What a year 2008 has been, we have witnessed the start of a world wide recession that has brought misery and uncertainty to millions of us. The job market has shrunk with many big name companies like Woolworths going bust with the inevitable job losses compounding the problem.
The news programmes are full of bad news going from the credit crunch to the latest problems between Israel and the Palestinians. At home we have continual updates on the rising unemployment figures and home repossessions. Our capital city London has seen the grotesque rise in knife crime which according to our leading daily paper The Times eighty three people have lost there lives, countrywide the figures equate to five people a week losing there lives in this senseless and barbaric way.
Boy this looks and feels bad, but we have a new year 2009 is upon us we can both look to this New Year with optimism and find solutions to our problems. Or we can just sit around blaming either the government or the banks for our situation and let things get worse. So what can we do as individuals to improve the situation, I can only go on my own experience I lost my job in the motor industry ten months ago. Like many others I have had to adjust to a lowering of my living standards like not eating out two or three times a week. Guess what I have learned to cook good food at a fraction of the cost I used to spend on restaurants and take aways. This is just one example of the benefits I have received from changed circumstance.
Having decided I could not survive on state handouts for long I took the decision to turn a lifelong hobby into a business. It has been tough but as each month goes by it has got a little better I am still nowhere near the income I used to enjoy but I am happier I can spend more time with my family, who used to get a little lost when I was following my career. So for me there have been opportunities to improve my life that I did not think possible just a year ago.
Nothing I have achieved this last year would have been possible without the support of my family and friends. So I would encourage anyone who has lost there job to look around for fresh opportunities whether it be education, retraining or starting your own business please do not waste your time use it to create something better.
So here is to 2009 a better year.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Monday, 17 November 2008
Self Defence Made Easy
Well now that I am injury free finaly out of plaster fully healed from my car accident its back to training. It is hell how do you get so unfit after so short a layoff. I never realised how hard we had worked before and I never realised how much I hate my instructor or my training partners for putting me through this.
Yeah its good to be back in fact my instructor said he is always glad to see my back. Hmm.
Now this has started me thinking could the reason we have such a turnover of students be that we push to hard at the beginning not making enough allowance for various fitness levels. I know that I can not work as hard as i could before the accident I just have to rebuild my fitness levels. If I do try and work like I did before I could risk injury and put myself further back. So all you instructors out there think about your lessons try and incorporate the thought we are all at different levels of fitness and tailor your lessons accordingly. That way we may keep more students giving them the chance of learning without making them feel inadequate because they may not be as fit as you .
Send me One Million FREE Guaranteed Visitors
Yeah its good to be back in fact my instructor said he is always glad to see my back. Hmm.
Now this has started me thinking could the reason we have such a turnover of students be that we push to hard at the beginning not making enough allowance for various fitness levels. I know that I can not work as hard as i could before the accident I just have to rebuild my fitness levels. If I do try and work like I did before I could risk injury and put myself further back. So all you instructors out there think about your lessons try and incorporate the thought we are all at different levels of fitness and tailor your lessons accordingly. That way we may keep more students giving them the chance of learning without making them feel inadequate because they may not be as fit as you .
Send me One Million FREE Guaranteed Visitors
Monday, 1 September 2008
Self Defence Update
Hi everyone,
very sorry I havent been updating this blog I have been very busy with my website.
http:www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
Some very exciting new developments in personal self defence has come through from the OCFM .
Which allows anyone to sign up for our free newsletter and free 50 minute DVD showing this amazing system.
You cannot fail to improve your own training with even this small amount of information.
So just think how much more you could get if you signed up for our free newsletter which gives training tips,on subjects like pressure points,speed training,groundwork,all written by experts such as Russell Stutely Europes leading authority on pressure points and there application in martial arts.
I am sorry if this just looks like another advert and yes you can purchase DVDs but what excites me is the free flow of information you can get for no cost at all.
Hopefully you will see the value in buying some of our products if not I hope you will get at least some benefit from our free newsletter.
All the best Mark Stephens.
very sorry I havent been updating this blog I have been very busy with my website.
http:www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
Some very exciting new developments in personal self defence has come through from the OCFM .
Which allows anyone to sign up for our free newsletter and free 50 minute DVD showing this amazing system.
You cannot fail to improve your own training with even this small amount of information.
So just think how much more you could get if you signed up for our free newsletter which gives training tips,on subjects like pressure points,speed training,groundwork,all written by experts such as Russell Stutely Europes leading authority on pressure points and there application in martial arts.
I am sorry if this just looks like another advert and yes you can purchase DVDs but what excites me is the free flow of information you can get for no cost at all.
Hopefully you will see the value in buying some of our products if not I hope you will get at least some benefit from our free newsletter.
All the best Mark Stephens.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Reasons to train in the martial arts
Hi all,
today I have been reading an article about sports and the many and varied benefits of participating.
Not least of which is health and fitness.
It set me to wondering what actual benefits do you get from training in the martial arts.Please read the ones i have come up with there may be others I have left out or not realised make your own mind up any way heres my top eight.
1/ Self awareness.
What I mean by this,unlike a lot of sports or activities where for example you go to a gym or aerobic class go through a set routine often to music you are only working your body.
Martial arts are one of the few activities where your mind and body have to work together.
2/Focus and or Concentration.
With the mind and body working together you are able to keep yourself and your training partner safe.
Allowing you to progress at your own pace. Plus it will carry on into your everyday life improving small things such as driving.
3/Self confidence.
Now the mind and body are working together and you are focussed on what you are doing this will give you the self confidence you need to defend yourself.
Plus this can give you a more positive outlook in your daily life and work.
4/Stress reduction.
Many studies have shown that physical activity be it running,cycling,walking,aerobics
all relieve bodily stress.
The martial arts work on the mind and body so relieve stress to both.
With the major benefit of cutting down the risks of heart attacks or strokes.
5/Challenge.
Well I dont think any other sport is more challenging than the martial arts.
There is always something new to train whether its a new technique or exercise.
The main challenge is to continue to develop your art,style or system.
This also makes you more adaptive in your everyday life alowing you to cope better with your home or work life.
6/Conditioning.
With the martial arts you use your whole body so it is a more intense workout than just going to a gym and using a treadmill for half an hour.
The health benefits are well known but again acts with stress reduction,concentration etc.
7/Flexibility.
Maybe should come under conditioning but I felt it was something worth mentioning in its own right.
If started young keeping yourself supple and flexible will bring many benefits as you get older.
If you are older, but never trained the benefits can be startling as you can move walk better without the pain of pulled or stressed muscles.
Plus it will cut down the chances of injury.
8/Self defence.
You now have the awareness,the confidence,the focus,the conditioning and the knowledge to defend your self.
The self confidence can stop you acting in anger and be able to let you control the outcome of any confrontation. Even if this means just walking away knowing if thing had got physical you could have coped.
Well thats my eight I am sure you will have your own ideas and I am sorry if it seems that i disregard other sports I just happen to like and enjoy martial arts.
Thats all for today good luck in your training.
Mark Stephens http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
today I have been reading an article about sports and the many and varied benefits of participating.
Not least of which is health and fitness.
It set me to wondering what actual benefits do you get from training in the martial arts.Please read the ones i have come up with there may be others I have left out or not realised make your own mind up any way heres my top eight.
1/ Self awareness.
What I mean by this,unlike a lot of sports or activities where for example you go to a gym or aerobic class go through a set routine often to music you are only working your body.
Martial arts are one of the few activities where your mind and body have to work together.
2/Focus and or Concentration.
With the mind and body working together you are able to keep yourself and your training partner safe.
Allowing you to progress at your own pace. Plus it will carry on into your everyday life improving small things such as driving.
3/Self confidence.
Now the mind and body are working together and you are focussed on what you are doing this will give you the self confidence you need to defend yourself.
Plus this can give you a more positive outlook in your daily life and work.
4/Stress reduction.
Many studies have shown that physical activity be it running,cycling,walking,aerobics
all relieve bodily stress.
The martial arts work on the mind and body so relieve stress to both.
With the major benefit of cutting down the risks of heart attacks or strokes.
5/Challenge.
Well I dont think any other sport is more challenging than the martial arts.
There is always something new to train whether its a new technique or exercise.
The main challenge is to continue to develop your art,style or system.
This also makes you more adaptive in your everyday life alowing you to cope better with your home or work life.
6/Conditioning.
With the martial arts you use your whole body so it is a more intense workout than just going to a gym and using a treadmill for half an hour.
The health benefits are well known but again acts with stress reduction,concentration etc.
7/Flexibility.
Maybe should come under conditioning but I felt it was something worth mentioning in its own right.
If started young keeping yourself supple and flexible will bring many benefits as you get older.
If you are older, but never trained the benefits can be startling as you can move walk better without the pain of pulled or stressed muscles.
Plus it will cut down the chances of injury.
8/Self defence.
You now have the awareness,the confidence,the focus,the conditioning and the knowledge to defend your self.
The self confidence can stop you acting in anger and be able to let you control the outcome of any confrontation. Even if this means just walking away knowing if thing had got physical you could have coped.
Well thats my eight I am sure you will have your own ideas and I am sorry if it seems that i disregard other sports I just happen to like and enjoy martial arts.
Thats all for today good luck in your training.
Mark Stephens http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Self Defence Made Easy
Hi all,
not broke yet.
Started playing tournament poker low buyins havent won one yet got a 3rd place well chuffed.
Big day tomorrow sunday 3rdAugust won through to a $5000 tournament .Lets hope i can bring to the table all my skill,concentration,patience but most of all luck.
