The Little Green Book

I just finished reading The Little Green Book, 365 Ways to Love The Planet, by authors Joseph Provey and Owen Lockwood.  This is a neat book with lots of suggestions on how we can conserve our natural resources and protect our planet.  The author's main idea is that we ALL can take small steps and make a difference.

The authors present 365 ideas, one for each day of the year, that can be implemented to help save the environment.  I would highly recommend this book for children, as it provides simple and clear choices to act upon.

For those of you that are not familiar with my karate school, environmental self defense is key part of our curriculum.  Beginning with my beginner belts, students are expected to complete a certain number of self defense acts for the environment and must they lead and participate in a clean up project for their green belt.

Occasionally, I will have a new student or parent ask, "what is doing a clean up project have to do with karate?"

My response is EVERYTHING!

Self defense is more than just kicking and punching!  We are stewards of our planet and EACH of us is responsible for protecting it's natural resources and conserving as much as possible.  This is my role as a master instructor....taking what I do and know, out of my dojo and applying these same principles into the world!

Why?

Relax, I am not some environmental wacko!  Regardless of  whether you believe the world is getting warmer, or whether it is man made or natural; I just believe we owe it to future generations to do everything we can to preserve our world so that they too can enjoy the beauty and the bounty that our planet presents us with every day of the year!

At Samurai Karate Studio, our curriculum includes environmental self defense, Diabetes awareness, anger management, peace education through acts of kindness, anti bullying, stranger danger and project based leadership; along with a traditional style of karate that will improve your fitness and help you to defend yourself if necessary.  If this sounds like something that "speaks to you", then give us a call and come visit our school and take a class.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

803-462-9425
samuraikarate@bellsouth.net

A Warning to the Consumer About Martial Arts Schools

Some martial arts schools subscribe to business practices that are either flat-out dishonest, near dishonest, or at the very best, what you might call a “win-lose” proposition. What I’m warning you about has to do with membership contracts and pricing. If a school (like a person) you’ve just met asks you to drop a significant amount of cash into a long term relationship with them, well, unless you have it to lose, look for an acceptable alternative. It’s like this: If I know and trust you, I might be more apt to invest in you. But in that we’ve just met, I think I’m going to take some time to evaluate your credibility. If a martial arts school owner or his/her representative can’t get their head around that idea, then put your hand on the exit door, quickly. Martial arts schools often have a 90% drop out rate, which, contrary to some what some might say, is NOT a sign that they teach “real” martial arts.  On the contrary, it usually means they are self-absorbed, arrogant, and provide sub-standard service.  

Schools that charge a lot of money up-front ($600 or more) are doing that because they’re stacking the deck in their favor. If you don’t like the service they provide, they’re not as concerned about your opinions as they might be if they hadn’t already been paid for a good deal of their time --in advance. If you know the school and trust the school owner, then helping the school financially is not an issue. But beware the unscrupulous school owner who’s all about cash up front. There is a martial arts teacher who works as a national advocate for transparent and sustainable pricing in martial arts schools. 

His name is Tom Callos and he actually offers his cell phone number for any parent or potential student of a martial arts school who need information or help in deciding if the school they are in --or thinking about being in --is operating with a fair and equitable pricing policy. Tom Callos may be reached at 530-903-0286. His website is www.tomcallos.com.  

I’m happy to say at Samurai Karate, we have very fair pricing. We have structured our programs to meet most everyone's budget AND, we never turn anyone away for lack of money.  Together, we can be creative and figure something out. If you’re considering a look at our school, here’s how you find us:

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

803-462-9425

samuraikarate@bellsouth.net 

Self-Defense? Oh Yeah, It’s About Diet Soda (Is it?)

Did you, by chance, see the article on-line that reported a study about drinking diet soda? The report suggested that there was a 61% higher risk of vascular events (like strokes and heart attacks) for people who drank a diet soda every day.

Now whether that report is accurate or not is not the issue. What IS the issue is that your health is linked to what you (do or do not) consume. This is so important an aspect of self-defense that my colleagues and I have started a website called www.DietarySelfDefense.com. Nutritionist and black belt Mike Tubbs oversees the site --and loads plate-fulls of useful reminders and information there.

Food and nutrition information is finding its way into our schools and on to our mats too (not to mention, in our mouths!). It’s about time!

Self-defense training is so much more than learning how to handle yourself in a hand-to-hand combat situation. If self-defense (of any kind) is of interest to you, call us. We’re collecting stories, people, and ideas around the topic of, well, EVERYTHING Self-Defense.



Our contact information is Samurai Karate Studio, 803-462-9425, samuraikarate@bellsouth.net, 2000 Clemson Road, Suite # 9, Columbia, SC, 29229

Here’s the link to the story n diet soda:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41479869/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition

Self-Defense is Found in the Simple Things

We teach self-defense --and self-defense is found in the simplest of things. Kindness, for example; kindness is a beautiful form of self-defense. Good food --and the appreciation of it; there’s a fine, fine kind of self-defense. Oh, and how about love of community? Participation in --and love for --one’s community is a kind of self-defense that’s impossible to put a value on. And my favorite kind of self-defense is found in a simple rule, The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would want them to treat you. Simply perfect.

We like Tom Callos’ (www.tomcallos.com) description of self-defense too: “Self-defense isn’t only about personal protection, it’s about taking care of the people around you, the town you live in, and allowing that care to radiate out in ever-widening circles.” And of course, self-defense training is all you already imagined it to be, but with this particular attitude about it, self-defense becomes about living a good life. What a great way to look at it! For information about our school and self-defense lessons for today’s world, contact us at 

Samurai Karate Studio

803-462-9425

samuraikarate@bellsouth.net

Columbia, SC 29229

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, Taekwondo, or Jiu-jitsu, which is Best?

