huntermartialarts.co.uk - Latest Blog Entries

Competition...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:06:00 +0100

Competition

“Without the spur of competition we’d loaf out our life.” — Arnold Glaslow

Competition is all around us – in school, at work, in sports, and in the martial arts. We are constantly competing with others, whether we know it or not. Your approach to that competition will determine your success.

Some people thrive on competition, others shrink from it, and some misunderstand competition and allow it to consume them. As martial artists, we should have a proper understanding and appreciation for the benefits of competition. It is through competition that we improve our knowledge, skills, and physical abilities, and increase our contributions to our families, employers, and society.

The purpose of competition is improvement – improvement of an individual, of a team, or of an organization. Beyond the scoreboard of athletic games, there are rarely clear cut winners and losers. There is just the competition of life and your approach to it.

Pierre de Coubertin, former International Olympic Committee Chairman once stated, “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part … The most important thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” This is how martial artists should view competition. Do we compete well? Do we try our hardest, learn from our mistakes, and grow as individuals and as martial artists?

No one likes to lose, and martial artists are no different. When we enter a competition, it should be with the intention of winning, but, we understand that no one wins every time. We also understand that to compete well is the true measure of an individual, not just the win/loss columns.

Seek out and embrace competition, and realize that it will improve you if you allow it to do so. However, don’t be consumed by it. As Henry Ford once said, “Competition whose motive is merely to compete, to drive some other fellow out, never carries very far.” Engaging in competition without a clear understanding of its correct purpose can cause harm to an individual and those around him or her.

Many martial arts tournaments begin with, “Everyone here who has competed is a winner.” This is also true in life. Your willingness to compete, to improve yourself, and to grow as an individual and martial artist already makes you a winner, regardless of what any scoreboard might say.

Excellence...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:01:00 +0000

“Excellence can be attained if you: 1) Care more than others think wise; 2) Risk more than others think is safe; 3) Dream more than others think is practical; 4) Expect more than others think is possible” — Unknown

Excellence is a value that has lifetime benefits. We can incorporate it into our work, our relationships, and the martial arts. In fact, the martial arts should be a place where the importance of excellence is taught regularly.

But what defines excellence? In the quote above, four attributes are identified as indicators of excellence: a) caring for others; b) taking risks; c) dreaming; and d) having high expectations. When combined, these attributes will create excellence in any area of your life.

But it is important to remember that excellence isn’t the same as perfection. No one is perfect. Trying to achieve perfection is often very discouraging, but pursuing excellence can be exciting and brings about its own rewards.

For example, students who pursue excellence achieve higher grades and are able to get into college. Employees who pursue excellence generally receive higher pay and are employed longer than those who don’t. Entrepreneurs who value excellence tend to have more successful companies. Martial artists who seek excellence are more likely to earn their black belt. In addition, individuals who pursue excellence in their relationships tend to have happier and healthier home lives.

Many people know that applying excellence will improve their lives, but they are fearful that they can’t make the necessary changes. Thomas Watson,the founder of IBM once said, “If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.” Excellence is a choice you have to make, but once you’ve made it, the results will be tremendous.

There is no area of your life that won’t benefit from an attitude of excellence. Challenge yourself to find an area in your life that would improve if you applied the principle of excellence to it. We’re confident you will be pleased at the results and that you will begin applying excellence to other areas as well.

Grading Exam - Sunday 26th February

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Junior Beginner - White to Orange Belt: 10:00am

Junior Advanced - Green to Brown Belt: 11:30am

Kickboxing - All Grades: 2.00pm

Ladies ONLY Kickboxing - SATURDAY 3rd MARCH: 12.00pm

If you wish to grade for your next belt please complete the relevant application form and return it to your instructor WITH your grading fee.

EXAMINATION FEE £25.00
(INCLUDES A CERTIFICATE AND BELT):

If you are unable to attend the grading on the above date please inform your Instructor! All kyu grading are held once a month, so if you are absent during the scheduled examination due to illness or injury, etc.

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GRADE ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE EXAM

Please NOTE: You must have the correct uniform and the correct attendence to be eligible to grade. If in dout ask!

SEE THE LIST OF CANDIDATES ON THE NOTICE BOARD IN THE VIEWING AREA.
GRADINGS ARE SUBJECT TO INSTRUCTOR'S APPROVAL AND STUDENT ABILITY.

