Samurai Karate Studio

Stranger Danger

2012-02-10T21:12:00.002-05:00

There is a video that is going viral (see below) that is about an attempted abduction of a 7 year old girl named Britney Baxter. A man tried to take her in a Walmart store and she fought back and escaped.

Bravo for you Ms. Baxter! You are one brave girl.

This girl is very lucky. This story could have had a very different ending. Many parents are unsure how to address this topic with their children. After all, we don't want our children fearing everyone do we?

At Samurai Karate Studio, I have taught stranger danger strategies to hundreds of kids and it is part of the curriculum at my karate school. The one constant I have learned over the years, is you need to discuss these strategies over and over with your child until it really SINKS in.

The Definition of a Stranger

I start off every stranger danger workshop with the definition of who a stranger is? A stranger is simply "someone we don't know". Often times, parents try to explain what a stranger is in too complicated a way. I try to keep it simple.

I then give examples of strangers:

A neighbor you have never met
A man or women at the store
A parent in the hallway of a school
A relative you have never met

The last one, a relative you have never met, is often overlooked. Statistically, there is a higher rate of abduction with someone who knows the child, than a complete stranger. Does that mean every family member is a risk. No, but in order to simplify what a stranger is, you have to include relatives your child has never met.

Of course, I emphasize that NOT all strangers are bad, in fact most are good, but we practice to be CAUTIOUS, which is just a fancy grown up term that means we practice to be SAFE!

The Tricks

Once you have established the definition of a stranger, I review the typical "tricks" that a stranger will use to lure a child into their car. All the while, I am constantly reinforcing that the children never get in a car with a stranger EVER!

The most common lures are:

Offering a favorite candy

Offering toys

Offering DVD's or video games

Asking for directions

Asking for help finding a lost puppy or kitten

Making up a story about a parent getting in an auto accident (especially at a school in a car rider line?)

Stranger Danger Defense

Now, I know what many of you are probably thinking!

I am a self defense expert so I must be teaching these children some fancy self defense techniques. Sorry, but that is not the case. Where the children are so oung, it is unrealistic to think they are going to protect themselves like an older child, teen or adult. However, as the video demonstrates, screaming, kicking and squirming helped this girl escape.

So this is what I recommend you teach:

Yell -- scream as loud as you can. While I tell adults to yell fire (because people respond better to that word), I try to keep is simple for the kids. Just tell them to yell and scream help as loud as they can.

Run -- don't try to engage the stranger, run away as fast as you can to a trusted adult or parent.

Tell -- instruct your children to always tell you when approached by a stranger or if they ever feel uncomfortable because an adult touched them.

For those children enrolled in my karate school, I do work with the children teach them how to stomp the toes, kick the shins, and punch if necessary. But the reality is, that should only be a last resort. If anything, tell them to be like a cat. (ever try to hold a cat that didn't want to be held?)

The Bottom Line

The truth is, the best defense against your child being abducted is NEVER let them out of your site. As in the case of little Britney in the news, she wandered off into the next aisle looking at toys and was out of site from her mom. THE only way we can keep our children safe is to remain ever vigilant.

However, in the event they get temperarily separated from you, if you follow and practice these safety rules, there is a possibility your child could help save themselves.

If you would like to attend our next stranger danger workshop, please send me your email and I will add you to our mailing list so you will know the next time I offer one.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Sensei Chris Feldt Receives CPR Certification

2012-02-07T14:54:00.001-05:00

I completed a challenge course over the summer and received my 2 year certification in CPR and AED training. Honestly, this is a requirement of the University of South Carolina, as all professors teaching courses in the physical education program must be certified.

However, I believe learning CPR is just good self defense, as you never know when you might need to use it. Consider some of the statistics I reviewed at the Women's Heart Foundation:

Heart Attack Facts

1.5 million heart attacks occur in the United States each year with 500,000 deaths.

More than 233,000 women die annually from cardiovascular disease.

A heart attack occurs about every 20 seconds with a heart attack death about every minute.

Sudden death is more common among women with heart attack.

The National Registry of Myocardial Infarctions (New England Journal Med., 22Jul99) reports that women have a worse outcome than men after having a heart attack. Data showed that women under the age of 50 had twice the mortality of men after having a heart attack. Variances likely reflect increased severity of the disease in younger women.

Almost 14 million Americans have a history of heart attack or angina.

About 50% of deaths occur within one hour of the heart attack ––outside a hospital.

There is a 6% to 9% early mortality from heart attack for those who survive long enough to reach the hospital.

From 1983 to 1993, heart attack deaths fell about 30% overall but have not fallen nearly as much for women.

Studies show the most common time for a heart attack to occur is Monday morning. Saturday morning ranks second. Another common time is during the early morning hours, when blood platelets are stickier.

Deaths from cardiovascular diseases in women exceed the total number of deaths caused by the next 16 causes.

60% of women erroneously listed cancer as the leading cause of death among women. Deaths from all cancers in the USA are half as common as deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Only 31% of women know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the USA.

On the average, women take 2-4 hours longer than men to respond to symptoms of heart attack, limiting the beneficial use of some newer treatments like clot busters that work best within the first hour after onset of pain or discomfort.

Chewing an uncoated aspirin right away, at the first sign of chest discomfort or distress, can reduce the amount of damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack.

Costs related to heart attack exceed 60 billion dollars per year.

Heart attacks continue to be one of the top 10 killers for men and women in the United States. I think it only makes sense to train as many people as possilbe, particularly, since the first few minutes of a heart attack are critical to the survival rate. Knowing CPR and how to use an AED might just save the life of someone you know and love!

If you would like more information, you should contact The American Red Cross for dates and times of their classes. Certification usually takes 2-3 hours depending on your knowledge or experience in CPR and generally costs around $50.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Follow SKS On Facebook

2012-02-07T14:06:00.001-05:00

Follow Samurai Karate Studio on FACEBOOK!

Follow us on Facebook to get up-to-the minute news. See what's going on at SKS and find links and information related to training and our unique curriculum!

Occasionally, you might find special events, photos, video and more!

Click HERE to find our Facebook page!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Follow SKS On Twitter

2012-02-06T20:13:00.003-05:00

Follow Samurai Karate Studio on Twitter!

Follow us on Twitter to get up-to-the minute news. See what's going on at SKS and find links and information related to training and our unique curriculum!

Occasionally, you might find special events, photos, video and more!

Click HERE to find our Twitter page!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Take That Plastic!

2012-02-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

For quite some time now, I have been following the Story of Stuff Project. According to their website, "Annie Leonard and her friends at Free Range Studios set out in 2007 to share what she’d learned about the way we make, use and throw away Stuff, they thought 50,000 views would be a good result for her ‘20-minute cartoon about trash.’ Today, with over 15 million views and counting, The Story of Stuff is one of the most watched environmental-themed online movies of all time.

Annie founded the non-profit Story of Stuff Project in 2008 to respond to tens of thousands of viewer requests for more information and ways to get involved. We create short, easily shareable online movies that explore some of the key features of our relationship with Stuff—including how we can make things better; we provide high quality educational resources and programs to everyone from teachers and people of faith to business and community leaders; and we support the learning and action of the over 250,000 members of the Story of Stuff community."

Since the original film, they have done films on bottled water, cap and trade, electronics, cosmetics, the debt we have and how elections are influenced by big corporate donations.

Just recently, they started a new podcast campaign designed to raise awareness about environmental issues.

This first one, is about the use of plastic bags and the staggering amounts we use that end up in landfills each year.

Take a listen:

http://info95906.podomatic.com/entry/2012-01-23T16_57_50-08_00

At Samurai Karate Studio, we believe that environmental self defense is just as important as kicking and punching. Together, we need to take an ACTIVE ROLE and defend our planet from harm and conserve our precious resources.

Makes sense?

Yes

If you would like to be a part of a martial arts school that is making the difference in their community, come join us for a class!

It's FREE and without obligation!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Take The Stalking Quiz

2012-01-25T05:06:00.001-05:00

How much do you know about stalking?

Click on the button below to take the stalking quiz and find out how much you really know!

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Remembering Martin Luther King

2012-01-15T14:28:00.003-05:00

According to History.com, "Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and social activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Inspired by advocates of nonviolence such as Mahatma Gandhi, King sought equality for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986."

Featured below is a video of the "I Have A Dream" speech King spoke on a march on Washington in 1963. In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring speeches I have ever heard.

Some ask, well why would a karate school be talking about Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement.

Well, it's simple for me really.

Understanding history and the mistakes of our past is just GOOD self defense!

Practicing kindness and compassion for our fellow man is GOOD self defense!

Martin Luther King had incredible courage to speak out for injustice, even making the ultimate sacrifice for the cause he believed in so strong.

Let us never forget the legacy of what he did!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

2012-01-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway."

Mother Teresa

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

How To Protect Yourself From A Stalker

2012-01-15T05:00:00.004-05:00

See below for some excellent tips on how to handle a stalking situation.

Samurai Karate Studio To Offer FREE Self Defense Class

2012-01-04T13:21:00.002-05:00

As part of our anti-stalking initiative, Samurai Karate is offering a FREE self defense workshop for women on Wednesday, January 25th at 7:30pm. Anyone interested in attending this event should email me at samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com.

