Maine Kyokushin Karate » Maine Kyokushin Karate

We are Updating the System

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:15:27 +0000

U.S. Kyokushin OpenPlease excuse us as we update the website. It’s a little off right now, but we are getting the kinks out.

In the meantime, check out the 10th Annual U.S. Kyokushin Open poster!

New After-School Programs Begin This Week!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:04:24 +0000

First, congratulations to all the West Paris students who earned a new belt last week. You did a great job! OSU!

Secondly, we begin new sessions at both Agnes Gray and Crescent Park elementary schools. I will be at Crescent Park on Tuesdays and Agnes Gray on Wednesdays. We will be back at Woodstock as soon as the schedule allows.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. And thanks to Mahoosuc Kids Association and the West Paris Explorers programs for having us.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:39:05 +0000

This video shows a few highlights of Kyokushin Karate’s founder, Sosai Mas Oyama. Click here to learn more about Sosai and Kyokushin-kan.

How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions – 5 Tips to Increase Your Self-Discipline

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:06:01 +0000

We are not born with self-discipline. We have to work at it.

You all know you make them. But like millions of other Americans, you just make empty promises to yourself. I know you really want to improve your fitness level, lose weight. I know you want to ace your next belt promotion. But just because your a martial artist, does not mean that you automatically know how to control your diet, become disciplined in your workouts or become focused enough to reach your goals.

This post is the first in a series to help karate students actually achieve their goals. But it’s not enough to just read the post. You can’t expect to improve your self-control or any other aspect of life without actually taking action. I’ll give you the information…you have to take the first step…

Tip #1 – Don’t Wait to Improve Self Discipline (start today!)

Many times people don’t pursue more self- discipline until they’re in trouble. For example, the person who is a workaholic thrives on a busy schedule, that is, until they have a heart attack. Then they see the need to learn self-control and change their lifestyle. As a result, they take action and make it happen.

Set doable goals. To reach a goal it needs to be realistic, otherwise it can be a step back instead of forward. If the goal is set too high then you will fail and think its proof of the fact that you can’t do it. Whereas, if there would have been several small goals that led to the larger one you would have kept going forward.

Tip #2 – Change Your Bad Habits Now

It’s the bad habits that get in the way of self- discipline. A person who wants to lose weight can’t keep the bad habit of getting in the fridge every night at 10:00 to eat cookies and milk. This bad habit has to go!

Stop temptation in its tracks!

If you eat cookies and milk at night, don’t buy the cookies in the first place. Don’t get home and change into your pajamas; change into your dogi. You’ll be more likely to make class if you’re not lounging on your couch playing video games.

Set a doable goal of eating right and/or working out. Twice a week. Then three times a week. Throw out junk food that you KNOW you should not be eating.

Tip #3 – The First Step is Always the Hardest

Change is hard. But if you make it a habit, it becomes much, much easier. Do something you know you should do daily, but don’t. Self-discipline is all about doing what you don’t want to do, but need to do. Things that will give you a better quality of life are worth pursuing. This could be exercise, eat healthier, get more sleep, read, time with family and so forth.

Plan the day and activities. If you’re not used to planning then start simple. Write down five things that you want to accomplish the night before for the next day. Then the next day mark them off as you do them this is basic self-discipline. It’s also forming new good habits and tracking progress.

Tip #4 – If You Fall Off the Wagon…Get Right Back On

We all make mistakes. Skip workouts, indulge in cheesecake when we should be having a salad. Whatever your “mistake” may be, don’t let it ruin all the progress you have made. EVERYONE has days where they lose control. The trick is to get back on track as soon as possible.

Don’t beat yourself up over it, just make better choices next time.

Tip #5 – Stop Making Excuses & Whining About It

EVERYONE can make excuses for every action they should be taking. EVERYONE has issues, problems, stress, family commitments, etc. You are not the only one and the rest of us do not have all the answers.

Stop giving excuses for your bad behavior. If you want to improve your self-discipline, you are the ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD that can make that happen.

If you want to lose weight, do something that will put you on the right path. If you want to increase your fitness level, you have to workout. If you want your Black Belt, go to class. Period.

The solution is easy. Implementation is not. So what are you going to do today to implement more self-defense into your life?

Dear 16-year-old Me

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:11:32 +0000

Sometimes you come across a message so powerful that you have to share it. Please watch this video and share it with those you love. You can learn more melanoma from The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund website.

Click here to learn about DCMF

Click here for helpful tools

Things You Should Never Reveal on Facebook

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:26:26 +0000

Don't Tell the World!

By Elizabeth D. Johnson

People are getting crazy about this whole social networking phenomenon. Millions of people are getting fanatical over sharing photos, events and all other details on Facebook. For the benefit of everyone, this article will help you realize that there are things or details that you need to keep in private. Too many personal details should never be shared publicly.

There is nothing wrong with being fanatically crazy over Facebook. You can share some photos and some important stuff, but you should know your limitations. If you want to be safe, then this is a must-read article.

Here are some things that you should never reveal on Facebook:

1. Your vacation or holiday plans - People are really fond of plugging and publicizing anything on Facebook, even vacation or holiday plans. Well, this should not be the case. This is just as good as inviting all the robbers and thieves out there to follow you and get you in serious danger. Avoid posting specific locations and time when you will be leaving. This is not a good idea because you are just calling out all criminals out there. You can post pictures later on if you wish to. Try to be safe and do not just post anything without even thinking.

2. Your complete home address - You should also be careful not to state or fill in your complete home address on your Facebook account. Again, you are just inviting danger into your place. You are inviting criminals to follow you since you are shouting your home address all over the world. It is all right to fill up your location, but not too specific that it can already invade your privacy. Be keen when it comes to these matters. It is always best to be safe. You might not be aware of it, but many criminals are already using Facebook to look for their prospects.

3. Vulgar photos or videos - Avoid uploading and showing vulgar photos or videos. If you have vulgar photos such as looking seductive, wearing swimsuits and kissing another person, then you should better think twice. Uploading these kinds of photos can easily be hacked and copied. People you may not know might actually grab your photos and use it against you. Your pictures might be everywhere because of your postings. Better be safe and avoid this kind of trouble.

Facebook has been widely used nowadays. Nothing is wrong with owning a Facebook account because there can also be benefits. Just make sure that you will not reveal everything on it super publicly.

Elizabeth is a passionate writer. She has been writing online articles for three years now. You can check out her latest article girls leggings and Danskin leggings on her website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_D._Johnson

Finding Suitable Activities For Children With ADHD

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:44 +0000

Alex Petrovich

Finding the right activities for ADHD children may not be as easy a task as one would initially believe. After all each child is different, both in their behaviors and their likes and dislikes. These are both important factors when trying to find activities for children with ADHD and trying to blend the two presents somewhat of multidimensional riddle. The key to this riddle seems to be in coming up with activities that can make the child happy while reducing ADHD symptoms.

Why does this really matter?

The three primary symptoms of attention deficit disorder are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. We know that hyperactivity does not necessarily have to be present for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD but inattention does.

The problem with inattention as it relates to activities for children with ADHD is that if they aren’t interested, or the activity is slow moving, they simply will not be able to focus long enough, and behave well enough, to make that particular activity worth considering.

As parents we generally have hope and dreams for our kids. Most dads and moms want their children to play the sports they played in school. Parents, and dads in generally, may have a hard time understanding why little Johnny wants to play golf or tennis instead of football, baseball, or basketball. While this may be the case the world could always use another Phil Mickelson or Pete Sampras.

So rule number one is to talk to your child about their likes and dislikes and allow them to at least try the sport that interests them the most.

Outdoor tends to be better than indoor

A number of recent studies conducted at the University of Illinois found that placing an ADHD child in a natural setting was an effective way of reducing ADHD symptoms. The two symptoms which showed the most improvement were inattention and hyperactivity.

Examples of activities that are primarily outdoor activities are soccer, golf, tennis, bike riding, hiking, and long distance running. There are many other as well.

What if competitive sports aren’t something you really want to consider?

That’s alright too, after all some kids simply aren’t interested in competitive sports. Not only that but many competitive sports that once were free to play now cost a small fortune, which simply may not be in your budget especially if you are trying to pay for ADHD medications and/or therapy. Additionally, many young children may not be able to muster up enough focus to fit in and become part of the team. When this happens it could prove to be counterproductive making ADHD symptoms worse rather than better.

Even if competitive or convention sports aren’t your child bag, if you can find ways to combine exercise and being outdoors you will be on the right track. This combination might be something as simple as having your child enlist the help of the family dog for a session of throw and fetch; that would be the dog fetching. There are numerous possibilities but whatever activity or activities you choose remember they should include exercise that takes place outdoors.

Karate while not an outside activity might be an option worth considering

Karate is one of the rare physical activities that helps with concentration and focus, tends to moderate hyperactivity, and helps to instill self discipline and self esteem. It is not for everyone, but karate is certainly an option worth considering especially if the weather or logistical factors make outdoor activities difficult to implement.

Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.
To learn more about ADHD or explore a number of safe and effective natural remedies for problematic ADHD symptoms Click Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_D_Hawkins

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5150284

Maine Kyokushin Karate 2011 Awards Night

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:34:18 +0000

Mark Your Calendars!

All MKK students, family and friends are invited to our 2011 Awards Night!

When: December 21st

Time: Little Ninjas 5-6pm, Samurais & Adults 6:30pm

Food & refreshments will be served. All MKK students will receive an award. Additional awards include:

Students of the Year
Shihan’s Spirit Award
Sensei’s Spirit Award
Competitor of the Year
Instructor Awards
Black Belt & Beyond Awards

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:59:00 +0000

By Laura Saunders

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we’ve all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.

But when your five-year old yells at you “Mom, Kids Rule!” or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these “family programs” really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded “bling bling” pop culture of today.

Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.

Martial Arts training.

From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid

You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission – but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?

First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the “sport”, but mental and emotional lessons as well.

Comparing that to other kid’s activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and “winning at all costs” seems to be the order of the day, it’s not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70′s, when I was growing up!

The Advantages

o Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

o Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

o Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

o Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.

o Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.

Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child’s personality and the training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn’t center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.

Here’s a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you’re likely to find:

Martial Arts From Japan

Karate

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Centers on building strength and endurance

o Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring

o May use weapons

Jujitsu

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Involves lots of sparring

o Teaches a fair amount of weapons training

Aikido

o Uses a more “spiritual” and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.

o Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy

o Does not involve sparring or competitions

Judo

o Uses gentle, “wrestling-like” movements

o Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts

o Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development

o Engages in competitions

Martial Arts From China

Kung-Fu

o The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles

o Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques

o Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.

o Engages in sparring competitions

Martial Arts From Korea

Taekwondo

o Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.

o Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.

o Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.

Choosing The Right Instruction

If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you’d like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child’s and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.

Say you’ve found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?

1. Good Instructors

Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Safety

Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School Values

Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid’s karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school’s ideals match your family’s principles.

4. Prices and Schedules

Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family’s lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.

Baby Blackbelts

Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.

About the author:

Laura Saunders is a successful freelance writer, mother of two, and a martial arts practitioner who has written articles for http://www.best-karate-equipment.com, your online guide to karate uniforms and karate training equipment.

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site if the author’s byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Saunders

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/52697

Announcing a New T-Shirt Contest!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:44:42 +0000

Starting today, we will be accepting entries for our 2011 T-Shirts. Create a cool t-shirt design and we might just pick yours for our new t-shirts!

The t-shirts will have two colors and will be printed on black. The t-shirt can have new designs or find a new way to use the kanji or kanku. You can add a slogan or just use Maine Kyokushin Karate. The options are endless!

You have to use official Kyokushin-kan symbols (no copyright issues please!) and you can ask Shihan if you have questions about what symbols to use.

The winner will receive the glory of being the chosen winner. And we will throw in a t-shirt or two.

Contest ends October 31st, so get those creative juices flowing!