Generosity

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:57:00 +0000

“Give naught, get same. Give much, get same.” — Malcolm Forbes

With the holiday season in full swing, people are feeling the spirit of generosity. Giving, including gifts to loved ones, friends, neighbours, and to those less fortunate, abounds. Not only is this the most profitable time of year for retailers, but it is also the time when most charitable organizations receive the majority of their donations. This time of year spurs us to show our love, appreciation, gratitude, and fondness for others, as well as encouraging us to help those in need.

But why should our generosity only be shown during a few days out of the year? An ancient proverb states, “He who allows his day to pass by without practicing generosity and enjoying life’s pleasure is like a blacksmith’s bellows — he breathes but does not live.” Generosity towards others helps us truly enjoy the life with which we have been blessed.

However, generosity is more than just spending a little money on a loved one, or giving a few pounds to a favoured charity. In fact, meaningful generosity is often devoid of money. The martial arts instructor who is generous with his time to help students achieve their best, the friend who is generous with encouraging words to one who is down, and the plumber who donates labour to help repair a sink drain in an elderly person’s home are all examples of generosity that can have an immense impact on others.

These seemingly ordinary acts of generosity allow us to have an impact on future generations. Our example then becomes a model for others to follow. This is why John Quincy Adams once said, “The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality.” Our generosity today will produce positive benefits now, and in the future.

As you celebrate the holidays with your friends and family, make a commitment to develop a generous attitude toward others every day of your life. Don’t limit your ability to truly enjoy life and to positively impact the lives of others — now and in the future — by saving your generosity for a few days in November and December of each year.

CLOSED for Christmas from 22nd until 5th January

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:03:00 +0000

Christmas Closure

Please note the academy will be closed on Thursday 22nd until Thursday the 5th January 2012. During this time we will still check our emails and respond to urgent queries accordingly.

We would like to wish all our members and fellow friends a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Bad Traits to Avoid...

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Bad Traits to Avoid If You Wish to Achieve Your Goals

A lot of people stay unsuccessful or have alternating experiences with success and failure, simply because they do not know that they have many bad traits. Bad traits pertain to habits and personal characteristics that ultimately lead to failure. Some of the things you've been so used to doing for several years may be the main reason why you struggle much.

The Basic Bad Habits

Laziness is one of the negative habits that a loser has. The worse thing is, lazy people usually do not want to get rid of the problem. If you want to achieve your goals, you need to understand the value of hard work and perseverance. Some of the greatest people in the world are known to work way more than those who did not leave a mark. The greats work longer hours, sleep less, eat less, wake up earlier and suffer more than anybody else. It takes sacrifice to reach your goals. The most important thing to know is that everything you have ever wanted is just outside your comfort zone.

Another bad habit that people have dealt with for several years is fear. They fear things and events without even trying. Some people are even afraid of success subconsciously in a way that they refute any opportunity that can make them great. Some people do not realize that they just do not or cannot handle the bigger responsibilities that achieved goals come with. You should understand that once you reach a certain goal, it can mean that the bar has just been raised for you to accomplish more.

Personal Bad Traits

Selfishness is a bad trait that you need to get rid of to achieve your goals. There are individuals who do not want to get help from others because they do not want to share their expected success. What's sad is that most of them do not actually reach their goals. There is so much joy and celebration for every success that can be shared between several individuals. There is even so much money in the world for everyone to stay rich. Even if you may be better off doing some things yourself, still you cannot do everything.

Being Negative

Pessimism is a trait of losers. Losers always find a reason to lose, even if the situation or opportunity is already presenting itself. In most cases, pessimism is tied up to fear. Seeing things in a negative light will result to bad results too, most of the time. If you start your day negatively, everything else will already seem bad, so you will focus more on the little things that do not matter and let them bother you, instead of keeping your mind on your goals.

Seeking Help

The first step to treating bad habits to achieve your goals is to look at yourself as a confident, capable and strong individual. You are responsible for whatever happens in your life. Although problems are bound to happen, you know that you always have the ability to stay successful in life as you choose. Minor setbacks are supposed to be a means for you to become better and stronger.

Write a list down indicating all your weaknesses and bad traits. Next, put the opposite trait for each. The opposite traits are now your new characteristics to be adopted. Start practicing one good trait per week or month, then add another one for consistency. Over time, you will realize that success follows you because of your positive aura.

Halloween is on the Way...

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:50:00 +0100

Halloween is on the Way … But are There Scarier Things than Ghosts and Goblins?

