Body - Mind Health

There was an excellent recent posting on chakras leading us to understand more about the activity centers that “produce life force energy” in the body.

Other Eastern studies discuss meridians / meridian channels through which energy, or ki flows. When inhaling, ki enters the body through acupressure points (called kyong-hyol in Korean) and moves through the meridians to vital organs of the body.

In a healthy state one’s circulation is optimal, the person dynamic and lively. Symptoms of health include sweet saliva in the mouth, warm hands and feet, cool and refreshed head, warm abdomen filled with energy, regular bowel movements. This is referred to as the “water up, fire down” state where perception is clear and the senses opened. Typically, one feels positive, relaxed and both creativity and imagination are enhanced.

In the “water down, fire up” condition a person may feel disconnected, static, lifeless; experience dry mouth or bitter taste. One might have cold hands and feet, experience heat and pain in the head and the abdomen will lack warmth and energy. The individual may be constipated and have digestive problems. Finally, one feels tired and uncomfortable.

So, how do we help bring ourselves to a healthy state? First, it is important to acknowledge and recognize the body-mind connection. For many of us, in our dojangs, we often hear about this and may even have some practices or exercises that relate to this connection. For example, sometimes a class may begin and finish with simple relaxation, breathing practice, and/or meditation. There are many different styles and purposes of these actions – including gaining focus, losing stress, and increasing circulation by oxygenating the blood.

Initially, there are a number of simple things one may do on one’s own each dayto stimulate and the body in preparation for the day ahead.

• Stretch before getting out of bed. Waken the sleeping muscles gently and  carefully.

• Try to take time for a simple meditation practice, preferably in a quiet place.

• During this period, focus only on breathing. There is a variety of postures and the key here is to find one that is comfortable for you.  If you are too rigid about form that will almost certainly erase the benefit.

• Stand with shoulders relaxed, tailbone curled slightly inward, knees soft,  llegs shoulder-width apart, feet parallel, weight evenly balanced on soles of the feet. To revive the body, tap along the meridians.

• In the same posture, bounce gently relaxing all muscle groups for a few  minutes.  You may wish to listen to enjoyable music while doing this. You will find that the activity releases endorphins - those feel-good chemicals in the body - that will help set you up to have a productive, focused day.

 

In the end, the investment in time to make these body-mind connections will bear healthy dividends that last a lifetime. If practiced regularly, they will help you toward balance - su-seung-hwa-gang or the complete cycle of energy circulation. 

P.S.  While these practices are beneficial at the start of your day, it is also 

       true that performing them at the end of your day may release stress

       and allow you to have the restful sleep you deserve.
 

[Thank you Master Erica Linthorst for this contribution to the blog]

What Is Omega 3 Oil?

By Riftin Clifford

Omega 3 oil is more generally identified as omega-3 fatty acid, and in scientific terminology as n-3 fatty acid. These are the unsaturated fats, which differs from the other oils that are used in our food as they are saturated and is bad for your health. This oil is found in almost all the oily fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and herring, and in some forms of nuts as well, so we can easily take it in our diet. Flax and eggs could also be taken to supplement the body.

There are thus a number of benefits of eating omega-2 oils. Firstly they reduce the risk of heart problems. People who suffer from blood circulation are helped by the fish oil in their diet, as this improves the blood flow and breaks down the compounds that cause clots. They also aid in reducing blood pressure.

Treatment given to heart patients that included 1 gram of omega 3 oil on a daily basis for three months has shown decrease in the death rates. There have also been clinical tests carried out that proved that giving this oil to patients resulted in a reduction in the thickness of the arteries, an increase in flow of blood, and also controls the blood sugar . Treatment with this oil has been helpful in controlling the cholesterol levels.

Other advantages of Omega-3 oils have also been reported in rheumatoid arthritis patients, in addition to those with cardiac arrhythmias. There is also an indication that shows these oils are helpful for patients who are depressed or undergo anxiety. They are also helpful in reducing the possibility of strokes when taken in moderation; but, excess usage can in reality cause a stroke.

Experiments have also shown that these oils are helpful in preventing cancer. They reduce the growth of tumour, thus helpful in increasing the survival rate. Regular consumption of this oil, either through supplements or including fish in the diet is also known to lessen aggression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Fish oil is also identified to boost up the bodys immune system, hence making the body more resistant to suffering from diseases. It also improves memory, and guards against memory loss.

There are health risks associated with taking omega-3 oil. In case it is taken more than the quantity recommended that is three grams per day, it can cause bleeding in people already taking aspirin, and it can cause a stroke if taken in very large amounts. It is also used to reduce blood sugar in diabetic patients, and by suppressing immune responses it can decrease the bodys resistance to bacteria.

