Success Story - Growing Up in Martial Arts

It is always wonderful to check up on both active and former students to see what they are doing with their lives and how they have grown.  Many of our students contribute their successes to the teachings and experiences they had in our program.

Here is quick Q & A from one of our former Blackbelts.

Koguryo Martial Arts Black Belt Success Story

NAME:  Violeta “Vili” Marquez

AGE: 19

TRAINING YEARS:  15

                                                            CURRENT RANK:

2^nd Degree Blackbelt T'ang Soo Do,

1^st Degree Blackbelt Hapkido

KMA:   About how long were you a student at Koguryo Martial Arts?

Vili: I trained for just over 15 years before going to college. I started when I was around 5 years old.

KMA:.  How old were you when you earned your Black Belt?

Vili: I earned my first degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do when I was 8 years old.  I tested for my 2^nd degree in TSD when I was 12, and tested again for a 1^st degree in Hap Ki Do when I was 13.

KMA: What are you doing now in your career or academic life?

Vili: I am currently enrolled in college preparing to be an EMT.

KMA: What are some of your long term goals?

Vili: I would like to be an ER nurse and work at a local hospital like Ohio State University or Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

KMA: How would you say KMA helps kids prepare?

Vili: It helps with ADHD by teaching focus and how to remain calm in tough situations.   I learned lessons in respect that I still use, even to this day.

KMA: Any advice for current KMA students?

Vili: My advice for the current students is to always have an open mind in Martial Arts and in life it will take you a long way in both. When you have an open mind to learning and it can help you feel confident in talking to different people in you meet in your life.  Also, it helps a lot in making you happy rather than being upset and mad because then you're just dragging yourself down with those feelings and that won't help you succeed as a student!

KMA always was my second home. It was very family based, and I am still good friends with most of the Black Belts that use to be in my class! I always enjoyed getting home from school then rushing to see everybody at KMA. It's a fun experience and you learn so much. Just keep a clear head, take everybody's advice, and always remember to show respect to everyone!  

If you would like to Join Our KMA Family, then you contact us:

Web:   www.koguryoma.com

Call:    614-899-9033

Visit:    6015 S Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH

Email:  koguryomartialarts.hq@gmail.com

3 Myths Busted - Cold Weather illness and Weight Gain

We all share various points of view when it comes to daily living, health advice, and urban myths.  This quick read below, is an excerpt from an article that breaks down some common theories with regards to how the upcoming cold weather will affect us.   

Here are three myths that the author felt were totally "busted".

REFERENCE:  K. Aleisha Fetters December 22, 2014, Article: 10 Winter Health Myths Busted

Myth: Cold air can make you sick

Despite being called the common "cold," lower temperatures alone won't make you sick. In fact, the exact opposite is true. "Cells that fight infection in body actually increase if you go out into the cold," says Rachel C. Vreeman, MD, co-author of Don't Swallow Your Gum! Myths, Half-Truths, and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health. It's your body's way of combating the stress of freezing temps. Plus, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cold viruses grow best at about 91 degrees; if you're outside in the cold, your nostrils are surely colder than that.

Myth: Women gain 10 pounds over the winter

Between comfort foods, dreary days, and cozy blankets, it's not hard to imagine why women put on winter weight. But it turns out that the average woman only gains one or two pounds over the winter. Still, one Nutrition Reviews study shows that weight gain during the six-week holiday season accounts for 51% of annual weight gain. And, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, most women don't shed that extra layer of insulation come springtime, so over the years, the weight can really add up.

Myth: You shouldn't exercise in the cold

Get ready to crawl out from under your comforter and run into the great (and yes, cold) outdoors. According to research published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, in cold temperatures, race times are actually faster—and quicker paces burn more calories in less time. Plus, that harder, faster workout can spike your endorphin levels—which, according to a review in Environmental Science and Technology, are already increased just by you being outside. Ready to get started? 

The GREAT thing about Martial Arts is that it is a year round activity.  At our school we have programs for kids and adults.  Our programs include Adult Cardio Kickboxing, Traditional T'ang Soo Do, Hapkido, and Ju Jitsu.   Whether you are 5 or 50....we have a class for you.

If you are looking for an awesome way to stay fit and improve your immune system this winter season, then come visit us.