“He who is afraid of a thing gives it power over him.” – Moorish Proverb

Halloween is on its way. Lots of kids, and even many adults, love this holiday. It’s a time to enjoy a good scare, play some pranks, and get some free candy from your neighbors. As adults, we know that these ghosts, goblins, and mummies are pretend. The truth is, most children do, too. But for many of us, there are real fears that we must face every day.

For some of us, it’s the fear of losing our job. For others, it’s the fear of a terminal illness. And for some, it’s the fear of something happening to one of our family members. Unfortunately, while Halloween is usually a great time for fun, it can bring its own set of fears as well. Many are concerned about their children’s safety during this time.

How does your martial arts training impact your ability to handle these fears? We know about the self-confidence built through the martial arts. It is true that through your training, you should develop the confidence to face most challenges. But there are a couple of lesser-emphasized aspects of martial arts training that also can be very helpful in dealing with fear.

The first is often taught in self-defense classes – awareness. Being aware of your surroundings, knowing who or what is outof-place, and recognizing dangers is the first step in protecting yourself from danger, and in overcoming certain fears. Is there a strange car that keeps driving up and down your block? Is there an unfamiliar person in your neighbor’s yard while your neighbor is at work? Has your company announced a hiring freeze, or offered early retirements? All of these are indicators that something bad could be happening. The individual who is aware of his or her environment will have the best opportunity to overcome these challenges.

Being aware requires you to take notice of the things around you. It means you must be engaged with your environment. Knowing who your neighbors are, what vehicles in your neighborhood are out of place, and the kids down the street are all keys to being aware. Knowing that something may be wrong is the first step in protecting yourself and others from danger.

Another important aspect in protecting ourselves is danger avoidance. In sparring, coaches often tell their students, “If you don’t want to get hit, don’t be there.” The point is to move before your opponent strikes – danger avoidance. If you see a group of people hanging around on the street corner, avoid them. If you’re concerned about the unfamiliar car driving up and down your street, keep your children inside. And if you are concerned about your health, quit eating all of that junk food, start a workout routine, and get a regular physical exam. The martial arts consistently stress danger avoidance, when possible. Practice this habit and many of your fears will never be realized.

The martial arts give us the confidence to overcome our fears and teach us how to recognize problems before they happen, as well as ways to avoid potential dangers. This year, as Halloween approaches, make sure to employ these tools to keep you and your family safe.

Grading Exam - Sunday 9th October

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:42:00 +0100

Junior Beginner - White to Orange Belt: 10:00am

Junior Advanced - Green to Brown Belt: 11:30am

Kickboxing - All Grades: TBA (see instructor for details)

If you wish to grade for your next belt please complete the relevant application form and return it to your instructor WITH your grading fee.

EXAMINATION FEE £25.00
(INCLUDES A CERTIFICATE AND BELT):

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GRADE ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE EXAM

Please NOTE: You must have the correct uniform and the correct attendence to be eligible to grade. If in dout ask!

SEE THE LIST OF CANDIDATES ON THE NOTICE BOARD IN THE VIEWING AREA.
GRADINGS ARE SUBJECT TO INSTRUCTOR'S APPROVAL AND STUDENT ABILITY.

Make the Most of Your Martial Arts Training

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:55:00 +0100

Your local martial arts school is so much more than just a place to learn the ancient art of combat. It’s also a place for physical and mental personal growth. Of course, you go to classes regularly and maybe practice at home as well, but you need to do more to take full advantage of the martial arts experience.

First, establish your goals. Do you want to get in shape and lose weight, or have your child gain confidence? Do you want to become more flexible, or just be able to see marked improvement in your child’s grades? Whatever they are, you need to share your goals with your instructors. If they are not aware of them, they may not be helping you to their fullest extent.

Also, are you a class only participant? There is so much more going on, so participate in special events! Some activities may be martial arts related like seminars, but others are along the lines of parties and social events. No matter what the events are, the more you participate in them, the more you will learn and the more fun you will have.

Finally, always remember your instructors have your best interests in mind. Never hesitate to talk to them about concerns or questions regarding your training. This is an opportunity to grow and learn and both you and your instructor will benefit greatly.

What To Do When Motivation is Frail

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:53:00 +0100

What do I do when I just don’t want to train anymore (or my child doesn’t want to train anymore)?

This is not an uncommon question for martial artists to ask themselves many times throughout their training careers on the road to black belt. As a matter of fact, it is almost certain that your instructor has felt the same way, one time or another, during his or her training. So, what do you do?