If you suffer from congestive heart failure or angina, then you should ask for your doctors advice before taking an omega-3 supplement as it can, in large amounts, reduce the hearts beating rate, and if the heat is weak already it can result in the heart not being able to pump adequate blood all through the body, which may be a cause of death.

Omega-3 oil is effectively good for a majority of people; though it is suggested that you talk to your doctor before taking a supplement.

About the Author:

Riftin Clifford is a homoeopath and is committed to promoting a more natural well being. He runs a website that provides resources for individuals and other health professionals regarding a healthier, more natural lifestyle. He is a big advocate of omega 3s, in particular udos oil which has a particularly high concentration of the fatty acid omega 3.

Physiotherapy Assessment of Muscle Strength

By Jonathan Blood Smyth

We depend on our muscles to allow us to do all the functional activities we want to perform, from walking to climbing stairs to typing and doing precise work. Our muscles can deliver huge amounts of power and endurance as well as highly coordinated and skilled manipulations. Loss of feeling may be more important in a limb but loss of sufficient muscle power compromises our independence particularly as we get older and find difficulty performing routine actions for ourselves. Muscle power can be reduced by a large number of causes including not using them when ill and forced to rest, pain from injury or operations, stroke or other neurological condition, disease and illness. The assessment and treatment of muscle weakness is a routine skill in physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists rate muscle power by using the five step Oxford Scale to record the assessment and progress of treatment. It is important to know the muscle and tendon anatomy well as well as the movement actions the muscles perform so that the joint can be positioned best to allow muscle function to be apparent. The physiotherapist will often palpate over the tendon and over the muscle belly to feel any activity that may not be visually very obvious. Ratings are recorded in the form 1/5 or 5/5, with a + or a " sign used to indicate greater or lesser power but not sufficient to give the muscle an entire grade lower or higher on the scale.

The physiotherapist will ensure the joint is positioned best for good visibility of the muscle, easy manual palpation of the tendon and muscle belly and the correct alignment for the expected strength of the muscle. Palpating the tendon and muscle, the physiotherapist will ask the patient to perform the muscle action desired, feeling for any contraction or movement. If there is none then the score is 0/5 and 1/5 if there is a just discernible contraction or a twitch, without apparent joint movement. If the joint can be moved through its whole motion but only without gravity resisting then the grade is 2/5, for which the joint needs careful positioning. 3/5 grade would be recorded when the joint can be moved through its range against gravity, an example being straightening the knee from bent in sitting.

If the muscle can move the joint through the full movement both against gravity and against some resistance such as body weight then the Oxford Scale grading is 4/5. It is a professional judgment as to the resistance to be applied for the test, and the physiotherapist will have in mind the health, age, activity and weight of the patient. If a muscle is to be graded 5/5 it must be of normal power, but as this will vary greatly between individuals the physiotherapist must make an estimation of the expected full muscle power for that particular patient. Grade 5 for a frail sick person will be very different from grade 5 for a young, fit sports person.

Grade three out of five for the shoulder muscles might be the ability to lift the arm above the head, but if this cannot be easily done or to full range then the muscle can be graded as three minus to indicate its inability to be fully grade three. If the physiotherapist can resist the muscle firmly but it still doesn't seem to be strong enough for a five, then the rating can be four plus. Physiotherapists go through all the muscles to be tested and rate them all on a muscle testing chart as a record of the muscle strength, which can be retested over time to chart recovery.

Physiotherapists begin muscle strengthening techniques in a position where gravity is eliminated, allowing a weak muscle to be repetitively exercised. As the patient's ability increases they can perform more functional activities of daily life which strengthens the muscles in a co-ordinated way which reflects normality. Next, resistance against muscle action is increased as muscle strength improves in response to the level of intensity of resistance and not just repetition. High intensity causes muscle fibre breakdown which repairs with increased size and power until the next intensity workout repeats the process. Progression is then moved to functional exercise with bodyweight resistance as dynamic movement is more useful.

About the Author:

Jonathan Blood Smyth is a Superintendent of Physiotherapy at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. He specialises in orthopaedic conditions and looking after joint replacements as well as managing chronic pain. Visit the website he edits if you are looking for Physiotherapists in Coventry.

Holistic Health and Achieving Whole Body Balance

By Deborah Lindholm

More than 50% of the adults and children in the United States utilized some sort of complimentary and alternative medicine in 2007. Overseas the acceptance of alternative medicine and holistic health practitioners is significantly higher. Why are so many people turning to alternative medicine? The answer is simple; they're seeking a whole body/mind approach - holistic health.