Koguryo Martial Arts Academy

6015 S Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH

614-899-9033

www.koguryoma.com

Helping to Fight Childhood Obesity

Being overweight or obese in childhood has become a serious problem. Many things add to this epidemic, but a big part of it is that kids are becoming more sedentary. In other words, they're sitting around a lot more than they used to. Kids and teens now spend hours every day in front of a screen (TVs, smartphones, tablets, and other devices) looking at a variety of media (TV shows, videos, movies, games). Too much screen time and not enough physical activity add to the problem of childhood obesity. One of the best ways to get kids to be more active is to limit the amount of time spent in sedentary activities, especially watching TV or other screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents: Put limits on the time spent using media, which includes TV, social media, and video games. Media should not take the place of getting enough sleep and being active.  Limit screen time to 1 hour a day or less for children 2 to 5 years old. Discourage any screen time, except video-chatting, for kids younger than 18 months. Choose high-quality programming and watch it with your kids to help them understand what they're seeing.  Keep TVs, computers, and video games out of children's bedrooms and turn off screens during mealtimes. They will need to replace that time away from the screen with something of equal or more fun.  Get them into a structured program of Martial Arts.  The classes will get them moving and have fun doing it.   Not only will they be boring calories they will also be learning self defense, improve their self esteem, confidence and courage.

5 Benefits of Being Active When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do. Why? Because regular exercise provides these benefits: 1. Strong muscles and bones 2. Weight control 3. Decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes 4. Better sleep 5. A better outlook on life Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds self-esteem at every age. We would love to help become part of your child's activity plan.  Come talk with happy parents and kids from our school.   We are located at 6015 S Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH. Learn more about us here:  www.koguryoma.com 614-899-9033

How to Keep Pets Safe from Halloween Hazards

“Halloween presents multiple dangers for our pets,” Dr. Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, Vice President and Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for VPI states in the report. “An increase of candy in the home creates new opportunities for pets to eat harmful foods and the continual noise from holiday festivities can create a lot of stress.”

VPI reports calls to Pet Poison Helpline increase 12% during the Halloween season. October is the helpline’s busiest season and VPI poured over more than 500, 000 insured pets in its database to determine the average cost of treatment for toxins ingested during the spooky season.

Ingestion of costume parts average treatment cost is $1,627 meaning that a good costume can end up costing way more than anticipated. Two of the most toxic human foods for dogs also made the list: raisins and chocolate. Raisin toxicity average treatment costs $565 while chocolate toxicity comes in at $356. Also included on the VPI list are “Chewing Gum and Candy (Containing Xylitol) Toxicity” costing $330 and upset stomach and diarrhea treatment averaging $203.

Photo provided by VPI press release

This does not include the many pets not under VPI’s insurance that are rushed to the vet during the Halloween season for related ingestion issues. Many pet owners dress their pets up in costume for Halloween as well- in the U.S. alone pet parents spend more than $370 million annually. Dressing up a pet also raises more concerns- not just for ingested costume parts but for the costumes themselves.

“Poorly fitted costumes can constrict pets and lead to panic or injury. Also take note of costumes with ribbon, strings or dangling objects that can lead to choking or strangulation,” the VPI release states. “If a pet begins to itch excessively, be sure to remove the costume as allergies from fabric, detergent or fabric softeners can cause a rash.”

The risk of a pet running away also increases during the Halloween season. The door opening and closing to trick-or-treaters offers many opportunities for a pet to slip out unnoticed. Noise, commotion and frequent guests can ignite excitement and stress in the animal. VPI reports that according to their research Halloween is the second most common holiday for pets to become separated from their family.

“I encourage all pet lovers to keep a close eye on their pets during Halloween and to provide them with a quiet area to relax and feel safe,” said Dr. McConnell.

Also recommended is making sure the pets’ tags and identification is on the pet and is current. Follow these tips to keep pets safe this Halloween season and enjoy the scares without all the stress.

Reference:  http://pawsforreaction.blogspot.ca/2014/10/safety-tips-how-to-keep-pets-safe-from.html

Your Blackbelts - Series 3 - A Higher Degree

A Higher Degree of Learning

The next most exciting event to earning a Blackbelt is furthering your expertise and testing your physical limits by testing for additional degrees.  There are 10 degrees within blackbelt for many martial art systems.  A student might spend 20-30+ years within blackbelt alone before ever attaining such high levels.   Here are two of our students who have succeeded in taking their training to the next levels by earning their higher degrees of achievement

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

What has Martial Arts given you that nothing else has?

