Thursday, September 22, 2011

Stranger Danger: Awareness can change the end result

"THE MAGIC WORD" - The magic word is a code word that a parent shares with their child that is special between them. (Note that I said share and didn't use "secret word" This is important since kids are taught not to have secrets with adults) No one is to know this word other than the parent and the child. It is used as a code for certain circumstances. For instance if a parent is sick and has someone pick up the child from school the child is taught that they are to only go with that person if the person knows the "Magic Word." For example. if the word is computer and the child was approached by someone who said that "Your Mom wanted me to pick you up and give you a ride home." The child would respond "What's the magic word?" If the person didn't say computer the child is taught to run and get away. Once they get away, they should seek help, go where there are other people or call 911.

Review these points with your children. Make sure all the kids can answer them without hesitating.

Q: What is a stranger?
A: Anyone we don't know. Even if we have seen them before.

Q: Do we ever accept candy or other gifts from strangers?
A: NO! NEVER!

Q: Do we ever open doors for strangers? Example: A stranger holding packages asks you to open their car door.
A: NO! NEVER!

Q: Do we ever go hear or get into a strange car for any reason?
A: NO! NEVER! WE TURN AWAY AND LEAVE!

Q: Do we ever take a ride from a stranger who tells you your parents sent them to pick you up?
A: NO! NEVER! WE LEAVE AND GO WHERE THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE!

Q: If we are followed on foot or by a care what do we do?
A: WE GO WHERE THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE! WE NEVER RUN AND HIDE!

Q: Do we ever go into anyone's house without our parent's permission?
A: NO! NEVER!



SOURCE: West Coast Martial Arts El Dorado Hills Open House Event

Eliot Kelly
"Simple awareness can be very beneficial. Don't be ignorant of these tips."

Tips on Bully Proof

- Look Confident -
Don't look scared or frightened.
- Speak Up -
Tell the bully what you think of what's going on. Try saying, "that's not funny. Let's get out of here." Or something similar. You can even help stand up for another friend.
- Be a Friend -
 When kids go somewhere without their friends, they are more likely to get picked on by a bully. If you see someone being picked on, even if you don't know the person, be a friend and ask the kids to walk away from the bully with you.
- Get an Adult -
 If you see someone being bullied, get an adult. Tell the adult what is going on or ask the adult to talk to the kids who is being bullied.
- Always Tell an Adult -
If you are bullied or threatened you should always tell an adult. Even if the bully says, "Don't tell anyone or else!" You should always tell a parent or teacher. 


SOURCE: West Coast Martial Arts EDH OPEN HOUSE EVENT


Eliot Kelly
"Bullying is a serious issue. Deal with it right away!"

Thursday, September 15, 2011

3 Steps to Learn Jiu-Jitsu Faster

While teaching a kids class I realized the initial learning process of a technique could be broken down into three critical steps. Observe. Visualize. Duplicate. Each step can definitely be broken down further, but today we will just touch on outlining these three components. If a student is mature enough (middle/high school) it might do them some good to outline these three steps with them so they know where their energy needs to go at each stage.

STEP 1: OBSERVE
Regardless of whether you are watching competition or technical instruction, this step is critical when trying to acquire a technique. Many times our observation is only from one angle so if you have the luxury of moving around to catch multiple views during instruction I would highly recommend doing so. It is also possible to observe with the body, and have the technique done to you. This is another great way to observe where the pressure is coming and going. In general, we will make most of our observations with the eyes. While you are observing, you should be taking (mental) notes of what is going on without thinking of contradictions (How I learned it before, differences in words used). Internalize the observation of the moment and address the contradictions at a later time. This is your first step to the duplication of the technique, and a good teacher should be showing you the exact way to successfully perform the technique in battle. Therefore you should be doing your best to copy their exact movement.

STEP 2: VISUALIZE
This step is usually overlooked in the learning process. However, visualization is one of the most powerful tools to quickly internalize a technique. In some instances it might be occurring at the same time as you are observing. A good way to differentiate the first two steps is realize that observation is physical (happening with the eyes and body), while visualization is mental (a mental re-creation of the observed scene). Visualization is a great way to review the material covered from the previous class. All you need to do is sit down, close your eyes, and focus on creating a step by step imagery of what you learned in class. 

STEP 3: DUPLICATE
What does it mean to make a duplicate of something? Every student should initially strive to duplicate the technique they are learning. This means, exact placement of the hands, exact movement of the head/body/hips, and exact position from start to finish. A slower, step-by-step approach is probably best when first starting out. As you get used to the movement, adding speed and resistance is good, but stop and slow down if you are unable to duplicate the technique while going faster. If you are learning the exact technique that has been tested in battle then it's very important to be replicating that movement. You may find that you have learned the same thing a different way. That's good, but don't mix and match the technique. Treat them as different moves, and reflect on the similarities at a later time. Right now you should only be focused on duplication!


Key words to remember:
- Observe. Observe (with the eyes). 
- Visualize. Visualize (with the mind). 
- Duplicate. Duplicate (with the body).


Eliot Kelly 
"Observe. Visualize. Duplicate."

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Deep Thoughts

Several months ago I learned the power of the word HONOR from a decorated Marine and honorable friend. At the time, we were talking about many things and pushing each other into deep thoughts. Here is a little insight into our conversation...
Deep thoughts
The greatest handicap
FEAR

The best day
TODAY

The easiest thing to do
SEE FAULT

Most useless asset
PRIDE

The greatest mistake
GIVING UP

Greatest stumbling block
EGOTISM

The greatest comfort
WORK WELL DONE

Most disagreeable person
THE COMPLAINER

Worst bankruptcy
LOSS OF ENTHUSIASM

Greatest need
COMMON SENSE

Meanest feeling
ENVY

Best gift
FORGIVENESS

Greatest knowledge
GOD

Three gifts from GOD
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE

What is the difference between PRIDE and HONOR? There are good things that come with pride, but sometimes there is confusion with this word. What about using the word honor instead. A great way to use the word honor is to use the word as an adjective: HONORABLE. There is no confusion about how someone should conduct themselves when using this word. Instead of simply having honor, we challenge you to be honorable in your actions.

Eliot Kelly
El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
"Be Honorable"

SOURCE:
Eternal Warrior Wrestling Camp Devotional