What Exactly Is A Holistic Approach?

When referring to holistic health you are not referring to any specific type of treatment, but an actual method of treatment. By taking into account each aspect of health, the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, holistic treatment treats everything as a whole, instead of simply treating a particular area of the body where symptoms are physically experienced.

For example, when you have a cold any type of traditional medicine would steer you towards the treatment of the specific symptoms you are experiencing. Most often this would include taking one medication for fever, another for coughing and yet another to clear up any sinus issues.

A holistic practitioner may instead look at the causes for your decreased immune system. Stress, poor diet, compromised hormone or metabolic systems, negative emotions, limiting thought patterns, past trauma and so on. They look at your entire body/mind connection to determine what is causing the illness and treat the cause. Likewise, they may look to more natural remedies to alleviate or relieve your symptoms.

The goal of the holistic approach is not just overall physical well-being but also emotional, mental and spiritual well being too. They're all intricately linked to your general well being and whole body/mind balance.

Therapies And Modalities For Whole Body/Mind Balance

There are many practitioners of holistic medicine and many types of therapies or approaches to treatment. In the world of traditional medicine an osteopathic physician or a DO, rather than an MD, is board certified just like an MD and provides the same level of care however a DO takes a whole body approach, unlike an MD.

There are a number of traditional eastern alternative therapies above and beyond traditional medicine. For example:

Energy Psychology

Hypnosis

Mindfulness Meditation

Emotional Freedom Technique

Reiki

Massage

Touch Therapy

Acupuncture

Chiropractic

Ayurveda

Biofeedback

Naturopathy

Choosing the type of treatment you decide to use may have somewhat of a dependency on your approaches to healthcare as well as your current physician. More doctors have begun to accept other means of healthcare such as massage, Reiki or hypnosis, and in most cases have a few recommendations about potential choice for therapists. It may be of benefit to you to consider a combination of therapies for a whole body/mind approach, depending on what various issues you are dealing with. If you are receiving chiropractic care as well as acupuncture, in order to assist with your nutritional balance you may also want to see a naturopath.

If you have suffered from illnesses such as depression, fatigue, insomnia or digestive issues you may have been prescribed a variety of pharmaceuticals, only to find they did not solve the problem. Depression for example, can be caused by many issues such as food allergies, poor or lack of sleep or a hormonal imbalance. If treated by looking at the whole person, and not simply treating one of the issues, your chances of relieving the issue all together is a more likely occurrence.

Statistics don't lie. With more than 50% of Americans turning towards alternative care, the realization is being made that the approach of holistic health is leading to a far better outlook on health and happiness than traditional medicine. People are leaving the 'take a pill to treat a symptom' approach of traditional medicine, and embracing the benefits of balance of whole body/mind health.

About the Author:

Ready to find your own balance? Deborah Lindholm is a Serenity Empowerment Coach that shows you how to awaken your Inner Power Source to live an empowered life every single day. Download free pre-recorded telecasts, grab your "5 Simple Steps To Get What You Really, Really Want" report and more here: Free Stuff at Serenity Matters

Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles?

By Rick Samson

Pelvic floor muscles consist of a leaf of muscles that hold up or give floor to the bottom part of your body recognized as tummy. Pelvic floor muscles give protection to all your pelvic organs such as bladder, uterus, and back passage.

Pelvic floor muscles are regularly uncared for, and on the basis of this rationale they happen to become weak which further leads to inconvenience. Some of the foremost basis for the weakness of pelvic floor muscles incorporates lack of corporeal activity, old age, pregnancy, too much twisting at the time of bowel movements, or menopause in case of women.

Though, some of the most vital signs of feeble pelvic muscles may comprise of soreness in vagina, leaching of urine while minor coughing, sneezing or even a giggle, augmented need of going to bathroom, or even an unexpected need to go off to the washroom. Apart from these talked about symptoms; there might be some other signs which may point towards weak pelvic floor muscles.

A variety of ways to avoid your pelvic floor muscles from becoming frail or to keep them muscular are discussed as under.

In order to keep pelvic floor muscles strong you must first check that you do not suffer from constipation. You can prevent constipation from happening by consuming a balanced diet, taking foods which are high in fibres, fruits and vegetables etc. additionally, you ought to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water or fluid everyday to keep away from constipation.

Make sure you follow proper bowel movements on regular basis. If you suffer from cough, make sure to get it treated from your doctor immediately as too much coughing may also strain out your pelvic floor muscles. Also, abstain from smoking as it is also a major cause of weakening the pelvic muscles.

