying a martial art takes dedication and perseverance. It takes strength of character and mind. You don't have to be born with these qualities. Martial arts training helps you develop them.
And once you have them, no one can take them from you. Then you can consciously make your mark on the world.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Reluctant Hero
Recently I was in the locker room changing for an adult tae kwon do class.
There were two girls doing the same, having just finished the last kids tae kwon do class of the day. I knew the girls because I have taught them both from time to time. But one young lady in particular happens to go to school with my youngest son; they're in the same grade.
I noticed she was staring at me, which is not necessarily unusual for kids in a locker room. I smiled at her and she decided to talk to me.
“Are you DJ's mom?”
"Yes," I responded.
She waited a few moments and I thought that might be the end of our discussion, when suddenly she said,
"He's really lucky."
Now, she had my curiosity peaked. My sons don't say much about what goes on at school. I think it’s a guy thing. So I figured she knew some juicy tidbit that a mother would want to know.
"Why is he lucky?" I couldn't help but ask.
"He's lucky his mom is so strong."
It took me a moment to process what she was saying. You see, this girl had been at my 3rd dan black belt test last October. She witnessed my break test where I was the only woman in our school to break 2 concrete paving blocks standing on end like dominoes, no one holding them. It was a pretty amazing thing that I practiced with pads for weeks in advance. I didn't try the real thing until the moment of my test, so even I didn't know if I could pull it off until it happened.
This girl had been at the same test, as a bodan student earning her first black belt, a momentous occasion for anyone at any age. But she was looking at me like I could walk on water.
And for just a moment I think I could have.
I am a reluctant hero. It both pleases and embarrasses me when people praise my tae kwon do techniques. Yet when I think back to my childhood, there were very few female athletes that I could look up to.
Girls need role models. So for that reason, I’m humbled but willing to suffer a little hero worship.
taekwondo-network.com
There were two girls doing the same, having just finished the last kids tae kwon do class of the day. I knew the girls because I have taught them both from time to time. But one young lady in particular happens to go to school with my youngest son; they're in the same grade.
I noticed she was staring at me, which is not necessarily unusual for kids in a locker room. I smiled at her and she decided to talk to me.
“Are you DJ's mom?”
"Yes," I responded.
She waited a few moments and I thought that might be the end of our discussion, when suddenly she said,
"He's really lucky."
Now, she had my curiosity peaked. My sons don't say much about what goes on at school. I think it’s a guy thing. So I figured she knew some juicy tidbit that a mother would want to know.
"Why is he lucky?" I couldn't help but ask.
"He's lucky his mom is so strong."
It took me a moment to process what she was saying. You see, this girl had been at my 3rd dan black belt test last October. She witnessed my break test where I was the only woman in our school to break 2 concrete paving blocks standing on end like dominoes, no one holding them. It was a pretty amazing thing that I practiced with pads for weeks in advance. I didn't try the real thing until the moment of my test, so even I didn't know if I could pull it off until it happened.
This girl had been at the same test, as a bodan student earning her first black belt, a momentous occasion for anyone at any age. But she was looking at me like I could walk on water.
And for just a moment I think I could have.
I am a reluctant hero. It both pleases and embarrasses me when people praise my tae kwon do techniques. Yet when I think back to my childhood, there were very few female athletes that I could look up to.
Girls need role models. So for that reason, I’m humbled but willing to suffer a little hero worship.
taekwondo-network.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
08-08-08 Beijing Olympics
The Chinese government is working to get everything ready for opening day of the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.
There have been reports of Islamic terrorist plots targeting the event which Chinese officials assure us their security is handling. I’m sure these types of security issues are always a concern at any Olympic venue at any time in our modern history.
What may be a bigger concern is the air quality.
Beijing is one the most polluted cities in the world. I heard reported on television news this morning that on any given day, air quality in Beijing is 5-12% below acceptable western standards.
Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has warned the Beijing Olympic organizers that some outdoor events would be postponed if the air quality was so poor that it becomes a threat to the health of athletes.
The International Energy Agency reported that from 2000-2006, China accounted for 58%of carbon emissions worldwide.
What a shame it will be if our USA Taekwondo team is defeated by poor air and not poor performance. I can only hope that the Olympic sparring events being held indoors will counter any affects the toxic behemoth can throw.
taekwondo-network.com
There have been reports of Islamic terrorist plots targeting the event which Chinese officials assure us their security is handling. I’m sure these types of security issues are always a concern at any Olympic venue at any time in our modern history.
What may be a bigger concern is the air quality.
