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March 26, 2005
Sensei Crawford, Internet Marketing Customer Appreciation Seminar
I just wanted to make sure all of my customers and clients who were interested didn't miss my upcoming Customer Appreciation Seminar. It's less than a month away.
Click here for full details and to sign up!
Willie
Posted by Willie Crawford at 12:14 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 15, 2005
Getting Kids Moving - Help For Overweight Teens
Getting Kids Moving - Help For Overweight Teens
I recently read about a residential school program for
overweight teens with a hefty price tag in excess of $5,000
per month. Whew, that should sweat off a few pounds just
thinking about it. These programs rely on the same course as
what is commonly recommended; a strict eating plan and
increased activity schedule. Hopefully some counseling is
offered, and college prep courses are the curriculum. But what
of those kids? Are they getting a realistic head-start on a
lifetime of healthier habits or are they simply doing what
they are told, only to be fed to the wolves when they leave
the safe environment of the school?
I tried to find stories of teens who had successfully completed
these programs and gone on to healthy lives, and found none.
What I did find were some other ideas, in case you feel you
are at the end of your rope and don`t know where to turn.
Exercise Should be Fun
First, get your child interested in some type of exercise
activity, whether indoor or outdoor. Most overweight kids
probably aren`t too crazy about running and jumping up and
down but what about bike riding? Another idea I`m wanting to
try is hiking with a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite). If
you like the outdoors, Geocaching sounds like enormous fun and
anyone can do it. Adults are reporting losing 20, 30 or more
pounds while they are out exploring the woods and hills in
their surrounding area. Learning to use a GPS is educational
(math, science, physics) at the same time.
I also recommend all parents get their kids into martial arts
if they show any interest at all. Martial arts teaches kids
discipline, respect for authority and builds self confidence
and self esteem, and it has the added benefit of teaching self
defense.
Talk to your kids. Find out what they may be interested in, and
then explore the options together.
My son is a good example. He was never overweight but when he
was 13 his skin tone was flabby. He didn`t go outside much,
preferring to play Nintendo, and was an excellent student so
he studied every day. Luckily neighborhood kids invited him to
start playing football, and today, five years later he`s a
senior in high school playing football and loving life. His
body has shaped up nicely (he`s still a young teen but now has
muscles and an excellent skin tone). He`s confident, well
liked, and I have no worries that he`ll continue with a
healthier lifestyle from this point forward.
Before he took up football we bought him a bike which was
rarely used. He has a skate board, a mini-scooter, and a pogo
stick. We tried karate classes (sadly, he broke his wrist
playing at school so had to stop, and then didn`t want to
return). Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right fit, but
nearly everyone will feel better when they find a physical
activity they like.
A search for "indoor sports Vancouver Washington " (without the
quotes) gave me lots of ideas. If you live in the city, get
out the phone book and/or search the Internet for indoor
activities in your town. Here are a few I found:
Parks & Recreation:
http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-recreation/about/faq/
eastvancouver.htm (http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-
recreation/about/faq/eastvancouver.htm)
Vancouver Indoor Sports
http://www.indoor-sports.com/facility.htm (http://www.indoor-
sports.com/facility.htm) which offers programs for adults and
children
Sports Walking:
http://www.combose.com/Sports/Walking/ (http://www.combose.com/
Sports/Walking/) (this isn`t a local site)
Books on Sports for Kids
The Ultimate Sport Lead-Up Game Book: The Very Best Skill-
Building Games For Grades K-8 by Guy Bailey
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966972716/ (http://www.
amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966972716/)
and The Ultimate Home school Physical Education Game Book: Fun
& Easy-To-Use Games & Activities To Help You Teach Your
Children Fitness, Movement & Sport Skills by Guy Bailey
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966972740/ (http://www.
amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966972740/)
I also highly recommended DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), a video
game that teaches kids dance steps as a challenge. Since
you`re moving while you play, those that get good at the game
will also achieve excellent physical shape at the same time.
There are clubs all around the world and many web sites
devoted to the play and practice.
Finding something your kids will enjoy that keeps them active
is all it takes, and if they are reluctant, I can tell you
once the blood starts pumping they`ll get jazzed. You may just
find something you love as well. Don`t be afraid to try a few
different things before you find the right fit, and wait to
buy expensive equipment until you know it`s something you and
your kids really love. You`ll be saving an equal amount in
less food, soft drinks and medical bills down the road. Get up
and get moving and your kids will naturally follow your lead.