This is an article full of shopping advice. If you’re shopping for a martial arts school, for training, then you’ve come to the right place. My friend and mentor, Tom Callos, shares his view of what the best style of art to train in:

"I’ve been studying the martial arts for 40 years, I’m a 6th degree black belt in taekwondo, a 17 year practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and my students have included national taekwondo champions, karate point-fighters, and mixed martial arts legends. So, when it comes to martial arts training, in every -- and any --realm, I know (exactly) what I’m talking about.

Here are three piece of advice for you, regardless of the kind of martial arts you might be interested in:

* It’s the coach, the teacher, that makes the “style,” not the other way around. Look for a coach you respect, look for a teacher you feel you have rapport with. If a martial arts teacher treats you poorly, leave. If he or she treats you with respect, you might be in the right place.


* Find a teacher that has a kind of training that speaks to the kind of training you like to do (or think you would like to do). If the class is too easy or too slow for you, say so. If it’s too hard core, consider finding another teacher (or at least address the issue with the instructor). Some teachers will use apparatus to train, some will only need mats or mirrors or a hardwood floor. If you have the luxury of choices, then choose a kind of training that fits your fitness level and interests.


* Every good school offers an introductory program that allows prospective students to try classes before they enroll. If a school does not offer a free trial class, don't enroll.

* Don’t sign any sort of long term contract for lessons with an instructor until you know him or her very, very well. If you know the teacher, go ahead and support them. If you don’t know the teacher, simply wait until you do. If a school owner tries to pressure you into a long term or high ticket contract, find somewhere else to spend your money.

In the end, in today’s world, most martial arts teach many of the same things. Remember however, it’s not “the martial art” that teaches you, it’s the teacher. Look to his or her experience and demeanor before you look at the style.

Advice for Men and Women over the age of 40, Thinking About Taking Martial Arts Classes

First, take it slow. No, really. There’s no hurry, it’s not a competition, and you’re not 20 anymore (even though you look like it). Going too hard, too fast, is why a lot of people who would like to enjoy all the benefits of training, no longer practice the martial arts (or any number of activities). Go too fast, get injured; get injured, quit training.

Second, if the instructor is your age (or older), that’s a good thing. If he or she is younger, make sure they know who’s the boss (you!). You only do what your body says you can do. If and when a class moves into an area you, for sure, want to avoid, you can always find an alternative way to stay engaged. What you shouldn’t do is “100 reps” when your body is telling you the 50 would be wise. Trust me, your teacher will appreciate your input. Give yourself enough time and you will not only keep up with the group, you might be leading it!

Be consistent. Being inconsistent about class attendance can dampen the fire of your enthusiasm. Stay on course!

Try out the class you’re interested, first, before enrolling. There’s nothing wrong with trying a week or even two weeks of classes with an instructor you’re interested in studying with. Most all schools will provide you with an introductory or trial course,(if you like classes, they’re going to know you for a long, long time). If a school doesn’t offer an introductory, it’s a red flag to enrollment.

By the way, mention this post and receive a free introductory course to our school, good for you and up to 5 family and/or friends.

Tom Callos, 51 years of age and a 40 year veteran of martial arts practice (see his bio at www.tomcallos.com) offer the following advice:

“Don’t hesitate to enroll in martial arts classes,” says Callos. “It’s a wonderful, thorough, and engaging form of exercise. Just be mindful about the way you practice. Study some of the history of the art you engage in. Enjoy the process of improvement.”

Mom, Dad, Here’s The Honest Truth About The Martial Arts for Your Child, Age 5 to 13.

By Tom Callos of www.TomCallos.com

 

 
I took my first martial arts lesson at age 9. By the age of 13, when my friends were experimenting, when peer pressure seemed at an all time high, when I just knew my brain power had far surpassed my father’s, and when I couldn’t pass any reflective surface without gazing in wonder at what it beheld, I was firmly and deeply entrenched in my identity as a martial artist.

The classes anchored me, in fact, they were just about the only place where I could stand completely still for any extended period of time (except, of course, if front of the TV).  The instructors emphasized respect, courtesy, and a code of honor that nobody else I knew seemed to care about. For me, that was good. It made me feel unique.

In a good martial arts school, your child will feel like a part of “the team.” And this team, if they’re good at what they do, will have daily talks about compassion, about respect for self and others, about kindness, and about non-violent conflict resolution.

 

 But equally as good as the philosophy can be is the fact that your little one will be training, as in legs flying, rolling, punching, blocking, jumping, and spinning. Each maneuver has an effect on your child’s brain and, of course, their body. When I watch the young people in my classes doing what we do, I always think about how good it is that they’re here, doing something so constructive and positive.

I also reflect back to when I was a child --and that’s usually followed by a silent “thank you” to my parents.

Football, soccer, baseball, tennis, and guitar were all fun, but not one of them affected me as my martial arts lessons have. If you’re a parent, I would highly recommend enrolling your child in a good school --and you might even consider some classes for yourself.

By the way, I'm 51 now --and the martial arts are STILL keeping me out of trouble.

I feel blessed to know Tom Callos.  He not only is my mentor, he is my friend!  He is an amazing person, who has over 40 years of training and teaching in the martial arts and he has such a unique vision of what the martial arts world should represent.    Sensei Chris Feldt


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
803-462-9425
samuraikarate@bellsouth.net