You can also keep your pelvic floor muscles brawny and protect them from becoming weak by keeping your weight under control. Being overweight can consequently result in putting more pressure on the pelvic muscles which may eventually cause them to become weak. If even you are obese, make sure you put off some weight because it is also observed that women who put off some weight eventually notice enhancement in their signs regarding the pelvic muscles.

Moreover, you should withhold from performing some specific kinds of workout as some workout patterns also put pressure on your tummy resulting in weak pelvic muscles. It is advised not to do sit ups (included in aerobics or yoga) with straight legs because it increases pressure on the pelvic muscles. Additionally, you should also abstain from doing step work-outs if you desire to guard your pelvic floor muscles form becoming scrawny. As a replacement, you can do specific pelvic floor workouts to keep your pelvic muscles sturdy. Pelvic muscle training may as well improve your troubles such as the urgent need of going to the toilet and leakage of urine etc.

In order to keep your pelvic floor muscles sturdy, you have to abstain from lifting heavy object. Even if you ought to lift any object by bending your knees, ensure that you keep your back straight to avoid strain on your pelvic muscles. It is also suggested for mothers that they instantly commence pelvic muscle workouts after delivering their babies to preserve and develop strength in pelvic muscles to shun future inconveniences.

About the Author:

Rick has been involved in genito-urinary for many years and is considered an expert in pelvic floor muscles. He has worked with a number of companies to develop strength building products for women. One of his most recommended products is the pelvictoner. In his experience, this product has resulted in some very impressive improvements in pelvic floor strength.

Why Are The Seven Chakras So Important?

By Jonathan Benjem

Chakras are the center of activity in a body - the center that produces the life force energy. The word Chakra means wheel, or disk, and it is referred to as a spinning sphere of energy.

We have six Chakras which are sited along the spine and a seventh which is located above these, floating above the physical aspect of your body.

While we understand these Chakras as energy, you need to understand that these seven Chakras influence your body.

Having your Chakras in the proper alignment will also keep your physical, mental and spiritual health in good condition.

Muladhara

The Muladhara is the chakra of the lower body. It is the root chakra, or the base chakra. This chakra is related to security, to survival, and to instinct. Also, it is related to the potentiality of the basic human life. The center of this chakra is located between the anus and the genitals of a person.

This is the Chakra which corresponds to the adrenal glands in the physical body and produces the fight or flight response.

Swadhisthana

The Swadhisthana is the reproductive Chakra, also known as the sacral Chakra. This Chakra corresponds to the genitalia and controls sexuality and the creative urge.

This Chakra also governs the production of sex hormones and plays a role in producing mood swings. This Chakra is symbolized by a six petal lotus.

Manipura

The Manipura is the navel. It is considered to be the solar plexus chakra. This chakra deals with the transitions that are found between base emotions and complex emotions. The chakra itself is in charge of base emotions and complex emotions, and dictates the way that they flow into each other. It deals with the flow of energy, the flow of digestion, and can be compared to the way that the pancreas functions in the body.

This Chakra is responsible for energy flow and digestion - it governs the conversion of food into energy.This Chakra is symbolized by a ten petal lotus.

Anahata

The Anahata is the heart. It is related to the complex emotions, such as love and compassion, as well as overall well being and equilibrium. The chakra is related to the thymus, which is located in the chest. It is the equivalent to the immune system in a person's body.

This Chakra is symbolized by a twelve petal lotus

Vishuddha

The Vishudda is the throat. This Chakra is responsible for your faculties of communication. This Chakra corresponds to the thyroid gland in the physical body. This Chakra is symbolized by a sixteen petal lotus.

It also controls your powers of communication and corresponds to the thyroid gland in the physical body.

Ajna

The Anja is the eyebrow or the forehead. It is also considered to be the third eye. This chakra is in charge of being a model of its own envisioning. This is the chakra of time, light, and of awareness.

This is the Chakra with the vital function of governing the sleep cycle. This Chakra is symbolized by a two petal lotus.

Sahasrara

The Sahasrara is the final Chakra. This is the Chakra which is responsible for consciousness; it is connected to every other system in your body and is the most important element in consciousness. This Chakra corresponds to the pituitary gland in the physical body. The symbol of this Chakra is a thousand petal lotus.

About the Author:

The author Jonathan Benjem is one of the team of experts who writes for the popular chakra-balance.com site. To understand how knowledge of the seven chakra can transform your whole life and to get 29 Free chakra balancing brainwave training meditation and healing Audios.

