Martial arts training aids children with ADHD

Attending martial arts class is about more than getting a workout and learning self-defense tactics. Each student can get something different out of his or her experience, but training can be especially rewarding for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Martial arts teacher Rodger Pyle knows this diagnosed with ADHD as a child, he told ADDitude magazine.

firsthand as he was

Pyle struggled as a child because his public school didn’t know how to deal with his condition, and it wasn’t until he found martial arts that he was able to overcome some of his mental hurdles. Now he uses his experience to help children with the disorder. After all, many studies show complex physical activity, like martial arts, helps students strengthen neural networks in the brain and learn how to control their impulses.

“My job is to look beyond a student’s diagnosis and find ways to motivate him while playing up his strengths,” Pyle told the magazine.

Martial arts helps children with ADHD find direction
Suffering through ADHD himself has allowed Pyle to feel rewarded as his students take steps to build their mental strength. Martial arts can be critical in the development of children as it helps them learn life lessons that they can carry with them after their time at the school is over. Here are some of the benefits that students with ADHD are able to take away from martial arts training:

• Improved ability to communicate: Not only does martial arts require students to work together on their craft, but it also teaches respect. This can be worthwhile for children with ADHD because they can often lack the patience necessary to get along with others. Learning how to work together in a team environment is a timeless skill.
• Higher self esteem: Children with knowledge of their disorder may feel embarrassed or have low self esteem. With martial arts training, students can get a sense of achievement as they move up the ranks. This will help with their self-confidence outside the school.
• Better self-discipline: Martial arts students must learn to control their brains before they can be successful in class. While this can be an especially difficult challenge for those with ADHD, learning self-discipline will help children start a path to coping with their disorder.

Learn how we can help support your child with ADD/ADHD.  Get your first month of martial arts classes for only $49 with a FREE uniform included.  Call 903-243-8767 or visit www.sulphurspringsata.com to register today!

Life lessons you can learn from martial arts

Training in martial arts teaches more than physical fitness. In fact, by training in martial arts, kids, adults and seniors can pick up on a plethora of life lessons. All those kicks, punches and times you've been knocked to the mat may just teach you a thing or two about making your way through life. With that in mind, here are some of the valuable lessons you can learn during training:

Perseverance is something you choose
No one masters martial arts in a day – that's why it's called an art. You have to pour in years of practice and dedication to get to a "master" level, and even then your work isn't done. During the time you study your chosen martial art, you will make mistakes. You'll be knocked down or feel like you don't have the energy to keep moving. This is when you can make a choice to either persevere or give up. Perseverance doesn't happen automatically. It is an intentional decision every individual must make, and martial arts will force you to choose. The good news is that your peers and teachers will be there with you, cheering you on.

Learning never ends
While you can earn a black belt or the rank of "master" in martial arts, you'll never stop learning. The most skilled fighters know that they can always improve, which motivates them to keep training and testing their limits. In fact, your instructor probably still takes classes and trains with others. The same is true of things you learn in other facets of life. Whether it's your job or a hobby, you can always improve your skills. Adopt this attitude in martial arts and in life, and you'll be more likely to grow in your abilities and as a person.

Challenging yourself will help you grow
As you train in martial arts, you'll quickly notice that who you practice with and how hard you work affects your growth. Pairing with students who have greater experience than you can help you learn new skills more quickly. What's more, working hard on your own time and going to tournaments will kick​-start improvement. Essentially, martial arts will teach you that challenging yourself and going outside of your comfort zone will pay off, no matter what you're doing.

Even small steps matter
You may not notice many of the improvements you make while you train in martial arts. But low and behold, after some training time has passed, you'll see just how far you've come. Martial arts can teach you that seemingly insignificant steps ultimately lead to a brighter future. In other words, change is slow, but it's happening constantly. The same is true in all areas of life. Saying "yes" to something small you would otherwise have passed up could lay the foundation for things to come.

You are stronger than you think
After persevering, challenging yourself and making small steps, you'll soon realize that you're stronger than you could have ever imagined. Those falls, mistakes and losses all helped you become who you are, and you ultimately succeeded. Even in work, home and personal life, you are strong. Martial arts merely shows you in what ways. 

While martial arts offers physical benefits, it can also help you see possibilities. Remember these life lessons you received while training and bring them with you through daily life.

Start your journey today for only $49 with a FREE Uniform included.  Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com or call 903-243-8767

Originally posted at KickSite Mat Chat Newsletter

Martial arts strengthen family bonds

It's important children learn values that will help guide them on their journeys through life. The most effective teachers of these values: family members. In fact, experts from the University of Illinois Family Works Extension maintain a child's home is the place he or she will learn important values.

Strong family bonding will help instill moral standards to children as they grow up. In 2007, researchers form Penn State University reached out to family members who trained in martial arts together. Researchers quickly discovered how much parents valued the time together as a family unit.

"In this world of busy schedules, family time gets more and more limited," replied a 40-year old wife and mother of four, who had been training in martial arts with her family for over a year when the survey was conducted. "Training together allows for one more time that we can be together as a family, not only on the deck, but even just the car ride to and from the dojo."

Although the survey was conducted years ago, her answer still holds true today. Here are some ways martial arts can help build a stronger family bond:

Time
One of the biggest obstacles when attempting to establish a strong family bond is trying to find time in every family member's schedule to spend with each other. Training together encourages every member of your family to make the time to practice at the studio at the same time.

Common ground
It doesn't just stop with time spent in the studio either. As parents, it can be difficult to relate to children due to a lack of common ground. By practicing the same martial art together, family members instantly have a hobby in common, and as a result, have even more to talk about.

Respect
Parents fight hard to earn the respect of their children. Martial arts instructors teach students to respect fellow instructors and peers, both inside and out of the studio. That sense of respect can be applied to other facets of life, including familial relations.

Discipline
Martial arts students are taught to stick to a practice schedule and attend classes regularly. The discipline to do so will be applied to other areas of a child's life, too.

Exercise
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should be physically active for 60 minutes per day. Practicing martial arts is a fun and safe way for family members of all ages to get the daily exercise they need.

The family that kicks together sticks together.  Start today and enjoy our great family discounts.  Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com or call 903-243-8767 to register.

Originally posted at KickSite.net MAT Chat Newsletter. 

4 tips for parenting children with ADHD

If your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, know that you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD in 2011. Parenting children with this disorder can definitely be challenging and – at times – overwhelming. Here are four tips for parenting children with ADHD:

1. Help your children get more rest
While proper sleep is important for all children, it is especially critical for those with ADHD. Adequate rest will help calm your kids down and increase their concentration during the day. To help your children get to sleep faster, eliminate caffeine from their diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise throughout the day. It is also helpful for your children to do a relaxing activity before bedtime, like taking a bath or meditating.

2. Enroll them in martial arts classes
It turns out that martial arts can do much more than keep children in good shape and improve their self-confidence. The sport can also help improve ADHD symptoms. According to ADDitude Magazine, martial arts is beneficial for those with ADHD because it helps improve neural networks in the brain and makes it easier to practice self-control. Sulphur Springs ATA has a great sign up special right now to help you begin this journey. 

3. Establish a routine
Because children with ADHD can easily get distracted and lose focus, it's important to establish a routine for them. This way, they can finish everything they're supposed to and not get flustered. Have your kids wake up, eat breakfast, do homework and play at the same times every day.

4. Feed them healthy snacks
According to Everyday Health, feeding children with ADHD nutritious snacks can keep them calm and prevent mood swings. Keep sugary treats to a minimum and fill your children up with foods that contain protein and healthy carbohydrates. For example, give your kids hummus as a snack before dinner. It's packed with fiber, protein and vitamins, so it will help your children stay calm and focused. Dried fruit and nuts are another great protein-packed snack to give your children. However, be careful not to give your children too much dried fruit and nuts as they can be high in calories.

Help your child by enrolling in Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts.  Visit www.sulphurspringsata.com, call 903-243-8767, or visit us on Facebook to start today.  

Originally published at KickSite Mat Chat Newsletter. 

Martial Arts and Fitness Part II

Many people sign up for martial arts because of the desire for a fun activity, or to learn self-control.  Many people, however, are not aware of the physical fitness benefits of martial arts like taekwondo and karate.  If you are looking to improve your fitness, or maintain an already healthy lifestyle, we may be just what you are looking for!

1. Improved Cardiovascular Health.

The running, workouts, kicking, punching, and technique drills used in our class get your heart rate moving.  Studies show that the more your heart works during exercise, the stronger that it gets.  Doctors recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day.

2. Weight Loss

It takes a difference of 3500 calories to lose 1 pound.  By reducing the amount you eat, and exercising more, that goal is not as hard as it may seem.  According to Map My Fitness app, just one 45 minute ATA Martial Arts class burns over 600 calories!   A simple lifestyle change and attendance in class can help you lose weight!

3. Improved Reflexes.

Being a good martial artist takes practice and repetition.  Soon your body learns what we call "muscle memory." This is when your body has done the same moves so many times that you can defend yourself without thinking.  This improves the use of your joints. 

4. Stress Relief

Face it.. Many times adults feel like punching something/someone.  We keep this bottled up inside (since it's illegal in all states to punch someone).  This actually hurts the body, especially the heart.  The drills and sparring involved in martial arts actually give a positive way to release the stress from the body.  The endorphins released into your body during the workout have been shown in studies to stay in your body as long as four hours after class.  (Improving your mood when you get home.)

We have programs for all ages, and hope that we can help you on your road to fitness. Please visit our website at www.sulphurspringsata.com for more information and special offer to start you on the journey. Remember, as the saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  Take the step toward health and call today.

Daron Bilyeu
Co-Owner and Instructor
Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts

Martial Arts and Fitness

One of the top questions I hear about martial arts and taekwondo training is "Do you think it would help me get in shape?" My answer is always a resounding yes.  Even though I am the dad, after our first child, I gained up to an unhealthy weight. 

And by the end of a year of solid training toward my belt testing, I dropped over 50 pounds to return to a weight I had not seen since before high school. 

Ready to start your journey?  Go to www.sulphurspringsata.com and enter your information to receive a special offer to start your journey to black belt and a healthier you!

Back to School w/ Martial Arts Pt. 2 - Discipline

Many times students who are struggling in the classroom, do so because of a lack of focus.  Whether it is a legitimate ADHD, a highly imaginative mind, or any other reason, the lack of focus leads to students not understanding what is being taught.


I believe that this discipline can only help a student in a classroom.  In order to cope with traditional school work, students must learn how to listen to the teacher and not get distracted by their surroundings.

One of the main tenets of martial arts training is that of self discipline and focus.  Students of the martial arts spend a majority of their training time learning to shut out outside distractions and to focus on the task at hand, such as forms training.  Students must discipline their minds from outside influences and their own doubts and fears.  While sparring, students learn to work together toward a common goal, which requires discipline.  Board breaking practice allows a student to shut off fears and achieve a goal.

We have a great back to school special to help your student learn discipline and focus in life, and in the classroom.  Get your first four weeks for only $49 by visiting http://www.sulphurspringsata.com, or by calling 903-243-8767 and mentioning this article.

Back to School w/ Martial Arts Pt.1

As a certified music teacher in the state of Texas, August brings with it the thought of preparing for the school year.  For most families, August is the great back to school time.  While you are picking up your school supplies and buying new clothes to replace those the kids have outgrown, why not enroll your child in a qualified martial arts program to help them achieve their very best this year?

Please understand, we are not making a promise that martial arts = better grades.  Martial arts addresses the whole person and helps develop learning and coping strategies that many children and teenagers need.

Part 1 - Perseverance

Recently I saw an episode of "Girl Meets World" on Disney Channel.  In the scene, a pre-teen girl receives an F on a paper and then tells her teacher that since he considered her a failure she had nothing more to learn.  Many children and teenagers feel like failures because they do not get the best grades in school, or have trouble focusing.  In the highly competitive culture of today's high stakes state testings, we label students as "not up to standards."  Many times these students wish to give up.

Martial arts teaches that failure is a part of any goal worth achieving.  Students learn to try new things, and how to handle failure.  Competing at tournaments allows students to win with humility and lose with grace.  Sometimes students test and do not pass.  Martial arts encourages students to work hard to gain the black belt rank.

For more information, please go to http://www.sulphurspringsata.com  Enroll today to receive your first month of taekwondo training for only $49 with a FREE Uniform.

Coming soon Part 2 - Discipline.

Why Go To Tournaments?

As we approach this tournament season, I hear the question, "why should I go to a tournament?"  As an instructor, I see the benefits of competition far outweigh any negatives, but it's sometimes very hard to get past those thoughts. Here is a list of the five reasons students should go and compete. 