For more information on how to overcome many common health
problems click here...
Posted by Willie Crawford at 12:31 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Choosing A Martial Arts Self-Defense School - A Parent's Guide
“Daddy, I want to take Karate!”
“Mommy, Jimmy on the bus hit me again today”
There are many reasons why parents want to sign their children
up for Self Defense or Martial Arts classes. Once you have
made the decision, now you are faced with many different
options and questions. What style? How much does it cost? Is
my child to young?
Martial Arts and Self Defense Styles
There are as many different styles of Martial Arts as there are
religions in the world. You have probably heard of Karate, Tae
Kwon Do, Jujitsu, and even Aikido, but there are still
numerous styles and offshoots of the Major styles.
So what Style is the Best and what style should I choose?
In reality, it is this author’s opinion that the style of
Martial Arts your child will learn is not that important. What
is important is the method of teaching and training that your
child will undergo. With Martial Arts training your child
should learn self-discipline, self-respect, and self-esteem,
along with the confidence and ability to defend themselves.
The Instructor, (or Sensei) is the key. I suggest that all
parents visit several locations with their children to observe
the Instructor at work. Make sure you visit a beginner’s class
as well as an upper level class. The beginner’s class is where
your child will start.
Does the instructor’s personality and philosophy match your
morals and ideals? Does the class participate in any “Eastern
Religious” practice that doesn’t match your faith? Do you want
your child viewing this instructor as a role model? Most
children will look up to their Martial Arts & Self Defense
Instructors as role models and will be in awe of their skills
and abilities. Make sure that this person who will be dealing
with your children matches your values.
It is also important to view an upper level class. The beginner
classes are usually very tame, and the teaching philosophy is
tailored to a younger audience. However, the older the student
is, the “real” teaching and training methods are put into
effect. You may feel comfortable with how the instructor
“teaches” the younger beginning students, but may not be
comfortable with how they handle the older students.
Cost
The majority of Martial Arts & Self Defense Locations (or
Dojo’s) run their business on a membership basis. Customers
must sign contracts, where they are obligated to pay for a
certain time period to participate. The locations are run like
a gym membership, you pay for a certain length of time and may
participate as often as you desire.
Unfortunately, rarely are the “hidden costs” discussed when
signing up for a class or membership. What are the hidden
costs? The most over looked cost is the “testing fee”. In
Martial Arts there are numerous skill levels that are equated
to a belt rank. After a certain period of time and training,
the student is ready to advance to a new level or belt in
their martial arts style, and a “belt test” will be performed.
This “belt test” almost always required the student to pay a
“belt-testing fee”. I have seen fees from $50 up to $500
depending on the belt rank. Parents, make sure you inquire
about these fees and are comfortable with them before you sign
any contract.
Another hidden cost is required items to purchase. Some
locations require that you purchase a uniform with the schools
logo. The average cost of these uniforms range from $30-$50.
As the child advances in rank, protective sparring gear is
required. Now this is normally mandatory for the child’s
protection and safety, but can be expensive. Normal safety
gear for Martial Arts consists of Foot Pads, Hand Pads, Head
Gear, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, and optional Spar Vest.
Depending on the style and sizes all this gear together cost
about $150 retail or higher.
So Parents, factor in the total cost of classes, testing fees,
and required equipment when making your decisions.
Age
At what age should my child begin Martial Arts or Self Defense?
Now this is an often-debated issue. I have seen children as
young as 4 years old participate in Martial Arts or Self
Defense training. Some have been successful while others it
was just to young. The age of which a child should start
Martial Arts or Self Defense classes should be judged on an
individual basis and be determined by the parents. Some key
points to consider. Does the child have a good attention span?
Has the child participated and flourished in other group
activities? Is the child comfortable in larger group settings?
If the child is currently enrolled in grade school and has no
problem adapting to those settings or conditions then they
should be considered old enough to participate and benefit
from Martial Arts or Self Defense instruction.
Article written by Eric J Gehler & Jim Johnson
Posted by Willie Crawford at 12:24 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack