Blog | Challenge Martial Arts & Fitness Centre

22 Apr 2017 1492832640
Expert Tips on How to Strengthen Your Determination

On the road to achieving your ultimate goal, black belt, you may have times when elf-doubt or outside pressures weaken your resolve. Especially during the colder weather, and when there are fewer daylight hours, it takes more psychological energy to stay focused on your goals. The following tips to strengthen your determination are from experts in the field. 1. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
These people can be classmates, teachers, coaches, and friends. They will supply you with feedback, emotional support ....
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10 Apr 2017 1491791160
Martial Arts Philosophy and Proper Training

Martial arts are systems of offensive and defensive combat movements which includes proper punching, kicking, blocking, and other combative skills. Many people often associate martial arts to violence and brutality. Even though this form of art was developed for self defense, this craft is just about throwing punches or performing high kicks. Martial arts are seen as expressions of valor, chivalry, and self-sacrifice. It is a philosophy which stresses that people should live in peace and harmony. Martial arts philosophy emphasises on the essence of self-control, respect for others, and positive perspective to strive for the best in life. Martial arts are part of an Eastern tradition that ....
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3 Apr 2017 1491184380
It's All About The Basics

Ask any professional how they became good at their martial arts skills and they will tell you practice. Ask them what they practiced and you will most likely hear "the fundamentals" or "the basics." I have had the pleasure over my years to meet and learn from some great martial artists. The thing that struck me was that every one of them talked about how their earliest instructor was a traditionalist and had them study the basics. In other words, what made them great was the fact that they spent time on the fundamentals. Now the sad part of this was that half of them were not teaching the knowledge they claimed made them good. They were into the flash and the short cuts. While this is ....
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20 Jul 2016 1468976520
Why Martial Arts?

Everyone faces a time when he or she looks in the mirror, unhappy with what looks back, or feels age creeping into the bones and decides that it is time to do something about it. There is no magic age when this might occur. It can happen in our twenties or sixties, but it happens to most of us. Next, we start researching diet and exercise programs. Some people have very little problems with the diet part of the plan; it's the exercise that confuses or scares people. In today's fast-paced society where multi-tasking is the norm, why not combine a total body workout with one the will increase your self-discipline and confidence while also teaching you to protect yourself. Why not try a ....
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24 Feb 2016 1456291500
How To Get Past The Fear Of Taking Your First Karate Belt Test

OK, so you’ve stuck with your karate training for a couple of months already. You enjoy learning all of the punches, kicks and blocks, you’ve learned your first kata and you also know some basic partner work drills. It’s time to try for your next belt and for some reason it feels like a wave of fear has suddenly come over you that is threatening your future in the martial arts. You know you have to take a belt test (also called promotion test or grading) to get the next belt and you want to be successful, but suddenly your previous fear of public speaking seems insignificant compared to the prospect of demonstrating your karate prowess in front of your instructor and fellow club members. ....
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6 Feb 2016 1454723400
Is Karate Practice A Viable Option For Your Family?

If you're like any good parent you no doubt enjoy spending time with your kids and sharing some quality activities with them. This may include kicking a soccer ball around the back yard, going to the local park for some pitching practice, or putting some cool music on in your front room and trying out your new hip-hop groove. However, how many actual opportunities are there for families to participate together in the same class doing something that is beneficial to all involved? The martial arts offer one such opportunity. There is a phrase used in the martial arts industry and it says that, "A family that kicks together, sticks together". This saying may sound a little cheesy, but more ....
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6 Feb 2016 1454722620
History And Fundamentals Of Karate

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by the Okinawa's. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or "Chinese Hand". There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalised as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate. The introduction, ....
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23 Dec 2015 1450828800
Time For A Break

All sessions will commence 27th of January
It's time for a break
, Firstly thank you for believing in us to help you along your journey of health, fitness, and Personal Protection. We really appropriate your support and belief in us. We believe that rest, recovery, reflection is a huge part of being a greater person, a winner in life. They say that if you are too busy to rest then you are too busy to be a winner. That statement might be true if you win and don't get a chance to enjoy what you have and how far you have come. All sessions will commence 27th of January, until then enjoy your chance to enjoy all the things you have been working hard for. Happy holiday stay safe ....
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7 Dec 2015 1449525600
Financial Fitness is Easy Once You Know How

Though it's the busy time of the year, it's the perfect time to pay attention to your finances. Why now? Recent reports have highlighted that many Australians are overpaying for home loans and spending more on interest than they should. We have established a partnership with Ross Group Finance
to assist you to review your home loan interest rates and fees, should you require it. It's not in the banks best interest to save you money, but it is in the interest of Ross Group Finance. They can compare your home loan interest and fees for you with other lenders, to make sure you are on the right path. Contact Yvonne Sweeny
if you would like some help, as money saved (and in your pocket) gives ....
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30 Nov 2015 1448859600
Mind Over Muscle

