Friday, August 29, 2014

Be a Better Student with Martial Arts

How to be a Better Student with Martial Arts
written by: Master McCorry



Every child dreams to be a champion. However, when we assess the performance of children, we can see that many kids are not able to do well in their class as their parents and teachers would wish them to do. In fact, most of these kids have great potential in something or other. If you place them in the right atmosphere which gives them enough positive strength, these kids will excel in their classroom and be champions. How can we make this possible? For this, we have to understand why kids do not do well in their studies at times.

What Makes Children Falter in Studies?
Time and again, educationists repeat that every child has aptitude in at least one field, and most children have the capability to do well in class. What makes our children falter in studies, then? A number of reasons are there. First of all, the unwieldy curriculum that gives only negligible space to extracurricular activities makes children despise studies. When they have too much to study, they do not just start dreading lessons, but become too tired to learn anything even if they wish to. Another reason for under performance is the apprehensions which hold children back. They start getting bothered by a number of thoughts – can I do as well as others in my class? Am I intelligent enough to learn this? Would I be able to finish this in time? – All these are negative thoughts that extinguish a child’s enthusiasm in studies. What kids need is something that can relieve the excess stress of classroom work and break its boredom.
How to be a Better Student through Martial Arts Martial arts have the capability to change your child’s life dramatically. There are many ways in which martial arts can help kids to be better at studies: 1. Martial arts can make kids sharp and fast-thinking. Through martial arts, children can improve their analytic, reasoning and comprehensive skills – faculties which will help them to perform better in class. 2. Martial arts is a good stress-relieving technique. Once the children find an outlet like martial arts to burn off their stress, they can concentrate on studies with a calmer mind. 3. Martial arts can give children enough physical strength so that they can tolerate long class hours without being tired in their body and mind. 4. Martial arts are good confidence-boosters. It will help children to overcome their apprehensions and perform confidently in classroom activities like seminars, paper presentations, projects and so on. 5. If your child chooses to practice martial arts after school, it will be an effective way to break the dullness of a long day in school and refresh him/her. 6. Martial arts instills in kids the positive energy they need to be better students.

Martial Art Lessons for Students at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy If you wish your child to be a better student through martial arts, Bruce McCorry’s Academy (Peabody, MA) has a number of professional and simple martial arts courses for you. There are a number of courses specially intended for students like the Afterschool Martial Art Program. These student-oriented martial art courses come with a number of advantages like structured syllabus, transport facility, brilliant teachers and a student-friendly campus. With schools to open soon, it is time to grab this chance and make your child a champion in his/her class! Call us today to get started
(978) 535-7878.

  www.brucemccorrys.com 


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Martial Arts for kids Peabody, MA

Martial Arts for Kids: A Remedy for Monotonous School Life
written by: Master McCorry
School: A Boring Place? HSSSE, a worth-noting High School Survey conducted by the Indiana University usually gets a place in news because it is carried out among more than 80000 children from twenty-six states over the US. An interesting observation made by the survey was that only less than 2% of the children who participated in the survey admitted to never being bored in high school. Though we may not generalize or assume this 2% as belonging to an intellectually superior minority that actually enjoy studies, it is still shocking to think that 98% of the students think of school as boring.
What Makes School Life Boring? Alvin Rosenfield, who used to head the department of Child Psychiatry at Stanford University, has made a famous observation that it is by the time children reach high school that many of them get bored with school. One of the reasons he points out for this is the tightly packed schedule in younger classes. If we think about it, we can add many more reasons as to why these children grow up never having the opportunity to cultivate a genuine interest in what they are asked to do at school. Just like tightly packed schedules, monotony and repetitiveness of studies can also be reasons. Even the few hours of physical activity or extra-curricular activities that a child gets in younger classes disappear by the time he/she reaches high school. Eventually, all that a child gets to do is lessons - the only thing from which he/she wishes to take a break.
Martial Arts: A Remedy for Monotony As the 21st century parents, it is more important for us to find a remedy for this problem. This is so because every day, class schedules are becoming more packed and more monotonous. A good extra-curricular activity like martial arts can break the monotony of dull school hours. In fact, it is beneficial for children to practice martial arts after school. After a whole day of exerting their mind to studies, every child deserves some fun physical activity that he/she can enjoy. Martial arts does not only dissipate boredom, but also invigorates the body and mind after school. In fact, it is one of those physical activities that provides maximum physical and mental benefits to kids. Health, immunity, self confidence and willpower are only some of the advantages that a martial art learner gets from his/her art. In every way, martial arts nourish and enhance the school life for children.
Martial Arts for Children at Peabody, MA Bruce McCorry’s Academy of Martial Arts is one of those academies that offer quality martial art lessons for children under the care of professionals. Bruce McCorry’s does not burden the children with sophisticated syllabus. Rather, kids get to learn a simple yet professional syllabus designed especially for beginners to the advanced, including all age groups. During the school months, Bruce McCorry’s has a special after school martial arts program that aims at the overall development of kids. There are also many other courses available and a Preschooler Program that makes martial arts for kids as unique as it can be. Bruce McCorry’s Classes are your opportunity to add fun and enjoyment to the school life of your children. Enroll today and experience the miracle of martial arts for kids!