The Sport of Martial Arts

By charlie reese

With the victories of many different Brazilian mixed martial arts champions in national competitions in recent years, Brazilian martial arts have really come into their own. From professional street fighting courses to Brazilian martial arts for kids, the fighting skills of Brazil have a truly international audience and the fame and fortune that they deserve. Not only martial arts enthusiasts, but also casual fans, people looking for a good workout, and even dancers are getting excited about some of these fascinating fighting arts.

The most well-known Brazilian martial art, of course, is Brazilian jujitsu. This is a very practical, brutal, and straightforward fighting art. It involves a lot of grappling and ground fighting " techniques that are often neglected in many Chinese martial arts and quite a few Japanese arts as well. Because it is unconventional, it is a great art for catching fighters by surprise. When you are attacked by a Brazilian martial arts fighter, you don't know what hit you. All of a sudden, you are on the ground being pummeled.

Of course, Brazilian capoeira is also an extremely popular martial art nowadays. It is less practical than the other Brazilian martial arts, but it is much more beautiful. Basically, it is a martial art designed to look like a dance. The legend goes that it was invented by slaves as a way to train without arousing suspicion among their masters. By making the moves look like a dance, they have invented a very beautiful, but deadly art.

Figuring out which Brazilian martial arts are best for you is not very hard. The two principal Brazilian martial arts " capoeira and Brazilian ju jitsu " are so different from each other, that Most people are much more strongly drawn to one than the other. If you want a straightforward, deadly fighting art, Brazilian jujitsu is the way to go.

If, on the other hand, you want a fun and athletic activity that will teach you rhythm, coordination, and self-defense, Brazilian capoeira is obviously the superior choice. Neither Brazilian martial art is inherently better than the other. Both of them have their strengths and weaknesses, and the important thing is to find something that you personally like and stick with it. After all, any martial art will teach you how to fight. You might as well find one that is fun for you personally so that you will work hard at it.

About the Author:

Charlie Reese likes giving martial arts and psychic advice on his horoscope website daily.

Taekwondo Grannies

Honest Mind, Loving Heart, Strength in Body! The Martial Arts way of Life at The Taekwondo Network

These Taekwondo Grannies practice 2 hours a day. Wouldn't you like to be in that kind of shape in your 60's, 70's and 80's?


Taekwondo Grannies - For more of the funniest videos, click here

Happy Easter to all who Celebrate.

Kicking to Increase Your Height?

By Rodney Williams

Kicking as a form of exercise is probably a foreign concept to many. Unless you're a kickboxer or the like, practicing kicking would not seem to have any tremendous benefits, other than increasing your leg strength and flexibility a bit. Of course, we know that repeated exercise on certain areas of the body can lead to those areas stretching and becoming longer, which in the case of legs would naturally lead to height gain. So can you increase your height through kicking?

The short answer is yes, kicking motions over a long period of time could almost certainly have the benefit of stretching out your leg muscles, increasing height. The long answer though is that it's probably not the most savvy way of growing taller.

To the issue of whether this does indeed work though, and we know it does through studying people who routinely use kicking training as part of their daily schedule, most notably kickboxers, who have been shown to have legs at least two inches longer than they otherwise would.

The trouble is that these results were gained after years and years of training, and it's impossible to determine how much repeated effort it would actually take to see these results. I'm not sure anyone has a desire to kick box for two years nonstop, simply to gain one inch of height.

Kickboxers routinely train as many as 1000+ kicks per leg each day, which is probably a goal unattainable by most people as well, unless you're already in great physical shape, and have the necessary amount of time on your hands.

If you are interested in taking up kicking for growing tall, or as a combination of full on exercise with the added benefit of height gain down the line, you should purchase a good kick boxing style bag.

Your training should consist of 20 kicks per leg, then switching to the other leg and doing 20 kicks with that leg. After you've done 100 with each leg, you can take a short break and either resume a little later, or call it a day. This will be great exercise for your legs and even your abs and lower back to some degree, no question.

If you use some form of kicking training already, there's nothing wrong with continuing to do so, and if you wish to take it up, then all the power to you. But kicking for growing taller is probably not the best way to try adding on a couple inches. There are many simpler and less exhaustive exercises that can be used to achieve the same goal.

About the Author:

Rodney Williams writes regularly on Tips To Grow Taller. More information on How To Grow Taller Naturally can be found on his website.

How To Choose A Taekwondo School - Tae Kwon Do School Choice

This is a very well researched article on choosing a martial arts school. There are many factors to take into account when choosing the right martial arts school that will help you and your family have a far more enjoyable experience training in the martial arts. ka

How to Choose a Taekwondo School

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a martial arts school. Unfortunately, there are many schools that are more interested making money than in teaching martial arts, and these are often called "McDojos" in reference to questionable practices and standards.[1]

How do you spot the red flags and avoid a school that teaches you a watered down version of a martial art? Or find a school that gives you (or your children) belts based on ability, rather than ability to pay? This article will focus on warning signs that are specific to Taekwondo.

