Martial Arts Junior Instructor gives a speech about Home Alone Safety

Below is a speech given by one of our awesome Junior Instructors. Mr James is a Junior Instructor, a young leader at the Kids Martial Arts School in Cumming GA. This young man prepared then gave this speech about how to stay safe when home alone to his peers at a Choe's HapKiDo Karate Belt Test held at our Suwanee Karate School. Part of being a Junior Instructor is learning to be more confident and being able to speak in front of an audience, and James demonstrated excellent confidence and maturity :)

Home Alone Safety

by:

James

"Today I am going to talk to you about how to be safe when you're home alone.  I am going to tell you 3 ways to be safe.  Those ways are keeping your door locked and don't answer it, do not answer the phone, and have an emergency phone number to call if something goes wrong.  These ways are very important to being safe at home alone.

The first way I mentioned was to keep your door locked and do not answer it.  this is a big part of keeping yourself safe because some crazy guy could see that an adult didn't answer the door but you did and he could be big trouble.  Another reason is that if this guy sees you and you walk away; he would know that you're scared and if you didn't have your doors locked he could just walk right in and he would know you were alone because most time times you'll answer it and not lock it back.

My second way to keep yourself safe is to not answer the phone.  If you do pick up the phone and it is someone you don't know and they ask if your parents are home, if you say no then they know they can come to your house.  The way to stay safe is just to say your parents are unable to come to the phone right now.  But the best way to avoid this is to not answer the phone in the first place.

My last way to keep safe is to have an emergency phone in case an emergency happens.  If an emergency arises you will need some one to contact.  Like if there is a fire, of course I hope that never happens, but if it does could you imagine running through a flaming house looking for a phone, it might end badly.  So, just remember to keep a phone and a phone number with you so you can get some help.

These ways to keep you safe will help a lot if you're home alone.  The tips can help protect you from getting harmed.  Just to remind you if you forgot, they are keeping your door locked and don't answser it, do not answer the phone, and have an emergancey phone number to call if something goes wrong.  I hope these tips will help keep you safe when you're home alone."

Awesome job James!!!


Choe's HapKiDo Karate of Cumming
3020 Old Atlanta Rd
Cumming, GA 30041
(678) 513-5436
www.cummingsuwaneemartialarts.com
www.facebook.com/choeshapkidocumming 

Suwanee Karate for Focus and Concentration

Karate for Focus

Concentration and Focus through Martial Arts - Suwanee Karate


With this hectic world that we live in everyone could use a boost of concentration and focus. If you or your children have difficulties concentrating or you would just like to be able to have focus at work, a martial arts or karate class may be exactly what you need. Most people in Cumming don’t realize the true support that practicing a martial arts discipline in Cumming, Georgia, can do for their concentration and exactly how benefit it is for their daily life. For children, it can help them focus better in the classroom, and with regular practice they will be able to better deal with conflicts. Trying a karate class at a martial arts studio in Suwanee, Georgia could give you and your children immense benefit.

How do martial arts such as karate teach concentration and focus?

When you or your children are studying and practicing karate, before all of the punching and kicking the instructor will teach control, mindfulness, and respect. By starting with this and then focusing all of your mental powers on learning the movements and being aware of what they can do to the other people will, you will be forced to concentrate on the present and improve this skill. The physical activity and exhaustion that is part of the regular martial arts training will help to regulate stress and other hormones that are affecting your children’s mental clarity and promote focus. It’s a fun way to get exercise and improve you and your children’s mental concentration.

Improvements in interactions with others and decision making

Another great benefit to regularly practicing martial arts such as karate is that it will increase your children’s confidence and better prepare them to make more level headed decisions under pressure. When people are more calm and confident the interactions with other individuals is freer and less stressful. Learning to focus on the moment with the improved mental concentration will allow you and your children a richer experience when engaging with other people. What would have been a stressful interaction with a bully is dealt with in a non-confrontational way where your children would have the ability to defend themselves if they were in danger.

