I’m excited to announce two Paul Mills seminars on July 31st in Evanston, WY! All students of Arrowhead Martial Arts are encouraged to attend.

SEMINAR TOPICS

AKKI = Attitude – Knowledge – Know – Intensity (Part 1 & 2)

How to increase your proficiency with AKKI Timing Patterns, Speed Patterns, Power Patterns, Trapping Patterns, Internalization Patterns, Weapon Patterns and Master Key Patterns.

WHEN

Saturday, July 31st
2:30pm- 5:30pm

WHERE

EVANSTON RECREATION CENTER
275 Saddle Ridge RD, Evanston, WY

COST

Both seminars are only $75

I highly recommend that you attend as you will learn more than you can imagine. See you there!

Goal setting is a powerful process that gets you thinking about your future as it also motivates you to take action.

Goal setting is an important part of the martial arts and is used by Master black belts and high achievers in every field.

For some, it’s about getting their black belt. For others, it’s about loosing weight, getting into better shape while others do it for improved self confidence.

However, the secret is that you must properly set your goals in such a way so that you can realistically achieve them.

By setting distinct, clearly defined goals, you can easily measure your accomplishment of those goals and check them off your list.

If your goal is black belt in four years from the day you started, then each belt test is one step closer to that goal. It’s easy to build a timeline based around this goal as you know how many belts you are away from black belt.

Before you set any goal, be sure to answer the question “Why do I want to achieve this goal?” The more reasons you have motivating yourself besides “I just want it” the better you be to keep motivated and on track.

There are many types of goals you might set in your life including family, education, work, financial, physical, charity and more. The good news is the process is the same no matter what kind of goal you’ve set for yourself.

Goal Setting Tips

* Be precise.
* Set priorities.
* Write goals down.
* Set performance goals, not just outcome goals.
* Set realistic goals.

Further, a commonly adopted approach to goal setting, known as the SMART method, is as follows:

1. Specific – Goals must be specific.
2. Measurable – They must be quantifiable.
3. Attainable – Set goals that push you but are achievable.
4. Realistic – This means do-able, not necessarily easy.
5. Time-Bound – With no deadline, it is easy to put things off.

It’s amazing how setting the right goals and achieving them leads to increased self-confidence and feeling better about yourself. I am reminded of this every time I reach a new goal I’ve set for myself.

If you haven’t set a goal in your martial arts training, I challenge you to set, define then crush your goals!

Over the years I’ve taught many people and no matter what there always seems to be a few mistakes most everyone seems to make. So, I decided to give you a checklist so you can determine if you’re still making these classic mistakes and learn how you can being to correct them.

The good news is that the majority of these are a direct result of things being new and doesn’t take much to overcome these and do them correctly. And, as we all know, these will be easier to understand than to do, initially.

1. You’re looking at your feet or weapons
This is a tough one, especially in the beginning. Beginners tend to look at their stances… or at their hands… the oncoming punch… everywhere except eye level gazing straight ahead where they should be. If you can’t see a punch coming, how can you block it?

2. You’re holding your breath
Your body needs oxygen to power your muscle. Whenever you hold your breath, you’re robbing your body of the very energy you need to fuel it. Holding your breath also leads you to the next mistake.

3. You’re too tense!
You need to relax! I know that’s easier said that done but it makes responding efficiently and effectively that much more difficult. You also lose a lot of power.

4. You’re only moving your hands
This is where you ignore your stances and just hit using the force your arms and hands and not you’re entire body. This starts to make your motion more slappy than powerful.

5. You’re too high in your stance
Bend your knees more and put more weight on the balls of your feet. This will help you to be spring loaded so you can be quick and nimble.

6. Your stance is too wide
Do you like getting kicked in the groin? Then make sure you aren’t too wide in your stance. Be sure to work on your “Toe/Heel alignment.” This basically means that if you were to draw a line down the middle of your stance from the big toe of your lead foot and the heel of your rear foot would align right down your centerline.

7. You’re too shallow in your stance
By not stepping back far enough, you’re too top heavy. You only need to step where when you kneel down that your lead knee is aligned with the toes of your rear foot (Heel/Toe alignment).

8. You use too big of circles
As Mr. Parker said, “big circles lead to big problems.” As a beginner, you want to exaggerate your moves which means you will use larger circles than you really want to get the motion down. However, later in your training, you should begin to compress your circles and always keep within your “outer rim.”

9. You’re moving too fast
In an effort to really rip things, students often try to go too fast when they should be moving slower to get the moves and body mechanics down. By gong fast, many of the above stated mistakes could be avoided.

10. Your elbows are too far out
If your elbows are out, you are losing power, telegraphing and more. By keeping you elbows anchored you will block and hit with greater effect and not open yourself up to unwanted counter strikes.

Be mindful of these 10 common mistakes and work towards eliminating them.

Looking for self-defense tips to help keep you or your loved ones safer? Here are 10 self defense tips to help you become more adept at self-defense.

1. Trust Your Instincts

Learn to trust your instincts and listen to what your intuition tells you. Trust when something doesn’t feel right. Be ready to take swift action if necessary and get away as fast as you can.

2. Awareness

Awareness is the single most important ingredient to self defense. If you don’t see a possible attacker coming, how can you defend against them? Having peak awareness requires that you keep alert and that you always scan the environment you are in. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, don’t look down as you walk, always look up and scan around you. Paying attention to what’s happening around you will help keep you safer.

3. Take a Bite Out of Crime

One thing that people forget is that there are no rules on the street. Anything goes. And, one overlooked – yet highly effective – self defense weapon is your ability to bite. That’s right, I said bite.

This is the last thing anyone expects and can create the opening you need to escape. Now I’m not saying run up to someone and bite them Mike Tyson style.

What I am saying is that if someone puts you in a headlock… gets on top of you… or whatever, bite anything and everything.

4. The Element of Surprise

The element of surprise in a self defense situation is a powerful tool. Striking when your opponent least expects it can help you get out of danger safely. When that moment comes, take massive action and strike targets that will get you the most effect.

5. The #1 Best Self Defense Technique

The number one self defense technique isn’t kicking an attacker in the groin… it’s not breaking their foot with a stomp… and it’s not breaking their nose with a palm heel strike.

So, what is it?

Your number one priority should be escape. The best thing you can do for yourself is get out of the situation as fast and as safely as you can.

“It’s not about who’s right or who’s wrong, it’s about who’s left that counts.” – Ed Parker

6. Take martial arts lessons

Reading self-defense tips online is on thing, training to physically respond is another. You are highly encouraged to take formal self-defense lessons from a martial arts school that focuses on modern self-defense. This way, you can learn the skills necessary to practically and effectively defend yourself if you are ever confronted. Not only that, but they are a lot of fun to take!

7. React Like Lightning

When an attack is eminent, you must be ready to respond immediately and be able to “flip the switch” from passive mode to self-defense mode. As Mr. Mills teaches, you should be like lightning where your strikes appear from nowhere, manifesting suddenly, striking it’s target with tremendous energy, then disappearing as quickly as it arrived.

8. Walk Tall

Predators often look to the weak. If you walk with confidence, you can avoid a lot of possible attacks. Keep your eyes up and scanning as you walk. This will deter most attackers as they want to surprise easy victims.

9. Don’t be a Smart Alec

While most of the tips we’ve covered assume you are being targeted, it’s good to remember that a self-defense situation may arise spontaneously. And, in certain settings, can easily be triggered by something you say to someone. Avoid making rude, offensive, tactless, stupid or hurtful comments in public settings. I’ve seen many a person punched in the face for making a wise crack so watch what you say!

10. Make the right call

Do not attempt to get in the middle of an argument between a man and a woman. Both will stop arguing or fighting with each other and will likely turn on you. If you really fear for the woman’s safety, simply call the police and let them handle it.

