Don't Be a Negative Nellie!

We all make mistakes (just look at the Monday Night Buffalo Bills game against the Jets… ugh, ugh and UGH). I mean, we make mistakes every day and at any time. And when we make these mistakes, we can be awfully hard on ourselves, right? I mean, how many times have you said to yourself (mentally or out loud)… “You’re such an idiot” or, “Can’t believe you did that.” Too many times to count.

With that kind of self-talk who needs negative nellies or critics. We can bully ourselves just fine. And while many of us just pass off the mistake (and our reaction) as a fleeting moment of stupidity, negative talk like that does linger. It affects:

Our mood. Everything now seems harder to do.

Our actions. How we react to the mistake.

Our self-image. Maybe we are actually stupid?

But that’s all happening internally. What happens externally when you talk bad to yourself out loud.

Coworkers may begin to see you as less sure of yourself. Question your leadership. Friends might avoid you more as you dampen a mood. And your kids… well, they may just begin to adopt that negative talk, too. They are — after all — little sponges that soak up all we say and do.

So, how can you take down your inner critic?

Change the intensity of your language. Instead of saying “stupid” use “challenging.”

Don’t exaggerate your mistakes. It’s just one Moment… not the end of the world.

Give your internal bully a nickname. Separate those thoughts from the real you.

Think like a friend. Would your best friend talk to you that way? No? Then don’t talk to yourself that way.

There’s an old saying, “you are what you eat.” Well… you are what you think. So go easy on yourself. Talk positive and turn that inner critic into your own personal champion of positivity.

Sparring Excellence: SorSU Taekwondo Student vs. Student Showdown!

Dress Like it Matters

Street Clothes Week… it’s a student favorite at The Martial Arts Studio. Why? Because students don’t have to change into a uniform (a.k.a. Gi) before coming to class. They can train just as they are. And one less step is easier. Everyone likes easier.

But what’s the purpose behind Street Clothes Week? Well, chances are you’re not going to get in a fight while leaving martial arts class. Nope. Most likely something would happen while you’re out and about in regular clothes. So, you have to know what it feels like to throw that Front Kick in jeans. Or, how having a jacket on may affect your ability to get out of an arm grab. Makes sense, right.

But now, you’re probably asking yourself… OK if we’re not going to be wearing a martial arts uniform when being attacked, why wear one for training at all? Good question. And the answer probably isn’t what you think (like… because it’s traditional). We wear uniforms because it puts you in the right MINDSET for what’s about to happen… training. 

See, what we wear sends a message… to ourselves and to others. Wearing bunny slippers and a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirt to work tells your boss that (1) you’re not going to take the day’s responsibilities seriously, and (2) you (hopefully) don’t have any in-person meetings that day. And, to your brain that outfit says, “I don’t really want to be here and am only going to do what I have to in order to make it through the day.”

How you dress sets the tone for not only how you think, but what you do. Dressing with a purpose gives you purpose.

So, that's why we train in uniforms. Not because they look cool ('cause they do), but putting on a uniform get you in the right head space for what's about to happen. Mindset matters.

Self Defense Classes VS. Martial Arts Training

You're searching for a way to ensure your own safety and that of your loved ones. You want to learn how to defend yourself, but you don't know where to start. Do you take self-defense classes or train in the martial arts? Good question. It can be difficult to determine the differences between these two disciplines, as they share many common traits. ​

​So, let’s take a moment and...

Define the differences between self-defense and martial arts.

 Explore what makes them similar and how those commonalities allow us to benefit from both types of training.

Discuss what training is best for you.

One of the BIG similarities between self-defense and martial arts training is they build self-confidence. In Self-defense, learning how to (1) identify potential attackers, (2) be aware of your surroundings/possible dangerous situations (3) employ de-escalation techniques and (4) use basic physical techniques to defend yourself, will not only build confidence but also help instill a sense of personal safety that will serve you for the rest of your life. With the Martial Arts, having (1) an arsenal of techniques, (2) developed danger instincts, and (3) combat training, will help you to trust yourself to make quick, effective decisions in any situation. Fear will not rule you. —--------------------------------------------------- ​ Which type of training is better for me? Well, that honestly depends on what you want/need. If you’re simply looking to keep yourself safe while walking home from class, or protect your family while on vacation, then taking a basic Self-defense class (seminar) may be all that you need. But if you’re looking to take protecting yourself to a deeper/more effective level, then martial arts may be the best choice. Studying the martial arts will help you to:

