Teachers Cancel Extra Curricular Activities – while Local Businesses do what they can to help pick up the slack.
Ottawa students upset over cancellation of extracurricular activities.
Ottawa schools are in danger of losing students extra curricular activities. Ten local High schools have already canceled their entire fall programs because of the ongoing labour dispute between the Ontario provincial government and teachers.
A local Martial Arts school has pledged to allow for a 25% increase in student enrolment numbers this fall to offset the cancellation of extracurricular activities at local High schools near Westboro and Barrhaven. They are offering many programs specifically geared to engage and challenge teens while stressing the importance of academic achievement. Some of the more popular programs for teens are BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Kickboxing classes. They have increased the number of staff and instructors to facilitate extra students affected by the cancellations of the fall extra curricular activities due to ongoing labour dispute between the Ontario government and teachers.
K2 Martial Arts is committed to supporting teens throughout our community and in addition to increasing the number of spots available in their extra curricular programs they are subsidizing the regular tuition costs with significant student discounts.
If you know of any children who have been affected by the cancellation of after school extra curricular activities, you can contact us by phone 613 725 5577(Ottawa) 613 843 7878(Barrhaven) or email info@martialartsottawa.com
Overcoming Nerves and Anxiety through Karate
Nearly 50% of North Americans feel overly nervous and anxious.
Nearly half of the North American adult population would describe themselves as nervous and anxious. This is an issue that most people and for that matter most Karate schools overlook. Have you ever felt shy or a little nervous about a trying something new? It’s quite normal for people to be even more hesitant the older we get. Maybe the reason we’re reluctant to try new things is because as we get older the collective amount of negative experiences associated with the risk of being adventurous we have gathered weighs us down.
Think about it for a second; everyone has an emotional bank account full of negative credit caused by taking risks, starting with our first attempt at riding a bicycle and earning a skinned knee.
Our first venture on public transportation and missing our stop or taking the wrong route and inadvertently participating in a four-hour tour of the city. Learning to skate and more likely learning to fall on our backside.
Our first attempt at cooking with disastrous culinary consequences, and a kitchen filled with enough smoke to set off every alarm in the house. Our first attempt to join a club or after-school activity like drama or football and not making the team because we were too small or too shy. Our first date that we awkwardly bumble our way through, with our tongues tied saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
The first day at a new job where we embarrass ourselves by not being able to work the simplest of machines like the archaic, temperamental photocopier that has to be nudged just so, in order to perform, and no one bothers to tell you. The list goes on and on, and as we get older many of us have accumulated so many negative experiences associated with risk that it paralyzes our progress and personal development. Oh I know, there’s the natural “Daredevils” out there, that are always on the move, jumping from one thrill to the next, or the “Midas” people who seem to have been born with a lucky horseshoe up there and everything seems to always work out just so perfectly for them. Those Daredevils and Midas people are few and far between. The vast majority of people are held back to some degree by the fears and insecurities they’ve developed through all the negative learning experiences accumulated. That’s why so many adults never try new activities like martial arts and who can blame them? These sports are naturally geared toward risk takers like the daredevils and most martial art schools are just fine with that. In fact they often only highlight their top students and most skilled competitors not realizing that the average person isn’t like that.
Here at K2 Martial Arts we understand the challenges that regular people face. We know it’s difficult as an adult to take a risk and try a new activity like Karate or Kung-Fu. We specialize in introducing people to Martial Arts in a very friendly, non-stressful way. We know how to take people by the hand and guide them through the initial hurdles regarding learning to take those risks. We also understand that it’s essential to help people who’ve been bogged down by their insecurities overcome them and to take back the reins of their lives. If you ever thought about taking martial arts like MMA, BJJ, Judo or Tae Kwon do, but have been too nervous to do so, please set those fears aside and trust us to help you take those steps in a positive and supportive environment.
In this Video you’ll meet Sammi Lu (Ottawa,On), he was initially very shy, but now he’s loving it!
Joe Rogan Promoted to BJJ Black Belt under Machado
Joe Rogan and Professor JeanJacques Machado
For many of us around the world Joe Rogan is best known for being the colour commenter for the UFC. He’s a fantastic asset to the UFC organization and a great entertainer. He’s been the host of ‘Fear Factor’ and has starred in sitcoms such as ‘News Radio’ . Although extremely entertaining as Joe Rogan is, there is another side to his persona. He is an avid BJJ enthusiast training under the tutelage of Eddie Bravo, another JeanJacques Machado Black Belt. Joe earned a ‘nogi’ black belt grading under Eddie Bravo earlier this year and now has just been promoted to a ‘Gi” BJJ black belt with Jean Jacques Machado. We are really impressed with Joe’s accomplishments inside the Octagon helping promote and grow a fantastic sport, and we are equally impressed with his accomplishments outside the Octagon by earning a BJJ Black Belt with Professor Jean Jacques Machado.
We just recently had a visit this past May by professor Jean Jacques Machado and can honestly say he is one of the most inspirational and technical BJJ practitioners on the planet. We are thrilled to be associated with a man of his talent and stature.
Jean Jacques Machado and Renshi Scott enjoying downtime after his May 2012 seminar in Ottawa Canada
Back to School with an ‘A’ plus Attitude
Building an Academic Champion!
