Fitness

It is so important to keep good care of our bodies. This, of course, includes eating a healthy and nutritional diet. But that simply isn’t enough. You need to ensure that you are keeping your body active through consistent exercise. In our 90-minute self-defense seminar for women, we will show you a variety of techniques and exercises that will not only help you to protect yourself, but when practiced regularly, will also help you keep your body in great shape. While not everything is easy, the more you practice, the more you’ll build the necessary muscles and keep yourself prepared for a dangerous situation.

Confidence

As is often said, confidence is key. You could be in great shape and know techniques in self-protection, but if you are not fully confident in your abilities, you will either make a mistake or become intimidated. A large part of our martial arts classes is helping you prepare not only your body but also your mind. Through our teachings, you can have the self-assurance to know that you can control the situation and not let that initial fear bog you down.

Situational Awareness

One very important aspect to keeping yourself protected is to understand your surroundings and know when there may be a threat lurking in the area. At Full Circle Martial Arts Academy, we will teach you how to spot certain risks that you may not have observed before. We’ll be able to help you know what a predator is looking for in their victims and how to avoid fitting that profile, situational awareness drills, and so much more.

Self-Discipline

Along with confidence, you also must ensure that you have strong self-discipline. The first step to this is enrolling into our self-defense program for women, and then showing up! That’s a great first start. But after you have undergone our seminar, you must stick with it! Keep yourself active, and practice the tips and techniques that we provide you. If that is not enough, then consider applying to one our multiple other martial arts classes available for adults to learn even more skills that will keep yourself safe.

Sense of Community

As you well know, there is a pretty special sense of community in Capitol Heights, and it is no different when you join a part of our seminar. As soon as you walk into our facility, you will immediately recognize that you are surrounded by a group of women that have the same concerns and goals as you do. Together, you will be learning how to keep yourselves safe. You’re also sure to be making new friends and helping spread this wonderful community that we call home.

Safety and Protection

While you are certain to have fun during our self-defense class, we doubt that that is the reason you signed up for it. Whether you have been or have been felt threatened in the past, or would just like to have the confidence and skills if a situation should ever arise, then you can rely on our highly-trained staff to provide you with the skills that you are looking for. This is a great event to have with family, friends, or coworkers, and if you would rather have the seminar held at your own location, then we will be sure to come to you.

We are proud to offer our women’s self-defense classes, but we would like for everyone to be able to protect themselves in the worst situation. That is why we have courses for those of all ages and experience levels. Whether you would like to enroll your child in our Tiny Ninjas program or have been looking to learn adult Kung Fu or Tai Chi, then we offer those martial arts courses as well. If you have any questions about our self-defense classes in Capitol Heights, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

The post The Importance of Self Defense Classes for Women appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

In all likelihood, your child is a little ball of energy. It’s pretty amazing to see them running around all day and yet still be full of vigor. To be honest, we’re a little jealous! Full Circle Martial Arts Academy is here to help have them get this energy out in a productive and healthy way through our variety of martial arts classes and programs for kids in the Capitol Heights area. From our Little Ninjas program to youth Kung Fu, you can rest assured that your child will not only be partaking in a healthy activity, but also learning incredibly important life skills through our self-defense classes. They’ll also be having the time of their lives! 

Unfortunately, our country is going through some tough times right now concerning illnesses, and have all been advised to avoid social gatherings and more. While you can always trust in our martial arts academy staff to do anything that we can to help, we know that you are likely bunkered in at home for the moment. This means that your little one is likely jumping off the walls. Don’t worry, we’re here to offer you some ideas in order to keep them healthy and active during these times! If you have any questions about our self-defense classes or planning on enrolling them (or yourself), then go ahead and contact us today.

Let Them Show You What They’ve Learned in Class

If your child has already taken a self-defense class with us, well, let them show you their skills and some of the practices that we follow! It is important for them to stay up with their lessons, and we promise you that you will have a blast watching them as well as learning from them. Have them take you through a day at our martial arts center and teach you a few different moves. You won’t regret it.

Keep Their Minds Active

Martial arts isn’t all about learning how to defend yourself, it also encourages you to keep your mind alert and use self-discipline. While it is very important to keep them moving around, you also need to keep their minds active! We know that kids these days love their tablets and hunkering down in front of the TV, but we suggest avoiding this! There are a variety of games that you can play that will keep them learning, alert, and having a good time! This could be as simple as completing a puzzle together, reading a book, or even role-playing. Pretend that you are a criminal on the prowl and they are a little ninja there to stop you.

