Derrick Breaux & Blacklist Martial Arts Now Provides an Evolutionary Children’s Martial Arts Program Known as SKILLZ

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Contact: Blacklist Martial Arts 488 Corporate Dr. Unit 05 Houma, La 70360 blacklistbjj@gmail.com (985)851-2911

Blacklist Martial Arts

PRESS RELEASE

Derrick Breaux & Blacklist Martial Arts Now Provides an Evolutionary Children’s Martial Arts Program Known as SKILLZ  

New Age-specific Martial Arts Classes Can Provide Children with a Positive Light at the End of the Tunnel.

Research has proven that children who do not participate in childhood activities that enhance their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social stages of development tend to fall behind those who do, which means their chance of success as adults weakens. In today’s competitive society, it is extremely important for parents of children between the ages of 3-14 to get their child involved in some type of activity that better prepares them for adulthood, in a positive and productive manner.

Child development expert, Melody Shuman, explains that one successful solution is an innovative children’s Martial Arts program know as SKILLZ. Melody, and internationally accredited Martial Arts consultant, has made several pro-active steps to helping today’s youth become more motivated and confident through this age-appropriate Martial Arts training concept. “We’ve figured out how to target children’s stages of development and maximize their skills and abilities through our age-specific curriculums. The SKILLZ program has proven to increase a child’s abilities physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. The results are incredible!” Melody explains.

In our area, Derrick Breaux, head instructor of Blacklist Martial Arts is the very first school to offer children within our community classes that are age-specific. “Many Martial Arts schools put kids from 6 to 14 in the same class. After joining Melody Shuman’s SKILLZ program and training with her team of consultants, we are now going to split up our classes to be age-specific. This will help us train our youthful students in a more positive and productive manner,” says Derrick. “Our parents are very excited about enhancing their children’s lives through this fun and educational approach.”

To give people in the community an opportunity to see first hand how these age-specific programs work, call (985)851-2911 to schedule an appointment, or check out their website at www.blacklistbjj.com

Introducing the Internationally Acclaimed Extreme SKILLZ Program!

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Introducing the Internationally Acclaimed Extreme SKILLZ Program!

Ten to fourteen-year olds are the smartest students in the school. Yes, they are smarter than most adults! They are also physically competent and can excel in most physical challenges that are presented to them. The problem we discovered is they are so focused on what is socially acceptable that they have a hard time keeping themselves emotionally driven to the task at hand. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that nurtures their social and emotional instability while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing extreme skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

Here's an overview for the stages of development of children ages 10 to 14:

• Physically- they typically have great technique and agility, but they can be lazy which leads to sloppiness.
• We expect them to initially be sloppy on things that are easy physically.
• The goal for our program is to get them to understand their potential if they pay attention the intricate details. We normally bypass the basics elements of physical development and jump right into the complicated details.

• Intellectually- they are extremely smart. Their critical thinking skills are top-notch, but their decision making skills are typically the exact opposite, and that is why most adults treat them like a child.
• We expect them to initially make choices that are easy as compared to applying thought and effort.
• The goal for our program is to get them to see the bigger picture and apply their intellect.

• Emotionally- thanks to science, they are typically all over the emotional spectrum. This is more prominent in boys than girls.
• We expect their efforts to be based on what they think is cool.
• The goal for our program is to help them apply intrinsic motivation and realize their true potential. Our goal is to also help them improve their decision making skills with drills that challenge their reaction time.

• Socially- they care about what their peers think. If something is cool, then they will put more effort into it.
• We expect them to initially hold back if they are uncomfortable as a defense mechanism.
• The goal for our program is to help them excel at everything they do, especially in front of a crowd.

By understanding the stages of development of 10 and 14-year olds, we were able to select 8 age-appropriate skills that make up the Extreme SKILLZ Program:

1. DEXTERITY
2. REACTION
3. VERSATILITY
4. MOMENTUM
5. PRECISION
6. INSTINCT
7. STRENGTH
8. VISION

We cover one of the above skills per class (in order.) During each class we run a warm-up; deliver a mat chat about the skill; run two or three skill-building drills; and then we have them demonstrate the skill to earn their skill-stripe. They must earn all 8 skill-stripes in order to graduate to the next belt level. Once they earn their next belt they will continue to run through all 8 skills earning their skill-stripes with more challenging curriculum as they advance to each rank. They graduate to the Elite program and begin to work towards their 1^st Degree Black Belt after they have successfully completed all 9 belt ranks of the Extreme SKILLZ program. 

