Children can benefit from yoga for the same reasons adults can, and they sure do love to practice yoga with their parents!

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Here are just some of the many benefits of yoga:

• Increases flexibility (less injuries)
• Increases strength
• Improves balance
• Relieves stress
• Builds self esteem
• Develops motivation
• Improves concentration
• Builds awareness
• Facilitates calmness
• Improves posture
• Improves attitude
• Promotes healthy living
• Develops listening skills
• Improves digestion
• Improves coordination
• Helps maintain an efficient metabolism

If these were not enough reasons to introduce your child to yoga, here are more:

• Yoga is not competitive
• It does not matter what level a child is at to reap the benefits
• A child does not have to be athletic to practice
• A child does not have to be flexible (flexibility improves with regular practice)
• Yoga is something parents can do with their children.
• Yoga is fun!

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1. Take a Hike – Whether you take the dog on a brisk walk through your own neighborhood or head out to a trail to hike, walking will always be one of the best ways to get in shape. Make it extra fun by collecting leaves and flowers to press.
2. Take a Class – Sign up for a family exercise class together, like aerobics, swimming, kick boxing -  you name it. Check out what your local YMCA has to offer.
3. Plan an Adventure Trip – Pick a theme like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, fishing and more, and plan a trip around it. There are plenty of companies out there who organize all inclusive adventure trips for families.
4. Get on Your Bike - There’s nothing like a long bike ride. You can even pack a healthy picnic to make a special day out of it.
5. Clean it Up -  Pick a project to do at home, and find a way to make it fun. Clean the garage, paint a room, go through old boxes in the attic and reorganize.
6. Make a Splash – Have a water balloon or water gun fight, take a swim, get a Slip and Slide, run through the sprinkler!
7. Do Some Sightseeing – Plan a long day in your hometown or nearest large city and see the sights. Walk everywhere you can, and take stairs rather than elevators wherever you go.
8. Blast Your Favorite Music – And then dance to it!
9. Put on Your Gardening Gloves – Gardening can give you a great workout! All that digging, moving dirt, plants and large pots will get you fit in no time. Then you can enjoy the fruits of your labor down the road – eating your healthy, homegrown veggies.
10. Sign up for a Charity Event – Run or Walk for a Charity event. Before you go, you’ll need to get some practice in to get in shape for the big day. You can even set some goals as far as your time to finish and work toward that goal together every day.

How did each of you get started in karate?

(Doug) I started in karate as a kid in Ohio.  My uncle owned multiple Kenpo Karate schools throughout the area and I trained extensively, earning my first black belt at the age of sixteen.  For years I trained and taught with my Uncle until I left for college.  I regained my passion for the martial arts many years later, when my own son was old enough to train in karate.  I’ve been training in multiple styles since that time, earning 2 additional black belts, and of course, opening a school with my wife, Tiger&Dragon Boca.

(Patty) My karate training started with my son when he was 7 and I was in my late 30s.  I had always been physically fit, working out at the gym and taking various cardio classes. I had watched my son take karate for several months, and then he stopped training.  He had a few months left on his contract, so the instructors asked if I would like to train in his place. Once I started, there was no turning back.  I earned my first black belt in 2008 and have started training in traditional Kenpo with my husband.  My son, age 12, has since re-joined and is well on his way to his first black belt.

Patty and Doug with their sons Dallas (left) and Adam at the studio

How would you best describe Kenpo to someone who may be unfamiliar with it?

Kenpo Karate is not a sport, it is the ultimate in real world self defense.  Kenpo Karate, also known as Ch’uan fa or “fist law,” is both an ancient and modern method of self development and self defense.  A true blending of inner and outer strength, Kenpo helps you develop grace and coordination as well as stamina and speed. Through Kenpo instruction, you will learn proper breathing techniques and movements utilizing the natural weapons of the body – the hands and feet – by developing breath control, muscle tone, quick reflexes and agility.

In addition to self defense, what benefits does Kenpo have for the participants?

The benefits of Kenpo karate, Shootfighting and the martial arts in general are many.
From training, there will be an increase in strength and flexibility, a gain in self confidence, concentration and focus.  Students learn how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations in addition to learning real-world self defense.

Students learn about their true inner strength and the art of self control, and experience improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and muscle toning through training and exercise.

After the holidays, are you seeing a lot of people who are coming into the studio to get into shape?