Teach Them About Healthy Eating

It is so important to teach your children about living an active lifestyle at an early age so that they continue living healthy when they grow up. While exercise is an incredibly big factor in this, you also need to let them know the importance of healthy eating, especially these days. Yes, they do deserve a special treat or some chicken nuggets from time to time, you want to be sure that this doesn’t become a habit and they, in turn, refuse eating anything else. This can be tricky sometimes, but we know there will be healthy foods that they will love once they try it! Tell them about why they need the right nutrients, and make it fun by having them cook with you or put some snacks together. This will work much better than just placing a plate of vegetables in front of them.

Play Some Fun, Active Games

Keep them moving and grooving! There are so many unique and fun games that you can play, even indoors, that will keep them active. Simply having them see how many jumping jacks that they can do in a minute is great for their health. We also suggest playing classic games like Duck, Duck, Goose! or musical chairs. 

Get Some Fresh Air

While it is very important for you and your loved ones to stay home during this time, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to enjoy the sun’s rays or some nice fresh air! Just stay together and don’t go to public areas. This is incredibly easy to do, especially if you have a yard! Play a little game of football or have them practice their Kung Fu moves outdoors. Don’t restrict yourself to the indoors.

Reach Out to Us!

If you still can’t figure exactly what to do, that’s no problem, we are always here to help. Just simply contact us and we will provide you with self-defense exercises and a few other lessons that you can do from home. If you have any questions or are curious about enrolling your child at Full Circle Martial Arts Academy in Capitol Hills, then go ahead and reach out to us today.

The post Keeping Your Kids Healthy Indoors appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

For those not accustomed to martial arts, they likely think that it is all about “fighting”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, the teachings are from an ancient practice in Asia relating to self-defense; there are so many different life lessons that are taught, for students of all ages. If your child has been interested in taking martial arts classes, or you have been on the edge of signing them up, enroll them! Here at Full Circle Martial Arts Academy, we pride ourselves in providing a safe and educational environment for our students to learn multiple practices of martial arts, and the benefits that come with it include much more than just the self-defense aspect! Learn more about the benefits of our teachings in this blog post, and if you are interested in enrolling your child, reach out to us today!

Discipline

Here at our martial arts studio in Capitol Heights, a big part of our focus is to let the kids have fun. Year-round, our goal is to help give our students an activity that they can enjoy and benefit from. With that being said, we want to encourage them to be the best that they can be, and that means following the instructions from their instructors! A couple your child will learn that will carry on much further into their life is self-discipline and learning that their teachers are there to help. This will help with their school work and in their future careers as well!

Sense of Self

We fully support encouraging our students to engage in group activities such as football, basketball, dance, etc. And while martial arts does include support from their fellow students and the backing of their teachers, martial arts also teaches them important lessons on how to be self-reliant. We all work together, but they will be taught self-discipline and how to defend themselves, as well as those around them. 

Working With Others

We’ve discussed our students learning how to defend or protect themselves, but that’s not something that is learned individually. One of the most beneficial aspects of our classes is for them to learn together. They work as a team, and we encourage them to pick their classmates up when times get hard. While self-discipline is incredibly important, working with your friends/classmates/loved ones is much more important. 

Healthy

In this time and age, there is no denying that most kids would prefer playing games on their phone or tablet and staying indoors. Yet, nothing compares to going out and participating in healthy activities with a group of people as encouraged as they are. Taking a class in martial arts will not only teach them to live a healthy lifestyle, but to enjoy it. Sure, it’s fun to play in a game, but teaching them how to protect themselves and enjoy a healthy lifestyle is only something that can be shown through one of our classes.

Coordination

The lessons that we teach through our classes also benefit them through other sports. They will learn the importance of balance, of thought, and of skill. No matter what sport  your child is a fan of, they will benefit so much from the lessons that we teach. Agility, discipline, coordination, and a strong sense of will are key. 

Fun

We know that a lot of what we’ve brought up has seemed a little intense, but what we mostly focus on here at Full Circle Martial Arts Academy in Capitol Heights is having our students have an awesome place to get some energy out, learn self-defense skills, and have some fun. We provide after school care, summer, and so many more programs. If they want to learn martial arts, we are here for them.