Embarking on a physical training program brings rewards that can be achieved by little else. Whether exercising to stay fit, feel good, or just to look terrific, you can add power to your efforts by employing the insights and techniques used by high-achievers to obtain that 'look' you've always dreamed of! Before beginning your journey on the road to fitness you must realise that you are in total control and therefore should have a real desire to be fit. A wishy-washy approach to fitness, or anything else for that matter, usually ends in failure. It is therefore wise to keep yourself motivated. By realising that the power of your decision adds much weight to the acquirement of any ....
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30 Nov 2015 1448859600
Benifits of Cardio Kickboxing

Sports scientists agree that cardio-boxing is one of the best forms of exercise, because it conditions the total body and provides a complete workout for your cardiovascular and endurance systems. The major benefits of cardio-boxing include:
Increased Stamina
Increased Strength
Increased Speed
Increased Coordination Cardio-boxing also promotes a person's well being by strengthening their self-discipline and combined with strength training it's well and truly the total package for self-defence and fitness and usually consists of:
Adjusted heart rate work
Actual boxing techniques The usual workout consists of the age-adjusted heart rate work starting with 10 minutes for beginners ....
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24 Nov 2015 1448323200
The Top 3 Tips To Get Your Child To Practice Karate At Home

So your child is enrolled in the martial arts, congratulations on taking a positive step for their overall growth and development. However you've noticed that karate practice is not as easy as it looks and you want to get your child to practice at home as well as in class. How do you do this without burning both you and your child out? After all you work hard all day and are probably paying good money for martial arts lessons so you naturally want your child to be successful. Here are three simple tips to get them to practice at home. 1. Create a designated area for practice
Depending on the size of your house or apartment, do your best to create an open space big enough to practice. ....
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24 Nov 2015 1448323200
How To Get Your Black Belt In Weight Loss Results

Your Black Belt, yes, in the martial arts realm, this is one of the highest degrees you can master. Think of weight loss achievement in terms of taking small steps that continuously lead to better and bigger body fat achievement strides. Without wasting any time, here is the big secrete you need intellectual advantage working in your favor in order to maximize weight management results. And, exactly what does such intellectual advantage comprise? The phrase simply means that your mind is in tune, sharply performing, acutely aware, completely open and free to absorb weight loss nuances around you. In other words, intellectual advantage is about empowering and equipping yourself with tools ....
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21 Nov 2015 1448064000
Awards Dinner 2015

L'unica Reception at the rear of Reggio Calabria Club 476 Brunswick Road, Parkville 6:30 PM See you there... ....
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19 Nov 2015 1447891200
The Importance of Stretching

Among the methods applied in sport training, one that has been used more and more lately is stretching. The word, English in origin, is used as such in many other languages and it comes from the verb to stretch (meaning, in this sense, 'to make your arms, legs and body as straight as possible so that your muscles become long and tight'). More exactly, we talk about stretching the muscles, the joints, the tendons, the ligaments, etc. Even before the term itself and the specific methods gained individuality, stretching was used a lot, especially in sports or activities which require a very good mobility of the joints and special muscle suppleness (gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, etc.). The ....
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19 Nov 2015 1447891200
The Shaolin Workout - Harmony

The following is an excerpt from the book The Shaolin Workout by Sifu Shi Yan Ming Published by Rodale; May 2006;$29.95US/$39.95CAN; 1-59486-400-4 Copyright 2006 Sifu Shi Yan Ming My heart is in harmony with my mind. My mind is in harmony with my chi. My chi is in harmony with my power. There are intrinsic harmonies between certain parts of the body. Your hands are in harmony with your feet. Your elbows are in harmony with your knees. And your shoulders are in harmony with your hips. As you continue to train the warrior's way, you will begin to find all the muscles and joints in your body working in harmony, giving you a strength and endurance you've probably never felt before. The ....
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11 Nov 2015 1447200000
Coping with anxiety through martial arts

To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.-- Sun Tzu, The Art of War A lot has been said about martial arts. There's a lot punching, kicking, and wrestling involved ó all considered as systems and tools of brutal force. This notion or preconceptions about the martial arts were developed, in a large measure, due to films and movies that depicted the combative arts as a means of inflicting violence. But in reality, the true aim of martial arts is quite exactly the opposite. At the core of every fighting philosophy are the values of valor, chivalry, nobility, self-control, and self-sacrifice. This ....
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9 Nov 2015 1447027200
Martial Arts Training and Nutrition

