Arizona -- When Darla Loy, 28 at the time, was diagnosed with 'Mixed Connective Tissue Disease' (MCTD), an autoimmune disorders akin to Lupus, her doctor told her that she needed to take pain medication, anti-inflammatories and steroids - probably for the rest of her life.
The reply from the woman was simply that it was not going to happen, according to sandspringsleader.com.
Rather, the determined woman started her own research and began fighting back - eventually taking up karate at the same place her young son was a student.
Her determination, changes in diet and karate workouts soon helped her begin to lose weight and she found her confidence was restored. She was indeed able to do without the medications to the amazement of her doctor.
After getting a passion for karate, she advanced to aerobic style kick-boxing, before finally going into the ring as a full-fledged kick-boxer.
I urge you to read this truly inspirational story about a woman with a remarkable fighting spirit.
Showing posts with label confidence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label confidence. Show all posts
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Monday, August 03, 2009
Why Karate Rules
Here's a really great article titled "Why Karate Rules For Kids", by Dr. Alanna Levine. You should definitely check it out!
Naturally, most proper, well taught martial arts could be substituted for karate in this example. Anyhow, it is well worth listening to what this mother and professional pediatrician has to say about martial arts for her two young daughters.
"They are strengthening their muscles, enhancing their flexibility, and improving their cardiovascular health. At the same time, they are building their confidence, and learning discipline and respect. But most importantly, they are having fun!"
Naturally, most proper, well taught martial arts could be substituted for karate in this example. Anyhow, it is well worth listening to what this mother and professional pediatrician has to say about martial arts for her two young daughters.
"They are strengthening their muscles, enhancing their flexibility, and improving their cardiovascular health. At the same time, they are building their confidence, and learning discipline and respect. But most importantly, they are having fun!"
Monday, January 26, 2009
Finding Focus With Karate
Canada -- Eighteen-year-old Duncan Wessels from Metchosin, BC was diagnosed with autism and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) as a child and he took up karate in the fourth grade after sitting in on a class, according to bclocalnews.com.
Through studying karate he has learned to use the sport as an outlet. "When things are stressful, it relaxes me," he said.
"Moralistically karate has helped me out a lot," he said. "It has given me self-confidence, discipline and respect."
Through studying karate he has learned to use the sport as an outlet. "When things are stressful, it relaxes me," he said.
"Moralistically karate has helped me out a lot," he said. "It has given me self-confidence, discipline and respect."
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Martial Arts in School
India -- (Chennai) Timesofindia.indiatimes.com had an article on August 29 about the obvious benefits of having students do martial arts such as karate and taekwondo in school.
And all though a School Education minister stated that "any form of physical training was good for students" -- something which hardly can be objected to -- I have to make one thing absolutely clear:
Martial arts, properly taught, stands head and shoulders above other sports in one particular area - its inherent discipline.
Here are some of the sentiments from the above mentioned news article:
Revathy Bonns, a higher secondary school principal: "About 98% of the parents of children who signed up for the martial arts classes say their children have become more mature and confident. They have more self-control and are able to cope with everyday pressure. They also say that training has improved their personality."
J Abraham, a physical education teacher in Manali, said, "Now around 40 students are enrolled in the karate class. After joining the class, the students are well behaved and more focused. The parents are also happy seeing their children disciplined."
B Purushothaman, the principal from a higher secondary school in Kolathur: "The confidence level of students has increased. My students (...) tell me that the one hour of physical activity rejuvenates them when they get back to their books." He said 322 students had signed up for the taekwondo classes this year.
And all though a School Education minister stated that "any form of physical training was good for students" -- something which hardly can be objected to -- I have to make one thing absolutely clear:
Martial arts, properly taught, stands head and shoulders above other sports in one particular area - its inherent discipline.
Here are some of the sentiments from the above mentioned news article:
Revathy Bonns, a higher secondary school principal: "About 98% of the parents of children who signed up for the martial arts classes say their children have become more mature and confident. They have more self-control and are able to cope with everyday pressure. They also say that training has improved their personality."
J Abraham, a physical education teacher in Manali, said, "Now around 40 students are enrolled in the karate class. After joining the class, the students are well behaved and more focused. The parents are also happy seeing their children disciplined."