We care about the community, and we know that you do, too. We know that self-defense doesn’t only involve being prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones, but living an active lifestyle as well. Here at Full Circle Martial Arts Academy, our goal is to help create a better future, and that is exactly what we are doing. If you would like to learn more about the martial arts classes that we offer for kids in Capitol Heights, or if you would like would also like to learn, we offer a multitude of classes, including women’s self-defense, adult Kung Fu, online training classes, and so much more. 

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can rely on the most experienced trainers, a welcoming environment, and students just as excited to learn as you, or your child, is. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family. If you have any questions, have any more questions about the programs or classes that we offer, then go ahead and contact us today.

The post Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

At the start of the year, making New Year’s Resolutions are a standard tradition for many. It is a time to take stock of the past year and dream big for the new year. Yet only 8% of people successful complete their resolutions.

The six most common reasons for failing to meet resolutions are:

1. Not making it a priority or having a strong enough reason why
2. Getting discouraged if things don’t go perfectly from the start
3. Not having specific enough goals
4. Trying to do too many different activities at once
5. Not having the right mentors or support groups
6. Not tracking progress

Four of the most common resolutions include:

1. Losing weight and working out more
2. Spending more time with family
3. Being a nicer person
4. Learning something new

Training in the martial arts acts as a lynch-pin habit that allows you to conquer many goals at once. Learning martial arts at our school gives you an activity to do with your family. Martial arts training also burns lots of calories, makes you stronger and more flexible; while increasing coordination, discipline, confidence; and stamina. Our classes teach you self-defense and offer an amazing stress relief from the daily grind.

By setting your goal to achieve your black belt you eliminate the common reasons people fail to meet their resolutions.

1. By training in the martial arts you are able to meet multiple goals with as little as two classes per week which makes it easy to schedule as a priority.
2. At our school, you have the benefit of being training directly by our expert instructors eliminating the need for you to do anything but show up for class.
3. You are able to train at your own pace with a supportive environment of your fellow students.
4. Having a goal of black belt is a worthy goal that is a long term goal that is broken down into smaller more achievable goals by earning other belt levels first.
5. As you progress you learn new and exciting techniques, make great progress to your physical goals and develop a strong mind that will allow you to be successful in all areas of your life.

If you are a current student, make sure to recommit to becoming a black belt and don’t hesitate to ask us for help in achieving your goal. We are here for you.

If you would like more information on training in the martial arts and our latest New Year’s specials, click here.

The post The Ultimate New Year’s Resolution: Black Belt appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

It’s the holiday season and while our thoughts are of spending quality time with family, friends, gift giving, and good cheer; criminals are also celebrating their peak season to take advantage of those who let their guard down.

Keep yourself and family out of harm with these holiday safety tips:

Holiday Shopping

Beware of the petty thieves and robbers lurking in the malls and parking lots waiting to get their hands in your pockets. Robbers watch the news and read the paper to see where the big sales are going to be and then survey certain department stores and malls to see which ones have security and quick escape routes. Then they sit and wait for the race to begin.

• Consider shopping online from trusted websites
• Watch for counterfeit items and sales too good to be true
• Be aware of your surroundings while out at the malls and parking lots
• Try not to shop late at night and only park in well lighted areas
• Bring a friend or family member with you
• Stay off your cell phone, while shopping, so you can stay alert (including listening to music with headphones)
• Use your credit or debit cards and avoid carrying large sums of cash
• Do not wear expensive or flashy jewelry or watches
• Women carry your purse over your shoulder, pulled slightly to the front of your body (do not put it in your shopping cart)
• Place all items in the trunk of your vehicle to reduce your chance of being a “smash and grab” victim
• Keep your hands free when exciting the store (use a shopping cart to transport your bags to your vehicle)
• Keep your keys and cell phone in your pocket, so if your purse is stolen you can still call for help and get home
• Never leave your car running and unattended – even for a second

Identity Theft

Identity theft is actually the number one crime during the holiday season!

• When shopping online only do so from trusted websites
• Beware of email sales offers. Always make sure the links you click on go to the actual website and not something designed to look close. When in doubt type in the website address into your browser yourself.
• Shred any sensitive documents with your social security or account numbers before throwing them away
• Review your monthly statements, bank accounts and credit reports

Home Robberies

Home burglaries spike during the holidays with easy access to a pile of presents, new electronics, and families traveling out of town.