This workshop is being sponsored by the Samurai Foundation, a non-profit organization to help assist children and adults. Any donation would be appreciated.

For additional resources to help promote National Stalking Awareness Month, please visit http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org and www.ovw.usdoj.gov.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Samurai Karate Studio Offers Exciting Karate Birthday Parties!

2012-01-03T14:02:00.001-05:00

Parents, are you struggling to find that perfect birthday party for your child, that will be loads of fun for all the kids and provide many happy memories?

Than look no further, because Samurai Karate Studio birthday parties are the best birthday parties in town!

Don't delay and email today!

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Our martial art's parties can be structured for children ages 3-13! Samurai Karate Studio parties can include a karate themed activity such as flying side kicks or board breaking!

We can also offer special cake cutting ceremony with a real Samurai sword! We can even provide the cake for those parents that want to leave the fuss to us.

If you want to experience a DIFFERENT kind of party, than look no further, because Samurai Karate Studio birthday parties are the best birthday parties in town!

Don't delay and call today!

803-462-9425

Parents, we think we offer a wonderful birthday option for your child, but don’t take our word for it, look here:

“Our birthday party at Samurai Karate is one of the best birthday parties my son has ever had! The kids had a blast and I think the parents had just as much fun watching! The SKS staff is very professional and very attentive to the kids. I would highly recommend an SKS party to everyone!” Parent, Alicia Reid

“My daughter had a wonderful time with her friends. The children had fun playing games and learning how to kick and punch. And after the party was over, it was so nice not to have to worry about any clean up! We were thrilled with our party and hope to do it again!" Parent, Diane Artemus

“We had our birthday party for our son Sam and everyone had a great time! I got to relax and take pictures while the kids played and had a karate lesson. I loved the expression on my son’s face when he broke his first board. Thank you Sensei Feldt for a memory that will last a lifetime.” Parent, Carol Randazzo

Samurai Karate offers birthday party’s to fit EVERY budget!

Orange Belt

Cost: $150

1/2 hour of karate games, races, etc.

1/2 hour of cake and presents

Get to invite up to 10 guests

1 Free introductory class for guests

set up and clean up

Red Belt Party

Cost: $200

45 minutes of karate lessons, games, races

45 minutes of pizza and drinks, cake & presents

Special cake cutting with a REAL Samurai sword!

(Includes 2 slices of pizza and water)

Kids watch movie while eating

Includes Plates and Napkins

Get to invite up to 15 guests

1 Week of FREE classes for guests

Set up and clean up

Black Belt

Cost: $250

1 hour of karate lessons, games, races, etc.

1 hour of pizza and drinks, cake and presents

(Includes 3 slices of pizza and water)

Includes Plates & napkins

Includes birthday cake

Kids watch movie while eating

Get to invite up to 20 guests

2 weeks of FREE classes for guests

Birthday child receives a FREE SKS tee shirt

set up and clean up

Parents please note:
Unless noted, parents provide any special decorations, food, drinks, cake and gift bags
Each additional child over the invited amount is $15.00 per child extra

Parents.....a few more notes about our birthday party’s

A deposit of 50% is required to secure your party date!

The birthday party family is responsible for insuring that ALL invited guests have a signed guest registration
form that will be emailed to you during registration.

Parents are responsible to make sure all students attending the birthday party have a guest registration form signed by a parent or legal guardian (A copy of the registration can be emailed)

Spaces Fill Up Fast So Call today!

Dates are based on a first come, first served basis. Please email us today at samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com to secure your date!

Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

2011-12-30T15:03:00.001-05:00

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 3.4 million victims a year. 1

This year’s theme—“Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.”—challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it.

Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal justice professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims, 2 and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for femicide (homicide of women) in abusive relationships. 3

Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population, and many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization. 4

Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate, and prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear. Stalking may take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts, or visits. One in four victims reports that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, to track the victim’s daily activities. 5

Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile, and many stalkers follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for authorities to investigate and prosecute their crimes. Communities that understand stalking, however, can support victims and combat the crime. “If more people learn to recognize stalking,” said Sensei Chris Feldt, owner and chief instructor for Samurai Karate Studio, “we have a better chance to protect victims and prevent tragedies.”

Samurai Karate Studio will be promoting awareness and public education about stalking during class chats and journal postings. Fact sheets are available for the general public.

For more information, please contact Sensei Feldt at 803-462-9425 or email him at samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com.

For additional resources to help promote National Stalking Awareness Month, please visit http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org and www.ovw.usdoj.gov.

Footnotes:

1 Baum et al., Stalking Victimization in the United States, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/svus.pdf (accessed September 29, 2009).
2 Ibid.
3 Jacquelyn C. Campbell et al., “Risk Factors for Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results from a Multi-site Case Control Study,” American Journal of Public Health 93 (2003): 7.
4 Ibid.
5 Baum, Stalking Victimization in the United States.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

The Beauty of The Earth

2011-12-30T10:13:00.003-05:00

Friends ask me ALL the time, why I include environmental self defense as part of my school's curriculum.

Why?

It has nothing to do with being an environmental "whacko".

It's just that I believe self defense is something more than just kicking and punching. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it is clear, we need to protect our planet's natural resources and do what we can to eliminate waste and conserve whenever possible.

Whenever I doubt the importance of this work, I watch the video below, which reminds us how beautiful and precious our planet really is.

Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland 2011 from Flatlight Films on Vimeo.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Samurai Karate Studio Receives BEST of Columbia Award

2011-12-14T15:28:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce that my school has been selected for the BEST of Columbia award. For those of you that do not know, the primary mission of my school is to serve our students and our community, much like the tradition of the ancient Samurai who served their lord and protected their village.

I am humbled and honored to receive this.

Here is the press release:

Samurai Karate Studio Receives 2011 Best of Columbia Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, December 7, 2011 -- Samurai Karate Studio has been selected for the 2011 Best of Columbia Award in the Martial Arts Instruction category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

2000 Clemson Road

Suite # 9

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Samurai Karate Studio To Offer Zumba Classes

2011-12-11T21:06:00.008-05:00

I am pleased to announce that Samurai Karate Studio will be offering a new Zumba fitness program right after the holidays, starting January 5th.

The classes will be taught by Enid Irizarry, who teaches Zumba classes throughout the Columbia area and is a fully licensed instructor for children and adults. Enid brings a high level of energy, fitness and most importantly, FUN, to class.

Her goal is to help everyone become fit and develop a passion for Latin music!

Zumba is one of the hottest fitness programs right now!

Why?

Because it's fun!

When participants see a Zumba class in action, they can’t wait to give it a try! Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba Fitness-Party. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students.

Check out this video to see what a Zumba class is like:

Classes will be held Mondays and Thursdays, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Students are encouraged to bring a towel and water bottle.

Zumba is for everyone, regardless of your age or physical fitness level! Don't worry, Enid will help you to get in the best shape of your life!

And the cost.....

That's the best part!

Just $5 per class, or $30 per month (which is like getting two free classes!)

That's right!

An hour of body shaking, booty shaping, leg strengthening, cardio pacing fitness and FUN for a full 60 minutes for $5!

Classes start January 5th at 7:30pm.

Please contact Enid HERE today!

And if your too busy, just come and show up for class.

Can't get simpler than that!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Adopt A Pet

2011-12-10T23:41:00.001-05:00

This is the time of year, that many parents decide to get a puppy or cat for their children as a Christmas present. A pet can be a wonderful addition to a family, provided they match up with the correct breed and understand all of the responsibilities that come with raising a pet.

There are many rescue shelter full of "Christmas pets", whose owners did not realize how much work is required to raise a kitten or puppy.

If you think the time is right to add a pet to your family, please consider your local pet shelter. Approximately 20% of the animals housed there are full breed and the rest are typically a mixed breed. You can save several hundred dollars by purchasing a rescue pet, plus, you will probably end up saving the life of the pet you rescue.

If you would like to find a pet, please fill in your zip code in the badge below to find a shelter in your area.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

A Christmas Thought

2011-12-10T18:30:00.004-05:00

This is the time of year that is filled with holiday joy and much anticipation of what Santa will be leaving under the Christmas tree! I have so many wonderful memories as a child, waking Christmas morning and wondering what presents came during the middle of the night.

But just as important, I also have strong memories of sharing Christmas with my family and relatives. Christmas was a time to celebrate, but also to give thanks for what we had. I even remember waking to the wonderful smell of pork chops cooking, which was a tradition started by my great grandfather. (And yes, we still do this as a family).

After breakfast we opened gifts and sometimes played for a while. But after a couple of hours, we always visited other family members or friends, or they ended up coming over to our house. This was the time of year I got to see many of my aunts or uncles that I didn't see every day, or even some distant cousins.

So my memories are of family, fun times, good cheer, good food and yes, gifts. But it was never gluttony, half the gifts were almost always clothes, underwear and socks.

Sadly today, it seems like Christmas has become so commercial and parents feel tremendous pressure to get that latest electronic gadget, whether they can afford it our not. Kids seem to open their gifts so fast, looking for quantity, rather than quality. I know a lot of families tell me they really can't afford Christmas so they charge everything on one of their credit cards.

