Some people are natural born leaders while others work hard to excel in a leadership role.Most people, avoid leadership positions and prefer to let someone else take charge. Leadership means taking control and responsibility for the end result and that is not always easy. It requires self-confidence, determination, and the ability to try again when things don’t go as planned.The good news is that you are developing these skills in martial arts class! Martial arts helps you put on that leadership hat to have the opportunity to control the destiny of your goals the power to make a difference in the world around you.

If you want to become a good leader, it helps to start with an honest personal evaluation of your current skills. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) on your selfconfidence, determination and your perseverance.

No matter what your score, martial arts will improve your leadership skills that you already have.You don’t have to be a black belt to excel in a leadership role.

To improve your martial arts rank, you need to practice, right? The same is true for improving your leadership skills.To do this, seek out projects. Find things that you can take charge of daily.These tasks will vary based on your age, but should be reflective of your leadership skills. Imagine a person is having a challenge with math class. A beginning leader may ask an older sibling or parent for help.An intermediate leader may seek out a professional tutor. An expert leader may hire a professional tutor to run a small study group that meets every Thursday for any kids having a math challenge and split the costs.

In all three situations, the person’s math grade will most likely improve. Taking action is the key component of taking a leadership role. It takes confidence and determination to ask for help. It is important to note the differences in leadership. The intermediate leader improves their chances for a better grade by seeking out a professional tutor.The expert leader sets out to improve their grades but also endeavors to improve other grades, too.That’s that essence of leadership. Leadership gives you the power to make a difference in the world around you.

Healthkick: Every Age Can Be Active with Martial Arts

by Jennifer G. Galea MS RD

In the United States alone, 77 million baby boomers are reaching their “older adulthood.”According to recent expert testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging, senior citizens could avoid as much as $660 million a year in prescription drug cost by changing their lifestyles, including their diet and activity levels.Of course, this means seniors could live healthier and longer, without the use of prescription medications, simply by leading a healthier lifestyle.

The current recommended activity level for adults of any age is a minimum of 30 minutes per day, at least five days per week. According to the testimony, only about 15 percent of Americans age 45 to 74 are active the recommended amount. And for those age 75 and over, the percentage drops to only 12! It is never too late to get started reducing and eliminating the negative health implications of a sedentary lifestyle.Martial arts instruction offers a wide variety of activities, for all levels of physical fitness and ability, regardless of the age of the student. Martial arts instruction engages the mind,making it a perfect exercise for older adults.

According to the testimony to the Committee, a major stumbling block to many older Americans in terms of dietary changes is simply lack of dietary information.Many times marital arts instruction includes sound nutritional recommendations.

Adults and children of all ages can enjoy the myriad health benefits of martial arts education.We encourage all of our students as well to be “ambassadors of healthy lifestyles” and to urge their family and friends, regardless of age, to join them in their martial arts training as a huge step towards a longer and healthier life.

Nicole O’Keefe,Age 9
One would think being a child you would have no worries, or problems. The truth is, it isn't always easy. There are people in society that are bullies. They can lower your self-esteem and put fear in you. They have no respect for themselves or for others. I have been training for five years, and in this time I have learned a lot of things about myself and others. I have learned assertive behavior, understanding my fears, and the fears of bullies. I have gained confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline. I have learned to respect others and that I too should be respected. How has my training at the Pace Institute of Karate has benefited my life? It lets me be a kid, but at the same time it makes me aware of who and what is around me.

Nicole O’Keefe is a student at the Pace Institute of Karate in Vernon, NJ Owned by Michael Pace

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Summer Program!

Looking for a summertime activity that benefits your entire family? Then check out our special Kickin’ Kids Summer Program. Your child will have a blast punching and kicking until their heart's content, making friends and building self-confidence. These days, kids go crazy for martial arts. And parents, you'll appreciate our program because we teach lifesaving self-protection skills in a safe, fun, motivating environment. We know you can never get enough peace of mind when it comes to your child's safety. So give our Kickin’ Kids Summer Program a try. It's the hottest summer program in town. Class size is limited, so call now!

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