First, you need to remember why you started martial arts in the first place. No matter how far you have come since then (maybe you lost weight, reduced stress, or learned to focus better), remember that you must apply constant and ongoing pressure to not only obtain success, but to also stay successful. Do not go back to the way it was before your training.

Second, immediately set an appointment with your instructor and share how you are feeling. There are many different things your instructor or coach can do to help you re-ignite that great feeling you once had. Maybe it is re-evaluating your goals, taking a private lesson or two, or even changing your curriculum. Perhaps he or she may suggest a few classes off or even different classes. Whatever it is, set the appointment and reset your goals. The third step is making sure you have a partner. Either get a friend to sign up or find another student and ask your partner to hold you accountable for coming to class. Finally, last but not least — do not quit.

As Winston Churchill said, “… never, never, never … give in.”

A Black Belt is just a White Belt who kept training

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:37:00 +0100

I think this sentence is great because it shows you how relatively easy it is to get a black belt. If you stick to your training you can make it – it’s that simple. Of course it requires dedication, hard work, patience, courage and some small sacrifices over the years but it is certainly achievable. These are the qualities of a true martial artist.

I’ve been asked a couple of times “Sensei, what are my chances of getting a Black Belt?” The answer is... it depends on YOU. Remember this about martial arts: You get out of it as much as you put into it. If you are dedicated and work hard enough, NOT only can you achieve a black belt BUT you can achieve anything you want in life.

Back to School Tips on Bullying

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:42:00 +0100

One of the biggest concerns from parents during the back-to-school season is bullying. Some 160,000 kids skip school every day because they fear of being attacked or ridiculed by bullies. The good news is that these disturbing statistics can be limited with the proper education.

As an educator that has worked with hundreds of children on anti-bullying strategies, I have found that the most important skill a child should have when dealing with bullies is confidence. No matter what you teach a child, it will not be effective without the confidence to put the lessons into action. Children that fall victim to bullies usually are targets because they lack the confidence to stand up for themselves. Therefore, it is very important that you begin instilling confidence within your child if you want him or her to effectively handle bullying.

Here are a few tips on how you can build confidence within your child:

Make sure that you are a good listener when talking with your child. Try not to ignore your child’s feelings. Children are more confident when they feel like they are being heard. If you, as a parent, take the time to listen to your child then he or she will have more confidence to speak their mind when dealing with bullies.

Pay attention to your child’s moods. If your child is grumpy or agitated, then most-likely he or she can act the same way around other children. That can increase the chance of your child falling victim to unnecessary arguments and fights with others. Factors that can affect your child’s mood include:

Lack of proper sleep each night. Children need at least 8 hours of total sleep per night. If they are not getting the proper amount of rest, then it can affect their mood the next day.
Insufficient diet. Certain foods affect children’s moods including foods that are high in sugar, caffeine or fat. Keep your child’s diet balanced with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Lack of exercise. Children that do not exercise regularly tend to have a lower level of energy which will affect his or her mood. This can also lead to obesity which makes your child more prone to bullying.

Keep your child active in extra-curricular sports and activities. Your child will make plenty of new friends and learn skills which can build confidence. Make sure the activities are healthy and are focused on character development. Also make sure that the teachers and coaches are experts at working with children and building confidence. If you pick the right activity, then you will notice a change in your child’s confidence almost immediately.

Is your child a confident individual? If so, then the next step is to speak with your child about anti-bullying strategies.

Here are five strategies that you should review with your child:

Assert yourself. Have your child practice standing tall and using a strong voice saying: “That’s teasing. Stop it.” or “Stop making fun of me. It’s mean.”
Use “I want. ”Role-play with your child by having him or her address you (the bully) by saying: “I want you to leave me alone,” or “I want you to stop teasing me.”
Question it. Have your child practice responding to an insult with a non-defensive question: “Why would you say that?” or “Why would you want to tell me I am dumb and hurt my feelings?”
Ignore it. Bullies love it when their teasing upsets their victims, so help your child find a way to not let his or her tormentor get to him/ her. Pretend they’re invisible, walk away without looking at them, quickly look at something else and laugh, or look completely uninterested.
Make Fun of the Teasing. Teach your child how to reply to bullies by saying something like: “Wow, you are so smart because you pick on other kids.” Or, “Did you think of that all on your own?”