Steps

1. Look for discrepancies between the art and the school. A complete Taekwondo curriculum includes: philosophy, meditation, basics, forms, self-defense, sparring, breaking, stretching, leadership skills and fitness. A school that doesn't strictly adhere to this curriculum, or to Korean traditions and standards in general, may still be a good school. But, the further it strays from tradition, the more careful you need to be in judging the school. At the very least, inquire as to why these discrepancies exist, and expect an answer that checks out.
   • Taekwondo is an unarmed martial art. In Taekwondo there are no weapons such as staffs, kamas, nunchuck, etc. Many unqualified Taekwondo schools add weapons training as a way to supplement an incomplete curriculum.
     
   • Traditional Taekwondo uses a white uniform called a dobok. The white uniform symbolizes purity and perfection of character that Taekwondo students are expected to strive for. It is common for schools that do not understand the philosophy or history of Taekwondo to utilize lots colorful uniforms, stripes and patches.
     
   • Taekwondo teaches self-defense. Physical fitness is a pre-requisite for self-defense. Limited contact sparring is also an essential step to learning adequate self-defense skills. Beware Taekwondo schools that do not practice sparring, use only non-contact sparring or avoid competitions altogether. Competition, not isolation, breeds excellence.
     
   • Taekwondo is distinctly and proudly Korean. In Korean a Taekwondo school is called a "Dojang" and sometimes "Kwan". The Korean terms for instructor "Sabum" and "Kwan Jang" for the person in charge of the school. Beware Taekwondo schools that use the Japanese or Chinese terms such as "Dojo", "Professor", "Sifu" or "Sensei".
     
   • Taekwondo is a martial art, not a sport! Taekwondo sparring is an Olympic sport; however, sparring is only one aspect of a complete Taekwondo curriculum. A school that focuses only on sparring is incomplete just as a school that does not include sparring is incomplete.
    
2. Research the instructor.
   
   • The Korean government recognizes the Kukkiwon in Seoul Korea as the World Taekwondo Headquarters. The Kukkiwon issues international black belt certification, instructor certification, publishes the Kukkiwon textbook, sets the standards for techniques and forms and holds an international tournament each year called the Hanmadang. Many unqualified instructors do not even know what the Kukkiwon is. An instructor who is not certified by the Kukkiwon may still be qualified, but they should at least be familiar with the Kukkiwon; their qualifications can be judged by the remainder of these steps...
     
   • How long has the instructor been practicing? What is the instructor's rank? The Kukkiwon recognizes 4th degree black belt as the minimum rank required for instructors. This usually takes a total of 12 years of training.[2]
     
   • Find the instructor's certification and research the organization that issued the certification. Call and verify the certification.
     
   • Get professional references and verify them. Other reputable instructors that can vouch for the instructor is a start. Professional associations are another place to check.
     
   • Do a criminal background check. This is important! A lot of people that have martial arts background but fail to legitimately make it in the business world will turn to martial arts as a career because it is not regulated by the government. It is relatively easy to fool the uneducated public about martial arts qualifications. Would you trust this person with your child/wife/husband? Some instructors abuse their position of authority and trust by treating children and women inappropriately.[3][4] Remember that instructors aren't regulated, so it is up to you to decide whether this is someone you trust your loved ones with.
     
   • Beware of an instructor that refers to himself as Master, Grandmaster, etc. In Korea the term "master" is not used, this is an American thing.[5] The term is an honorific used to address others that have earned your respect. A real master considers himself a student. A real master is someone with an unusual level of skill that is usually accompanied by an unusual level of humility and dedication to serving others.
    
3. Research the students. Always watch a class at the school you are considering before joining. If possible, watch a promotion test. A good school has nothing to hide and will allow spectators. Are the students happy? Disciplined? Competent? Physically fit? Well groomed? Well spoken? Taekwondo is about discipline...a good Taekwondo school should have very well behaved students that speak politely, treating others with a level of respect sadly lacking in today's society.
   
   • Watch other area martial arts classes and watch videos on youtube. How do these students compare?
     
   • A good school is clean and solemn. There should be sense of dignity while class is conducted. The students and the spectators should be well behaved.
     
   • Beware schools that look like day cares. If it looks and smells like a day care go elsewhere. Undisciplined children running about is a big warning sign.
    