Don't get me wrong....

I think Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but I just wish people would focus a little less on gifts; instead, reach out and help support their neighbor or get involved in a program to help the homeless or volunteer at a pet shelter or donate to a charity that protects victims of domestic violence.

One of my mentors, teacher and friend, Tom Callos, has even proposed we take a "no buying anything" Christmas pledge, instead donating our money to a charity and volunteering throughout the holidays as a way of giving.

Pretty radical?

Maybe?

But, THAT would be a Christmas celebration!

I found the video below, that takes a cynical look challenging our current generation to focus on what is important. I think this is very timely as a Christmas message.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425 samuraikarate@bellsouth.net www.samuraikaratestudio.net

Thanksgiving Gift

2011-12-05T15:51:00.034-05:00

As part of our community service project for November, Samurai Karate Studio collected donations in order to buy a Thanksgiving meal for a local military family.

Standing next to me in the center of the picture, is Lashonda Quiller, who accepted the gift basket from SKS.

Dinner included a turkey with all the trimmings, vegetables, gravy, deserts and drinks.

This project was lead by SKS student Demetrice Darien, a yellow belt, who has been training with us for several months. He completed this project as part of his rank requirements for his next belt. Great job to Demetrice and his mom who did the majority of the work for this project.

While I am passionate about teaching people how to learn how to defend themselves, I am equally passionate about helping to serve our community.

To me, that is what it means to be a black belt. That is what it means to be a Samurai!

Do you have what it takes to be one?

Happy holidays to the Quiller family and thank you for your courage and your sacrifice to our country!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Nerf Wars Fun Night

2011-11-27T15:48:00.003-05:00

Samurai Karate Studio will be hosting a parents night out FUN NIGHT on Friday, December 2nd, from 6pm to 9pm. Kids of all ages (adults too) are invited.

Parents, this is the perfect opportunity to go out and have a quiet dinner with your spouse or to do some Christmas shopping!

The theme will be NERF Wars, so everyone needs to bring their own Nerf gun, as well as protective goggles. We will test our Nerf gun skills as well as do battle....

Who will be the "last man standing"?

We will also play a few games and serve pizza and water! (There might even be a few sweets for prizes)

The cost is $20 per person. If you bring a friend, than the cost is $10 each. We will also offer a family rate of $25!

Please be sure to sign up on the registration forms at our school, or call 803-462-9425 to register over the phone.

Billy Blanks pushes martial arts to help kids with autism

2011-11-13T17:11:00.002-05:00

By MARY SHEDDEN
The Tampa Tribune
Published: November 07, 2011
Updated: November 09, 2011

The first time Billy Blanks showed up at karate class, the instructor bet $5 he wouldn't stick it out.

Blanks, then 14, seemed like a lot of kids who showed up at the Martin Luther King Center in Erie, Pa., in 1969. Also, Blanks had spent years in special education classes because of dyslexia that went undiagnosed and untreated.

The boy knew martial arts offered something different. It would pay off, he told himself, as long as he watched the instructor's every move and practiced every afternoon at the gym.

Within six months, the teen's focus improved, at home and at school. In a year, he had earned a black belt.

"It really gave me a chance to see that I could do it, that I could really be successful," said Blanks, who today is known worldwide as the creator of the Tae Bo kick boxing workout.

"I was learning how to bring my body under control. I got my mind under control and it gave me confidence."

Blanks' personal experience has evolved into a new mission: To introduce physical fitness to children with autism and other special needs. He'll do just that this week in St. Pete Beach, when he leads two community workouts as part of the 2011 National Autism Conference.

Social interaction, language and communication are key challenges facing children and adults living with the highly complex autism spectrum disorders. Research shows that regular movement, such as exercise, can help with treatment, especially for children with still-developing brains.

Blanks, who still teaches regular classes, said he's seen first hand how music coupled with the fast-paced punching and kicking in his workouts appeal to children with autism. It helps them gain confidence and connect with others.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

South Carolina Sheriff: 'You Need to Protect Yourself'

2011-11-06T11:19:00.001-05:00

By Joshua Rhett Miller

Published November 01, 2011

FoxNews.com

A South Carolina sheriff is making the extraordinary suggestion that local women arm themselves following the attempted rape of a woman at a local park, saying, "you need to protect yourself."

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, the county's top law enforcement officer since 2005, suggested local women apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon during a news conference Monday about the attack on Sunday at Milliken Park in Spartanburg.

"It just struck me wrong that we keep telling everyone 'trust us, trust us, trust us,' but in reality, you need to protect yourself," Wright told FoxNews.com. "If you are not a convicted felon or someone who causes trouble or don't have any mental issues, buy a weapon to protect yourself and get some good training."

Walter Monroe Lance, 46, of Spartanburg, was charged Monday with kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and grand larceny in connection with the attack. Lance was ordered held without bond, Wright said.

Wright suggested that had the unidentified victim been armed, perhaps with a .45-caliber handgun concealed in a fanny pack, she would have stood a better chance fighting off her attacker.

"If she didn't shoot the guy, she could have at least stopped him and made him leave her alone," Wright said. "You can defend yourself."

Wright said he was "tired of looking at victims" of crimes whose perpetrators are arrested multiple times and are later released without significant jail time. Lance, for example, had been arrested more than 20 times, he said, including for offenses like rape, battery and resisting arrest. Wright characterized him as an "animal" during Monday's news conference.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/01/south-carolina-sheriff-need-to-protect-yourself/#ixzz1cwU2YwnU

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

All I can say is enjoy and be Wowed!

Happy Halloween!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Living Hero

2011-10-21T17:18:00.000-04:00

Fauja Singh says he lives 'a very simple life'. Photograph: Chris Young/AP

I found this inspiring person from the Daily Good and have re-posted the brief biography they provided on their website. This man is incredible, not only for his physical abilities at his age, but we can all take a lesson from his philosophy about money, food and life!

Rock On!

'Anything worth doing is going to be difficult," says Fauja Singh, the100-year-old runner who this week became the world's oldest person to complete a full-length marathon, crossing the line at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront event in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds. (And he didn't finish last: five came in after him.)

At five foot eight and weighing a little more than eight stone, Singh is a spindly figure under his heavy turban and wispy beard. "Girl, you tell me: has anything you wanted ever been easy?" he says. "I was so worried we [he ran with his trainer] might not make it that we didn't tell our relatives we were doing it. I just wanted to break that bloody record."

He is referring to the record set in 1976 by a 98-year-old Greek athlete. "I lost my speed in this race," says Singh, "but it was the thought of that old man that pushed me through the last four miles. That and God."

Speaking in Punjabi, Singh says running has given him purpose and a sense of peace. "Why worry about these small, small things? I don't stress. You never hear of anyone dying of happiness." And Singh is, by his own admission, pretty happy. Having moved from India to England in 1995, after the deaths of his wife and son, he lives with family in east London, and leads what he says is "a very simple life".

He took up serious running when he was 89 and says it was his good kismet (destiny) that led him to meeting ex-professional runner Harmander Singh, his trainer and friend. The pair were introduced through a neighbour after Fauja began asking how he might enter the London marathon.

"I train him for free," says Harmander. "It's an honour for me." Together, they have clocked up more than a dozen full and half-marathons.

Harmander says health tests taken last year showed that Singh "has the bones of a 35-year-old". And yet, Singh claims never to drink milk. "I'm scared of building up phlegm," he explains.

Asked about the rest of his diet, he chuckles. "I could go on and on, but it's not a new or magic thing, is it? Punjabi people know eating and drinking is important, but I just eat the minimum of what I need: some daal and roti, gobi and chai – I'd probably be dead if I was full all the time."

Singh runs between 10 and 15km every day – "you have to keep your engine going" – and at 94, became a poster boy for Adidas, alongside David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson.

"I'm not really interested in all the rupees, I give it to charity," he says of his sponsorship deal. "Money can be saved and spent and lost and made. At my age it's nice just to do this. Come on, who wants to talk to this old man? Everyone now! And it's because of the running that all these people keep showing me so much love. Look how blessed I am. What's not to be happy about?"

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

October Is Domestic Violence Month

2011-10-16T14:38:00.002-04:00

Last Thursday, I was invited by my friends at WLTX TV to come onto their morning show and talk about the free self defense workshop I was doing in honor of Domestic Violence month.

You can see a video of the segments below:

Thanks again to WLTX for being such a gracious host.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Halloween Safety Tips

2011-10-11T15:39:00.001-04:00

Our martial arts school is asking parents, homeowners and drivers throughout our community to join with us to make Halloween safer with these safety tips.

Parents

· Make your child eat dinner before trick-or-treating.

· Children should carry quarters, so they can call home.

· An adult should accompany young children.

· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear watches, preferably those that can be read in the dark.

· Buy or make costumes with flame-retardant material.

· Older children should know where to reach you and when to return home.

· You should know your children’s route for the evening.

· Although tampering is rare, tell your children to bring their candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.

· Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

Homeowners

· Buy candy that is individually wrapped.