B Purushothaman, the principal from a higher secondary school in Kolathur: "The confidence level of students has increased. My students (...) tell me that the one hour of physical activity rejuvenates them when they get back to their books." He said 322 students had signed up for the taekwondo classes this year.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Deaf Karate Black Belt
UK -- Alistair Anderson has become the first deaf karate black belt from Harrogate, following six years of commitment and hard work, according to harrogateadvertiser.net.
Something which makes this achievement even more outstanding is the fact that Alistair has learning difficulties and suffers from a condition termed dyspraxic tendencies - affecting the ability to co-ordinate movements.
His parents says the martial arts training has helped their son with his confidence, his co-ordination and his memory in ways they didn't think possible.
Our congratulations goes to you, Alistair - as well as your instructors! To me, this is a major part of what these arts are all about.
Something which makes this achievement even more outstanding is the fact that Alistair has learning difficulties and suffers from a condition termed dyspraxic tendencies - affecting the ability to co-ordinate movements.
His parents says the martial arts training has helped their son with his confidence, his co-ordination and his memory in ways they didn't think possible.
Our congratulations goes to you, Alistair - as well as your instructors! To me, this is a major part of what these arts are all about.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A Karate Boost in Confidence
UK -- Here's a nice little article from eastkilbridenews.co.uk. It's about 10-year-old Alana from Calderwood who has had a boost in confidence through her karate practise and competition victories.
According to the article, she took up the martial art when she had a rough time at primary school. It was hard to settle in, and she was being bullied.
"I don't get bullied anymore," she says. She goes on to say how karate gives her a lot more confidence and that it helps to know how to stick up for yourself. "It's been great fun and it's made me enjoy my life more and enjoy school more, too," the young girl says.
In our experience, many children and parents experience something similar to young Alana here: Martial arts training can indeed be valuable tool to "fight off" (as in: stand up to) bullies ... if the parents allow the child to spend ample time with the given art. Some times the child wants the easy way out ("this is boring", "I don't like it", "I'm not good at this", "I want ..."), and the parents give in.
What is ample time? Well, let me put it this way, how can you really become good at anything in less than a few years?
According to the article, she took up the martial art when she had a rough time at primary school. It was hard to settle in, and she was being bullied.
"I don't get bullied anymore," she says. She goes on to say how karate gives her a lot more confidence and that it helps to know how to stick up for yourself. "It's been great fun and it's made me enjoy my life more and enjoy school more, too," the young girl says.
In our experience, many children and parents experience something similar to young Alana here: Martial arts training can indeed be valuable tool to "fight off" (as in: stand up to) bullies ... if the parents allow the child to spend ample time with the given art. Some times the child wants the easy way out ("this is boring", "I don't like it", "I'm not good at this", "I want ..."), and the parents give in.
What is ample time? Well, let me put it this way, how can you really become good at anything in less than a few years?
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Taekwondo Pays Off
Florida -- A church self-defense/taekwondo class has proved valuable for a 55-year-old woman. The 5'2" mother was recently targeted by a would-be mugger in the Middleburg church parking lot, according to news4jax.com.
After one of her classes, a man reportedly accosted her in the parking lot - asking is she had any money. When the woman told him she hadn't any, the man attempted to take her purse as she turned to open the door to her car.
"I side-kicked him and then punched him, the woman said," adding that she tried to hit the man's chest but probably ended up hitting him in the face. The man ran from the place empty-handed.
The woman told how has always had been interested in martial arts. About a year ago she took up tekwondo for self-defense and to gain self-confidence.
After one of her classes, a man reportedly accosted her in the parking lot - asking is she had any money. When the woman told him she hadn't any, the man attempted to take her purse as she turned to open the door to her car.
"I side-kicked him and then punched him, the woman said," adding that she tried to hit the man's chest but probably ended up hitting him in the face. The man ran from the place empty-handed.
The woman told how has always had been interested in martial arts. About a year ago she took up tekwondo for self-defense and to gain self-confidence.
Friday, March 21, 2008
She Received Bravery Award
India -- Monal Kadlak from the Khadakpada area in Kalyan is a seventeen-year-old girl. In 2005 she showed what police called exemplary bravery in catching a mugger who was trying to flee after snatching her gold chain, according to mumbaipluses.com.
Recently, the Thane police thanked the teenager for single-handedly nabbing the chain snatcher. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a memento along with a cash prize for her bravery.
When being asked what inspired her to the brave act, the first year college student said, "I knew that I had to act and not cow down. I have learnt karate and this helped me a lot in boosting my confidence."
Recently, the Thane police thanked the teenager for single-handedly nabbing the chain snatcher. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a memento along with a cash prize for her bravery.
When being asked what inspired her to the brave act, the first year college student said, "I knew that I had to act and not cow down. I have learnt karate and this helped me a lot in boosting my confidence."
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
He Can Kick And Jump
Pennsylvania -- A year ago, he couldn't climb stairs without the help of another person, according to newage-examiner.com.
The boy, who was born two months premature, walked on his toes, had little control over the movement of his legs was and was always exhausted. A doctor indicated that Colin may have cerebral palsy.
Now, 6-year-old Colin Schake can kick and jump - and climb stairs without help from another person - thanks to a year of exercise and therapy at a martial arts institute in Tunkhannock.
And Colin's mother is grateful that her son now has self-confidence and a belief that he can succeed at anything."
She said that the school owner told her point blank that in a year her son would be doing better. "Kevin Robinson said he could help and he was the first person that said he could help me," the mother said.
Robinson, who also works as a nurse, noted that other people who have cerebral palsy and other physical challenges like it, participate in martial arts and do well."It's all about helping them focus," he said.
The boy, who was born two months premature, walked on his toes, had little control over the movement of his legs was and was always exhausted. A doctor indicated that Colin may have cerebral palsy.
Now, 6-year-old Colin Schake can kick and jump - and climb stairs without help from another person - thanks to a year of exercise and therapy at a martial arts institute in Tunkhannock.
And Colin's mother is grateful that her son now has self-confidence and a belief that he can succeed at anything."
She said that the school owner told her point blank that in a year her son would be doing better. "Kevin Robinson said he could help and he was the first person that said he could help me," the mother said.
Robinson, who also works as a nurse, noted that other people who have cerebral palsy and other physical challenges like it, participate in martial arts and do well."It's all about helping them focus," he said.
Friday, January 25, 2008
President Wants Martial Arts Training
India -- Ms. Pratibha Patil, the President of India, has called out for implementation of stern laws against sexual harassment of women at work. She also wants what she refers to as "stringent action against those indulging in teasing and molestation."
One important step in the direction of empowerment of women is to impart physical education like judo and karate for self-defense to female students from a very early age, the President said while appealing to all the women to fight inequality.
The objective of such training would be to "make them physically strong and to build-up self-confidence to face the challenges of life".
One important step in the direction of empowerment of women is to impart physical education like judo and karate for self-defense to female students from a very early age, the President said while appealing to all the women to fight inequality.
The objective of such training would be to "make them physically strong and to build-up self-confidence to face the challenges of life".
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Just Trying to Fit in
California -- Fitting in one of the challenges autistic kids are facing, according to tampabays10.com.
Now, sensei Wayne Centra at a children's hospital in California is teaching kids social skills by using the art of karate. Many of the children in karate class have some form of autism, but an outside observer might not know it.
Centra, who's an occupational therapist, developed the program called "karate for all" at the California children's hospital. His goal is to help special needs children.
The karate activities have been adapted to help the children maintain attention span and focus, according to Centra.
Martial arts training can help autistic children build self confidence, coordination and social skills, several studies have shown.
Now, sensei Wayne Centra at a children's hospital in California is teaching kids social skills by using the art of karate. Many of the children in karate class have some form of autism, but an outside observer might not know it.
Centra, who's an occupational therapist, developed the program called "karate for all" at the California children's hospital. His goal is to help special needs children.
The karate activities have been adapted to help the children maintain attention span and focus, according to Centra.
Martial arts training can help autistic children build self confidence, coordination and social skills, several studies have shown.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
He Beat Meningitis
UK -- A Workington boy who beat meningitis has now achieved his black belt in karate, according to timesandstar.co.uk.
13-year-old Sonny Smith, of Harrington, competed for the belt on Sunday and passed the test.
He was given a slim chance of survival after contracting meningitis when he was seven and it left him tired and weak.
Sonny started attending karate classes with his friends at the martial arts center and his confidence and strength grew.
13-year-old Sonny Smith, of Harrington, competed for the belt on Sunday and passed the test.
He was given a slim chance of survival after contracting meningitis when he was seven and it left him tired and weak.
Sonny started attending karate classes with his friends at the martial arts center and his confidence and strength grew.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Better Grades With Karate
Georgia -- "It's been helping me a lot," says the Middle School eighth-grader, who last year watched as her D's and F's rose to B's and C's after beginning karate classes.
"Not only have her grades improved; so has her attitude", her instructor says, "She's more confident".
At first, she really didn't like martial arts classes, Christin said. Now, her improved academics are directly linked to those classes, because when her grades drop she has to give them up.
Source
"Not only have her grades improved; so has her attitude", her instructor says, "She's more confident".
At first, she really didn't like martial arts classes, Christin said. Now, her improved academics are directly linked to those classes, because when her grades drop she has to give them up.
Source
Monday, July 09, 2007
The Self Esteem Fraud
"In the West, the word kung fu is known largely as martial arts. It has a larger meaning in the East: spiritual discipline and the cultivation of the self."
Here you have a really great article about some of the major differences between the East and the West - you really should read it!
It is titled: "Too much self esteem spoils your child", and it shows how the "super size ego" of the Western world - in particular the US, may actually be counter-productive (or outright damaging) to school students and youngsters alike. Nina H. Shokraii, author of "School Choice 2000: What’s Happening in the States", calls an essay of hers "The Self Esteem Fraud".
Here you have a really great article about some of the major differences between the East and the West - you really should read it!
It is titled: "Too much self esteem spoils your child", and it shows how the "super size ego" of the Western world - in particular the US, may actually be counter-productive (or outright damaging) to school students and youngsters alike. Nina H. Shokraii, author of "School Choice 2000: What’s Happening in the States", calls an essay of hers "The Self Esteem Fraud".
Friday, July 06, 2007
Karate Calm
Mississippi -- Boys will be boys. After being told by their father that no one was to swim in the family’s pool without adult supervision, Kurt and Luke Shaw of Kosciusko did just the opposite – they let three friends go swimming when their parents weren't home last Wednesday.
Later that same day when 16-year-old Ar-Riquez Kern was lying at the bottom of the pool near death, 11-year-old Kurt again did something his father had told him not to do – he jumped in and pulled his drowning friend to the surface and saved his life.
His father attributes Kurt's calmness to his karate instructor Donald Martin. "(Martin) has been working with Kurt on building his confidence," said Frank. "That contributed to his calmness."
Source
Later that same day when 16-year-old Ar-Riquez Kern was lying at the bottom of the pool near death, 11-year-old Kurt again did something his father had told him not to do – he jumped in and pulled his drowning friend to the surface and saved his life.
His father attributes Kurt's calmness to his karate instructor Donald Martin. "(Martin) has been working with Kurt on building his confidence," said Frank. "That contributed to his calmness."
Source
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Taking Her Life Back
Living in a physically abusive relationship had taken her life away. Then she found it again thanks to jiu-jitsu.
After seven months of taking classes at the Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Club, the 42-year-old woman has gained back her self confidence and shed the fear she once lived under daily.
"If someone asked me the definition of jiu-jitsu, I'd probably say it means new beginning," she said. "It empowers you. It allows you to get your life back. I used to be afraid to answer the door or walk down the street."
The woman got involved in the sport through her son, who had been taking classes and wouldn't let his mother's hesitation get in the way of what he knew would be exactly what she needed.
Source
After seven months of taking classes at the Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Club, the 42-year-old woman has gained back her self confidence and shed the fear she once lived under daily.
"If someone asked me the definition of jiu-jitsu, I'd probably say it means new beginning," she said. "It empowers you. It allows you to get your life back. I used to be afraid to answer the door or walk down the street."
The woman got involved in the sport through her son, who had been taking classes and wouldn't let his mother's hesitation get in the way of what he knew would be exactly what she needed.