By the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of both disciplines and be able to decide what type of training is best suited for you and your family.. Let's get started! —--------------------------------------------------- What are the differences between self-defense and martial arts? When it comes to self-defense and martial arts, understanding the differences between the two is key to finding what works best for you. While the two terms are often interchanged, they represent two very distinct concepts. Self-Defense Training At a basic level, self-defense training focuses on avoiding helping you to avoid danger and defending yourself without the use of force... at first. Self-defense training includes techniques such as (1) situational awareness.. (2) de-escalation tactics... and (3) physical countermeasures like blocking and evasive maneuvers. It is more about DEFENSE. Using your body in strategic ways to fend off an attacker when force is necessary. Martial Arts Training Martial arts training, on the other hand, is geared more towards the fight. Like learning specific techniques for combat... often for sport or competition. It also involves greater physical conditioning as well as muscle memory drills to help practitioners execute their techniques with precision and speed. Overall, martial arts training seeks out physical contact and is more geared towards developing a person’s physical prowess in order to beat an opponent. It's important to note that while there are differences between self-defense and martial arts training, both styles focus mainly on personal safety. The primary difference lies in their goals... self-defense training focuses more on avoiding the fight while martial arts training focuses on what to do when fighting. ​ —--------------------------------------------------- So how is self-defense and martial arts training similar? You might be asking yourself, how does martial arts relate to self-defense? While there are obvious physical similarities. Both require you to learn...

● Basics of kicking and punching. ● How to recognize (be aware) and assess a threat. ● Target parts of the body. ● Confident mindset

One of the BIG similarities between self-defense and martial arts training is they build self-confidence. In Self-defense, learning how to (1) identify potential attackers, (2) be aware of your surroundings/possible dangerous situations (3) employ de-escalation techniques and (4) use basic physical techniques to defend yourself, will not only build confidence but also help instill a sense of personal safety that will serve you for the rest of your life. With the Martial Arts, having (1) an arsenal of techniques, (2) developed danger instincts, and (3) combat training, will help you to trust yourself to make quick, effective decisions in any situation. Fear will not rule you. —--------------------------------------------------- ​ Which type of training is better for me? Well, that honestly depends on what you want/need. If you’re simply looking to keep yourself safe while walking home from class, or protect your family while on vacation, then taking a basic Self-defense class (seminar) may be all that you need. But if you’re looking to take protecting yourself to a deeper/more effective level, then martial arts may be the best choice. Studying the martial arts will help you to:

Develop more techniques. In martial arts, the focus is often more on technique than pure strength. Learning techniques such as leverage and body position can give you an edge in self-defense.

Move better. Martial artists practice evasive movement techniques – like dodging and weaving – to stay out of their opponent's reach or strike from a better angle. You can use these same skills in self-defense for quick escapes or even counterattacks.

Develop timing. Timing – knowing when to dodge, block or strike your enemy – is important in martial arts. If you can get the timing right, it can help you use minimal energy while defending yourself more effectively.

Understand energy. There's more than just physical energy at work in martial arts. By understanding and harnessing your mental energy – namely focus, determination and fearlessness – you too, will become a force to be reckoned with in any self-defense situation.

At the end of the day, your self-defense skills will improve dramatically if you combine them with one or more martial arts disciplines. SPECIAL NOTE on Self-Defense vs. Martial Arts Training for Women While martial arts training is for everyone, 85% of the people who seek out training are men. Why? Women tend to avoid conflict... especially physical combat. And martial arts training does include sparring, fighting and close proximity. So, self-defense classes are a good option for women who aren’t comfortable with the up-close physical contact and fighting techniques of the martial arts. They will empower you. Get you in that confident (and positive mindset). And in time could lead to wanting more... like the greater self-defense skill set learned with martial arts training. —--------------------------------------------------- In Conclusion... Both self-defense classes and martial arts training will give you the skill set and confidence you need to defend yourself and your family. When it comes to choosing which path to take, well it simply comes down to choice (and maybe, time). There is no wrong answer... other than not training at all.