· Consider healthier alternatives for treats: juice boxes, packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini-boxes of raisins, packaged granola bars, and wrapped single-serving packages of microwaveable popcorn that can be popped later.

· Consider non-edible treats for children: pencils, erasers, plastic rings or coins.

· Clear your yard of debris, ladders, dog leashes, flowerpots, etc.

· Make sure your home and yard is well lit.

· Make sure your jack-o-lanterns are away from the path where trick-or-treaters will be walking. Battery-powered jack-o-lantern candles are preferred to real candles.

· Ensure that any decorations can’t be blown into the jack-o-lantern and catch on fire.

· Make sure that your pets are secure for the evening.

· Do not invite any children to come into your home. Prop the door open while handing out candy, never ask them to stand in the doorway.

· If a child needs assistance, ask them for their parent’s phone number and offer to call them.

· If you think a child is in danger, call 911 and stay outside with the child.

Drivers

· Drive carefully over hills, around curves and approaching stop signs or cross walks.

· Enter and exit driveways with caution.

· Watch for children walking in the street in neighborhoods without sidewalks.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

The Legacy of Steve Jobs

2011-10-09T21:01:00.002-04:00

Steve Jobs recently left us, falling victim to Cancer after battling this horrid disease for several years!

Even though he passed away at the relative young age of 56, he had radically changed the world we lived in. The Apple computer, the Ipod, the Ipad and the Iphone; just a few among the over 200 products he developed.

He created a special company devoted to creating movies for children called Pixer and spun out many classic stories, the first being Toy Story. Today, Pixer is the largest animated film studio in the world.

Below is a video of Steve Jobs addressing a graduating class at Stanford University. Intensely private, Steve Jobs almost never talked about himself, however, during this commencement address he talked about his own life and offered great advice to the graduates.

It gives you insight into the man, his passion and his life.

We will miss you Mr. Jobs!

Thank you for your vision of the world!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

One Day!

2011-10-09T13:13:00.002-04:00

There is so much conflict in the world!

From the Middle East to Afghanistan to Iraq.

From the Arab Spring which has resulted in regime change and the loss of thousands of lives.

From the economic crisis in America and Europe, with the near collapse of our banking system, that is slowly reaching into Asia.

From the Tea Party rally's to the Wall Street demonstrations.

From the high unemployment rate with millions without a job, to a growing homeless population.

The left is attacking the right and vice-versa.

Washington has mastered the art of the "blame game" with neither party accepting responsibility for what is going on.

One Day!

I am confident that one day, we will be part of a kinder, gentler world, because of the work we are doing! As school owners, we have audience to a large sphere of influence if we make the most of it.

Our curriculum touches on all things human -- strong and vibrant as well as frail and compassionate.

We have the power to CHANGE the world; one student, one parent, one community at a time!

One Day!

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).

New FBI Child Id

2011-10-04T13:43:00.002-04:00

Dedicated to Polly Hannah Klaas 1981-1993

October 1 was the 18th anniversary of the kidnapping of Polly Klaas. If she were alive today, Polly would be 30 years old.

We honor all missing children today-- those whose whereabouts are still unknown, those who have been slain, and those who were kidnapped as children, recovered and are now building productive lives as they grow up and become adults.
______________________________

Things have changed since Polly’s kidnapping. With the active participation of our members, who used the Polly Klaas Foundation website to contact their elected officials, Amber Alerts are now the law in all 50 states and at the Federal level. Also, law enforcement organizations now have protocols for communicating with one another in missing child cases. Best of all, a missing child report takes the highest priority. We applaud the law enforcement community who over the years have incorporated new procedures and new technological tools to respond to the news of a child being kidnapped.

In that spirit, we are truly pleased to see the latest technological innovation to help find missing children. The FBI has issued its first and only smartphone app—to help parents quickly report that their child has gone missing.

The FBI’s Child ID App

The FBI’s Child ID app is now available to all iPhone users, apps for other mobile devices are on their way. Launched in August 2011, the app allows you to store each of your children’s vital information & current photo on your smartphone (not with the FBI or itunes.)

In the unlikely event that your child goes missing, the app allows you to instantly shoot out an email with this vital information to the appropriate agencies. This app is a powerful tool, literally in the palm of your hands, if your child ever goes missing or gets lost.

5 Reasons why we are excited about the FBI Child ID app:

The app contains invaluable safety tips that you can review with your child. Use these tips as a jumping off point to rich discussions with your child. Use PKF’s free Child Safety Kit as a guide to teaching abduction prevention without scaring your child or yourself.
A tab within the app contains two hot buttons for 9-1-1 and for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: One touch and you’ll be connected.
Another tab within the app contains useful checklists/guidelines for a searching parent during the first 24 and 48 hours a child is missing. Included in that tab is a user guide and other “Helpful Links and Resources.”
The FBI assures users that all data stored within the app will reside solely in your phone and will not be stored by the FBI or iTunes… unless you decide to share/e-mail that information to other agencies.
The FBI plans to add more features in the coming months and plans to broaden its reach beyond iPhone users to other mobile devices

The fact that the FBI’s first and only app is an app dedicated to child safety should be applauded. We are thrilled that government agencies are placing the safety of children as the highest of priorities.
______________________________

You can learn more about the foundation by visiting Poly Klaas Foundation.

Answers From The Heart

2011-10-02T14:49:00.002-04:00

Since Coach Callos introduced me to the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh a couple of years ago, he has quickly become one of my favorite authors. He has written many excellent books on a wide range of topics, and one of my favorites is "Answers From The Heart".

The focus on the book is to give "practical responses to life's burning questions". The questions range from controlling anger, to tempering our fears, to questions about illness and death, learning how to be happy, to learning how to live in the present, even offers advice on how to effectively meditate.

I look at many of the questions asked in this book and consider most of them to be rather complex -- yet, Thich Nhat Hanh does such a wonderful job of breaking these complex questions down and providing simple, yet thought provoking, answers! He writes in such a way that is truthful and comforting. I leave this book by my bed, as I like to come back to certain passages that very compelling and need reaffirming.

If you haven't had the chance to read any of Thich Nhat Hanh's books, I highly recommend you start off with this one.

Thanks again Tom, for introducing him to me.

"The mind can go in a thousand directions. But on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, a gentle wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms."

Thich Nhat Hanh

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).

The Power of One

2011-09-30T10:36:00.004-04:00

Sunday, October 2 marks both the United Nations' International Day of Non-Violence and the birthday of one of its biggest proponents: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This video pays tribute to the concept and the man and is called the "Power of One."

Here at SKS, we honor the values and practice of the nonviolent civil actions that changed a nation -- and indeed, the world.

Video from KarmaTube

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Samuari Karate Studio To Offer FREE Self Defense Workshop For Women

2011-09-27T15:20:00.002-04:00

October is Domestic Violence Month!

Why does that matter?

Because sadly, South Carolina is ranked 6th in the nation for domestic violence!

Samurai Karate Studio will be partnering with Sanctity, Inc., a local non profit that helps victims of domestic violence and offering a FREE self defense workshop for women on Monday, October 17, 2011, starting at 7:30pm.. This seminar with be both classroom presentation and hands on training to cover basic techniques of self defense.

What you learn, could save your life some day!

Classroom presentation will include:
The 3 reasons women get attacked
Attack indicators
What happens to the body during attack
Power of your voice
Common everyday items you can use to defend yourself

On the Mat training will include:

How to break free from being grabbed

Defense tactics against being choked from the front and behind, bear hugs and hair pulls

Every women who participates in this seminar will leave having a much better understanding of what to do if threatened.

Please email us at samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com to register for this event. Please leave your name, phone number and email address for each member that will participate. All guests must register and will be asked to fill out a guest waiver to participate.

Space will be limited to 30 women, so please don't wait to reserve your space.

The best way I know to honor the victims of domestic violence, is to bring attention to this national tragedy and help as many women in my community develop a sense of empowerment knowing how to defend themselves in common situations. Sensei Chris Feldt

This workshop is free, however, donations will be gladly accepted for Sanctity or the Samurai Foundation.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Creating a better world, one black belt at at time!

Samurai Karate Studio

2000 Clemson Road

Suite # 9

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

www.samuraikaratestudio.net

Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dies

2011-09-26T14:11:00.003-04:00

She was the FIRST woman from Africa to receive the Nobel Peace Prize!

She was a remarkable woman, a champion of the environment and women's rights, despite being confronted by her government. She handled herself with such dignity and grace and showed genuine courage.

She will be missed!

You can read more about Wangari Maathai at Huffington Post.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Gardening At Home

2011-09-25T17:21:00.002-04:00

This past summer, I participated in a home gardening experiment, working with several containers of vegetables. This was just one of several Ultimate Black Belt Test challenges I gave myself.

Why?

I want to better understand our food supply and the use of pesticides, growing organic food naturally, the economic foot print of shipping food halfway around the world, so that we could have certain vegetables that were out of season.

I had only moderate success, as my "no pesticides" pledge made it very difficult to deal with bugs that constantly were eating my plants or the vegetables themselves.

I plan on doing a lot more research over the winter to prepare for next season. In the mean time, I found a website with a detailed process for growing container fruits and vegetables and I love the work they have done.