NAME:  Thomas Bozzi

AGE: 18

                                                            TRAINING YEARS:  8

                                                            CURRENT RANK:

3^rd Degree Blackbelt T'ang Soo Do,

1^st Degree Blackbelt Hapkido, and

1^st Level Degree of Soo Ho Ji Moo

The Black Belt Credo describes the conduct that others should expect from me as a Black Belt and that I should expect from myself.  I take pride in the fact that I am and Black Belt, but I can only do so because of the meaning that such a title bears.  If there were no standards which all KMA Black Belts must follow, being a black belt at KMA means nothing.  The black Belt credo provides those necessary standards. 

I seek to possess all the characteristics outlined by the credo because I know that if I do so, I will not only be setting and admirable example for others, both within the school and outside of it, but I will also be able to inspire them to work diligently toward their own personal development.  Essentially, I value the Black Belt Credo because it describes the characteristics that martial arts have inspired me to develop. 

When I first started martial arts, I was not much of a martial artist.  I had a few goals, but rarely any plans to meet them, I had no desire to grow through learning my limitations, and I was fearful of the scrutiny of others.  And I hardly ever persevered in the face of failure.  Thanks to the expectations that have been placed upon me as a black belt, I have changed in all manner of my personal character and I can proudly say that I am a martial artist.

Former Student:   Black Belt Testimony

How has Martial Arts benefitted you unlike any other influence?

NAME:  Carlos Marquez

AGE: 71

                                                            TRAINING YEARS:  8

                                                            CURRENT RANK:

2^nd Degree Blackbelt T'ang Soo Do,

1^st Degree Blackbelt Hapkido

A Martial artist is always learning.  At first this seems obvious because you cannot progress in rank unless you learn the required material.  When we first step in the studio we are confronted with new traditions, procedures, and ways of counting.  That is all before we have even started to sweat.

                We learn from our masters and instructors, we learn from our manual, and we learn from each other.  What we learn from each other may not always be obvious.  We may learn parts of a form or technique from a fellow student but we also learn from watching a student tough out a test. We also learn from a student who continues to practice a difficult technique even though he or she may know it but also knows that there is room for improvement. Every time that I step into the do jahng, I know that it will different from any other training session I have experienced in the past.  There may be similarities, but each session is unique in some way.  We may revisit a technique we have practiced from day one and learn a new aspect or application that enhances our development as a martial artist.

Why all the emphasis on learning?  Simple, because it is really why we are all part of the Koguryo Martial Arts community, and because any opportunity to learn is precious and temporary and should be seized immediately.  I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.

I will finish with a quote from Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes a Spanish painter who as an old man in his late seventies painted a self portrait, after completing the work he stepped back to admire it and said, somewhat surprised "Aun aprendo", which means I am still learning.

Are you READY to start your journey towards a higher degree of learning and challenges?

Join Us

www.koguryoma.com

QUESTIONS?   614-899-9033  *  koguryomartialarts.hq@gmail.com

Your Blackbelts - Series 2 - Females Empowered

Some people believe that only boys are interested in martial arts.  This is very untrue.  Martial arts attracts people of various ages, race, gender, experience, etc.  

Helping to empower young females is a critical need in this day and age.  We need to help ensure that they feel comfortable protecting themselves physically and develop the character attributes necessary to be successful in the world.  Building self-confidence and self-assurance are essential to this process.  Martial arts is a fantastic tool for helping our youth to discover these elements within themselves.

It is always wonderful to see young ladies who embark on the martial art journey and show that they are just as fierce and dedicated as anyone else.  Sometimes, even more so.

During our testing on August 12th, 2017 our Blackbelts had to write an essay, outlining what Martial Arts has given to them.  Students with training time ranging from 3 years to 23 years, offered up their thoughts.  Below is what they wrote during their test.  

What do YOU share in common with these Blackbelts?

On the left	Center	On the right
NAME: Quinn Bordine	NAME: Sarah Zappa	NAME: Althea Seilhan
AGE: 9	AGE: 13	AGE: 12
TRAINING YEARS: 3.5	TRAINING YEARS: 3.5	TRAINING YEARS:  3.5

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

Quinn Bordine

What does it mean to be a Black Belt?

You work hard and practice. 

You respect and honor your school.

You represent and take care of your class.

You have eye focus and focus on your strikes and stance and slide your feet.

You pay attention to your Master and your Parents.

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

Sarah Zappa

How has martial arts helped you improve yourself?

