School Talk at Thomson Estates

A few weeks ago ATA instructors went to Thomson Estates elementary and hosted a special class for the whole school.  It was all the kids that have had good behavior all year from the school, split into 3 groups.  This was something new because I've never taught classes of 150 students before, but it was really cool.  I learned a couple things about engaging a crowd and that the excitement of a class is amplified when the "Yes Sir!" can be heard echoing through the entire school.  We took a few pictures, but it was tough to take them at the same time we were teaching.  Check out our Facebook picture album by going to THIS PAGE. 

We taught a really cool course called the ABC Concentration course.  First, we warm the kids up with some plyometric drills to make them fast and strong.  Then we talk about having a good attitude and always trying their best.  After that, we use martial arts to teach Belief- how the most important person to believe in is yourself!  Then, I taught them the 3 levels of master focus and give teachers a tool to use when the kids are having trouble focusing.

Thanks Thomson Estates and their guidance counselor, Gretchen Zahn, for inviting us.  The staff at the school, including the principal shows how dedicated they are to the future of our community every day in their action.  I've never met a crew with so much passion!

Cross Train, Train, Work out with someone else, whatever you wanna call it

In 2011, it will be the fourth year training with Haganah founder Mike Lee Kanarek.  He is a true leader.  I've done most of the classes that are in the Haganah system and they have been awesome - I understood the importance of knowing these things but they were also FUN.  In Columbia, MD, I did one of the first Combat Fitness classes around.  We had to run about 2/3 of a mile and when it was time to go he said, "Follow me!"  That sounds kinda of insignificant, but it was awesome!

He first taught me when I trained with him in 07 that you must cross train.  Even though he had his favorite martial arts to train in, he said that you can get something out of every style.  So as a martial arts athlete, I'm constantly thinking about self defense, sparring, and a ton of other things martial arts related.  The thing is, doing a kettlebell class, XMA class, or a gymnastics class will help you in some way.  Kettlebell training is something that has become huge and it helps build functional strength in all sports and activities.  Gymnastics athletes are among the most fit and strong in the world (Strength is measured by how strong you are compared to your body weight).  XMA class is all about performance - Bruce Lee was an amazing martial artist but what made him famous was his showmanship.  Also, someone who has mastered a martial arts trick (like one from HYPER Martial Arts) can achieve a goal in ANYTHING.

So in about 2 weeks I'm going up to Mr. Stuart's Martial Arts to train with MLK again and I'm so excited.  Last year I went and I had 2 hours of sleep and was sick - but I wouldn't miss it for the world.  Out of all the typing you may have just read or skimmed through just take this with you - you should take something from everything you do.  Try new things as often as possible even if at first it seems silly or unimportant because it will make you better somehow.  Check out the video below of Ms. Wallace-Holubyckyj and I training with MLK in Columbia, MD in Combat Fitness (We won... if you know what that means!)

Childhood Obesity and my own

For the rest of my life, I want to be fit.  I want to be the grandpa that the kids can't keep up with.  If I can stay away from injuries then I think I could do just that.  Well, I feel like I'm already pretty fit but I want to keep challenging myself with new things.  A lot of people just want to get in shape or make a little change to help them become a little healthier.

With our ATA fitness challenge, it seems like a no-brainer to just look at the foods you eat and make sure you get enough of what you need.  I read a beach-body newsletter that listed a bunch of foods that they say can make you smarter.  Well, at least it's a tasty way to change up your diet!  The real challenge, is how to put these "smart foods" into recipes that kids will like... be creative, go for it!

I already have 3 of my favorite ingredients on the list:  Spinach, Oatmeal, and Eggs.  In fact, my favorite breakfast that I've ever had was:  1)  A 3-egg omelet with spinach, onions, and tomatoes in it  and 2) 1 cup of oatmeal with brown sugar and pomegranate seeds mixed it, strawberries and french vanilla yogurt on top with cinnamon sprinkled on top of it

Check out the article by clicking here -->  Smart Foods Newsletter!

Also, RSVP for our END OF THE YEAR WORKOUT tomorrow at Noon.  You can say you're coming on Facebook, comment on this post, or email me! Facebook Event - End of the Year Workout

30 Day Challenge and the End of the Year Workout!

Not to keep talking about the same thing but... we have the 30 day fitness challenge and why haven't you commited yet??  It's not THAT hard to change a few things about your diet, lifestyle, and exercise habits, is it?  Whether you want to get a good workout or have a good jump-off point for your 30-day challenge, the End of the Year workout is an awesome time. 

Bring your friends, family members, and people you just met to ATA Elkton for the most fun workout for your family all year! This buddy-style class will be so awesome, you will be talking about it until 2011!  We're going to have a one-hour class that is a low-intensity, fun workout. We'll do kickboxing drills, body weight exercises that everyone can do, and self defense skills! Participants in the past have said this was one of the best ways to kick off their New Years Eve celebration!

I know, I know, it's a blog and I'm supposed to say something to make you cry or think, but sometimes actions are louder than words.  So here is my imaginary punch-in-the-arm to you saying, "Come work out with us, what are you waiting for!?"  RSVP NOW! 

P.S. It's free for the community, just RSVP