1. Competition shows you can use what you have learned. 

Imagine practicing every day of baseball season. You work so hard for months, but when the first game comes up, you tell the coach "no thanks. I'll sit on the bench."  Then repeat this for the entire season. Have you actually learned how to play baseball?

Competitions allow us to see how our martial arts is progressing and how we stack up against others. They allow us to use those techniques that we have spent hours trying to perfect in a real life situation. 

2.  Competitions help us to learn and grow as martial artists. 

After each phase of competition, you can step back and find what you are good at and what you need to work on to improve. Did you get a great score from the hand judge but a low one from the foot judge?  That tells you that you have room to improve on your kicks and stances. Maybe you fell for the same kick three times in your sparring matches.  Now you have the opportunity to come back to the school and have a training partner throw the sme kick at you in practice. This way, you improve because of what you learned. 

Even if you win 1st place in every event, you can find some area for improvement. 

3. Your fellow competitors become lifelong friends. 

A tournament many times turn in to a sort of a family reunion. The higher in rank you get, you begin to see the same faces each time you compete. These people quickly become your friends. 

You will learn to look forward to seeing your friends at each tournament. Many times, we have seen students stay with their competition, travel together, and stay in touch through Facebook long after the tournament is over. 

4.  You go to learn from others. 

When you come to class, most times you end up sparring the same few people every time. You learn their strengths, their weaknesses, and how to strategize only against them. Going to tournaments allows you to spar people you have never met before, creating a new and fun challenge. 

5. Tournaments help you overcome your fears. 

Martial arts training is all about learning control in the midst of chaos. Anyone who goes to a tournament knows that nervous feeling when the judge says to begin. Your heart starts racing. Your mouth gets dry. This is the effect of adrenaline in your system. 

The first time is ways the hardest, but you will learn how to control those fears and perform to your very best. Each time after that will become easier until you are an expert at competing. You will begin to look forward to that feeling of excitement when you are called to do your form, or to spar someone new. 

I hope that it is very clear that in these benefits I never mentioned anything such as medals, trophies, or Championships. Those things are wonderful, and we are proud of each champion we have in our school. But championships are available only to a few people each year. The personal benefits of competition are available to everyone whether you sweep the medals or finish last in every event. 

We look forward to this competition year. Be sure to sign up at the desk for the next tournament. Go to www.sulphurspringsata.com to learn more. 

5 Benefits of Martial Arts for Adults.

Are you an adult looking for a way to stay active and improve your overall health? Then you may want to consider taking an adult martial arts class. These classes are commonly taken by children to help them learn to defend themselves, but that should by no means scare adults away from the discipline. Grownups can enjoy many of the same benefits of learning martial arts, and here are some of the best ones:

1.  Strengthen muscles – As you age, your muscles begin to age, too, and may lose some of their density and strength. This is why it is important to keep your muscles in use and to work on strengthening them. When you take an adult martial arts class, your muscles will be in constant use, helping them to stay strong. In addition, you will also build greater muscle mass, which in turn will give your body a more toned, healthy appearance.

2.  Help you lose weight – Adult martial arts classes require you to remain active, which will keep you burning the calories and losing weight. Additionally, as previously discussed, you will be building muscle mass, which will also help you to improve your metabolism and allow you to burn more calories at a rapid pace. You’ll be able to fight off obesity with ease.

3.  Improve confidence – For many adults, a toned, lean body is enough reason for increased confidence; however, the self-defense skills that are taught in martial arts can also help your self-assurance. If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, you will be better able to manage your emotions and not be afraid. Knowing that you have the skills necessary to protect yourself from harm will help you to be confident and act in a more effective manner, even during the most troubling of times.

4.  Relieve stress – It’s easy for adults to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Between work, kids, and general household duties, it seems like the worries never end. By taking an adult martial arts class, you will be able to blow off some steam and relieve yourself of some of life’s stresses in a healthy and efficient manner. The more you participate in martial arts, the calmer you will be.

5.  Improve your concentration – Martial arts requires great skill and concentration. You will learn to act fast in order to defend yourself against your opponent’s attacks. This will not only help you to improve your reflexes, but your concentration, as well. You will be required to focus with intensity on details and anticipate your opponent’s next move before they’ve even blinked.

As you can see, adult martial arts classes have many benefits for adults. When you enroll in an adult martial arts class, you will see an improvement in both your physical and mental health, allowing you to live a longer, happier life.

See www.sulphurspringsata.com/display/Programs for information about our program.