Learning martial arts such as karate is a great way to get in shape, improve concentration, and boost self-confidence for everyone, but especially kids. If you are around the Suwanne or Cummings, Georgia area there are a couple of great options for your to try a class and see what it’s all about. Cutting through the noise and being able to focus is only going to get more challenging, but regular martial arts training can give you the tools to tackle most of  life’s challenges.

Choe's HapKiDo Karate of Cumming
3020 Old Atlanta Rd
Cumming, GA 30041
(678) 513-5436
www.choeshapkido.com
www.cummingsuwaneemartialarts.com
www.facebook.com/choeshapkidocumming 

The Importance of wrapping your hands when kickboxing

One of the most important precautions you should take when learning or competing in boxing, MMA or a class format kickboxing is wrapping your hands properly. Hand wraps help absorb some of the shock brought about by throwing and landing punches, and keeps that shock from injuring your wrists.

The wraps also help protect the top of your hands and your knuckles.

Most trainers will agree that it is important to protect your hands from breaking or twisting your wrists when boxing so wrapping them is a must.  The wrapping of your hands will also keep your knuckles and bones behind them from bowing and braking.  The hands are made up of many small joints and small bones that could easily fracture from the impact of repeated punches.  They may also give you the confidence to throw more power into your punches. 

Handwraps are there to hold your hand together providing support for your wrists, fingers, knuckles, and to prevent injury This ensures even distribution of impact while punching. Without the wraps to secure the loose joints and moveable bones, a boxer could sustain a debilitating injury such as broken fingers and shattered knuckles. By using the appropriate method for wrapping your hands, you can make sure your boxing skills remain sharp for years to come.

There are a couple of different ways to wrap your hands but I find the most comfortable to be wrapping between the fingers.  This provides extra support to the knuckles, while keeping them separated. After securing the thumb, bring the wrap up and in-between your pinky and ring finger. Loop the wrap back around and between each of your fingers before completing at the wrist.

Your hands should feel comfortable. Do not wrap so tightly that you cut off circulation. Additionally, everyone has different hands so your individual method may vary.  People who have had previous thumb injuries may want to wrap around the thumb twice. Keep practicing until you are comfortable with them.

Be sure to choose the right types of wraps for your hands, as they come in different sizes ranging from about 108 inches to 210 inches in length. Generally, smaller hands do better with shorter wraps while larger hands benefit from longer wraps. Your wraps will build up sweat easily, so make sure to wash them on a regular basis. Throw them into a mesh bag to prevent them from tangling inside the washing machine.

Above all enjoy your boxing experience whether it be as a professional fighter or for recreation and stress relief.  At the end of the day it will be a personal preference whether you wrap your hands or not.  Preventing an injury is much better than going through surgery and long hours of physical therapy.  

A final thought, handwraps will stop your boxing gloves from absorbing sweat and therefore will make wearing them a more pleasant and less smelly experience!

Written by:

Mandy

Instructor, Fitness Kickboxing
Choe's HapKiDo of Cumming
3020 Old Atlanta Rd.
Suite 300
Cumming, GA 30041
(678)513-5436
www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com
www.cummingsuwaneemartialarts.com
www.facebook.com/choeshapkidocummingga

Sources:  Livestrong.com;  helium.com; gloves and handwraps.com

Real Food - Healthy Eating for a Healthy Life

Real Food

The following contains information gleaned from a conversation with the pleasant and knowledgeable Melissa Gauna, Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant.  Melissa will be presenting “Healthy Eating for a Healthy Life” on Saturday, March 30, 2013, 3:30 pm, at Choe’s HapKiDo of Cumming.

America has an obsession with food. We are either dealing with obesity, or inundated with the latest diet craze.  Unfortunately, many of the fad diets are, at best, based on partial information, and at worst, based on misinformation.  How do we navigate the overwhelming amount of information available, and are there any nutritional guidelines that work for everyone?

Fortunately, there is a simple, trustworthy answer to getting back to healthy eating.  Basically, eat whole foods.  Whole foods are defined by anything that roams on the earth, swims in the water, and grows from the ground.  These foods contain all the nutrients our bodies need to maintain optimal health; carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.  