Friday, August 22, 2014

After School Martial Arts Program

Back to School and After School Martial Arts Program
written by: Master McCorry
Studies show that stress among children is as dangerous as stress among adults. Just like the exam time, back-to-school time is one of those seasons of the year when stress peaks among children. It is a result of the fact that today’s children have a number of difficulties to face once they get back to school. While parents worry about back-to-school shopping and paying the fees, it is a different lot of problems that await children at school.
Classroom Challenges – The Dangers of Modern School Life What makes school a less friendly place for children compared to the previous decades? Factors are many. Like everything, education too has become commercialized, which naturally led to a highly competitive scenario in which only the fittest can survive. Even the recent global depression is proven to have increased the stress among children. The concerns of higher grades and better jobs are on the rise. Combined with this, children have other classroom worries as well. One in every four children in the US admits to having been bullied at least once in their lives, among which around 80% are victims of cyber bullying (Data by BullyingStatistics.org). Peer pressure is yet another demon. Family First Aid’s survey notes that one third of the 2500 teen drug addiction victims felt the pressure to fit in with their peers.
School life is not a bed of roses for the kids out there; and this shows how necessary it is to prepare them successfully for school. As it has been tried and discarded by one generation of mothers and fathers, admonition and advice is a poor way to equip your child for the school years. Martial Arts and Back-to-School Preparation Martial arts are highly beneficial for children in many ways. Above all, it is a wonderful way to prepare your child for the problems in school. Unlike other preparations, martial arts do not try to repair the harm that unhealthy school life does to your child. Instead, martial arts strengthens kids from within to face the difficult situations in life such as bullying and stress and prevent the harm before it is done.
There are many ways in which martial arts can prepare your child for the back-to-school days. It gives them the physical strength to keep up their energy levels during exhausting school days. Martial arts also help kids to remain calm within and relieve stress. It is one of those trainings that can give your child enough confidence, self-esteem and surety of thought which is of immense use in school life. Whether they find themselves challenged by bullies or tempted to do something due to peer pressure, martial arts gives them the courage to stick to their own identity and get over the negative influences.
Children’s Martial Arts at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy Unlike the usual personality development courses that claim to equip your kid for the school, martial arts is something solid and effective. Kids can continue martial arts in their free time even during school months. There are many institutions like Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Center that offer classes to suit the time schedules of school-going children. In Bruce McCorry’s Academy, there are programs like the After School Martial Arts and Summer Martial Arts programs aimed at preparing children for both school and life. Martial arts have a unique say in shaping your child’s future life – experience it today!



