Self-Defense, Which Self-Defense Program is right for you?

Self-Defense

My name is Michael J. Agbay I’m the owner/founder of MJA Martial Arts, Inc. in Spencer, MA. I’ve been in the business of self-defense since 1994. I’ve been training in the Martial Arts for over 30- years and I’ve seen and experienced all different styles of self defense.


Which Self-Defense Program is right for you?
We hear this phrase quite often, but do we really understand what it means? By definition, “Self-Defense is the act of defending oneself, ones property, or the well-being of another.”

When you hear the phrase, “self-defense,” most people think of the Martial Arts Styles. There are numerous types of Martial Arts Systems. Many styles of martial arts are practiced for self-defense or include self-defense techniques.

Historically, martial arts systems were created, tested, and used in combat. That’s right COMBAT! No rules...no laws. In modern times we see so many different things happening in the Martial Arts that we may become more confused than ever.

Martial Arts are broken down in two very simple categories, Sport or Combat.

Sport Martial Arts
While sport martial arts may be effectively applied for self-defense, it is not the primary training objective. Sport martial arts have rules and regulations. Some martial arts schools combine several styles together for competitive sport. This is most often referred to as Mixed Martial Arts or MMA.

Combat Martial Arts
Combat martial arts styles train primarily for self-defense. Combat martial arts have no rules. It’s a matter of surviving, not winning. There are no winners in combat, just survivors.


What’s the relationship between Self-Defense & Martial Arts Systems?

The Martial Arts are a discipline. It takes many years to develop skill, muscle memory, timing, reaction, physical and mental conditioning and speed.

Self-defense techniques, however, can be learned in a much shorter time than a Martial Arts System. One can learn simple and effective Self-Defense techniques that, with a little practice, will be very effective in a Self-Defense situation.

However, when training specifically in self-defense techniques alone, you are limiting yourself by not getting into the finite details and challenging yourself physically and mentally. Your instructor can give you additional insights that you can use in a self-defense situation such as learning the physical vital target points on the body, as well as the specific natural weapons to use in a given situation. By studying a Martial Arts System you will be able to build a solid foundation in the system that you choose. You will learn how to be healthy, fit and stress free.


Martial Arts Systems

How do you find a Martial Arts System that is best for you?

Everyone has their own preferences. I relate it to buying clothes. When we shop for clothing, we may choose something that is attractive, but it may not always be practical.
When you choose a Martial Arts style for self-defense purposes, you should choose something that you find attractive however, it has to work in combat. I tell my students to “Train as if it were real!” Once you learn something you need to test it out for combat!

Martial Arts Systems takes years to learn and develop. There are no short cuts.

There are three phases of learning the Martial Arts.

1. Primitive Stage – Beginner
2. Mechanical Stage - Intermediate
3. Spontaneous Reaction stage – Advanced

I love and respect all martial arts systems, but I do not feel every Martial Artist represents their system well. I have some of my students who are 10 – 12 years old come up to me and say, “Sensei my friend at school is a 11 and has his 2nd Degree Black Belt and he’s only been training for 2-years.” My reply is they think they are a black belt because their teacher told them they are a black belt.

These children may possess discipline, respect, self-control and self-confidence which are all character traits of what all martial artists should be. This does not, however, determine physical and mental martial skills. I feel bad for these children, because they are being misled into thinking they are Black Belts. It gives them a false sense of security, and if they get in a street confrontation they may end up learning the hard way.

It is important that you understand the difference between sport and combat martial arts.
Do not be misled into believing that flying cart wheel kicks and doing weapon katas with swords and bow staffs flying in the air are effective in a real life self defense situations!

There is nothing wrong with these “systems” as long as you understand that these gymnastics are not for self-defense. In a street fight both feet will never leave the ground! Weapons never leave your hands.

There always will be SPORT martial arts and there will always be COMBAT martial arts. Just know the difference!

Are you getting enough sleep?

RealAge.com is an online source of health information. It provides a variety of tips on how to keep your “real age” as young as possible. Below are some recent tips offered by the website: Protect Yourself Against Night Colds According to a study cited by RealAge.com, one of the best protections against night colds is getting enough quality sleep. Says the site, “Getting a little less sleep – under 7 hours instead of 8 or more – made people three times more likely to get sick after exposure to a cold virus. ” In addition, it may be more important that the sleep you get is quality sleep than lengthy sleep. Again, according to the study, people “were five times more likely to get sick when their sleep quality dipped if it just dipped a smidge.”

Teaching your Child About the Importance of Perseverance

Steady persistence in a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Perseverance is an essential ingredient for success. It is our goal to help develop an attitude of perseverance in each student through their martial arts training. As you know, perseverance is an attitude that will impact their lives in a variety of ways.