Here is a video that explains their process:

Pretty neat process that I am going to try and model next year. I will update everyone to let you know how it works.

In the mean time, if you would like more information, please visit Global Buckets.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

The Healing Arts

2011-09-23T20:36:00.001-04:00

One of my goals this year was to begin the process of understanding Kyusho, an ancient art that focuses on pressure points on the body and manipulating them through striking, rubbing, and pressure; to increase the amount of pain that is felt or to get the body to react in a certain way that will help facilitate a defense or take down.

There are a lot of points to memorize, but when used correctly, they sure do HURT and are a wonderful addition to my self defense training.

While I have enjoyed learning about these points, I have also become aware of how useful they are inHEALING. Whether treating my ankle with acupuncture or getting a therapeutic massage, both treatments focus on using meridian points to heal my ankle and help nourish the surrounding tissue.

How cool is that?

There are points on the body that can be used to destroy your attacker, or heal your best friend! It's pretty amazing!

Coach Tom talks all the time about continuing our training as master instructors. Before the UBBT, I was putting very little time into my personal training, focusing almost exclusively on my school and classes.

As a result of starting Ju Jutsu training as a requirement on team 6, I am now training in karate, a combatives style of Ju Jutsu, Kyusho and now the healing arts.

Gosh, there is so much to learn that I wish I got involved in the martial arts at an earlier age, however, I see many opportunities in the next 50 years ahead for me!

Thanks to Master Dave McNeil, not only for his advice on dealing with my ankle, but also opening my eyes to another wonderful element of the martial arts.

"If you want to be an average martial artist, learn how to be the best fighter. If you want to be a great martial artist, learn how to be a healer!" Shihan Tom Ryan

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

International Day of Peace

2011-09-21T15:22:00.002-04:00

This year in 2011 we are commemorating the 30th anniversary of Peace Day. The video below is a live stream of activities and thoughts about creating peace in the world that we live.

Watch live streaming video from peacedaytv at livestream.com

Kindness is the ULTIMATE form of self defense!

If we treat each other with kindness and respect, there would be more peace throughout the world!

Sensei Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Domestic Violence Extremely High In South Carolina

2011-09-18T20:30:00.002-04:00

Posted by Jasmine Williams on September 16, 2011 5:23 AM

Domestic violence has left over 500 women in South Carolina dead since 2005.

On Aug. 28, Jennifer Wilson, a professor at the University of South Carolina, died in her home following multiple stab wounds. Police arrested her ex-boyfriend, Hank Hawkes, for her death.

It was early morning when neighbors called to report a loud argument, including Wilson screaming, "No, no, no!" But since it was quiet in the home when police drove by, they did not check on the woman. She was found dead later that day, Yahoo News reported.

For the rest of the story, please click HERE.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

My New Family Tree

2011-09-18T15:51:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, my school had it's first Black Belt ceremony, which ended two days of testing. Of course, I consider this to be a special milestone for me, since these two students are NOW the beginning of my martial arts FAMILY TREE.

As I sit here thinking about the past few days, I can't help but think about the effect Coach Tom and the UBBT and The 100 have had on me and how it was reflected in this weekend.

The students that tested this weekend, moved out of state over a year ago and now live an hour outside of Washington DC. Their training the last 12 months has been a combination of a few hours of training at my dojo every few months, combined with lots of skype training. Certainly not ideal, but these were two very devoted students who had the discipline to train on their own.

I had been thinking about this test and how I wanted it to be different from what I had experienced in the past. I also wanted it to be a reflection of the work I do with my school and in the community. Lastly, I wanted to highlight certain interests that I knew these students had.

Day 1

I have always referred to this day as the physical challenge portion of their test. Since they arrived earlier in the week to help teach with classes and get some additional training in, I could see they were in pretty good shape. So in the spirit of the UBBT, I created a special day just for them.

Volunteered at food pantry

First thing in the morning we arrived at Sharing God's Love, a local food pantry that serves 6,000 people during the course of the year. We helped fill orders for clients as they were processed through the pantry, helped load food into their cars, we sorted through clothing dropped off, helped prepare items for an upcoming tag sale, as well as sorted through food stuffs as they were donated from local stores or churches. Nearly everyone associated with this pantry volunteers. They were such a compassionate and inspiring group of people.

Hiked in State Forest

3 hours later, we headed to the local state forest and hiked 6 miles. During the hike, we did several push ups, practiced doing kicks on fallen trees and I even had my students do a couple of kata's on dead tree stumps. Hiking also gave us the time to look at different plants and trees, we saw a deer and we talked about the environment. Of course, I couldn't help myself, and brought up the discussion about Julia Butterfly Hill and the "Legacy of Luna" and wanted to know what their TREE was?

After a quick lunch we headed to downtown Columbia.

Homeless

Next on our list was to deliver water and socks to Columbia's homeless. We have a growing homeless population as the economy has worsened, but due to the cooler tempatures, we didn't have any luck finding them in all the usual spots that they normally hang out during the day. So we headed over to Oliver Gospel Mission, which provides shelter and drug treatment for men. It has been in operation for over 100 years and they gladly took our water and socks and shared with us the work that they do.

Organic Farm

Our last stop was at a local Columbia organic farm called City Roots. This is the only urban farm that I am aware of in downtown Columbia that is organic. While it only covers 3 acres, they are doing some great work and producing quite a bit of food. They showed us their worm composts, their hydroponic gardens and their fish pond, where they are organically raising Tillapea fish. They use NO pesticides and the fertilizer they use is all natural (from the worm composts). We got a great education on sustainable organic farming.

So, we started our day at 9am in the morning and finished by 6:30pm. It really was a great day for me and both of my students. And while it didn't center exclusively on physical training, we got lots of exercise in.

Day 2

This was test day, which included all key components on self defense, basics, sparring, kata and weapons. Really, the only thing different to my test is I included many of the striking drills that we practiced in Alabama this year.

Ceremony

We ended with a candlelight ceremony similar to one I had experienced with my first instructor. Of course, students and family members who were in attendance were are part of the ceremony, and we had the younger students provide a demonstration for the parents which went really well. We ended the night with a pot luck supper.

A new family tree begins in the spirit of the UBBT and The 100.

Sweet!

"Adversity tests us from time to time and it is inevitable that this testing continues during life." Walter Annenberg

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).

9-11 Tribute

2011-09-11T17:07:00.001-04:00

I visited Ground Zero 3 months after the attack on the twin towers and the emotion was just as raw then as it was today, watching the memorials on television. I had friends who had loved ones that perished that day. It's so hard to imagine the horror of it all and the pain of the survivors and their family's.

And we can not forget the magnificent men and women in our military who work hard every day to keep us safe and especially, those fallen soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedom.

This is a very powerful tribute to the victims of the 9-11 attack.

Let us celebrate the memories of their lives and continue the good work that we are all capable of!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

What Do Teachers Make?

2011-09-10T22:38:00.002-04:00

I saw this great video the other day, reminding myself that I opened up Samurai Karate Studio so that I could make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults every day.

The life of a teacher is so VERY different from anything I have ever done before, yet I am that much richer for doing it.

Watch the video below and you will know what I mean!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803=462=9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

RoundUp RoundUp everywhere...

2011-09-09T16:25:00.002-04:00

Ground Truth

Tuesday, 20-9-6

By Margaret Reeves

Like many people, I once believed in the safety of RoundUp. Back in the 1980s when I was a young graduate student in ecology, it was the “safe” herbicide of choice for clearing weeds from study plots.

Monsanto would like us to continue to believe their flagship product is safe, but the data are increasingly saying otherwise. The latest? Widespread exposure is a near certainty, since RoundUp — now linked to birth defects — shows up regularly in our water and air.

Glyphosate, RoundUp’s active ingredient, was found in every stream studied and in most air samples taken in a recent study conducted by government researchers in Mississippi and Iowa. And it's undoubtedly in other states too. Across the U.S. it's used commonly on corn, soybeans, cotton and rice, to the tune of 180-185 millions of pounds in 2007 — more tonnage than any other pesticide.

And that's only use on farms. RoundUp is also the second most commonly used pesticide in homes and gardens across the country.

Scientists bust Monsanto's safety myth

Glyphosate is now known to cause birth defects, and at extremely low levels it can kill placental cells and disrupt the human hormone system. Yet regulatory authorities still only formally recognize its potential to contaminate groundwater.

SafeLawns recently pointed out that while glyphosate is not listed by EPA as highly toxic when inhaled, it may become highly toxic in the human digestive system where it is metabolized to N-nitrosoglyphosate — a chemical known to cause tumors.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.co
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Moving Planet

2011-09-04T15:17:00.001-04:00

This is an open letter from my friends at 350.org, that explains the mission behind Moving Planet:

Dear friends,

This is an invitation to help move the planet. On the 24th of September I am teaming up with organizers all across the globe to organize a day of action called Moving Planet: a day to move beyond fossil fuels.

I’m writing to ask you to join me and help make this day historic -- a day where we succeed in mobilizing an unprecedented wave of people calling for a shift in our energy systems to cleaner, safer sources and for real action on the climate crisis -- at scale that science and justice demand.