Saturday, August 16, 2014

Kickboxing,Cardio Kickboxing: History, Evolution


Kickboxing and Cardio Kickboxing: History, Evolution and Advantages
written by: Sandra LaRosa
The Birth of Kickboxing The roots of Kickboxing date back to a group of Asian martial arts, which came to be known by the name Muay Thai in Thailand around 1920s. Originally, Thailand was the place where Muay Thai was in vogue. During the late 50s and 60s, a Japanese martial artist named Osamu Nogachi studied Muay Thai deeply. He was also interested in full-contact Karate, which led him to foster a new art form fusing the elements of both. Kickboxing, as it later came to be known, is thus considered a Japanese art. Cardio Kickboxing: The Inception Traditional martial arts, which evolve out of heritage, usually start as self-defense trainings. Kickboxing, which was the result of conscious invention, was however different. From the beginning, Kickboxing was considered more of a sport. In the 1970s, Kickboxing gradually spread outside Japan, and made its entry to the US and Europe. Kickboxing was given a new meaning and aim by a US martial artist, Frank Thiboutot. His intention was to create a form of Kickboxing that would have the benefits of an exercise, especially for cardiac health. Thiboutot’s attempt to propagate Kickboxing with emphasis on health and fitness thus resulted in the birth of Cardio Kickboxing in 1992. The two decades – 1990s and 2000s – saw a boom in the popularity of Cardio Kickboxing, which martial art experts often consider a fitness mania. Scientific studies which proved the advantages of martial arts gave an impetus to the flowering of Cardio Kickboxing. Since the 2000s, Cardio Kickboxing has remained the favorite option of those who wish to get maximum fitness benefit through easy and quick workout sessions. Why Cardio Kickboxing: The Advantages The factor which makes Cardio Kickboxing stand apart among other martial arts is that it was devised specially for health and fitness. It has imbibed the outlook and efficiency of a modern workout while retaining the essence and traditional values of Muay Thai. Many patients with abnormal lipid levels, cholesterol irregularities and cardiac problems resort to Cardiac Kickboxing as an effective exercise under the advice of physicians. Kickboxing is also a good way to tackle lifestyle problems like obesity. American Council on Education points out how Cardio Kickboxing can burn up to 800 calories an hour. Even kids can learn it easily, and remain healthy from a young age itself.
Through Cardio Kickboxing, you get sharpened reflexes and improved cardiovascular health. It is equally efficient in reducing stress. Hormones like endorphin are lost when a person becomes stressed. Cardio Kickboxing can replenish them, says the American Fitness Professionals. Their report also shows how Cardio Kickboxing is one of the workouts that consume the least amount of time. Being a high-intensity exercise, Kickboxing does the job quicker than other workouts. Obviously, there is no surprise in Cardio Kickboxing remaining the workout of the decade.
Cardio Kickboxing Lessons in Massachusetts Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Center (Peabody MA) offers quality lessons in Cardio Kickboxing. The purpose of Kickboxing classes at Bruce McCorry’s is to let the learner experience the multifaceted advantages of the art including health, stress-relief and defense. From kids to senior citizens, all can join Bruce McCorry’s Kickboxing lessons. Efficient teachers and structured course make the academy special. Join today and learn Kickboxing under experts!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Tai-Chi: Origins, History, Benefits


Tai-Chi: Origins, History, Benefits
written by: Master McCorry
Milestones in the Development of Tai-Chi Tai-Chi Chuan, or Tai-Chi, is a traditional Chinese martial art with followers all over the world. The term Tai-Chi can be roughly translated to mean The Ultimate Fist. Tai-Chi is an art with a strong philosophical foundation, and its doctrine rests on the theories of life energy and the balance of good and evil, as can be seen in the Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist traditions.
Not surprisingly, monasteries were the birthplace of Tai-Chi. According to legends, its inventor was a half-mythical Taoist monk named Zhang Sanfeng. Myths apart, factual evidence shows that the ancestor of modern Tai-Chi was invented by a 17th century warrior, Chen Wangting. Tai-Chi, which remained a Chen family tradition till the 19th century, was first taught to an outsider by Chen Changxing, a successor of the inventor. His disciple Yang Luchan made Tai-Chi popular in China. It is interesting that the Yang family, who did not want the aggressive moves to be taught to oppressive regimes like the Manchus, kept the harsher forms of Tai-Chi to their family while teaching the softer aspects to outsiders. Thus Tai-Chi developed two parallel streams – the soft and the hard traditions. Different families added their own modifications to the Chen style. As a result, at present we have five schools of Tai-Chi which are known after the five great families who created them - the Chen, Yang, Wu-Hao, Wu-Jianquan and Sun styles. In the post-war era, when Chinese martial arts went viral all over the world, Tai-Chi too became a much loved martial art. The Benefits You Can Gain by Learning Tai-Chi 1. Tai-Chi for Health: The major factor behind the popularity of Tai-Chi is its medicinal value. In China, traditionally it is believed that Tai-Chi provides longevity. Modern studies show how Tai-Chi can control blood pressure, diabetes and lipid profile. It is also considered effective for arthritis, metabolic disorders and cardiac diseases. These findings corroborate with the Chinese belief that Tai-Chi prolongs life. 2. Tai-Chi for Fitness: Tai-Chi is acclaimed as a good workout that can burn calories quicker. Toned muscles, increased flexibility and a fit body are what a Tai-Chi learner earns with ease. 3. Tai-Chi for Mind: Taking care of yourself means taking care of your body as well as mind. There are many mental benefits of Tai-Chi, whichever age group you belong to. Children who learn Tai-Chi achieve a quick-thinking and reasoning mind. In kids, Tai-Chi sharpens memory, intellect and analytic skills. Adults, on the other hand, can get a calmer and stress-free mind through Tai-Chi. 4. Tai-Chi for Defense: Even the soft style of Tai-Chi can be used as a self-defense. Tai-Chi improves strength and confidence – a powerful combo when it comes to defense.
Learning Tai-Chi at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody, MA) There are 3.64 Million Tai-Chi artists in US according to Statista. Choosing a good martial art is the first step. However, choosing the right place to learn is equally significant. The Tai-Chi lessons at Bruce McCorry’s are unique because the academy has some of the best Tai-Chi masters in the US as the teachers. Also, Bruce McCorry’s is a place where your whole family can join without any age restriction. Each learner will find a program that suits his/her time and needs at Bruce McCorry’s. Admissions are open – enroll today!