Other Things Parents & Caregivers Can Do to Help Their Child Learn Perseverance

Don’t let them quit! As parents, it is often very tempting to give in to our children when they want to quit something that is difficult for them. Let’s face it, it’s a struggle to get them mentally and physically prepared for the activity, there is often whining from the child about having to go,
and there are other things you might be more interested in doing. However, acquiescing to their desire to quit sends the wrong message. Help them learn the value of perseverance by having them continue trying.

Encourage them. Words of encouragement from a parent are some of the most impactful aspects of a child’s life. Let them know you understand their challenges, want to help, and believe in their ability to overcome and succeed. Just knowing you care and believe in them can give them the motivation to persevere and succeed. Provide them examples of perseverance. Whether it
is personal examples, stories of relatives and friends that persevered, or stories about historical figures, your child will learn the value of perseverance through these examples. These examples will reinforce the lessons we teach them in their martial arts classes, and your own encouragement to them.

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street
2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, Rutland, Charlton, Barre, Webster, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, Dudley, Princeton and surrounding towns.

Helping your Child to Succeed in and out of the Dojo

Success is defined differently by each individual. It is based on their personal goals, their interests, their skills and abilities, and their values. But while we all may define “success” differently, there are some common elements that help determine if someone will achieve success.

Success requires dedication. A person must be committed to his or her goals to achieve success. In addition, success involves taking some risks. Not in the sense of “risky behavior,” but in the sense of stretching one’s abilities, knowledge, and skills. To be successful, we must also know what our talents and abilities are, and where they can best be used. Finally, successful people look at failure differently than others. They see it as just one more step towards their eventual accomplishment.

Discuss what success means to you with your child. Let them know why you define it as you do. And explain how that definition has impacted your life. No one will have greater impact on your child’s future success than you.

Other Things Parents & Caregivers Can Do to Help Their Child Succeed In and Out of the Dojo

Provide a healthy diet. We have all seen the horrendous statistics about the increase in child obesity over the last two decades. Good health starts with a healthy diet. Be sure to monitor the
amount of sugars and fats you child consumes. In addition, avoid fast food alternatives to healthy, home-cooked meals. Give them permission to make mistakes. No one is perfect. But often, whether it’s in school, on the court or field, in band, or in the dojo, our children often get the impression we expect perfection from them. Let them know it is ok to make mistakes.
Help them understand it is part of the learning process. Give them the freedom to be creative and to take positive risks – the kind that lead to personal growth. Provide them examples of people you consider successful. After you have discussed your definition of success, give your child examples of people you believe fit that definition. Explain how and why those people became successful. Let your child know that you believe they can be successful, too. Demonstrate interest and concern in your child’s activities.

Whether it is school, martial arts, music, or any other activity you child participates in, nothing will give them a boost towards success like knowing you care. Parental involvement is crucial to the future success of a child. No one will have more influence over your child’s success than you, take advantage of this opportunity to help your child be successful for his or her entire life!

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street
2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, Rutland, Charlton, Barre, Webster, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, Dudley, Princeton and surrounding towns.

Preparing for the Heat: Recognize the signs of heat-related health problems.

July is here and it’s hot, hot, hot! It’s important to prepare for the heat and recognize the signs of heat-related health problems. If ignored, they can become very painful, and quite serious. The most common heat-related condition is muscle cramps. These heat cramps are muscular spasms caused by a lack of water and salt. When you are exercising or working outside during the summer, your body loses these important elements. The result can be heat cramps.

The best protection against heat cramps is to keep your body hydrated. This means drinking lots of water while working or exercising outdoors. Also, limit the amount of time you exercise or work outdoors. This will reduce the amount of fluids your body loses, and help keep you cool. When the high temperatures hit, it is often a very good idea to take a couple of weeks and reduce your exercise schedule until your body is fully acclimated to the heat. Then you can gradually return to your normal routine.

Another heat-related condition is heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion, like heat cramps, results from a loss of fluids in the body. However, it is a much more serious condition, and can lead to heat stroke – a potentially fatal condition. It is important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and to treat it immediately.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:
• Cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin
• Increased sweating and tiredness
• Headaches
• Fainting, nausea, or vomiting
• Fast, shallow breath, dizziness
• Muscle cramps, weakness
• A weak, rapid pulse

To treat heat exhaustion, get the person to a cooler place and have them rest in a comfortable position. Give the person half a glass of water every 15 minutes. Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol in them. Loosen or remove tight fitting clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Summer is a time of fun and adventure. But be prepared for the heat, and be alert to the signs of heat-related conditions. Protect yourself and your family while enjoying your summer.

MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street
2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, Rutland, Charlton, Barre, Webster, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, Dudley, Princeton and surrounding towns.