We definitely saw an increase in interest during and immediately after the holidays.  We all know that the holidays bring out the best in good food, celebrations and family time that often revolve around meals and delicious foods.  We often “give” ourselves permission to indulge during this time of year and have to pay the price afterwards.  New Year’s resolutions are a big part of this, but it’s our job to convince people that good health is more than a short-term project – it should be a part of everyday life all year long.

If a participant is dedicated, how many years does it take to accomplish a black belt?

The typical student (age 7+) can earn a black belt in Kenpo in 4 to 6 years, depending on the amount of time and effort spent training and practicing.  It takes approximately 3 to 5 years to earn a black belt in Shootfighting.

At what age can a child begin taking karate lessons?

We offer lessons beginning at age 3.  Even at this young age, it is important to be active, burn off that excessive energy, learn how to listen, focus and follow directions.  They are taught some martial arts basics, but the drills teach them life skills that help them through their school years and at home – discipline, respect, self-confidence, control and so much more.  Plus it’s a lot of fun!

Kenpo for kids at Tiger & Dragon Boca

What is Shootfighting?

Shootfighting® is a Japanese based, complete fighting system that combines both kickboxing with submission wrestling (ground fighting).  Shootfighting® will also enhance any other style of Martial Arts a student may already know. With its emphasis on complete transitions from stand-up to ground, it makes both the stand-up fighter or striker and the grappler or ground fighter stronger by eliminating the limitations of each.

What else do you teach at your studio?

We teach Kenpo karate and Shootfighting and also a variety of day-time general exercise/cardio classes such as Turbo Kick (cardio kickboxing), circuit training, Tai-chi, yoga and general bar-bell pump classes.  We also offer private lessons in all of the above for those who prefer not to train in group settings or want a combination of both private and group opportunities.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

(Doug) When someone has a desire to learn karate, I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills.  That shared passion for the martial arts is what makes me realize I’m doing something good for the art, the student, my business and for my family.

(Patty) I love building the teacher/student relationship with the kids – especially the young ones.  To have them come into the dojo excited and smiling, eager to take their class, is the greatest.  I strive to incorporate exercise, fun and education during class and get great satisfaction as I watch them improve, learn and grow as people.

What advice do you have for anyone out there who is thinking about starting a karate studio?

(Doug) Have patience with yourself, your business and enjoy the process.  If you truly love the martial arts, then success will follow.

(Patty) To be successful in this business, you have to love what you do as well as love working with people.  Everyone has a unique story or situation – a reason for training at your dojo.  It is extremely rewarding and interesting – never a boring moment!  You also need to have a strong business sense – no matter how good you are at the martial arts or even at teaching, it is still a business and needs to be properly attended to.

Thank you Patty and Doug for all this valuable information!

Tiger & Dragon Boca offers programs for the entire family in an environment that is safe, fun and fosters new friendships. Lessons are offered for children as young as 3 years old. Don’t miss their 10 lbs in 10 weeks special!

If you would like to learn more about Tiger & Dragon Boca, please contact them:

Tiger & Dragon Boca
Hampton Square
19805 Hampton Drive – Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-926-1846

www.Tiger&DragonBoca.com

Flexing my muscles has become a real joke around my house and amongst my friends. I am 4′ 11″ and very petite. I’m not athletic really. (I was always the last one picked for any sports teams as a child.) But I am very committed to exercising. I have spent so much time in doctors’ offices and hospital with my Mom, my stepfather and Grandma Nellie, that I am motivated to do what I can for my health. No matter what we do, there are no guarantees. But it is worth a try to fight aging and illness. And it is never too late to start.

I do not belong to a gym or go to any classes of any sort. I work out early in the morning for 30-45 minutes. Sometimes I take a short run or walk after dinner. The only equipment I have is a stepper, free weights and a jump rope. I love to do men’s push ups, stomach crunches and run with the dog. I am almost 48 now, and I am proud to say nothing jiggles on my arms at all.

Given the stress I’ve had in the past few years, I can honestly say I’d have never made it through if it were not for rigorous workouts. They are good for the mind and soul.  Even more important is that my daughter sees that I am dedicated to being fit.

It is hard to juggle it all – work, family, reading, writing and staying fit. But it can be done, and it is well worth the effort. When I am resting and reading a book at night, it feels great to know I have exercised both my mind and my body that day. Who says you cannot be both smart and fit at the same time?