Martial arts have helped me to improve myself by gaining me confidence and to help me if I’m in a bad situation.  Some situations that martial arts can help me in are if someone grabs me by the arm or wrist, I can use a Hap Ki Do escape to get out, or if someone does a bear hug, I can elbow them and then give them a big kick to the stomach. 

Martial arts have also helped me to improve myself by giving me strength to do well in school, whether I’m taking a test or having to study.  Martial arts have given me a boost to help me engage more with people, I used to be a shy girl and I wouldn’t ever want to talk to anyone, and now with martial arts, I can do that because it’s teaching me not to be afraid.  I shall always do my best, and never give up.  Martial arts have also helped me through tough times when I would cry, or just be really mad, martial arts would take away that and I would be a lot happier. 

My family has also made martial arts a big priority in my life, and I really do take that seriously and really try to focus on whether or not my skills are good or weak.   If they were weak, I would start over and make it better.  Then I would focus on making a good stance and always fix it if it was weak. 

This all shows how martial arts has improved me, and anything else that I do.  Adding on to that martial arts is something I like to do and I would always want to get better at it, no matter what.  I’ve always wanted to improve the best I can and always try to do my best.  I also make sure to set a goal for myself so I can get better at it.

Martial arts goals contain physical and mental training and thought.  These goals help me to get better at getting my body better and in good condition.  A goal also helps me to gain confidence because I always know I can accomplish it.  Altogether, martial arts have helped me to get my goals.

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

Althea Seilhan

What does earning a Black Belt mean to you?

To me, it means that I’ve become a stronger person, inside and out.  So, if I earn it, to me, it would be an object of how far I’ve gone from first Guep (Level) to now.  It would also be something that would tell people I worked hard to earn it, and it would tell me that I worked hard.  So, I will keep going and work hard either way, if I get it or not!  While it would mean very much to me, just trying the test also means a lot too.  I am thankful for being able to try.  If I earn it, it would mean that I didn’t give up, and I’m tougher than I was four years ago!

If you or someone you know would like to train as fiercely as these young ladies, then contact us for more details.

Koguryo Martial Arts Academy

6015 S Sunbury Road

Westerville, OH

www.koguryoma.com

614-899-9033

Your Blackbelts - Series 1

During our testing on August 12th, 2017 our Blackbelts had to write an essay, outlining what Martial Arts has given to them.  Students with training time ranging from 3 years to 23 years, offered up their thoughts.  Below is what they wrote during their test.  

What do YOU share in common with these Blackbelts?

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

What has Martial Arts given you that nothing else has?

NAME:  Chris Higdon

AGE: 37

                                                            TRAINING YEARS:  23

Martial Arts has given me the self confidence that I lacked as a child.  It has helped me to earn leadership roles in life and at work.  Martial Arts has been the basis by which I have gained the self-esteem needed to feel comfortable with my body and overall appearance.  It has taught me how to persevere in the face of failure and meet challenges with a strong will to press on even with others would quit.  I have attained an ability to think rationally and in multiple directions of mind with being put in intense situations.  I have learned to accept defeat with honor as well as humility. 

Martial arts have taught me how to be patient with those that have trouble learning.  Through this ability, I have been able to help handicap children learn how to use their bodies and minds to overcome challenges. 

The rigors of training have taught me how to endure tough physical and mental challenges.  As a result, although I may be afraid, I still put myself out there to be judged. Without martial arts, I would not be the person I am today for my job, my school, or my family. 

Martial arts have also given me the ability to pass this same knowledge and opportunity on to others.  Being able to give others the same feeling and sense of accomplishment has been my ultimate rewards. It has taught me to accept my weaknesses and with the support of my fellow classmates and instructors, continue to grow and learn.  Martial arts have taught me to look for people who started out like me and find that same light of hope that they can be enlightened as well.

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

How has Martial Arts benefitted you unlike any other influence?

NAME:  Conlan McCune

AGE: 16

                                                            TRAINING YEARS:  5

To begin, when I first began doing martial arts 4-5 years ago, I was not in shape.  I was not confident, and mostly, I was just another person.  Unlike school which attempts to teach you how to become confident through saying it to you, Martial, Arts teaches you through example. 

I slowly became more confident as well as a better leader by continuously coming to class.  When I move to New York, I was alone and once again had to make more friends.  It was not school that taught me that making friends was easy, it was martial arts.

 Since I have moved back, I have grown even more especially as a leader.  Becoming an instructor was an extreme step in becoming a leader and becoming more confident.   In conclusion, martial arts has been the biggest and most important step in my life so far.