Beijing is one the most polluted cities in the world. I heard reported on television news this morning that on any given day, air quality in Beijing is 5-12% below acceptable western standards.
Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has warned the Beijing Olympic organizers that some outdoor events would be postponed if the air quality was so poor that it becomes a threat to the health of athletes.
The International Energy Agency reported that from 2000-2006, China accounted for 58%of carbon emissions worldwide.
What a shame it will be if our USA Taekwondo team is defeated by poor air and not poor performance. I can only hope that the Olympic sparring events being held indoors will counter any affects the toxic behemoth can throw.
taekwondo-network.com
Sunday, March 9, 2008
To be a Webmaster
I am so pleased to finally have a blog up and running. Being a webmaster is fun and interesting. But, I've got to say, it's a good thing I didn't know what I didn't know before I started. A lot of technical stuff that I actually enjoy learning.
A friend of mine who knows what I've started here sent me a link today for the Tae kwon do Hall of Champions.
It's an impressive website filled with photographs, facts and records of the pioneers of modern tae kwon do. They have published their new 2008 Encyclopedia of Champions and Masters that is on sale at the pre-order price of $125.
This book is claimed to contain hundreds of photos, competitive records and more about the greatest champions in every country from the early 1960's to present.
Their website includes loads of information about these pioneers of tae kwon do. It's an interesting browse. Check them out at Hall of Champions.
Return to taekwondo-network.com
A friend of mine who knows what I've started here sent me a link today for the Tae kwon do Hall of Champions.
It's an impressive website filled with photographs, facts and records of the pioneers of modern tae kwon do. They have published their new 2008 Encyclopedia of Champions and Masters that is on sale at the pre-order price of $125.
This book is claimed to contain hundreds of photos, competitive records and more about the greatest champions in every country from the early 1960's to present.
Their website includes loads of information about these pioneers of tae kwon do. It's an interesting browse. Check them out at Hall of Champions.
Return to taekwondo-network.com
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Kum ye do
Now that I've reached a certain level of skill and knowledge in one martial art, I felt the need to start learning something new. I really didn't want to spend time on anything that was similar to tae kwon do and I didn't feel comfortable with an art that focused on joint manipulation. Neither can I imagine myself grappling at forty-four.
That lead me to look for some kind of weapons training, when I stumbled on Kum ye do.
Kum ye do is a relatively young Korean sword fighting art. It is very difficult to find any information about Kum ye do and the only book I have ever seen written on it was in Korean.
As far as I know, Kum ye do originated around 1957. Kum ye do is not to be confused with the older and more widely practiced Kumdo or Gumdo.
So far I have had approximately 25 hours of instruction in 6 separate sessions. The forms and techniques are amazing and challenging. I am still struggling with the commands and movements because about 20 hours of my training has been conducted in Korean. My anglo ears just don't "hear" the Korean words that well, but I am making an effort.
I'm on the road to a two year certification in this sword art. It brings more focus and control to your movements and challenges your ability to "see" what you are doing to your opponent through the forms movements
In tae kwon do, I can usually tell what I am doing to an adversary with each form step, but with a sword it is much harder to tell.
If you have mastered a martial art or feel you have learned all the basics then it might be time to expose yourself to something new. We must always practice and improve our basic techniques, but let's face it, that can become boring over the years.
The excitement of having something new to master brings a renewed vigor to all my training. It's a good thing.
taekwondo-network.com
That lead me to look for some kind of weapons training, when I stumbled on Kum ye do.
Kum ye do is a relatively young Korean sword fighting art. It is very difficult to find any information about Kum ye do and the only book I have ever seen written on it was in Korean.
As far as I know, Kum ye do originated around 1957. Kum ye do is not to be confused with the older and more widely practiced Kumdo or Gumdo.
So far I have had approximately 25 hours of instruction in 6 separate sessions. The forms and techniques are amazing and challenging. I am still struggling with the commands and movements because about 20 hours of my training has been conducted in Korean. My anglo ears just don't "hear" the Korean words that well, but I am making an effort.
I'm on the road to a two year certification in this sword art. It brings more focus and control to your movements and challenges your ability to "see" what you are doing to your opponent through the forms movements
In tae kwon do, I can usually tell what I am doing to an adversary with each form step, but with a sword it is much harder to tell.
If you have mastered a martial art or feel you have learned all the basics then it might be time to expose yourself to something new. We must always practice and improve our basic techniques, but let's face it, that can become boring over the years.
The excitement of having something new to master brings a renewed vigor to all my training. It's a good thing.
taekwondo-network.com
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