Getting off on the right foot is critical for children to help them realize a successful school experience. At K2 Martial Arts we understand that academic achievement is an essential part of every child’s overall success. We believe that children who do well in sports like Martial Arts including Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, and Tae kwon do, should be able to transcribe the discipline and focus developed in the Martial Arts to every aspect of their lives, especially academically. Unfortunately many sports and clubs don’t put the necessary attention and emphasis on how these activities relate to academics. Here at K2 Martial Arts, we have developed proven methods to help children increase their ability to focus. We have systems and structures in place to help build in children, a senses of self-discipline an instill in them a sense of personal responsibility. These systems and methods have been so successful that we have witnessed first hand tremendous results within our school. Our current students have enjoyed and increase in academic performance and achievement directly linked to our programs an curriculum. It’s time for us to share these astonishing results with our community. We are hosting a BACK TO SCHOOL workshop to help children increase focus and develop the necessary self-discipline to take on the new school year and become a scholastic CHAMPION’s! We realize that there is a balance to life, a sort of ‘Ying Yang’ , hard work meets radical fun, component to life. That’s why we are offering a FREE workshop to help All children learn how to be academic stars. This specialize workshop will be headed off with our World Famous PANCAKE breakfast and followed by an interactive class designed to develop a winning ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ attitude. 
We’ll be opening our doors Saturday September 22nd and 9 am to all who feel they can benefit from this amazing workshop. Pancakes will be served and incredible class on developing focus and self-discipline will be taught, and children will leave richer for the experience. If you have any questions or you would like to register please call 613 725 5577 or email martialartsottawa@gmail.com.
Let’s make this the best year yet for our children.
Cutting hair for Locks of Love
Grace Taylor cuts Hair for Locks Of Love
Leadership Team Member Grace Taylor Donates her hair to ‘Locks of Love’
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses provided help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.
Before
After
Harry Potter Teaches Valuable Life Lesson
There are many underlining themes throughout the Harry Potter series, and possibly one of the most powerful and often overlooked is the theme of loyalty. Loyalty to friends and family is a character trait that we love to promote in martial arts. Loyalty means being able to count on your friends when the chips are down. When things don’t go according to plan and sometimes completely wrong, you know you can count on your friends to be there to help. The great thing about loyalty is that it is a two way street. This means that you will be there for your friends, but they will also be there for you when you need them.
What should I do when my child doesn’t want to stay committed to an activity?
There are many schools of thought on whether or not to force a commitment from a child, or adult, for that matter. No matter which side of the fence you are on, there are some steps that should be taken to help reinforce commitment.
Prior to having challenges, there are a few things that can be done to help avoid this quitter situation in the first place.
First, prior to starting any program, get the child’s buy-in. Make sure the child knows what the commitment is and have him or her verbalize it back to you. This will allow you to reflect back on the promise made at a later date. Second, have a regular schedule. This, too, will help reinforce any commitment challenges (i.e., “It’s our commitment to go to practice every Tuesday and Wednesday).
Always reward their commitment. For example, make sure you congratulate your son or daughter regularly for attending classes on a regular basis. Also, participate when possible. This should be done in more ways than one. If there are parent/child events,
it’s important that you participate with your child. Not only will you build a bond with your child, but it will also help reinforce the importance of the commitment made.
The other way to participate is to take part in activities put on by the business or school. These help keep everyone interested. Encourage your child to make friends. The more a child is anchored to a program by having friends and family involved, the less likely he or she will quit.
Finally, don’t just give in. On occasions, it’s okay to take a break from a class or an event, but make sure there is a follow-up commitment and stick to it at all cost. For example, “If you take off from class on Tuesday, I expect you to go to class on Wednesday instead. Can we agree on that?” This is a great way to prepare your child for many of the commitments he or she will take on throughout life.
The Greatest and Most Challenging Vocation of ALL time!
Mom’s And Dad’s are definitely the best! After every martial arts testing day we always take a moment to reflect with the children in class on how much we accomplished and who we should be grateful to. We remind the children of the contribution our parents play in support of our Jiu-jitsu achievements. Parents make sure we eat properly and have nutritious snacks so we can kick and punch to our hearts delight. Our parents help us manage our time and tasks to ensure we get to or Martial Arts class in a timely fashion. Our parents keep our Karate uniforms and Kung Fu equipment clean and in good repair. Our parents make sure we go to bed and have the proper amount of rest in order to fully participate in the following days activities. Our parents certainly do a lot for us, if you think about it, it’s definitely the greatest and most challenging job of all time!
Did you ever sit down and think about your job description as a parent or guardian? If not, read this and see if it fits your job duties:
Position Available:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa
Job Description:
Long-term team players needed for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work varied hours, which will include ….evenings, weekends, and frequent 24-hour shifts.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.
Responsibilities:
For the rest of your life: Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets, and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and embarrassed the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half-million cheap, plastic toys and battery-operated devices.
Must always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
Possibility for Advancement & Promotion:
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retaining and updating your skills so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
Previous Experience:
None required, unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
Wages and Compensation:
Get this! You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses!
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
Benefits:
Does not include the following benefits: health or dental insurance, pension, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, or stock options.
Does include:
limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life, if you play your cards right.
If you are fortunate enough, you will become a grandparent and can then work an entire new job description.
On behalf of every child across the globe we would like to thank all parents for the unbelievable job they do!