Some of the same people who filled Tahrir Square for the Egyptian revolution are leading up the organizing efforts in Cairo. In Afghanistan, a 14 year old boy is organizing his community to get involved. Thousands of farmers and villagers are mobilizing in rural Andhra Pradesh, India calling for clean, sustainable development, not the new coal plants that corporations want to impose there. In Chicago, USA, organizers are moving forward on a ‘Roll Against Coal’ bike march past Chicago’s dirtiest coal plants, to move their city to a clean energy future. You can be a part of this. Right here.

Please join us and take out your bike, or take a walk, and ask everyone you know here at home or anywhere in the world to get involved.

For more information you can visit: http://www.moving-planet.org

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

New Bullying Laws Passed In New Jersey

2011-09-03T12:07:00.002-04:00

A new law was recently put into effect in New Jersey, after a boy killed himself after being taunted. The video below talks about this new law.

What do you think?

I honestly believe we ALL share in the responsibility of preventing bullying from happening!

My mission is to help prevent as many kids as possible not be bullied. Please make a donation to our foundation so that we can continue our work!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Positive Thinking

2011-08-21T17:42:00.001-04:00

At times, we all tend to battle nagging self doubts.....

Can I kick higher?

Will I ever learn this kata?

Will I ever get stronger doing push ups?

Well, Brian Tracy, noted author and life coach, offers a quick glimpse into the psychology of self confidence and reminds us all to focus on the positives in our lives, NOT the negatives.

It is a short video, but a succinct reminder to stay positive, think about all the good you do and you will create a greater opportunity for success.

Here's the LINK.

CPR Training Is Good Self Defense

2011-08-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

I just recently completed a challenge course and received my 2 year certification in CPR and AED training. Honestly, this is a requirement of the University of South Carolina, as all professors teaching courses in the physical education program must be certified.

However, I believe learning CPR is just good self defense, as you never know when you might need to use it. Consider some of the statistics I reviewed at the Women's Heart Foundation:

Heart Attack Facts

1.5 million heart attacks occur in the United States each year with 500,000 deaths.

More than 233,000 women die annually from cardiovascular disease.

A heart attack occurs about every 20 seconds with a heart attack death about every minute.

Sudden death is more common among women with heart attack.

The National Registry of Myocardial Infarctions (New England Journal Med., 22Jul99) reports that women have a worse outcome than men after having a heart attack. Data showed that women under the age of 50 had twice the mortality of men after having a heart attack. Variances likely reflect increased severity of the disease in younger women.

Almost 14 million Americans have a history of heart attack or angina.

About 50% of deaths occur within one hour of the heart attack ––outside a hospital.

There is a 6% to 9% early mortality from heart attack for those who survive long enough to reach the hospital.

From 1983 to 1993, heart attack deaths fell about 30% overall but have not fallen nearly as much for women.

Studies show the most common time for a heart attack to occur is Monday morning. Saturday morning ranks second. Another common time is during the early morning hours, when blood platelets are stickier.

Deaths from cardiovascular diseases in women exceed the total number of deaths caused by the next 16 causes.

60% of women erroneously listed cancer as the leading cause of death among women. Deaths from all cancers in the USA are half as common as deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Only 31% of women know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the USA.

On the average, women take 2-4 hours longer than men to respond to symptoms of heart attack, limiting the beneficial use of some newer treatments like clot busters that work best within the first hour after onset of pain or discomfort.

Chewing an uncoated aspirin right away, at the first sign of chest discomfort or distress, can reduce the amount of damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack.

Costs related to heart attack exceed 60 billion dollars per year.

Heart attacks continue to be one of the top 10 killers for men and women in the United States. I think it only makes sense to train as many people as possilbe, particularly, since the first few minutes of a heart attack are critical to the survival rate. Knowing CPR and how to use an AED might just save the life of someone you know and love!

If you would like more information, you should contact The American Red Cross for dates and times of their classes. Certification usually takes 2-3 hours depending on your knowledge or experience in CPR and generally costs around $50.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Domestic Violence Statistics

2011-08-07T15:44:00.002-04:00

People ask me all the time, why do I talk about domestic violence as part of my self defense workshops or classes?
It's simple really!
Because South Carolina ranks 6th in the nation in domestic violence and is currently 10th on the list for domestic violence murders!
While I love South Carolina, the cold hard truth is women in this state are more likely to be attacked by someone they know, then a complete stranger.
As such, here are some statistics that I pulled a couple of years ago, that haven't changed much since then:
Domestic Violence Statistics
Sex of Victim
Male 24.0%
Female 76.0%
Relationships
Ex-spouse 2.5%
Family 31.5%
Romantic 28.3%
Marital 37.7%
Substance Use
Alcohol 23.6%
Drugs .7%
Drugs & alcohol 1.2%
No substance 74.5%
Offenses
Homicide .2%
Sexual violence 2.6%
Robbery .3%
Aggravated assault 21.1%
Simple assault 65.4%

Weapons
Blunt objects 18.8%
Firearms 12.2%
Knives 20.0%
Motor vehicles 3.2%
Other 5.7%
Victims Age
<4 1.1%
5-9 1.6%
10-14 3.4%
15-17 4.9%
18-24 22.4%
25-34 31.5%
35-44 22.5%
45-54 8.3%
55-64 2.8%
>65 1.5%

Injuries
Broken bones 1.0%
Death .5%
Internal injuries .9%
Knocked unconscious .3%
Loss of teeth .3%
Major injury 5.2%
Minor injury 83.4%
Severe laceration 8.5%
Location
Bar/Nightclub .9%
Commercial/office 2.4%
Convenience store .6%
Educational institution .4%
Highway/roads 5.6%
Hotel/motel 1.1%
Other 1.8%
Parking lot 1.1%
Private residence 86.1%

Day of the Week
Sunday 17.0%
Monday 12.7%
Tuesday 12.7%
Wednesday 12.2%
Thursday 12.5%
Friday 14.0%
Saturday 18.9%
Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, there is no one single factor that explains why men and women assault or abuse their spouses. Based on my research, there is a general consensus that you will find one or many of the traits listed below of abusers:

Relative young age 18-30 years old (lack of maturity)
Low income
Growing up in a violent or abusive family
Alcohol or substance abuse
Unemployment
Sexual difficulties
Low job satisfaction
Problem with anger management
Most offenders tend to have an anti-social personality
Impaired ability to feel guilt, remorse or anxiety

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please seek help from either me, one of your other professors, your family, your church or a local domestic organization like Sister Care, which does tremendous work in the Columbia area.
If you would like additional resources, please visit on online resource website that has lots of information on it about domestic violence, including a resources tab at Everything Self Defense.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

3 Reasons Why Women Get Assaulted

2011-08-07T13:47:00.001-04:00

As part of my beginner karate class at USC, I take 5-10 minute of every class and share topics that are related to assault that I want my students to understand.

There are many reasons why women get assaulted, however, most studies show that a woman gets targeted for assault for 3 MAIN reasons. You might be surprised with the answers. No, it doesn't have to do with how HOT the women looks or how SEXY she might be dressed.

AND yes, nearly 25% of all assault is female on man, so these rules apply to both sexes.

Reason # 1

Research shows the number one reason women get assaulted is due to poor body language. In other words, how you walk, how you carry yourself when you are out in public is a large factor in determining if you get targeted.

Do you recognize yourself in this description?

Do you walk with your head down, your shoulders slumped, your chest in? Do you generally keep your hands in your pockets? Do you walk with purpose or just shuffle along at a slow pace? Do you make any eye contact?

Some people are under the impression, if they appear small, no one will notice them. Well, they are wrong and potentially inviting trouble!

Attackers are looking for people they believe will give them little or no resistance. The attacker wants to get in quickly, strike and take his victim to a secondary location without being seen or heard. They are looking for someone who appears to be weak, afraid or timid. Attackers are basically cowards and they don't want to attack anyone that they can't control easily! So, if you look like you might put up a fight, there is a good chance the attacker will pass on you.

Why do you think the elderly get attacked so often? Because a 90 year old is not expected to put up much of a fight if confronted! It's a miracle that they can even walk, right?

So, I want YOU to start today, changing how you walk! I want you to walk with a purposeful stride, like you know where you are going and what you want. I want you to walk with your head up, shoulders back and chest pumped out! You are walking with some "attitude" and your body language is communicating CONFIDENCE! You want to allow your arms to swing with each stride, as psychologically, this makes you appear to be larger than you really are. Plus, having your arms free allows you to react quicker if attacked.

Yes, I want you to make EYE CONTACT! The kind that says "I know you are there and I am making sure you know I know....and by the way, I am not afraid of you" kind of eye contact.

Need more convincing? Just take a look around you and watch people walking in the grocery store or in the parking lot. I am pretty certain you will be able to spot the people who are confident and portray a very strong body language and the ones who don't.

One last note about body language. One of the most important aspects of walking with a strong body image is having your head up. This gives your eyes the ability to remain vigilant, constantly looking for potential danger.

Reason # 2

The second most common reason women get assaulted is lack of awareness.

Are you the type that turns their back to the crowd when answering your cell phone? I know you are trying to be polite and make the conversation quiet and private, however, you are creating a perfect opportunity to strike.

Are you someone who likes to carry a big pocket book? I remember my mother carried this huge bag around that I could get lost in when I was a young child. Trying to find the car keys sometimes took days!

Well, I might be exaggerating, but you get my point. When you become focused on a singular task, that is the time that attackers like to strike.

How about sitting in your car texting or maybe updating your check book since you were shopping and purchased some items? Another big NO, NO!

Walking into the rest room without checking to see if anyone was following you? Looking for something in the trunk of your car? Running the neighborhood with your Ipod at full blast and your earphones on both ears?

We live in a society filled with so many distractions every day, however, we MUST do all we can to be alert and aware when we are out somewhere and potentially vulnerable!

Reason # 3

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time!

We can't always control this, but we need to be aware and try to avoid places that could potentially be dangerous. For example, the roof of the parking garage at the mall late at night, say during the Christmas holidays, when the stores stay open late. Conversely, parking in the basement of a downtown parking garage. Parking far away from the football stadium in a poorly lit parking lot. Leaving your place of work by yourself late at night.

If you live in a city, walking down a dark alley!

Hopefully you get the picture.

I feel like you can't always prevent this, because sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control (getting a flat tire on a country road or highway); however, be mindful of potential areas that you would be vulnerable in and avoid them to the best of your ability. Try to leave work with a friend or make arrangements to have someone pick you up. Be patient and search for another parking spot that isn't so far away or in an area that has better security. Don't try to change that car tire. Call a family member or friend for help.

The Big Three

Attackers pick their victims for lots of reasons and there is NO way to predict with 100% accuracy how to avoid an attack. However, research has shown the above reasons to be the 3 most consistent reasons given by attackers that were caught.

If you work on creating a confident and strong body language, maintain a high alert level at all times and avoid areas that could represent trouble for you, then you will go a long way towards helping yourself stay safe!

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

2000 Clemson Road

Suite # 9

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikarate@bellsouth.net

Habit Versus Fear - Home Invasion

2011-08-07T12:49:00.001-04:00

This is a guest post, from Anne Jacoby, an expert in personal safety and a domestic violence survivor....

At ten o’clock that night, Lindsay had checked that her doors were locked, as usual, before shutting the lights off and going to bed. She assumed she was safe within the protection of her apartment walls. A typical night coupled with a typical attitude. At four o’clock in the morning, Lindsay’s night drastically changed. Her worst fear had crept out of her nightmares and forced its way into her bedroom.

“Don’t make a sound or I’ll kill you…just do exactly what I say” — a ruthless command and a lethal threat on an innocent human being. This was not a practical joke carried out by a friend. It was real and it was happening to Lindsay — a tall, think, ultra-feminine woman who had always thought with confidence, “It (rape) won’t happen to me.” But there he was and there she was.

While Lindsay slept a man had broken into her locked apartment and moved silently into her bedroom. He woke her from a peaceful sleep with the forceful words, “Don’t make a sound, don’t move.” That statement would repeat over and over in her mind for years to come.
As this angry man, a man that she had never seen before in her life — stood over her in her bedroom; made one last reminder for her not to do anything. Lindsay’s mind raced back to her self-defense workshop that she had taken, she was reminded of the emphasis placed on fighting back in order to surprise the attacker.

Don’t think of anything other than survival.
Look for your window of opportunity – it may be as little as five seconds – when he is vulnerable and to use it to your advantage.
Fight back.

And that is what she did. She knew she needed to remain calm, assess the best time for defense, and strike.

Lindsay did just that. As she watched his body fly across the room, Lindsay was amazed to see the shock on his face. He was caught physically and mentally off-guard by her blow that she landed him in the chest with both of her feet, using all the force she could gather. Lindsay had enough time to escape. As she ran out of her apartment to get help, he ran too…not after her, but away from her.

Lindsay experienced a life-threatening situation. It is our responsibility to ensure our own safety. You may be wondering why Lindsay didn’t hear her intruder as there were no noises of a break-in; the man had a key from the previous tenant who lived in the apartment….previous to Lindsay.

The landlord never changed the locks when Lindsay moved in!

Personal safety is a habit not a fear. I’ve had students tell me that their family members think that they are scared or paranoid because they lock doors even when they are home; when they go out to walk the dog and in their car. I’ve heard many parents say that having your children’s carton images with their age and name on your vehicle window was not dangerous. All of us in the personal safety arena agree, IT IS DANGEROUS! Ask any pedophile who wants an easy target.

The fact is, paranoia will freeze you with fear and fear is the most dangerous mindset of all.

Trust your gut feelings, your instincts, intuition
Be aware of your surroundings
Establish and enforce your personal boundaries
Exhibit confident body language
Incorporate safety tips into your daily routine and life

The benefits of personal safety impact your entire life in a positive manner. “An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.”—-Benjamin Franklin

The people who tell you or call you paranoid for being aware and safe are O-B-L-I-V-I-O-U-S!
The impact of being oblivious and not facing the fact that all type of crimes and assaults are happening on a daily basis is an individual with blinders on. Electing not be educated or taught how to be safe is just downright ludacris.

ob·liv·i·ous = unmindful; unconscious; unaware

Synonym – absent-minded (so lost in thought that one does not realize what one is doing, what is happening, etc.; preoccupied to the extent of being unaware of one’s immediate surroundings)

There is nothing wrong with being the brightest light bulb in the room!

What do you think?

About Anny
Anny is a Survivor of Domestic Violence with many years as a Certified Advocate. She firmly believes that EVERY female has the absolute right to protect and defend herself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and ultimately physically.

Anny received her PDR (Personal Defense Readiness) Instructor Certification in 2008. Anny is also a Steward's of Children Authorized Facilitator and Prevention Specialist who trains adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through Darkness to Light's certification programs.

www.annyjacoby.com

www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

www.projectsafegirls.com

anny@annyjacoby.com

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

The Wolf Inside Us

2011-08-06T11:27:00.004-04:00

I borrowed this short story, that I picked up from UBBT team mate Giancarlo Fusco.

An old Cherokee told his grandson, "There is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies & ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy & truth." The boy thought about it and asked, "…Grandfather, which wolf wins?" The old man quietly replied, "The one you feed."

People ask me all the time, why my school requires acts of kindness as part of rank requirements?

It's simple really!

To me, the martial arts is more than just kicking and punching! It's about how we live our lives and how we treat other people. If you have been following the antics in Washington, DC, one thing you will notice almost immediately, is there is a lack of respect between our politicians. That's why almost nothing gets done and the serious issues of the day remain untouched.

As a warrior, if I treat my foes with kindness and respect, well, I have performed the greatest self defense move man has ever known. By treating others, the way you want to be treated, you eliminate almost all reasons for fighting in the first place.

So, tomorrow, when you wake up, see what you can do to make the world a kinder, gentler place and watch what happens.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

State Parks Are Threatened

2011-08-02T11:09:00.001-04:00

Despite all the doom and gloom you hear about in Washington, with regards to our debt ceiling and our bloated budget, I can't say there has been a dramatic impact on me or most people I know in my state. However, for the first time I can ever recall, our state park system is under attack across the US, with many states considering closing their parks in order to save money.

While I certainly sympathize with the states, as the current economy is one of the worst in decades, and Washington really hasn't been able to get it's house in order to help the states, it seems to me, closing the parks is just a quick and easy fix and doesn't really address the state's long term fiscal problems.

At a time when many families are struggling, our state parks provide an outlet for family fun that is low cost and encourages healthy activities like walking, biking, canoeing and hiking.

I also believe there is a bigger issue with closing these parks. For the first time, our current geneartion is growing up without any exposure to the outdoors. Parents are terrified of letting their children play outside, for fear their child might be abducted or molested.

However, as author Richard Louv points out in his book, Last Child In The Woods, there is a growing nature deficit, "As the nature deficit grows, new studies demonstrate just how important direct contact with the outdoors is to healthy human development. Most of the new evidence that connects nature to well-being and restoration has focused on adults, but during the past decade, scientists have begun to study the impact of nearby nature on child development. Environmental psychologists reported in 2003 that that nature in or around the home, or simply a room with a view of a natural landscape, helped protect the psychological well-being of the children."

Closing these state parks will only compound the nature deficit that many of our children are already experiencing!

I hope the states can figure something out and keep the parks open.

To me, this is good self defense!

If you would like to find out what parks your state are considering for closure, please visit the link here: Tree Hugger.

"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm." Teddy Roosevelt

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking ofThe 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net)

Master The Perfect Push Up

2011-07-31T11:36:00.001-04:00

Master The Perfect Push Up

A Radical Idea?

2011-07-30T19:40:00.001-04:00

There is a nasty debate raging in Washington, D.C. concerning the US debt ceiling and the need to reduce the deficit by cutting programs or raising taxes.

Of course, there is a huge split between the parties and they both seem content with holding their ground and allowing our country to go into default.

How did we get here?

Well, if you listen to the right, it's all President Obama's fault and if you listen to the left, George Bush is still responsible for everything bad that is happening. If you didn't know better, you would think both Obama and Bush were terribly evil men.

I know, why don't we make a constitutional amendment that requires all sitting Senators and Congressmen to perform 1,000 acts of kindness throughout the year?

Maybe, they just might learn to treat each other with some dignity and respect and restore some civility in their negotiations and get on with solving some of our country's serious problems.

Now that would be radical idea and a lesson we could share with our students!

"Any 20 year old who isn't a liberal doesn't have a heart, and any 40 year old who isn't conservative doesn't have a brain." Unknown

This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking ofThe 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net)

New School Year Around The Corner

2011-07-30T14:54:00.001-04:00

Phew!

The summer has really gone by quickly, with just a few weeks left before school starts. I am always sad as summer comes to an end, but I love the excitement and energy that a new school year brings as well.

Busy School Year

I expect this to be a very busy school year, as I will be involved in many different programs. Aside from teaching my regular classes at Samurai Karate Studio, I will also be teaching at the University of South Carolina. I am a professor there. I will be teaching beginner karate, but hopefully, I will be adding a second class, self defense for women, in the Spring.

I love teaching at USC! College students enroll in this class because they are interested in learning how to defend themselves and gaining an understanding of karate. These students tend to be in pretty good shape, are flexible and pick up the techniques pretty quickly.

I will be teaching twice a week at USC.

I have also offered my services, to teach basic self defense skills to the women in the USC sororities. Statistically, this age group is one of the most vulnerable to sexual assault and it is my goal, to help educate as many women as possible so that they can defend themselves if assaulted.

Richland County School District 2

I will be teaching afterschool karate programs at Rice Creek Elementary, Sandlapper Elementary and North Springs Elementary Schools. This will be my 3rd year teaching at these schools and I have a blast working with the younger students. These classes focus on character skills such as discipline and respect, cover topics like stranger danger and Diabetes awareness as well as cover basic karate techniques.

I am hoping to pick up another afterschool program, across the street from my dojo, at Living Springs Church.

In addition to my karate programs, I work with the local teachers and guidance counselors covering various presentations. The most popular one (of course) is bullying and how to defeat the bully in a non violent kind of way. I have taught hundreds of kids over the past 4 years and I have had great luck helping these children understand what bullying is and how they can "fight back" without resorting to kicking or punching.

Of course, if you know someone who is having a problem with bullies, please contact me and I will work one on one with the child and parent to help them deal with their situation.

Community Service

In addition to all of the above, SKS will continue to serve it's community is many different ways. I am looking forward to a trash clean up project, a homeless project, Harvest Hope Food Drive, etc. If you or someone you know, needs some work done, SKS is here to serve you. Just call us at 803-462-9425.

Lastly, SKS has it's first students testing for black belt in September. This is a very special event for me, as these are my very own students that I will be promoting to black belt.

So, as you can see, this will be a very busy school year, but I am really looking forward to it.

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229

803-462-9425

samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

Get Involved | Farm Sanctuary

2011-07-24T21:04:00.000-04:00

Get Involved | Farm Sanctuary

The 4 Levels of Mastery Training

2011-07-15T19:54:00.000-04:00

This past week during my Bujutsu training, my instructor took a few minutes during our training to talk about what he believed were the 4 levels of training mastery. I have thought about what he said and wanted to share them with you. The reality is, you can probably apply these same concepts to most anything you do in life.

1. Unconscious Incompetence
This is when you first start out in your training and you have no idea what you are doing and more importantly, why you are doing it. You are going through the motions with little regard for stances, balance, power, form or speed. This is most definitely a white belt, or beginner student.

2. Conscious Incompetence
This best describes the student who is advancing from beginner to intermediate. The student has begun to understand many of the principles involved in training, but doesn't have the experience to execute the majority of them. Techniques are beginning to form and the student tends to be less awkward.

3. Conscious Competence
As many of us progress into the more advanced stages (black belt level) of our training, this is where most of us stay. We can execute most techniques at a high level, understanding most of the principles involved in footwork, balance, power, and speed. We can look at a form or kata and break it down into little pieces and translate the basic blocks, strikes and kicks. This is considered a high level of training.

4. Unconscious Competence
This is what my instructor characterized as the highest level of training; a level that we should all aspire to train at. This is for the advanced student who has trained for many years and through repetition, acts on instinct, without really needing to think about what to do.

I thought this was a great way to talk about our (your) training and a depending on what your goals are, something to shoot for. Level 4 is much like master. Something we are always striving for and within reach, but never quite grasping.
What level are you at?

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. Bruce Lee

Sensei Chris Feldt

Samurai Karate Studio

Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

How To Talk To Kids About Leiby Kletzky

2011-07-14T22:19:00.000-04:00

10 Tips Parents Need to Know

By Dr. Robyn Silverman

A horrific story about a 8 year old boy, Leiby Kletzky, gone missing, murdered and dismembered in Brooklyn this week, has parents wondering how to talk to their children about this tragedy. As a parent myself, all I wanted to do was shut my eyes, close my doors, and hold my children tight. It is every parent’s nightmare—not just because of the loss itself—not just because of the gruesome way this young boy died—but because of the senselessness of the murder. What was the motive? Why this boy? Or perhaps more accurately, could it have just as easily been mine?

As a mother I find it so hard to write this article. My stomach flips and my teeth chatter just like yours. We want to raise happy, healthy, confident children—not ones that hide from the world and fear those within it. At the same time, these kinds of sickening stories make us want to yell; “stay home with me and never venture out alone!” Logically, we know this isn’t possible or realistic. But pure emotion—and fear– can sometimes hijack our sense of reason.

Given that the tragic murder of Leiby Kletzky is now all over the media, your children will likely hear about it in some way. It would be proactive to be prepared for questions and a discussion about everything from the facts to the meaning of it all.

So what do you need to do and know in order to talk to your children about the Kletzky murder?

(1) Be available and shut off the media: The best person to talk to your children about tragedy is you or another responsible, trusted adult. You don’t want to leave this job to the media or to your children’s peers. Media is often inappropriate for your children’s age and peers can be inaccurate and fear inducing.

(2) Keep gruesome facts to a minimum: In the same vein, keep gruesome facts to a minimum. Tell your children what you feel they need to know but don’t go into great detail. If they have specific questions about facts, answer them as best you can—without pontificating– based on the facts you have. Don’t suppose.

(3) Allow your children to talk about their feelings: Some children are emotional. Talking is a great means of expressing how they feel. As parents, we might want to cover our ears until this story fades away from the media but our children need us. Don’t stifle, even though it’s tempting to shield them, as you can make things worse. Discussing their fears and questions with a responsible adult is one of the best ways for children to deal with this tragedy in a healthy way.

(4) Look for different ways children process tragedy: While some children will talk it out with you or another trusted adult, others will get quiet. Still others will seem to have no reaction and then need to talk several hours or several days later. Some may not want to talk at all but instead may prefer to draw, sing, or build something creative. Remain open. Look out for odd behaviors such as nightmares, over-sleeping, acting out, extreme agitation, lack of eating, or over-eating as this way be your child’s way of telling you that they are having trouble coping. In addition, children with preexisting conditions (i.e. depression or other clinical disorders) and those who are closer to the situation in terms of age, location, or actual acquaintance may have a harder time dealing with this type of story so remain alert and available.

(5) Don’t panic: As parents we may want to stop life as we know it, pull in, and not allow our children out of our sight. We must come to terms with this tragedy as best we can so we can help assure our children that they are OK. Living a life in fear is no way to live. Children rely on their parents to stay grounded, calm, and in control. If you need to talk about your own fears, discuss them with another adult NOT your child.

(6) Assure your children: While the story is all over the media, such incidents are indeed rare. Assure your children that this is not a common occurrence. Make sure they understand that the adults in the community—from law enforcement, to religious leaders, to community leaders, teachers, and parents are doing whatever they can to keep the members of the community safe.

(7) Talk about safety and stranger danger when ready: You do not need to lump together a discussion about safety and stranger danger into this discussion of tragedy. This is a time to listen rather than a time to lecture. When appropriate, you can talk to your children about safe houses, safe routes, and safety procedures– what to do and what NOT to do. Programs are often available at martial arts and self-defense schools and many educators and law enforcement will come into your schools and talk to the children about safety as well.

(8) Remind children that these tragedies are NOT their fault: There is nothing this child did to deserve or bring on this gruesome murder. He was just a child. This was senseless and nobody knows the real reason it happened. This was the fault of the perpetrating adult- NOT the child.

(9) Children are resilient: Our children and teens are strong. They can bounce back from tragedy and they will not break if you talk to them about something bad that happened in our world.

(10) Honor life: In the face of such a tragedy, we often look for some way to stay positive. It’s hard. If your child wants to help or do something in honor of the child who was lost to our world, you can discuss a contribution to a meaningful charity in the name of that family or plant a tree in honor of that child.

This isn’t easy for anyone. Be sure to reach out for assistance if you need it. You do not need to do this alone and many other parents around you are likely grappling with the same fears, questions, and concerns. The answer then is not to pull inward and shut the world out, but band together with our neighbors. Doing so can make our communities stronger, safer, and closer-knit—so we all make it a priority to look out for one another.