Martial Artist's Christmas Wish List

12/12/2018

Martial Artist's Christmas Wish List

Do you have a martial artist in the family, and you’re not sure what to get them for the holidays? Or maybe you want to surprise your spouse or child with a new hobby that will keep them active during the cold winter months? Look no further than Kung Fu for Life!

It may seem strange, but there are plenty of gift options that come from us directly, or that can be used in conjunction with our training programs to really reach the next level. And of course, there’s even more that’s just fun when you need to take a break from whipping your mind and your body into great shape.

First, for the advanced martial artists in your group, it’s likely that they would appreciate some training tools and weapons. High quality materials can add up in cost if a student is trying to get a lot of equipment at once, so helping to offset the investment is an excellent idea for a Christmas gift. After all, there’s always something new to learn about in kung fu! For weapons, look into nunchuks, bo or three-section staffs, swords, knives, or chain whips (and if you need guidance on how they can be used, transported, handled, and stored, check out our previous blog about laws on that very topic).

If you don’t believe in weapons, that’s okay too! A new pair of sparring gloves can go a long way, and is guaranteed to get good use as training progresses. Same with other sparring equipment, like mouthguards or pads. All of it is necessary for the full kung fu experience. Even secondary accessories, like mat shoes, a yoga mat, or a new uniform are all good choices for the budding martial artist.

And of course, life isn’t just about practicing all the time! Both minds and bodies need time to relax and recover, no matter how fit or driven we are. So if you want to give thoughtful gifts that still tie in to a passion for martial arts, consider things like gift certificates for massages or acupuncture, Medigraph software (to track physical therapy progress and documentation) tiger balm, or ginseng and other herbal supplements. Books to help with meditation, or classic genre movies like Kiss of the Dragon or Fists of Legend would go over well, too – and who could say no to a DVD collection of Dragonball Z?

Maybe you’re thinking that the person you’re buying for doesn’t do martial arts. We even have a gift for that – the beginner’s program at Kung Fu For Life!

Of course, some of us are tight on money, and that’s okay too – because at the end of the day, it’s not the specifics of what you get, it’s the thought and the feeling that comes along with the holidays. Offering babysitting, being a training buddy, or even a homemade card are all perfectly good alternatives, along with thousands of other “gifts” that are meaningful because they come from you. That’s the most important thing, and it’s what they’ll remember.

So whatever you end up doing this holiday season, we hope for nothing but the best for you and your family and friends. Stay active, stay safe, and we’ll see you in 2019!

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Benefits Of Kung Fu For Kids Recreation

6/30/2018

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Kung Fu For Kids Recreation

One of the biggest shows on Netflix right now is “Cobra Kai” – a Karate Kid spinoff that shines a spotlight at the role of martial arts throughout life, with old rivalries that move into a new generation. A major theme of the show highlights how childhood is one of the most influential periods of our entire lives: it’s where we develop the habits, hobbies, and discipline that we will carry with us through the years. We learn social skills, how to deal with adversity, and how to focus our skills and energy into meaningful outlets – so with all that said, is learning a martial art a good kids’ activity? We think so!

8 Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids

1. It helps build focus and discipline. This is one of the biggest benefits of studying martial arts – practicing them helps build focus, mindfulness, discipline, self-control, and routine. These traits are incredibly important as we grow up, and any child that develops them fully has a much better chance of setting and achieving their goals later in life. Some even suggest that the increased focus and mental training can help with ADD.

2. It promotes socialization. Kids’ kung fu classes bring together many different types of children in one place, allowing them a safe place to develop these skills together. This leads to increased socialization and confidence in groups as well. But don’t worry if your child feels too self-conscious to learn in a group as they start out, or if they are just more suited to individual instruction. That’s why we are now one of the few martial arts studios in Calgary to offer private lessons for those children.

3. It’s a great form of physical activity. Studying a martial art works on your body as well as your brain! Your child will gain increased flexibility, coordination, reflexes, and timing, as well as improved overall health. Kung fu is an excellent way to stay fit, no matter your age.

4. It focuses on non-violent conflict resolution. Some people might worry that kung fu classes for kids would encourage them to be violent, or to resort to violence at school or with their friends. The truth is, our goal is the exact opposite – we teach self-control, meditation, and restraint, so that your child will walk confidently and strongly, but uses their skills strictly for last-resort self-defense in a bad situation. As the old saying goes, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” We believe you would agree that if it ever comes down to it – if your child is surrounded by bullies or in a dangerous situation where a split-second decision is necessary – having experience with and confidence in such activities would beat the alternative, every time.

5. It’s a place for mentorship and respect. We have overwhelmingly heard that the kids we’ve taught in Calgary have enjoyed having healthy mentors and role models in their lives. This, combined with the long-lasting positive influence of our teachers, can make all the difference to a child that needs structure and guidance, especially if the parents are working a lot to help ensure a good life for their family.

6. It improves self-esteem, confidence, and other areas of life. Having your kid in an organized sport like martial arts is one of the best ways to ensure they avoid potentially negative activities elsewhere. They’ll have the confidence, willpower, and self-awareness to think critically about how their decisions affect themselves and others, leading to smarter outcomes with drugs, drinking, and reckless behaviour as they get older. And they’ll not only treat themselves with more respect, but everyone else they encounter, as well.

7. It builds teamwork skills. While it can be practiced alone, many of the activities done in a dojo and on the way to higher skill levels are done in pairs or groups. This cooperative environment contributes to better social skills later in life, and creating an empathetic, understanding personality.

8. For a small investment, parents and children get big returns. Many parents want to give their kids this experience and wonder if they can afford it – or if it really is worth the price. In our experience, as long as your ability to live isn’t greatly impacted, it’s absolutely worth every penny! The benefits are lifelong, and the memories and training can stick with your kid long after they walk out our doors. They will meet new friends, gain new skills and confidence, and look back fondly on the days when they got to learn all the coolest “ninja moves” from our teachers.

There are all kinds of reasons why kung fu is a good sport for kids, but the best way to know is to simply see for yourself. While COVID restrictions have made drop-ins difficult, you can still contact us about getting an information session or taking part in a class with your son or daughter, helping them find out on their own how much fun it can be to learn crucial skills while getting a workout at the same time. Our non-competitive environment is the perfect place to hone the art, and who knows? They might stick with it, and become a kung fu teacher themselves, continuing the circle of knowledge and sending a message to the next generation that they can achieve their goals, too.

Call us or use our contact form to enroll your child in one of the best kids’ activities in Calgary, and find out more about why people are getting into kung fu for life!

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Martial Artist's Christmas Wish List