Remember, the key to dealing with bullies is all about how confident your child feels. The strategies above only work if your child is confident enough to say them. Role-playing is only half of the lesson. You child must be exposed to enough role-models and equipped with the proper amount of stimulants that increase confidence.

Conclusion

Like it or not, almost every child will come face-to-face with a bully. If you follow the tips in this article, you will equip your child with the skills necessary to deal with bullying. Although bullying cannot be prevented, it can be limited. Children will become more resilient as they overcome obstacles and build more skills. Bullying is one obstacle that your child can overcome.

Self-Discipline and Effort...

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:28:00 +0100

“ We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” – Jesse Owens

When examining the vital characteristics of great leaders and rest: self-discipline. Why? Because life is full of unforeseen challenges and problems on the path to success and achievement. To overcome these challenges, leaders must learn to demonstrate the four key ingredients to living a self-disciplined life, including self-control, motivation, persistence, and goal setting. In a world where children have limited experience with delayed gratification and lives are saturated with messages of instant gratification from technology and advertisements, it is important, now more than ever, to teach the value of self-discipline. The frantic pace of family life and extremely busy daily schedules provide very few opportunities for people to think before they act. As a result, is it increasingly more important to develop the personal discipline to make sound decisions and take the responsibility to complete tasks. Having self-discipline means you control your actions: your actions do not control you. Just like your muscles can get stronger, so can your self-discipline with exercising and using your inner strength. Here are some ways to strengthen your self-discipline:

1. When you come home from work or school, train yourself to complete needed tasks around the house before watching TV or playing video games.

2. When you are mad or angry, stop and think about what you are going to say before saying things you might regret.

3. If you make a mess or get something dirty, clean it before you are asked.

4. Begin to make healthier choices when it comes to choosing snacks and food, regardless of cravings or wants.

5. Keep a journal and note your successes. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

6. Learn moderation. Sometimes, there is too much of a good thing. Recognize how having too much is having an effect on your life and begin to scale back.

7. Reward yourself when you stay on course or in control, despite difficulties or temptations.

These are only a few ways in which you can strengthen your self-discipline. Keep in mind, as a martial artist, you set an example for others to follow. Continue to make sure you are taking the steps to create a disciplined life so that you accomplish goals and influence others.

CLOSED 31 July - Re-Open 8 August onwards...

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Don’t worry if you are going to miss a few classes this summer...
We will be hosting a Make-Up Camp in September, and you’ll be up to speed in no time!

GRADING EXAM - Sunday 10th July

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:44:00 +0100

GRADING EXAM - Sunday 10th July

Junior Beginner - White to Orange Belt: 10:00am

Junior Advanced - Green to Brown Belt: 11:30am

Kickboxing- all grades: 2:00pm

If you wish to grade for your next belt please complete the relevant application form and return it to your instructor WITH your grading fee.

EXAMINATION FEE £25.00
(INCLUDES A CERTIFICATE AND BELT):

YOU WILL BE ABLETO GRADE THE FOLLOWING MONTH

Please NOTE: You must have the correct uniform and the correct attendence to be eligible to grade. If in dout ask!

SEE THE LIST OF CANDIDATES ON THE NOTICE BOARD IN THE VIEWING AREA.
GRADINGS ARE SUBJECT TO INSTRUCTOR'S APPROVAL ANDSTUDENT ABILITY.

The Truth About Self Defence

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:03:00 +0100

You may have noticed more than one “average Joe self defence” video or book on the market, detailing how a 115 pound girl can easily flip a 275 pound man over her hip and make her escape. Sure it’s possible, but “flipping” for one, is not the most efficient self defence tactic, nor is it the most practical.

Most self defence moves originate from martial arts, and anyone who practices this ancient art will tell you how much time and effort is spent to master something as simple as “a flip.” Besides this tactic being a little impractical for the average woman, I don’t know of too many 275 pound men who are willing to volunteer their time for this special kind of practice.

What you also have to keep in mind, is that these manoeuvres have to be performed sometimes within a split seconds notice. We certainly can’t request our attacker to do it one more time so we can get our flipping technique down right. Here are a few good rules to keep in mind if you are concerned about self defence, and certainly keep them in mind before you decide to purchase a self defence video or book.

The Awareness

The first step of good self defence is to avoid dangerous situations to begin with. This means looking to see what’s around you from time to time, and to trust your sixth sense. If something doesn’t feel right, leave. Be aware of your surroundings and check to see where the exits are located. Always plan ahead, especially if it’s going to be dark and you think that you may end up alone.

Never walk out alone at night unless I absolutely have too. For some, being in risky situations may be a daily part of life. Even so, you can still be smart and use some good common sense. Attacks don’t just happen at night outside of the local tavern. They can happen in broad daylight right outside of the grocery store. If you’re going out alone, move with confidence and move quickly. A quicker pace shows strength and agility. Something as simple as that may be enough of a deterrent for an attacker.

We can’t stop violence from happening, but we can discourage it greatly by not looking like a victim, and by not acting like one.

When the Going Gets Tough...

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:12:00 +0100

“When the Going Gets Tough... "Never give up. Never give up. Never, never, never!” – Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister, Great Britain

When Winston Churchill uttered those words, Great Britainwas at its darkest hour during World War II. Much of Europehad already been conquered by Germany, including France, just a few miles across the English Channel. London, as well as other major cities in Great Britain, was being bombed regularly by German planes. The United Stateshad not yet entered the war, and Great Britainwas the last major western European power with the willingness and ability to resist the advancing German army.

As German bombers dropped destruction on Great Britainday after day after day, many were beginning to doubt the island’s ability to continue to resist. But Churchill knew the power of perseverance. He understood that fighting through this tough period would be the difference between winning the war and becoming the next victim of the German war machine.

Sometimes in our own lives we face tremendous challenges and are tempted to quit the fight. It always seems easier than continuing to struggle in what appears to be a lost cause. But like Churchill, we must be sure to evaluate the cost of quitting. He knew that if Great Britainsurrendered, Germanywould secure its control of Western Europeand be able to focus its sole attention on its one remaining threat on the continent – Russia. He also knew that if Great Britainsurrendered, the ability of the United Statesto enter the war and turn the tide would be greatly diminished. The cost of quitting was too high. Perseverance was the only option.

But what about the challenges we face? Most of us don’t have the responsibility of leading a nation in a time of war. Our problems seem much more mundane. After all, if we decide to quit taking martial arts classes and give up our goal of earning a black belt, is there really a cost? Good question. In this situation, the cost of quitting would include a loss of self-confidence.

This would result in lower self-esteem. And it would increase the chances that other important goals will not be reached. As legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi said, “Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.”

Even in our own personal lives, perseverance is important. It is often the difference maker between success and failure. This is why world renowned author and consultant Dale Carnegie said, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have

kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” When you quit, you lose the potential within you to accomplish something significant.

And if you make a mistake, or don’t progress as quickly as you would like, keep your eyes on the ultimate goal. Remember John Wannamaker’s advice, “No mistake or failure is as bad as to stop and not try again.”

FBB t-shirts NOW on Sale!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:50:00 +0100

Hunter Martial Arts Academy

Future Black Belt T-Shirts

Our newest T-Shirt are now in stock. We've update the design with the new logo as well.
Available in Red or Blue...

Sizes S,M,L,and XL...

Kids £6.50
Adults £7.80

Reserve yours today!

CLOSED for Spring Break

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:50:00 +0100

Academy will be closed on Thursday 26th May
We will re-open on the following Thursday 2nd June.

Make-Up classes can be arranged...
See your instructor for further details.

Enjoy your Break!

Kickboxing - Try it!

Wed, 11 May 2011 21:55:00 +0100

Think of all the benefits kickboxing training offers adults. First, it’s a great form of exercise, but don’t forget all the other physical benefits of kickboxing training, including self-defence, losing weight, and looking better. Yes, they are two different things. Exercise is great to lose weight, but looking good and getting in shape are actually two different benefits. In kickboxing, you’ll do both.

Also, the benefit of simple stretching shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you’re inactive. Flexibility through regular stretching can help prevent injuries, but the benefits don’t end on the physical side of things.

There are great mental benefits as well. Stress relief is among the top mental benefits. Nothing can relieve stress like good, fun exercise and the fact that you’re punching and kicking a bag doesn’t hurt either.

Of course, kickboxing is a fun activity in a social environment. If you want to say, “I work out at the gym,” don’t worry. Many of our adult members use our academy as a great way to cross train and keep their workouts exciting.

All of this said, the main reason you may want to train is to have more in common with your children, but the above reasons are just a few of the additional benefits.

Our academy has great family feel and you can try a free trial class to see if this is an activity that interests you. Don’t let your size, shape, or fitness level stop you from trying a class. Use this newsletter as an invitation to kick start the summer. It would be an honour if you kick start it with us!