Source
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Sons Began to Grow
Mesa, Arizona -- There are two brothers, as the story goes. One had the heart of a lion but a mouth like a hyena, always meaning well but never knowing when or how to restrain himself.
The other, the first son, had the heart of a cub but the poise of a groundhog in winter, always wanting to mean well but never appearing from behind his own personal wall.
Their father knows both worlds and longed to see his sons grow as he has grown. So he had them learn martial arts and its traditional teachings. Seven months passed and the sons began to grow as their father had.
The lion-hearted, hyena-mouthed one learned self-control. The other gained self-confidence, a groundhog in winter no more.
"I think it's one of the best things I've ever done for them," the father said of signing his sons up at for karate. "It worked for both kids for different reasons."
Source
Read this and other inspirational martial arts stories at:
http://www.your-martial-arts-resources.com/inspiration.html
The other, the first son, had the heart of a cub but the poise of a groundhog in winter, always wanting to mean well but never appearing from behind his own personal wall.
Their father knows both worlds and longed to see his sons grow as he has grown. So he had them learn martial arts and its traditional teachings. Seven months passed and the sons began to grow as their father had.
The lion-hearted, hyena-mouthed one learned self-control. The other gained self-confidence, a groundhog in winter no more.
"I think it's one of the best things I've ever done for them," the father said of signing his sons up at for karate. "It worked for both kids for different reasons."
Source
Read this and other inspirational martial arts stories at:
http://www.your-martial-arts-resources.com/inspiration.html
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Bulllies beware
School children in Dubai could soon be taking self-defense lessons in their lunch hour, in a bid to stamp out bullying.
Motivational instructor and martial arts expert Steve Drake, originally from Nottingham, England, has approached GEMS schools with the idea of teaching streetwise classes for the emirate’s 13-19 year olds.
Around 35 per cent of school children in the UAE are reported to suffer from bullying, a global problem, but qualified instructor Steve, who was so badly bullied that by the age of 12 he no longer wanted to go to school, believes learning simple self defense techniques will instill young people with a sense of confidence that will stop them becoming victims.
Source
Motivational instructor and martial arts expert Steve Drake, originally from Nottingham, England, has approached GEMS schools with the idea of teaching streetwise classes for the emirate’s 13-19 year olds.
Around 35 per cent of school children in the UAE are reported to suffer from bullying, a global problem, but qualified instructor Steve, who was so badly bullied that by the age of 12 he no longer wanted to go to school, believes learning simple self defense techniques will instill young people with a sense of confidence that will stop them becoming victims.
Source
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Knife in 'The Tun'
Scotland -- A politician who has campaigned to reduce knife crime in Scotland helped tackle a blade-wielding suspect in a city bar last night.
North East Tory MSP Alex Johnstone called the police after spotting a man carrying a knife with a nine-inch blade in his back pocket in The Tun on Holyrood Road.
The MSP and his Musselburgh-based parliamentary adviser Jim Millar raced out of the pub after the man.
Mr Millar, 39, says that he was confident enough to follow the man because he is professionally trained in martial arts and how to deal with knife carriers.
Source
North East Tory MSP Alex Johnstone called the police after spotting a man carrying a knife with a nine-inch blade in his back pocket in The Tun on Holyrood Road.
The MSP and his Musselburgh-based parliamentary adviser Jim Millar raced out of the pub after the man.
Mr Millar, 39, says that he was confident enough to follow the man because he is professionally trained in martial arts and how to deal with knife carriers.
Source
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Confuse-Us speaks #6
"Doug Robinson and his son, Howie, daughter, Noelle, and wife, Kimba, practice tae kwon do recently at All Star Karate and Kickboxing Gym in Hagerstown."
Yeah, that makes so much sense, since the three arts are "one and same" (irony mode).
It may, to an outside observer like me, seem like American TKD many times has to hide under other names? Can someone be kind enough to correct me in this matter?
Apart from the above, this is great article about a deaf girl building confidence with "Kara-Tae-Kick-Do".
Source
Yeah, that makes so much sense, since the three arts are "one and same" (irony mode).
It may, to an outside observer like me, seem like American TKD many times has to hide under other names? Can someone be kind enough to correct me in this matter?
Apart from the above, this is great article about a deaf girl building confidence with "Kara-Tae-Kick-Do".
Source
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