Dreams are goals we set and proceed to achieve
Dear Shihan Warren, I lack patience in achieving the goals I set if I can’t achieve them quickly. Although I would love to achieve a black belt, I am not sure if I have the correct attitude to persevere to pursue this goal.
Reply: Dreams are goals we set and proceed to achieve. Some happen more quickly than others. The goals that are not easily obtained can only be achieved with patience and determination. Train hard and adapt your attitude to encompass the following characteristics of “champions in training”. Replace self-defeating thoughts with proactive and positive self fulfilling thoughts. Read more... (estimated 48 secs reading time)
How to exercise with chronic back pain
Exercise can actually reduce chronic back pain as it strengthens your back muscles; increases blood flow to the discs and can control weight gain which aggravates back pain
You should-
· select appropriate exercises that will not aggravate your back. Low impact aerobic exercise, swimming or walking is recommended
· warm up first by doing stretching exercises that increase blood flow to your back muscles making them less likely to strain
· if necessary, adjust the exercise to ensure that it does not cause you pain while you are doing it
· obtain approval from your medical adviser prior to undertaking the exercise Read more... (estimated 52 secs reading time)
Simply No Time!
Do you have a Health & Fitness Worry? Ask Shihan Warren Levi
Question:
Dear Shihan Warren, I don’t have time to work out. What do you suggest?
Answer:
Exercising on a regular basis brings a multitude of benefits, both from a physical and mental perspective. Exercise releases endorphins in our bodies which produce a feeling of well-being. You should –
1. Schedule a workout time as if it is an important appointment that cannot be cancelled. Don’t allow anything to distract you during this time and don’t make any excuses not to keep your “appointment”. Read more... (estimated 45 secs reading time)
Ask The Sensei: Bullies!
Q: Now that my children are back to school, what can I do about possible bullies?
A. It is unlikely that your child will come home and tell you that he is being bullied at school. Therefore as a parent, it may be necessary for you to detect from your child’s behavior if s/he is being bullied at school in order to remedy the problem. Bullying can make school a nightmare for children. It is necessary to give your child the knowledge as to what constitutes “bullying” and the tactics necessary to avoid it or to put an end to it when it does happen. Read more... (estimated 1:26 mins reading time)
Karate as a beneficial exercise to take you through to your latter years
Dear Sensei Warren:
I was a keen sportsman in my youth and still relatively fit. I am in my 60’s. Am I too old to join your karate class?
Reply :
No, not at all, it is never too late and it can only be beneficial to you. How we continue to age is related to the healthy choices we make each day in our life and martial arts can play a beneficial role in keeping you healthy and agile as you age as well as keeping your brain alive. Read more... (estimated 1:19 mins reading time)
KATA IS NOT A DANCE ROUTINE
Dear Shihan (Master) Warren:
I have watched karate students training in a class. I understand the relevance of the fighting techniques, but when the students practice their kata (forms), it looks like a dance routine to me. How will kata help you in a situation if you need to defend yourself?
Reply: Read more... (estimated 1:16 mins reading time)
BEGINNINGS: TRANSITION FROM NOTHING TO SOMETHING
Question: I am not an exercise lover!! Is it possible to change a mindset from idle to energetic?
Reply: Yes, it is possible.
As in everything in life, there must be a BEGINNING, ie this is the transition from NOTHING to SOMETHING. The fact that you are querying if you can change your mindset is “SOMETHING”. (Compare this to the idea that a house cannot be built unless there is the initial thought process to build a house). Read more... (estimated 1:11 mins reading time)
Shodan: A Symbol of Hard Work and Commitment
By: Jill R. Goldberg
I don’t think anyone truly understands when I say karate saved my life. I was 25 years old, 5’7”, 230 pounds, and completely depressed. I had Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain, chronic fatigue disorder, and I barely left the house, let alone my bed. I lacked confidence, discipline, drive, and I was unemployed. Now, less than 3 years later, I am faced with the prospect of earning my black belt in Shotokan Karate. Read more... (estimated 2:21 mins reading time)
What being a Black Belt Means To Me
by Aileen Goldberg
Discipline, humility, pride, concentration, respect, confidence, adaptation, courage, obedience, knowledge, personal growth, obsession, thirst for more.
The above words are what come to mind when I think about the training to get to black belt. I started karate with the idea of trying to get fit. In the past I had done aerobic classes, dance, ballet and many different forms of exercise. Karate seemed to be a logical progression for me. I never, ever dreamt I would be go as far as I did, and never realized how rewarding it could be. Read more... (estimated 2:28 mins reading time)
To Quit or Not to Quit
I recently came across an article Shihan wrote for the 5 Towns Jewish Times. I thought it was important and informative and so I’d like to share it with you.
Question:
My 9 year old son started karate classes and in a short period of time I have already noticed a vast improvement in his concentration and his ability to focus. My son now wants to quit. I am very disappointed as I also wanted to quit a sport as a kid on a few occasions in the past, but am very glad that I persevered. Do I allow him to quit? Read more... (estimated 1:23 mins reading time)