Bruce Lee is one of the most recognised name in the world, he accomplished so much despite living a very short life. He did not become a seasoned martial artist overnight, his accomplishments are products of intense and vigorous training coupled with proper nutrition. Bruce Lee did more than blaze the movie screens with powerful, lightning quick punches and kicks. He launched a martial arts revolution and encouraged martial artists to break the ties that bound them as practitioners. Lee freed himself and other martial artists from the ties that limited the skills traditional fighters. He envisioned unity among the divided disciplines of martial arts. After years of research and ....
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6 Nov 2015 1446768000
Martial Arts Philosophy and Proper Training

Martial arts training involves activities that can improve flexibility, Cardiovascular health, and hand-body coordination. Injuries in martial arts training are usual, but can be avoided by proper breathing, stretching, and wearing the proper equipment. Martial arts are systems of offensive and defensive combat movements which includes proper punching, kicking, blocking, and other combative skills. Many people often associate martial arts to violence and brutality. Even though this form of art was developed for self defense, this craft is just about throwing punches or performing high kicks. Martial arts are seen as expressions of valor, chivalry, and self-sacrifice. It is a philosophy ....
Read more
5 Nov 2015 1446681600
Stress Relief through Martial Arts

Formerly known as Siam to foreigners who first came to this region as early as the 12th century, the country's name was changed to literally mean Land of the Free.Throughout the country's 800-year history, this nation can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized. Siam was changed to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939. People inhabiting Thailand today share rich ethnic diversity mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian, and Indian stock with the result that there is no typically Thai physiognomy or physique. There are petite, statuesque, round-faced, dark-skinned and light-skinned Thais. Some 80% ....
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3 Apr 2015 1428019200
The Dos And Don’ts Of Karate Etiquette

Have you ever walked into a karate school and wondered what all of the rigid hierarchy and bowing is all about? Are you currently a new member of a karate studio and are wondering what all of the foreign words and chanting means? Or are you an avid student who still wonders what it all means when you enter your Mini Martial Arts Experience every Wednesday evening at 6pm? Lots of people share your confusion and many people wonder if it is all necessary. Here is your quick cheat sheet to. The Dos and Don’ts of Karate Etiquette. Depending on your karate school and style, some or all of the following may apply: 1. DO show respect to your instructor and fellow members while ....
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17 Mar 2015 1426550400
Martial Arts Training and Nutrition

Bruce Lee did more than blaze the movie screens with powerful, lightning quick punches and kicks. He launched a martial arts revolution and encouraged martial artists to break the ties that bound them as practitioners. Lee freed himself and other martial artists from the ties that limited the skills traditional fighters. He envisioned unity among the divided disciplines of martial arts. After years of research and development, Lee managed to fuse every helpful martial arts components into one system. He incorporated western boxing, the Chinese style of Kung Fu called Wing Chun, and Western fencing and added bits of Karate, Judo, Aikido, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu. The result was a concept ....
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17 Mar 2015 1426550400
The Importance of Stretching

Among the methods applied in sport training, one that has been used more and more lately is stretching. The word, English in origin, is used as such in many other languages and it comes from the verb to stretch (meaning, in this sense, 'to make your arms, legs and body as straight as possible so that your muscles become long and tight'). More exactly, we talk about stretching the muscles, the joints, the tendons, the ligaments, etc. Even before the term itself and the specific methods gained individuality, stretching was used a lot, especially in sports or activities which require a very good mobility of the joints and special muscle suppleness (gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, etc.). The ....
Read more
14 Sep 2014 1410652800
The Difference Between Karate and Kung Fu

For many people, especially those who are not familiar with martial arts, the question often arises on what the difference between karate and kung fu is. Upon watching somebody doing martial arts, the untrained eye will find it hard to tell whether that person is doing karate or kung fu. Even those who are beginning martial arts may sometimes be confused about the different styles until further exposure to them will reveal just how different they really are. Historically, the people living in the islands of Okinawa just south of Japan got exposed to Chinese kung fu martial arts due to the close proximity to China. Over time, the Okinawan’s and Japanese developed their own styles of ....
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10 Sep 2014 1410307200
History And Fundamentals Of Karate

