2014 - NEPA Holistic Chamber of Commerce Volume 2 issue 1 | Page 17

Could you or your family benefit from

- improving your physical fitness

- reducing stress

- improving attention span and focus

- developing self control

- building self respect and respect for others

- setting goals and working at your own pace

Have you considered enrolling yourself or your family in martial arts classes? Review some age-specific needs and benefits below and seek a professional for an individualized assessment.

Ages 4-6 need special attention on focus and self-discipline. Classes help students develop a sense of initiative, purpose and direction and improve coordination and social skills.

Ages 7-11 need a little different approach, since personalities are usually already established at that age. This group requires more challenge to progress and excel in everything. Classes assist students in developing a confidence in physical, intellectual, and social skills while they rapidly acquire new skills and techniques.

Ages 12-16 require a more mature and responsible approach since that age group is now heading towards adulthood and peer pressure is great. Classes reinforce self esteem and offer opportunities to try more challenging physical techniques and understand more complex ideas.

Adults fall into two categories, young and “not so young,” this is where we balance enthusiasm with physical condition. Many adults really do not care to be out of service for three weeks due to injury. Classes focus on individual development and offer opportunities for students to develop self-defense skills, release stress, build flexibility and endurance, and maintain a positive outlook.

A Dojang (school) should be very clean, run by educated professional adult Black Belts, be insured, and portray an art as opposed to combatives only. For those searching for fighting mainly, many different schools specialize very well at that.

If one seeks a Martial Arts program for a child or adult, or just wants to try out this great art, there are many schools from which to choose. Since actions speak louder than words, it is best to try out whichever art one wishes to pursue with the aforementioned caveats.

Rising Phoenix can help you decide in what program you or your child would most benefit. Join us during our Buddy Nights or call 570.424.0408 to make an appointment to speak with our professional instructors to review your needs and our program offerings.

Dynamic Living...one step at a time!

Navigating the myriad of martial arts schools

By Martha L. Heise

Certified Tang Soo Do Instructor