Here is an example of what a white belt must demonstrate for each of the 8 skills above in order to earn their next belt:

1. DEXTERITY - Demonstrating the three stage 1 block’s and three stage 1 strikes from memory. They must show the proper chambers and ending position for all of the moves in order to pass.
2. REACTION - Demonstrating basic single-hand grab escapes. They must apply the proper escape techniques within three seconds, four times in a row in order to pass.
3. VERSATILITY - Performing combinations 1 - 9 of the stage 1 form. They must perform each move with proper chambers and execution in order to pass.
4. MOMENTUM - Demonstrating the three types of jump front kicks. They must show proper technique in each of the kicks, five times in a row in order to pass.
5. PRECISION - Palm strike board break. They must break a board with a palm strike in three shots or less in order to pass.
6. INSTINCT - Performing the first sparring combination on focus mitts. They must hit the mitts with proper technique, speed, and power, three times in a row in order to pass.
7. STRENGTH - Holding each static leg, arm, abdominal, and core exercise. They must not lose technique or else they have to start over. They must hold each exercise for no less than ten seconds in order to pass.
8. VISION - Reciting the definition and meaning behind courage. They must provide the correct answer while speaking confidently in order to pass.

As you can see we take Martial Arts training to a whole new level! We use extreme elements of traditional Martial Arts curriculum to build skills that are appropriate for 10 to 14-year old  This means that your child will learn and grow at a pace that is not too easy, nor too challenging. The best part is the Extreme SKILLZ program will equip your child with skills that they will utilize in every area of their life! 

My Experience at the KRU Conference 2013

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My Experience at the KRU Conference 2013

This past January, I had the opportunity to travel to Tenafly, New Jersey to attend the KRU Conference 2013. This is an annual event put on by Master Ace Ramirez and his staff at KRU Training. When we arrived, I was immediately struck by how welcoming everyone was. I felt like I had known them my whole life. After our introductions, we didn’t waste any time getting on the mats.

On our first night, we participated in the regular classes offered at the gym. The instructors kept things very disciplined and structured. A great deal of thought had been put into everything from the way we began class with traditional bowing to the music selection playing throughout class. The energy level began high as we warmed up, then slowed down when instruction began, and gradually built up until our final round of pad sparring. By the end of the night, I was drenched in sweat and ready for the full event to begin.

The actual KRU Conference began the next day. It was the start of three long days of training with coaches and students from around the country. Master Ace broke down the entire curriculum into detailed pieces. We covered the ins and outs and whys of everything from footwork to pad sparring. I learned so many new details about techniques that I had thought I fully understood. The conference ended with an emotional awards ceremony from Master Ace. It was obvious just how much passion he has for the martial arts and how much he cares for his students, coaches, and instructors.

The biggest thing I took away from the KRU Conference was not the martial arts techniques but the strong bond among everyone. It’s more than just some organization you’re a part of; it’s a team and a family. The bond I have with everyone in the KRU organization, even though they are scattered across the country, is no different than the bond I share with everyone at Blacklist. And being part of that family and something bigger than myself is the reason why I love martial arts.

Seven tips for finding the right martial arts program for your child

Seven tips for finding the right martial arts program for your child

All martial arts schools are not created equal.  Even within the same style, in the same town, your son or daughter could have a dramatically different experience.  So, what can you do to find a program that’s right for your family? 

1.    Look for a real curriculum.  Many schools will have a series of forms that students have to master before advancing to the next belt or level, but do they have an actual, structured program?  Is that program age-appropriate?  Does it nurture skills and behaviors that you want to see in your child, such as respect, discipline and leadership?   

*At Blacklist, we proudly offer Master Melody Schuman’s world-famous Skillz program, designed to enhance your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.  Classes are divided into age groups, and use fun and fitness to help your child learn and grow.  You will see a dramatic difference after only a few classes! 