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, it's true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or Chinese Hand. There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate. The introduction, ....
Read more
7 Sep 2014 1410048000
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu And The Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is one of many submission holds in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Chances are, you have seen this countless times during MMA events. But why do you see it often? The answer is very simple. The opponent gets into the right position that the more skills fighter sees and then executes it properly. This happens every time when that person puts their head outside of the opponents body so don’t you think this is worth learning? There are two types of guillotine choke. There is the blood choke and the air choke. If you apply pressure using your forearm against your opponent’s windpipe, then you achieve an air choke. If this is placed on the arteries of the neck, then you have a blood ....
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7 Sep 2014 1410048000
Sparring

Sparring is something that all martial arts use. There are numerous sports, such as boxing and wrestling that use sparring as well. It is a very useful technique, helping students become better with their techniques and what they have learned. By practicing with other people, students learn their arts better and become more apt at performing the techniques quickly and efficiently. If you are studying martial arts in a dojo, youíll find sparring to be very exciting as well as beneficial to your training. The instructors and teachers will be right there watching and guiding students, making sure that no one gets hurt. Students use full body gear, including headgear, to ensure safety during ....
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7 Sep 2014 1410048000
Martial Arts Overview

Martial Arts Overview Anytime an individual decides to learn how to protect themselves, learn self defense, or become a better person, one thing comes to mind - martial arts. Martial arts are very common these days, being practiced all over the world. The martial arts have been used for many centuries, although they really became famous around the time of Bruce Lee . Bruce invented the style of Jeet Kune Do, which involves very fast strikes with amazing counter defenses. Once people began to see just how fast Bruce Lee could move, they began to look into martial arts and see just how it could benefit them. Martial arts are broken down into specific styles. The style all depends on ....
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7 Sep 2014 1410048000
Hamstrings Stretch Very Important

Here is your video Click HereHAMSTRING STRETCH Video ....
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18 Aug 2014 1408320000
Great Achievement

Great achievement in life only comes when you become outstanding at what you do. Anything less than a commitment to excellence is an acceptance of mediocrity. Unless you make the conscious commitment to become excellent at what you do, what you are doing is unconsciously accepting that you are only going become mediocre. Every excellent performance builds your self-esteem and reinforces your self-confidence. It improves your performance in every area. If you only do things in an average way you don't get anything. You don't get the charge. Always strive for perfection. Black Belt Excellence is a commitment to be the best! Whether it's a corporate black belt or academic ....
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17 Aug 2014 1408233600
Writing a book about you

When a boxer goes out in the ring to meet his opponent, he must face his challenger alone. And, although he's been trained, coached, and groomed for that one moment, his success is going to have a great deal to do with how he applies what he's been taught. Most of all, however, his success will have to do with his attitude. So, now you know that a significant key to your success is within your grasp. In fact, your happiness is entirely up to you, and you alone. If you're not satisfied with where you are in life, change your circumstances. When a boxer goes out in the ring to meet his opponent, he must face his challenger alone. And, although he's been trained, coached, and groomed ....
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22 Jul 2014 1405987200
Motivation Understand It

What Motivates You? Mike Fohner, cross country running coach, tells this story about one of his students: Last year, one of my young cross-country runners was fully content walking up the hills and avoiding physical exertion to the maximum extent possible. I tried all sorts of tactics and motivation techniques…to wits end. Even my “walkers club” (post practice sprints for those that walk during practice) had no effect. One meet, this runner unexpectedly knocked 3 minutes off her best time to which I gave a look of amazement to her parents. They smiled and said, “Well…she didn’t walk…so I guess we owe her ten bucks!!” So it appears that money is an effective motivator for all ages! ....
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15 Jun 2014 1402790400
Speed Your Martial Arts Learning

Speed Your Martial Arts Learning
Do you have trouble understanding and assimilating your martial arts as quickly as you would like? Or, have you had the disheartening experience of saying to yourself “ I’m having trouble picking this up”, The problem is that we do not pick up everything that is being taught to us. We have to learn how to learn more effectively. Here are some simple techniques to speed your learning. 1- Keep A Notebook
In your backpack or car -- keep a notebook to jot down the subtle points that the teacher pointed out in class that could be forgotten. This is also a great place to put theories, strategies, and philosophical tidbits, as well as mistakes that ....
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15 Jun 2014 1402790400
Budo Definition

Budo
is a Japanese term. It means "martial way" and refers to those martial disciplines whose ultimate goal is spiritual, ethical and/or moral self-improvement. The characters "bu" and "do" in "budo" are rich in meaning and have many secondary interpretations. Bu
is a Japanese word meaning "military" or "related to the military," a character often compounded into others, such as "bugei," "bujitsu" and "bushi." The character for "bu" is a composite of two others. The bottom inside left character is "foot" suggesting advancing on foot, and the right upper larger character is a prototype (perhaps derived from an elaboration of the character for stake) of a halberd (a spear attached to ....
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