Tomorrow (Monday January 9th) is the first day of training sessions for 2017.

Adult classes, cadet classes and Fight Club are all as per our regular schedule.

Kenpo Karate is the best choice for adults interested in practical self defense. Unlike the traditional karate styles developed to teach PE to Japanese school children, Kenpo is a modern, street defense focused system based on practical, natural movement and logical, scientific principles.
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Places are limited so get in touch today! Call us on 04 210 5425 or fill in the contact form on the front page of this website.

​It takes confidence to be a kid. Whether going to a new school or stepping up to bat for the first time, kids face a lot of uncharted territory.

Naturally, parents want to instill a can-do attitude in their kids so that they’ll bravely take on new challenges and, over time, believe in themselves. While each child is a little different, parents can follow some general guidelines to build kids’ confidence.

Self-confidence rises out of a sense of competence. In other words, kids develop confidence not because parents tell them they’re great, but because of their achievements, big and small. Sure, it’s good to hear encouraging words from mom and dad. But words of praise mean more when they refer to a child’s specific efforts or new abilities.

Martial Arts Instructors call this “Stacking”.   When students first come aboard we talk to parents about avoiding comparing their kids with other kids.   In martial arts students real opponent or competition is themselves.   “In the beginning instructors are “good finders” pointing out each child’s strong points and praising them while challenging they to do something more” according to Grand Master Silva.

Once the journey begins kids gain competence at basics, kids, drills, patterns, self defense and free style.   They earn and are rewarded belts, stripes and awards for practicing, patience, courtesy, goal setting and more,  This “Stacking” of success references gives kids confidence to try new things and reach new levels because they are accomplishing things very few of their peers will ever do.   A child that becomes a Black Belt is like  a scout that becomes a “Leader”.
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Martial Arts is also just fun, healthy, great for fitness and more.   The gift of martial arts lessons is a gift that will go a long way.

​Holiday shopping can frazzle the brain. Shoppers are trying to remember gift lists while simultaneously calculating whether it’s better to use a coupon or sign up for an in-store credit card. Personal safety at the mall and in the parking lot is the last thing on most people’s minds, but it should truly be top of mind.

Poorly lit parking garages, arms full of packages, keys buried in the bottom of overflowing purses, and other factors can make shoppers particularly easy targets for predators. To help you stay safe this holiday shopping season, consider the following list of personal safety tips.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings by scanning your environment.
No matter how busy you are, do not allow your mind to wander. It might seem important in the moment to be making a to-do list in your head, but if you’re worrying about appetizers for tomorrow’s holiday party, you might not notice someone following you to your vehicle.

2. Even if it means that you have to walk a bit farther, park in well-lit areas.
It is best to avoid shopping after sundown, but if you must do so, try to bring a friend or family member along with you. When you park, avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. You want to keep your car as visible to as many people as possible. Also avoid parking next to tall shrubs or plants that could block views of your vehicle.

3. Don’t wear your bag or purse so that the strap crosses your body. 
Wearing a strap across your body makes you more connected to your bag. If someone tries to steal your purse, you will be pulled with the strap. You can become unbalanced and put into a vulnerable position, or you could end up in a physical altercation with the assailant. If your purse is draped on one shoulder, you can easily let go of it.

4. Dress casually and comfortably.
The mall during holiday shopping season is not the time to make a fashion statement. It is better to leave the high heels and flashy accessories at home. Jeans and sneakers will help you blend in, and if needed, enable you to make a quick getaway. Also avoid wearing large and expensive-looking jewelry that can draw additional attention to you.
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5. Don’t hesitate to ask a security guard to walk you to your car. 
If you are shopping at night, and the crowds at the mall have thinned out for the day, taking an extra step to stay safe is always a good idea. Or, plan ahead and take someone with you so you do not have to walk alone with arms full of bags.

Come one – come all to Family Martial Arts – Kenpo Karate Wellington term 4 Graduation.

December 17th at 2 pm – please let us know numbers for seating!
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Also come to our celebration ‘Burger Bash’ immediately afterwards!

I’ve been involved in teaching children and training instructors to teach children for 40 years.  I have seen martial arts have a huge difference on thousand of kids.  Literally life impacting differences.

1. Coordination and motor skills.  Kids with good balance and coordination excel in games and sports at a young age. This creates confidence as they are not targets of kids poking fun.
2. Fitness.   Everyone needs fitness but not many kids get enough.   Training in martial arts builds muscle and burns fat.   Kids look better, have more energy and do better at studies.
3. Social Skills.    Martial arts classes have constant interaction between kids of all ages.  Learning to support others kids, sharing ideas and having fun,  expands their circles of friends and makes them more popular with their peers.
4. Over coming disappointments.   Kids love to win and do great.   They also need to realize that not everything comes easy.   They need to work and they need to get over disappointments and set backs in order to accomplish things.   Martial arts has built in stumbling blocks that helps with this.
5. Self Defense.   We all want our kids to have fun and not be afraid of others.  We also want are kids to be safe.   Basic self defense skills are important and kids need to gain competence in these skills.   We can’t expect kids to stand up to unhealthy peer pressure if they are afraid of confrontations.
6. Self Confidence,  Martial arts is amazing because kids learn to act confident with a strong posture, talk confident, make eye contact, walk strong and make good decisions.
7. Focus.   From day one in martial arts kids learn to block out distractions.  They learn to focus their bodies, focus their eyes and focus their minds.  Super important in school and home.
8. Respect.   Protocol of martial arts lessons is respect for yourself, respect to other kids, respect for adults and respect for authority,
9. Courtesy.   Number one is treating everyone with respect.  Following the Golden Rule starts and ends with every martial arts lessons.

This holiday season think how important these 9 qualities are.  Martial Arts is really a gift that’s not only fun but really does teach kids a lot.
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Greg Silva
Author of “The Silva Solution – Build Black Belts from the inside out”