4. Study the costs. Some schools place more emphasis on profits than on discipline and skill. Sometimes there are associated fees that you won't find out about unless you ask: belt test, association membership, and long-term contracts. It's not unusual for the school to ask for an annual contract (especially since most people quit within 6 months) but some schools will say that you can break the contract if you want, then when the time comes, they are uncooperative; and some schools have a “bait and switch” program in which they let you pay on a monthly basis for a certain amount of time, then require that you sign a long-term (2-4 year) contract in order to advance in rank. A good school should never have to resort to these tactics in order to gain students.[6]
   

Tips

• Talk with the other students. Part of any group class, though especially true with a martial art, is comradeship with your fellow students. Look for others that share your personality and intensity. If you are not a fitness nut and all the members of a school are, you may not feel comfortable. While it is good to stretch your comfort level, it is important not to be overwhelmed. Similarly, if all the members of the school seem laid back and approach the art as a recreational pursuit, and you're looking to sharpen your discipline, it may not be the best match.
  

Warnings

• Don't be suckered by photos of the instructor with celebrities. Celebrities pose with thousands of martial arts enthusiasts a year, this is no way to choose an instructor.
  
• The phrase "Our techniques are too dangerous to use in competition" is a strategy to avoid being compared with other schools.
  
• Ignore impressive terms such as "International", "World", "Headquarters" etc... The are many organizations and schools that use the terms unjustifiably. One example is the "International (Martial Art Name Goes Here) Association" that only has 2 schools in Springfield and Lincoln. If an organization is truly international, then they can and will provide international contacts for you to verify.
  
• Check the sign. Many money traps attempt to use multiple arts. In the Louisiana area, there is a franchise of Taekwondo schools that advertise themselves as Karate on their sign, yet their door says Taekwondo.
  

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDojo
2. ↑ http://www.natkd.com/selecting_a_school.htm
3. ↑ http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=598&sid=936210
4. ↑ http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950CE2DE1338F932A05751C1A96F958260
5. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandmaster_(martial_arts)
6. ↑ http://www.natkd.com/selecting_a_school.htm

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What Your Healthy Whole Body & A Well-Tuned Vehicle Have in Common

By Deborah Lindholm

It's common for us to identify ourselves by our body. We label ourselves tall, short, thin, muscular, curvy, healthy, and unhealthy and so on. Very few of us are able to step outside of this definition and see our body for what it really is - a blessed vehicle which carries us through our joys, our troubles, our victories and our challenges.

Why not take supreme and ultimate care of the wonderful vehicle your body actually is, instead of defining it, allowing that definition of tall or short, thin or curvy, to completely rule how you ultimately decide to treat your body?

There is a common metaphor often used when discussing the human body and it just happens to be a car. Both being vehicles we depend on to get us where we need to go, properly taken care of they can both be counted on and reliable in their own way.

How Do You Treat Your Car And How Do You Treat Your Body?

Often our cars receive better treatment than we do our very own bodies. From premium gas (no matter how much more expensive it is) to the scheduled cleaning on a regular basis, our automobiles are living the good life so to speak. Meanwhile, we are filling our bodies with junk food lacking in nutritional value, as well as not taking the time or money for basic care for our body and soul.

We find it easy to ignore the knocks, pings and unmistakable signals delivered to us by our body when some requirement isn't being met, but the slightest slurp, whoosh or gurgle from our car kicks us into overdrive to get to the mechanic's for a check-up and prescription.

You may very well be thinking how dangerous it could be if you ignore these symptoms from your car. Although this is true, as brakes that are squeaking or an unusual grinding coming from the rear axle could result in an accident, the grunts and groans from your body could be equally dangerous. We've each heard those horrid stories of a friend of family member ignoring all the signs until it was too late to do anything about them.

Instead of continuing to follow this path, appreciate whatever shape, form and situation your body is in. It has taken you where you have needed to go, and so far hasn't let you down. Embrace your healthy whole body as of right now, because while you are much more than your body itself, you just can't exist and experience life without it.

Consider The Following Questions:

Your car may start to spat and sputter, becoming unable to run or take you where you need to go if you don't use the right grade of fuel. Are you using the best fuel possible? Drinking more water and replacing those empty calories with appropriate nutrients will feed your body properly so your body will take you far.

There's a blinking 'check engine' light on your dashboard, trying to be noticed. We are talking about self care here. Have you scheduled in some time for yourself, for checkups and some personal down time? Taking a walk or hike with family and friends, or a weekly date night with your sweetheart - there are many options available for taking a step away to enjoy the life you have been given, find the balance to make it all happen, and first and foremost, start paying attention to the signals your body is sending you.