Did this post help you? Feel free to share with your friends and family! Send them this link: http://www.arrowheadkenpo.com/10-self-defense-tips

Check out the recently uploaded photos from the April 2010 belt test in Evanston, WY!

Arrowhead Martial Arts is proud to announce that some of our students were promoted to various ranks at the American Kenpo Karate International belt test on Saturday April 23rd in Evanston, WY.

Three were promoted to different degrees of Black Belt:

1. Mr. Jess Leonard was promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt
2. Mr. Steve Schultz was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt
3. Mr. Josh Ramsey was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt

We also had two others promoted to different levels of Brown Belt:

1. Ms. Jessica Taylor was promoted to 2nd Degree Brown Belt
2. Mr. Joel Weight was promoted to 1st Degree Brown Belt

Three were promoted to Green Belt:

1. Blake was promoted to Green Belt
2. Joshua was promoted to Green Belt
3. Aaron was promoted to Green Belt

I am incredibly proud of each of you and it was a great pleasure for me to watch you prepare for your test then do so well out on the floor. I am truly humbled to be your instructor.

View more photos of the AKKI Camp and Belt Test here.

Please join me in congratulating everyone on their great accomplishments!

Great news! The 2010 April AKKI Camp Schedule has been posted!

For those who don’t know, this International event will take place in Evanston, WY on April 23rd and 24th.

All Arrowhead Martial Arts students of all belt levels are invited to attend. I HIGHLY recommend you attend as you’ll get a ton out of it. It’s a great experience where you can learn and train with AKKI Kenpoists from all over the World and get to meet all of the wonderful people in our organization.

This is going to be a pretty special camp for me not just because I get to teach two seminars but because I also have students testing for various levels. Not only that but Steve and Josh are going to test for their 1st degree Black Belts; which always takes these camps  to a whole different level for me. Attaining ones Black Belt is a huge accomplishment and one I hope you set as a goal, too. Both Steve and Josh have come a long way since they both started training here and I will be proud to have them as my latest Black Belts!

SEMINAR LOCATION:

EVANSTON RECREATION CENTER
275 Saddle Ridge Rd
Evanston, WY
> Directions <

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:

BEST WESTERN DUNMAR INN
1601 Harrison Drive
Evanston, WY
(307) 789-3770

Room Rate is $69.99 per night. Be sure to ask for the “Paul Mills AKKI Discount.”

Please let me know if you have any questions about the camp.

Congratulations to Jared and Candace on their purple belts and to Robert, Nick, Jim and Jan on their promotion to orange belt! Everyone did a great job at their test on Saturday morning (March 20th) and I’m extremely proud of all of you! Photos coming soon.

In addition to our open house on Saturday March 27th we will be having our annual free seminar for all our current students at Arrowhead Martial Arts at 2PM.

This free students only seminar is our way of thanking you for being a student at our Salt Lake City Utah martial arts school for adults.

WHEN

Saturday March 27
2PM-3:30PM

Don’t miss out!

I will be covering master key principles and concepts in KENPO that will enhance your understanding and abilities and take things to new heights. You won’t want to miss the information I’m going to reveal so save the date now!

See you on Saturday March 27th at 2PM for our free students only seminar!

As part of our 9 year anniversary at Arrowhead Martial Arts in Salt lake City, Utah we will be holding an opn house on March 27, 2010 from 10am-2pm.

And, you’re invited to attend!

Why attend?

• Take a tour of our expanded facility
• Meet our instructors
• Get answers to your questions
• Pick up a free information kit
• Sign up for our next trial program
• And more!

There is absolutely no cost or obligation when you attend our open house.

You can also enter win a month of free lessons when you attend!*

WHO

Adult men and women (18+) who are interested in learning self defense and the martial arts.

WHEN

Saturday March 27, 2010
10AM-2PM

WHERE

Arrowhead Martial Arts
4700 S. Highland Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
(801) 503-0028

Learn more about the open house here.

We look forward to seeing you on March 27th!

*Applies to new students only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.