Each of these three macronutrients (carbs, fats, and proteins) should be consumed in proper proportions.  Carbs should make up 40%, fats 30%, and proteins 30% of a balanced diet.  Of course, this is a very general guideline, and these percentages can be individualized with the help of a nutrition consultant.

Here is a very brief list of some great sources of macronutrients.  Carbs are found in fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, berries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage.  Look for healthy fats in real organic butter, tropical oils (coconut oil), nuts and seeds, and avocados.  The best sources of proteins are grass-fed beef, eggs, cold water fish (sardines), and wild game.  Often proteins and fats are found together.

Healthy Living

Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand.  In order to get the most out of your workout and provide your body with what it needs to lose weight and gain muscle, you have to fuel your body with the right kinds of foods.   

An hour or two before exercising, eat both carbs and fats. Carbs, which provide your body with quick energy, are balanced by fats that provide energy for a longer time. Then, an hour to an hour and a half after exercising, eat foods containing protein such as trail mix, eggs, chicken, or tuna. These protein-rich foods will help repair and build muscle.

So much of the processed food found in grocery stores barely resembles whole foods. Processed foods lose many important natural nutrients that are then replaced by synthetic nutrients.  Processed foods such as low-fat versions often contain lots of sugar. Eating sugar laden foods can cause spikes in blood sugar.  Our bodies can be stressed by working overtime to even out these sugar spikes. Fat and fiber can help to even out blood sugar.

Pay attention the next time you are at the grocery store.  The whole foods are generally found around the outside of the store.  Stay away from the aisles in the middle of the store.  For a healthy life, Melissa recommends, “Eat real food, exercise, enjoy sunshine, and drink water.” 

Susie R.

Kickboxing Instructor

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts and Kickboxing in Cumming Suwanee GA

3020 Old Atlanta Rd

Cumming, GA 30041

(678) 513-5436

www.choeshapkido,com

www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

www.facebook.com/choeshapkidocumming

Susie is an Instructor at the Cumming - Suwanee Location of Choe's HapKiDo Karate.  She teaches fitness kickboxing and Martial Arts.  Choe's HapKiDo of Cumming serves people in the Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Duluth, Alpharetta and Buford areas of Georgia.

Managing the Return to Fitness Training

Managing the Return to Training

After a Planned or Unplanned Break

Anyone who seeks to maintain a regular routine of exercise will eventually have to deal with some lapse in their training regimen.  Reasons for lapses in fitness training vary from illness or injury to traveling for work or pleasure.  But whatever the reason, it’s good to have a plan to return to regular training and regain an optimal level of physical fitness.

According to Sports Coach at ausport.gov.au, the steps to return to training include increasing frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise sessions.  Begin with increasing the frequency.  If the goal is to exercise every day, days of rest may need to be alternated with days of working out at first, until the desired frequency of exercise sessions is achieved.

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts Cumming Suwanee

After the frequency of training is re-established, the duration of each exercise session can be extended.  When frequency and duration goals are obtained, it’s time to up the intensity of workouts.  Be careful not to increase the intensity too soon as relapse or injury can occur.

How long it takes to regain strength and aerobic conditioning depends on several factors; specifically, fitness level prior to the break, length of time off from training, severity of illness or injury that caused the hiatus.  The loss of strength and aerobic conditioning, a process called deconditioning, is less pronounced the more fit an athlete is, and is more noticeable in younger or less experienced athletes.  Here is a basic guideline: the amount of time it takes to return to a full exercise regimen is similar to the number of days missed through illness. 

If the break in exercise was due to illness, it’s important that the most severe symptoms (fever, nausea, diarrhea) have been absent for at least 24 hours before returning to exercise.  And if the illness required a trip to the doctor and/or medication, check with the physician as to how soon regular exercise can resume.

As with any exercise program, hydration, rest, and nutrition are essential to achieving and maintaining optimal fitness and health.  Exercise in and of itself helps boost the immune system, but include foods that will provide fuel to the process.