It makes complete sense to take care of your personal well-being in all ways you know how and are capable of. You can choose to wait until the car breaks down on the side of the road to get the repaired done, or you can choose regular maintenance, bringing the car in for diagnostic checks at the first sign of a shudder or rattle that doesn't feel right, or that spot of oil you just noticed in the driveway, any problem.

As we finish with our comparison, when the tread has worn thin on tires, you replace them. So what do you do when your own treads are running thin? We all need some personal time to make a thorough evaluation of our lives, where we find ourselves now, and where we would like to see ourselves later on. It's possible for our needs to change over time, and we have to pay attention to these changes, because if we ignore them, we are ignoring who we are, and that's not a good thing when it comes to our health and happiness.

So, next time you're at the gas station or washing your car step back and remember that you wouldn't be able to do any of those tasks if it weren't for the divine vehicle you're residing in - your body. Take great care of it; it's the only one you get.

About the Author:

Ready to find your own body balance? Deborah Lindholm is a Serenity Empowerment Coach that shows you how to awaken your Inner Power Source to live an empowered life every single day. Download free pre-recorded telecasts, grab your "5 Simple Steps to Get What You Really, Really Want" report and more here: Free Stuff at Serenity Matters

The Benefits of Stretching For Your Health and Fitness

By Brian

Your body is meant to be able to bend down low and pick up something on the floor, or reach something high up on a shelf. This is all down to the flexibility you have in your body to bend and flex.

Although these things are simple, we take them for granted as to how important they are. If you're already finding it difficult doing something as simple as this, you need to learn to stretch better.

What Is Stretching?

Extending your body to a flull length, part of it, or straightening or stretching your limbs is considered stretching.

How Should I Do It?

* Stretching is easy and can be done by people of all ages.

* The more you stretch, the more flexible you cab become. As you age, the effects of losing flexibility and muscle control may lessen.

* You can incorporate stretching into your day to day activities and it does not require much of your time. What's more it should be done every day.

* Stretching is important in preparation for a training routine or any vigorous exercise and is essential to any sport. It should be done first before anything else.

* The most common stretch done by athletes is the sit and reach, where you sit on the floor, legs together and pointing outwards and in front of them. You then bend and try and touch your toes with the tips of your fingers.

* You should stretch for roughly 10 minutes before exercise. This is enough time to allow your muscles to flex in preperation for hard muscle movements you are planning to do.

How Does Stretching Benefit Me?

* Increases Your Movement Capability - The more you do your exercises, the more you muscles and tendon lengths increase. Your range of movement follows suit with this, allowing the limbs and joints to move around far before an injury can take place.

* Perform More Skills - Jumping higher in basketball or turning faster in football are things that you will better be able to do with a wider range of movement, allowing for a more active way of life.

* Prevents Injury - When your muscles and joints are more flexible, it takes more for you to 'pull a muscle' or 'tear a tendon' as you have more give in your limbs. It also helps you recover faster and better if you do get injured.

* Reduce Muscle Tension - It is less likely for your muscles to contract and build up tension if you regularly stretch them out.

* Gives You More Energy - Knowing that your body is more capable of doing physical activities gives you a more energy as you are more driven and less likely to sit and do nothing.

Stretching doesn't require much time and effort and can be integrated into your daily life after you've done it for a while. What's more, it's important on overall fitness and health.

About the Author:

If you want more health and fitness tips, as well as how to get yourself Six Pack Abs, visit my site at http://mysixpackstory.net

Three Types of Boxing Bags

By Greg Smithers

There are a lot of people that like to exercise with the use of a free standing boxing bag for the home. It is very important to do research before you invest in a boxing bag, as there is a wide range of bags that are available to choose from. All of the different bags have a range of advantages and disadvantages so it all depends exactly what you are looking for.

When you are looking to get a boxing bag it is very important to get a suitable that fits your requirements. The bag should be suitable for the person that is going to be using it.

A lot of the bags that are available will be very useful for people that are going to be using them. Boxing bag allow the user to develop their boxing skills.

When shopping to get a boxing bag it is important to do it in a sensible manner. It is a good idea to know what you are going to use the bag for and where you will put it within the house.

It is a good idea to find a suitable place where the boxing bag can be situated. The person that is going to be using the bag will need to ensure that they have enough space for the bag.

It is important to remember when you are looking for somewhere to put the boxing bag you will need to have enough space all the way around the bag especially for when you are using it.

It is a good idea to invest in some of the boxing gloves to wear whilst using the boxing bag, as these will protect your hand.

Whilst you are deciding on the correct boxing bag it is important to consider the material that the bags are made of.

About the Author:

Free shipping on your next boxing bag stand while supplies last.