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Children with ADHD benefit from Karate Classes

Has your child been labelled with ADHD? Martial Arts, and specifically karate, is a useful activity to supplement any other strategy you are considering to help your child. Karate has many benefits for children.  Specifically for children with ADHD or Asperger Syndrome or any similar challenges, martial arts activities can help them develop skills that can be translated positively into many areas of their lives. Karate is not a team sport and yet it is social.  So the dojo becomes… Read More »Children with ADHD benefit from Karate Classes

Bruce Lee and Karate

Get to know your Sifu   Did you know that a source of inspiration for your Sifu, Leo Ming, is Bruce Lee? “Bruce Lee was a spiritual being and philosopher; he was the searcher and the seeker of truth.  He often said what he thought. He was an analytical thinker, and had a great insight into life,” believes Leo Ming. Bruce Lee, born in 1940, is one of the most influential figures in Martial Arts.   He not only acted in… Read More »Bruce Lee and Karate

Push Hands in Tai Chi

What is Push Hands? There are various methods and techniques of push hands.  The main purpose of push hands is as a sensitivity taiji drill whereby two people connect by ‘push’ and by ‘yield’, using their hands.  The exercise is aimed to be done in a harmonious way. Benefits of Push Hands Initially one does this drill for developing physical balance and strength. It also improves the subtler internal aspects of co-ordination, timing, sensitivity, reflexes, groundedness and leverage. As you… Read More »Push Hands in Tai Chi

Kung Fu Castrol Ad

Get to know your Sifu Did you know that your Sifu, Leo Ming, started training in karate when he was a child? And that since then he has focused his training and experience in Kobujutsu karate and tai chi, training under masters all over the world in places like in China, Athens, Boston, Toronto, Taiwan and Japan? And did you know that he is known to make appearances in TV commercials once in a while?  Like this funny one, for Castrol… Read More »Kung Fu Castrol Ad

The Science behind why Martial Arts Meditation leads to Stress Free Living

“In most if not all martial arts, there is some form of integrative meditation component that forms the building blocks of a balanced yet formidable martial artist… half the battle is won and lost in the mind,” says Nicholas Bruce in his in depth article in the Business Day, May 2018. The article explains how martial arts like karate and tai chi can help us develop the ability to prevent ourselves going into the fight/flight response.  When we don’t have… Read More »The Science behind why Martial Arts Meditation leads to Stress Free Living

How to prepare for Grading in Karate

Part of Karate is the process of grading. What is Grading? Gradings are a test of your skills and how they are integrated.  As you reach higher levels in your ability and understanding of martial arts, students must also be able to do more skillful and precise moves. During black belt grades- the highest levels – students are tested physically and mentally, and then in their knowledge of theory as well. Coloured Belts Achievement of a grade is represented by… Read More »How to prepare for Grading in Karate

Beijing

On our field trip to China in April 2018, we spent some time exploring Beijing. This is a bustling city, with its 30 million residents and many cars and scooters.  A prominent feature was the domino-like apartments that continue for miles across the city. Another striking aspect was one of the forms of transport – there are bicycles which can be unlocked via an app from your cell phone.  You can then hop on the bike, cycle to your destination,… Read More »Beijing

Leo’s Top Tips to keep Safe

With a background of over 40 years in Martial Arts and teaching self-defence, Sensei Leo Ming shares some of his tips and strategies for keeping safe and avoiding situations where we are an easy target to criminals and might be threatened. These points to remember are especially relevant for those living in big cities like Johannesburg, where there is a high risk of being mugged, or car hi-jacked. When in Car Parks Place your valuables in your boot, out of… Read More »Leo’s Top Tips to keep Safe

Terracotta Army

On our Tai Chi China Trip, we visited Xian, and we went to see the Terracotta Army. These sculptures, made out of terracotta clay, are something that will stay with us for life.  It was special to have witnessed their creations, as the magnitude and detail of the warriors evoked a strong sense of culture, pride, awe and wonder. There is also a sense of the long history linked to these sculptures, as they depict the armies of Quin Shi… Read More »Terracotta Army

Tips for beginners learning Karate

When we start to learn something new, especially in a class format like Karate Classes, it can feel daunting and our self-consciousness can get the better of us. Sensei Leo Ming has some points to keep in mind, so that you can enjoy your classes, and get the most out of your karate learning journey. Sensei Leo Ming suggests that you should do no preparation for your class, as a new student. “I usually like to see the student in… Read More »Tips for beginners learning Karate