WebMD explains that antioxidants are the “vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. …fighting off damage with antioxidants helps keep your immune system strong…”  Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables.  The three major antioxidants to look for are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Prevention.com targets nine foods that boost immunity: yogurt with live and active cultures, oats and barley, garlic, fish, chicken soup, green or black tea, beef, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.

In addition to setting out a specific plan to return to a desired level of physical fitness, getting rest and eating right, it’s important to have a positive attitude.  A good mental state of mind will help to deal with regaining what has been lost.  It may or may not take more time than first thought, but celebrate the small achievements along the way. 

Susie R.

Kickboxing Instructor

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts and Kickboxing in Cumming Suwanee GA

3020 Old Atlanta Rd

Cumming, GA 30041

(678) 513-5436

www.choeshapkido,com

www.ilovemartialartsgeorgia.com

www.facebook.com/choeshapkidocumming

Susie is an Instructor at the Cumming - Suwanee Location of Choe's HapKiDo Karate.  She teaches fitness kickboxing and Martial Arts.  Choe's HapKiDo of Cumming serves people in the Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Duluth, Alpharetta and Buford areas of Georgia.

Sources

http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportscoachmag/program_management2/how_to_manage_the_return_to_training_after_illness

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health

http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/9-power-foods-boost-immunity/more

Check out our new websites!

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Cumming

Check out our new websites and please share them with your friends!

Weight Loss -  Choe's HapKiDo Karate Provides the Best weight loss solutions for people in the Cumming and Suwanee Georgia looking for a weight loss program that actually works and is fun!

https://sites.google.com/site/weightlosssuwaneecummingga/

Confidence - Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts in Cumming and Suwanee has a proven track record for improving Confidence and Self Esteem in children.  Kids Confidence Cumming Karate

https://sites.google.com/site/confidencekaratecumming/

Exercise - Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts and Kickboxing provides a top notch exercise program that will help you lose those extra pounds and be in the best shape of your life!

https://sites.google.com/site/karateforexercise/

Focus/Concentration

https://sites.google.com/site/karateforfocus/

Fitness - Choe's HapKiDo Karate is great for fitness.  Its the best way to maintain Adult Fitness and Health in Cumming and Suwanee GA

https://sites.google.com/site/cummingsuwaneefitness/

Bully Defense - Choe's HapKiDo Karate in Cumming and Suwanee teaches Bully Defense to improve confidence in children so they are not targeted by School Bullies.  Kids Karate Classes Cumming are a great to to Defeat the Bully

https://sites.google.com/site/suwaneebullydefense/

Practical Self Defense - Choe's HapKiDo Karate in Cumming GA teaches practical Self Defense for kids and adults.  Cumming Self Defense Classes can save your life!

https://sites.google.com/site/cummingsuwaneeselfdefense/

Improve School Grades - Martial Arts is a great way to improve your child's performance in team sports.  Choe's HapKiDo Karate will give your kid the extra edge with improved hand eye coordination, strength and endurance.

https://sites.google.com/site/improvegradescummingsuwanee/

Respect - Karate teaches Respect to kids in Cumming and Suwanee GA.  Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts teaches kids respect.

https://sites.google.com/site/respectcummingsuwaneega/

Discipline - Kids Karate by Choe's HapKiDo in Suwanee teaches children to have discipline. The Self Discipline your child will learn through Martial Arts will help them achieve success in life!!!

https://sites.google.com/site/cummingsuwaneediscipline/

Kid Socialization - Martial Arts is a great way for kids to socialize and make friends.  Choe's HapKiDo in Suwanee and Cumming provides an opportunity for children to socialize and give them the social skills they need to succeed in life.

https://sites.google.com/site/kidsocializationmartialarts/

Improve Team Sports - Martial Arts is a great way to improve your child's performance in team sports.  Choe's HapKiDo Karate will give your kid the extra edge with improved hand eye coordination, strength and endurance.

https://sites.google.com/site/improveteamsportskarate/

Choe's HapKiDo Karate Cumming GA

 Choe's HapKiDo Karate Academy of Martial Arts and Kickboxing
3020 Old Atlanta Rd
Cumming, Ga 30041
(678) 513-5436