The Journey to Black Belt
Begin the Journey to Transform Your Life
Begin the Journey to Transform Your Life
Contents
FOREWORD
Chapter 1: SUCCEEDING IN MARTIAL ARTS
Purpose
Tips for Parents
Martial Arts Today
Martial Arts Are About Survival
A Mindset for Success
Commitment
More than a Black Belt; a Martial Artist
Achievement: A Personal Story
Setting and Achieving Goals
Chapter 2: TRANSFORMING OUR CHILDREN’S CHARACTER THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS
Transformation for Life
Programming in Humility and a Dose of Respect
Building Self-Esteem through Focus and Commitment
A Life-Changing Lesson in Perseverance and Achievement
Chapter 3: SELF-DEFENSE AND COMBAT
The Practical Need for Self-Defense
Modern Self-Defense Training
Realism
Grappling and Chokes
Kicking
Hand Techniques
Ground Fighting
Takedowns and Sweeps
Classical Weapons
Weapons of Opportunity
Effective Defense
Child Safety
Chapter 4: KEY MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING CONCEPTS
What’s it Like in Martial Arts Class?
Rules of the School
Uniform and Equipment Care
Setting Physical Fitness Goals
Planning Your Fitness Program
Sports Training and Physical Conditioning Tips
Coordination
Balance
Relaxation
Meditation
Energy
Martial Exercises vs. Traditional Calisthenics
Building Your Library of Techniques
Injuries and Healing
Limits
Frustration
Respect
Etiquette
Ego
Keeping an Open Mind
Martial Arts as Art Form
Humility
Appreciation
The Secret of the Martial Arts
Chapter 5: MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY AND STYLES
Understanding Martial Arts Styles
Origins
Fighting Systems and Martial Arts
Bushido: Ethics for Warriors
Warriors and Tea
Musashi Miyamoto
Hwa Rang Warriors
T’ai Chi Chuan
Ninjas
The Legend of the Belts
Typical Meanings for the Different Belt Colors
History of Tae Kwon Do
The Korean Flag and Its Symbolism
Chapter 6: SHOPPING FOR A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL AND STYLE
Reasons Adults Study Martial Arts
Reasons Children Study Martial Arts
Martial Arts Benefits
Qualities of a Martial Artist
Martial Arts Instructors
Studying Options
Martial Arts Organizations and Associations
Martial Arts Schools: Physical Layout
Martial Arts Programs
Monthly: Pay as You Go
Contracts: What to Expect
Location, Location, Location
Costs
The Art of Shopping!
The Best Style of Martial Art
Shopping Around
About the Author
APPENDIX A: LISTING OF INTERNET MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL DIRECTORIES
APPENDIX B: DICTIONARY OF COMMON MARTIAL ARTS TERMS
Japanese Karate Ranking Systems
Chinese Ranking Systems
Korean Tae Kwon Do Ranking System
Basic Tae Kwon Do Terms
APPENDIX C: GOAL SETTING AND PLANNING WORKSHEET
INDEX
FOREWORD
Chapter 1: SUCCEEDING IN MARTIAL ARTS
Purpose
Tips for Parents
Martial Arts Today
Martial Arts Are About Survival
A Mindset for Success
Commitment
More than a Black Belt; a Martial Artist
Achievement: A Personal Story
Setting and Achieving Goals
Chapter 2: TRANSFORMING OUR CHILDREN’S CHARACTER THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS
Transformation for Life
Programming in Humility and a Dose of Respect
Building Self-Esteem through Focus and Commitment
A Life-Changing Lesson in Perseverance and Achievement
Chapter 3: SELF-DEFENSE AND COMBAT
The Practical Need for Self-Defense
Modern Self-Defense Training
Realism
Grappling and Chokes
Kicking
Hand Techniques
Ground Fighting
Takedowns and Sweeps
Classical Weapons
Weapons of Opportunity
Effective Defense
Child Safety
Chapter 4: KEY MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING CONCEPTS
What’s it Like in Martial Arts Class?
Rules of the School
Uniform and Equipment Care
Setting Physical Fitness Goals
Planning Your Fitness Program
Sports Training and Physical Conditioning Tips
Coordination
Balance
Relaxation
Meditation
Energy
Martial Exercises vs. Traditional Calisthenics
Building Your Library of Techniques
Injuries and Healing
Limits
Frustration
Respect
Etiquette
Ego
Keeping an Open Mind
Martial Arts as Art Form
Humility
Appreciation
The Secret of the Martial Arts
Chapter 5: MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY AND STYLES
Understanding Martial Arts Styles
Origins
Fighting Systems and Martial Arts
Bushido: Ethics for Warriors
Warriors and Tea
Musashi Miyamoto
Hwa Rang Warriors
T’ai Chi Chuan
Ninjas
The Legend of the Belts
Typical Meanings for the Different Belt Colors
History of Tae Kwon Do
The Korean Flag and Its Symbolism
Chapter 6: SHOPPING FOR A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL AND STYLE
Reasons Adults Study Martial Arts
Reasons Children Study Martial Arts
Martial Arts Benefits
Qualities of a Martial Artist
Martial Arts Instructors
Studying Options
Martial Arts Organizations and Associations
Martial Arts Schools: Physical Layout
Martial Arts Programs
Monthly: Pay as You Go
Contracts: What to Expect
Location, Location, Location
Costs
The Art of Shopping!
The Best Style of Martial Art
Shopping Around
About the Author
APPENDIX A: LISTING OF INTERNET MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL DIRECTORIES
APPENDIX B: DICTIONARY OF COMMON MARTIAL ARTS TERMS
Japanese Karate Ranking Systems
Chinese Ranking Systems
Korean Tae Kwon Do Ranking System
Basic Tae Kwon Do Terms
APPENDIX C: GOAL SETTING AND PLANNING WORKSHEET
INDEX
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