Friday, August 8, 2014

History and Benefits of Taekwondo

An Overview of the History and Benefits of Taekwondo
written by: Master McCorry
Taekwondo through the Ages Taekwondo is a martial art that brought honor and pride to Korea in the international arena. Closely related to Korean culture and heritage, Taekwondo is an age-old art form whose origins can be traced back to the 6th century AD. Korea, then, was divided into three kingdoms with mutual rivalry. Chin Hueng, the ruler of one of these, formed a fighting troop for defending his kingdom. They were asked to practice an unarmed combat skill called SuBak. A Buddhist monk, Won Kang, was appointed to train the troop and he introduced philosophical base to SuBak. SuBak underwent many changes in the era that followed. Toward the end of the Yi reign, SuBak assimilated elements of Confucianism and Chinese influence. The prominent style of SuBak in vogue then was called TaeKyon. Later, when Japanese rule was established in Korea, the practice of TaeKyon was restricted to military. Japanese influence led to the branching of TaeKyon, causing numerous styles to evolve within it. With the liberation of Korea in 1945, the new government took initiative to unify these numerous arts such as SuBakGi, TaeKyon and Mooduk Kwon in 1946. The new standardized art was given the name Taekwondo, meaning the path of the foot and the fist. Korean Taekwondo Association was formed in 1962 and the World Taekwondo Federation in 1973. Taekwondo thus achieved the status of a globally popular martial art within 10 years. Taekwondo Today – The Advantages and Benefits At present, Taekwondo is a widely practiced martial art genre with its existence in 190 nations. US alone accounts for five million Taekwondo artists. Even recognized by the Olympics, it is a much sought-after martial art today. There are many advantages that you can gain from learning Taekwondo. 1. Benefits for Adults: Adults can achieve fitness, health and physical well-being through Taekwondo. Also, it has a great meditative quality that can reduce the stress caused by office work. 2. Benefits for Children: Learning Taekwondo in the growing-up phase can make a child physically fit for life. Taekwondo boosts a number of faculties such as memory, thinking ability, rationality and sense which children may find useful. It also fosters moral values, and helps to cope up with the problems in school like bullying and stress. Social skills also improve through learning Taekwondo. 3. Benefits for Women: At a time when violence against women is taking up much of the space in newspapers, it is important for women to learn a potent self-defense like Taekwondo. Also, Taekwondo can help women to cope up with the stress related to work and home. 4. Benefits for Seniors: Taekwondo is a good way for seniors to do away with the boredom and isolation of the life after retirement. Also, they will get the much needed exercise and health benefits from Taekwondo. Taekwondo will help seniors to remain young at heart and body even in their old age.
Taekwondo Sessions at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody, MA) offers a unique platform to learn Taekwondo, which is open for people of every age-group. Whether you are a preschooler or a senior, you will find a program in Bruce McCorry’s that suits your needs and aptitude. You can also join the academy as a family. Children have special afterschool and summer programs, in which they can learn Taekwondo while enjoying many other fun activities. To learn and enjoy the benefits of true professional Taekwondo and other marital art programs, come to Bruce McCorry’s Academy! Admissions are open now.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Kung Fu: Origin, History and Benefits


Kung Fu: Origin, History and Benefits
written by: Master McCorry

How Kung Fu Came into Being
Though Kung Fu has become popular throughout the world, it is a martial art that keeps the essence of Chinese tradition at its core. As defense techniques, Chinese martial arts took birth during the ancient quasi-legendary Xia dynasty under the reign of mythical King Huang Di, who promoted them as an essential skill to be used in battles. Many of the rulers who followed kept these combat techniques as a core strategy in their defense planning. During the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, these rudimentary Chinese arts got consolidated to a somewhat modern form called Wushu, also known as Kung Fu.
Bodhidharma
Throughout the centuries, these arts imbibed the Chinese philosophies, traditions and religious heritage, which led to their expansion beyond the original aim of defense. Kung Fu, in its modernized form, developed a philosophical base of its own. There was also focus on the peaceful aspects of the art, and a subsequent reduction in the aggressive defense aspects. Elementary forms of Kung Fu were taught since its origins in Shaolin Temple, a famous Buddhist monastery of China. The many forms taught there were refined by a monk named Bodhidharma. The new style became renowned as Shaolin Kung Fu. Gradually Kung Fu started becoming popular and numerous branches, sub-branches and styles developed with subtle differences.

Bruce McCorry at the Shaolin Temple
Learning Kung Fu: The Benefits Today, Kung Fu is one of the most admired martial arts of the world. It has found aspirants, learners and teachers all over the globe. This journey of Kung Fu from the status of a combat technique to a globally-loved martial art is not without reasons. There are many reasons why new learners are attracted to Kung Fu.
· Kung Fu for Fitness: Kung Fu burns off calories faster than many other workouts. It can give you a toned and fit body as it redistributes accumulated fat to where the body needs it.

· Kung Fu for Health: Kung Fu reduces the chance of lifestyle diseases. It boosts overall health by improving blood circulation, cardiac health and immunity.

· Kung Fu for Defense: Though it is not as defense-oriented as it used to be, Kung Fu can still help you out of a danger. You can protect yourselves by learning new moves as well as enhancing physical strength.

· Kung Fu for Self-Esteem: Martial arts in general, and Kung Fu in particular, have been proven to increase self-confidence and self-worth.

· Kung Fu for a Calm Life: Kung Fu reduces stress and does the benefit of a meditation. You can use Kung Fu to sooth yourself and prepare for another day effectively.
Choose Bruce McCorry’s Academy for Quality Kung Fu Lessons Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody MA) offers Kung Fu lessons that are aimed at the inclusive development of the learner. The lessons at Bruce McCorry’s concentrate on how a student’s natural abilities can be boosted with learnt movements of hands and knees. The classes at Bruce McCorry’s follow a comprehensive approach that includes the basic moves of Kung Fu, hand-based and weapon-based styles, an introduction to the historical and philosophical aspects, as well as meditative sessions. Experience the goodness of professional Kung Fu at Bruce McCorry’s Academy!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Self-Defense to Prevent Bullying

Self-Defense to Prevent Bullying: The Martial Arts Way
written by: Master McCorry
On the eve of 31st July, the Twitter users around the world were amused to see 'Tomorrow is August' trending. It turned out to be a trend made up of the tweets of schoolchildren worldwide, who realized that school was just a month away. Apart from the usual complaints and jokes on Twitter, it sadly points out how our children have started dreading school. If we think about it, this does not come as a surprise. Unlike the old times, it is not only the summer homework and exams that make children dread school.
The most recent statistics in the United States shows that the percentage of bullying incidents reported in 2014 was 83% and 79% in girls and boys respectively. This includes both 'real life bullying' as well as the newer and more destructive cyber bullying. This report by the Health and Human Service Department (DHHS) is not a happy read for the parents who are getting ready to send their children to school in a month. It shows how important it is to teach children to defend themselves.
An Easy-to-Master Self Defense: Martial Arts There are many benefits of learning martial arts, including health, immunity and mental development. Beyond all that, martial arts is the best self-defense training. It can be used to combat bullying. Defending oneself from bullying does not just mean being physically stronger. Of course, martial arts make children stronger. More than that, martial arts gives them the self-confidence and courage to stand up for themselves and their friends. It is proven by psychologists that martial arts can encourage positive feelings like self-esteem, courage and optimism. When kids have these qualities along with the basic physical skill for self-defense, no one can take advantage of them.
Eventually, bullying is not just the one challenge that awaits children at school. There are many of them – peer pressure, stress from class work, competitive atmosphere and exhausting school hours. Martial arts can aid children in surpassing each of these hurdles. It can help them to assert themselves positively and work without stress. Martial arts can also prevent the usual teenage worries including the concerns of growing up. Afterschool Martial Arts at Bruce McCorry’s Afterschool martial arts lessons are a fitting and practical way to learn martial arts. It is suitable because it does not take up the precious weekend time of children. It is practical, because afterschool hours are the right time for children to engage in something relaxing and stress-busting. An hour of martial arts will refresh them after their school.
The Afterschool Martial Arts Program (AMP) is a notable venture by the Bruce McCorry’s academy. With a structured syllabus that is nationally recognized, AMP is a good alternative for the common afterschool care systems. Children can learn something unique, and their thought process will broaden as a result of the interaction with seniors and instructors. Bruce McCorry's offers transport facility from the school to the Bruce McCorry’s campus, which is an added benefit. In Bruce McCorry’s afterschool program, the teachers target the comprehensive development of the health and character of the child. Admissions are now open to the program, with a new syllabus refined by experts. 

Learn martial arts at Bruce McCorry’s and learn how to stand up to bullying with Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts Afterschool Program as well as all their other martial art programs tailored to both children and adults.   www.BruceMcCorrys.com