2.   Look at the school.  Take a hard look at the facility itself.  Is it clean?  Is the equipment in good shape?  Don’t be too distracted by a window full of trophies or a wall covered in tigers or ninja swords.  What about the school’s appearance tells you what they value?

*At Blacklist, we’re all about offering an updated, clean, and safe facility.  In fact, our school was just remodeled with brand new equipment!  We also have a strict cleaning routine, with all of our mats and padding sanitized on a daily basis.

3.    Watch a class.  Sit down, turn off your cell phone, and watch an entire class.  Pay attention to the format.  Does it seem organized and structured?  Are the students engaged?  And most importantly, does it look fun? 

*At Blacklist, we invite you to watch one of our classes any day, and at any time.  You’ll see the same quality of instruction, and feel the same positive energy in every group.

4.    Meet the instructors.  Talk to the owner or head instructor, but don’t stop there.  Find out who will actually be teaching your child’s classes, and have a conversation with him or her.  Does he or she seem enthusiastic?  Skilled?  Helpful?  But perhaps most importantly, does this instructor have any kind of training or certification to work with kids?  Remember, kids are not little adults, and teaching a four-year-old is a world apart from teaching a teenager. 

*At Blacklist, our instructors have to be certified by Master Melody Schuman prior to teaching any kids’ class.  We also attend conferences and webinars on a regular basis so that we’re constantly learning and improving.

5.    Ask around.  Talk to the other parents at the school.  See what they have to say.  Also, ask friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendations.  Word of mouth matters.

*At Blacklist, we invite you to talk to any of our staff or parents to hear what they have to say about our school.  We’re certain that you’ll hear good things!

6.    Try it out.  Most schools offer some form of trial period.  Take advantage of it.  If a trial isn't offered, ask for one. 

*At Blacklist, we offer one day, two weeks or 6 weeks trial program, including a personalized and age-appropriate assessment and a uniform. 

7.    See what your dollar gets you.  Is there an enrollment fee?  Extra costs for uniforms?  Extra costs for belt testing or seminars?  How many classes per week (or per month) does the fee cover?  Sometimes the “cheapest” school isn’t actually such a deal.  But most of all, try not to let cost be the deciding factor in your decision.  You often get what you pay for, and a school that costs a little more probably has better instructors, facilities and programs. 

*At Blacklist, there is NO enrollment fee and a uniform is included in the 6 week trial.   Your monthly fee also gets you two classes a week, including multiple coaches, and unlimited fun. 

Self Discipline

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Character 101: Instructor Training Worksheet on Self-Discipline

Definition: Training and control of oneself and one’s conduct, usually for personal improvement.

Quote on Self-Discipline: “With self-discipline most anything is possible.”  -Theodore Roosevelt

Parents and teachers both overwhelmingly agree that self-discipline is one of the most important skills one can have - yet relatively few believe they’ve been successful at helping their own children demonstrate it. However, it goes without saying that children can and will learn self-discipline if they are exposed to an environment that nurtures this very skill. In this month’s class planners, the students will learn why self-discipline is so good for their everyday life. They’ll also learn how to develop self-discipline skills in a fun and entertaining way.  

Here is a guideline regarding children and self-discipline based on age:

• With children ages 3 and 4; they are in an emotional stage of their life. Help them foster positive emotions towards self-discipline by using consistent, positive reinforcement.
• With children ages 5 and 6; they are starting to understand right from wrong. Teach them how to make good choices over bad ones.
• With children ages 7 and 9; they understand that there are consequences to negative behavior. Teach them how to have self-discipline without being told or reminded.
• With children ages 10 and up; they are very clear-cut and well-balanced on how self-discipline affects their life. Teach them how to be reasonable with their actions based on self-discipline.

The goal for this month’s age-specific character lesson is to positively enhance your student’s self-discipline both inside and outside of your school. This will happen through consistency in both you and their parents approach to fostering self-discipline. If you follow the age-specific planners while applying your personal teaching style you will notice a significant difference in the overall behavior and attitude towards self-discipline in each of your students.