• Consider a home alarm monitoring service (and don’t forget to turn it on); have signs and stickers that show your house is protected by the service.
• Keep random lights on, if traveling you can get timer or smart tech bulbs that allow you to control the lights from your phone
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secure
• Close window curtains at night to avoid letting people see into your house
• Put away any easy to grab items that are high value like cash, jewelry, laptops or other electronics
• Get a dog or a fake motion sensor barking dog alarm (yes they really work to deter burglaries)
• Have packages delivered to your home with signature confirmation so they are not left unattended at your front door
• Only open the door to delivery services you can verify – look at their uniform, package tablet and there is a big UPS or FedEx truck in front of your house.

Holiday Scams

Scams are very common during the holidays, when criminals take advantage of our giving mood and trick us into giving money to a phony charity or to enter a fake sweepstakes. Always do your research and verify the charity is legitimate before giving any personal information or money. Here are the most common red flags according to the FTC:

• Refuses to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used.
• Won’t provide proof that a contribution is tax deductible.
• Uses a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization.
• Thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making.
• Uses high-pressure tactics like trying to get you to donate immediately, without giving you time to think about it and do your research.
• Asks for donations in cash or asks you to wire money.
• Offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately.
• Guarantees sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. By law, you never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.

Important Safety Tips

NEVER EVER go to another location with a criminal no matter what they say or even if they have a weapon. Always fight and run in these situations. Crime statistics overwhelming show that victims who go to another location are assaulted and killed.

This is why it is so important to always keep up your martial arts training. The martial arts is a perishable skill that you must keep practicing in order to be at your best. While our school offers many benefits through martial arts training, such as confidence, self-esteem, discipline, life skills, leadership development and weight loss; the core essence of the martial arts is to be able to defend oneself and loved ones.

See you in class and be safe! Not a member yet? Click here to learn more about our martial arts programs and holiday specials.

The post Holiday Safety Tips appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

Full Circle Family, just wanted to take a minute to congratulate all of our future leaders for achieving their next belt level. They are learning first hand that anything worth having is worth working for. From day one, they are taught the power of goal setting. Each belt represents a “mini goal”, with black belt being their ultimate goal. They are encouraged to celebrate each accomplishment to help keep the fire of achievement burning inside of them. This simple yet powerful life skill, goal setting, will inspire our future leaders to pursue their life goals…one step at a time.

The post It takes a village to raise a child appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

Congratulations to all students who are eligible to test this month. Please download your testing forms and return to the office as soon as possible.

• Test Candidate Letter – Little Ninjas
• Test Candidate Letter – Kung Fu
• Test Candidate Letter – Street Combat
• Intent to Promote Form

Kung Fu Test Candidates – Friday, Feb 27th @ 6:30pm

No Sash
Rashard Brown
Malachi Corcote
Frederick Ellis
Jonava Graham
Taraja Lawery
Marcus Singleton
David Surles
Jaedyn Williams
Kyre Williams
Lawrence Williams

White Sash
Jamar Provoid

Yellow Sash
Jamir Brooks
Darnell Hawkins
Justice Muhammad
Kairo Robb

Green Sash
Michael Hansford
Elijah Pittman

Blue Sash
Tyson Davis
Lante Evans
Burton Shields
Andrew Sical

Red Sash
Kevin Johnson
Kiran Tiwari

Red Sash w/Tip
Faatima Brown
Priel Felton
Omari Robinson
Keshan Tiwari
Jerome Webster

Brown Sash
Lenise Robinson

The post February 2015 Testing Candidates appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

Excellent test Street Combat!

White Sash: Ava Graham, Joshua King, Jayvon Taylor, Tayvon Taylor

Yellow Sash: Jonathan Cox

Green Sash: Donnie Wilkins

The post CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STREET COMBAT TEST CANDIDATES! appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

SHIFU PLAYER’S THEME WAS MAKESHIFT WEAPONS

The NBBC members had a great time learing makeshift lessons taught by Shifu Player. They simulated defending themselves using textboooks, soft-covered notebooks, magazines, umbrellas and belts. What an awesome training session!

The post NATIONAL BLACKBELT CLUB TRAINING appeared first on Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.

It was an excellent test!!

White Sash: Martha Apareceo, Jeremiah Dyson

Yellow Sash: Alexander Ellis, Dillon Ellis, Jordan Hatcher, Camden Ray-Crawford, Jamia Reed, Dwight Shanklin

Green Sash: Timothy Faulkner, Richard McCrae, Donovan Nabinett, Samuel Standard, Colby Thornton

Blue Sash: Mateo Abel, Kaiden Hudson, Isaiah Jones, Juanzel Staton

Red Sash: Dillion Gomillion

Brown Sash 1st tip: Joshua Denegall

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