Like i said in a previous post this game is very addictive and like the martial arts you learn something new every time you play.
I think one of the reasons it is so popular you can kid yourself early on your winning by skill and losing by bad luck.
Like a lot of beginners i started in games where the players were black belt equivalents and i got squashed.
Play low stake to start with you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank,then when you get better start to mix it with the bigger boys and girls.
Its a great feeling when you play a hand and win it well.
Going to a local casino tonight to play my 1st live table quite nervous.Going to cost me £20 for a taxi as i still cant drive should be off the crutches in a few weeks.
I must admit i am missing training,doing what little i can at home but its not the same.
Though i have had lots of cards and phone calls from the sd m e team your subs are due no it isnt half price when your injured.No really thanks for all the support and offers of help and yes Sara i can manage a bath on my own.Duh 2nd thoughts can you make this friday.
Please.
Dont make a sick man beg.
Well thats all for today train hard live easy
Mark Stephens http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
not broke yet.
Started playing tournament poker low buyins havent won one yet got a 3rd place well chuffed.
Big day tomorrow sunday 3rdAugust won through to a $5000 tournament .Lets hope i can bring to the table all my skill,concentration,patience but most of all luck.
Like i said in a previous post this game is very addictive and like the martial arts you learn something new every time you play.
I think one of the reasons it is so popular you can kid yourself early on your winning by skill and losing by bad luck.
Like a lot of beginners i started in games where the players were black belt equivalents and i got squashed.
Play low stake to start with you can enjoy yourself without breaking the bank,then when you get better start to mix it with the bigger boys and girls.
Its a great feeling when you play a hand and win it well.
Going to a local casino tonight to play my 1st live table quite nervous.Going to cost me £20 for a taxi as i still cant drive should be off the crutches in a few weeks.
I must admit i am missing training,doing what little i can at home but its not the same.
Though i have had lots of cards and phone calls from the sd m e team your subs are due no it isnt half price when your injured.No really thanks for all the support and offers of help and yes Sara i can manage a bath on my own.Duh 2nd thoughts can you make this friday.
Please.
Dont make a sick man beg.
Well thats all for today train hard live easy
Mark Stephens http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Self Defence Made Easy For Women
Hi all,
insurance companies what f**ks getting the runaround see previous post.
Thanks to all of you who have read my blog some nice some not so nice comments on email,they are all welcome.
Well to answer one persons question, Sara no you wouldnt be on your own being nervous about joining a club that runs mixed classes.
In fact most people male or female are nervous about any class when they 1st join.
Please do not let this put you off most clubs i know try and make everyone feel welcome.
I do think in this day and age it is becoming more important to have a good self defence.
You mentioned your work often puts you in a vulnerable position but you didnt say what you did.
Well in self defence made easy we have instructors whose day jobs include nurse,social worker,housewife and a police officer.They are all female and run mixed classes and they are held to the utmost respect by there fellow instructors and pupils.
In fact one of these ladies has been a karate semi contact world champion i bet you cant guess what day job she does.Nurse a very caring proffession often beset by violent or unruly patients.
Often under the influence of drink or drugs the patients that is not the nurses.
So you can see whatever your background,whatever your sex we can all make a difference to our own self confidence.
I can promise you we all lack it at some time or another please have another look at my 1st post i lost all self confidence it could have finished me.It didnt thank goodness but i was lucky i had some great friends and even better family.I will never be able to repay the kindness and patience they showed.
Well getting back to you you have been on our site you have downloaded the free self defence report.Now you would like to get started i will send you a list of our instructors in the midlands i am sure you will find one near you.
I hope you do not mind this going on my blog i just hope it will be of some help to others as well.
All the best Mark Stephens
http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
insurance companies what f**ks getting the runaround see previous post.
Thanks to all of you who have read my blog some nice some not so nice comments on email,they are all welcome.
Well to answer one persons question, Sara no you wouldnt be on your own being nervous about joining a club that runs mixed classes.
In fact most people male or female are nervous about any class when they 1st join.
Please do not let this put you off most clubs i know try and make everyone feel welcome.
I do think in this day and age it is becoming more important to have a good self defence.
You mentioned your work often puts you in a vulnerable position but you didnt say what you did.
Well in self defence made easy we have instructors whose day jobs include nurse,social worker,housewife and a police officer.They are all female and run mixed classes and they are held to the utmost respect by there fellow instructors and pupils.
In fact one of these ladies has been a karate semi contact world champion i bet you cant guess what day job she does.Nurse a very caring proffession often beset by violent or unruly patients.
Often under the influence of drink or drugs the patients that is not the nurses.
So you can see whatever your background,whatever your sex we can all make a difference to our own self confidence.
I can promise you we all lack it at some time or another please have another look at my 1st post i lost all self confidence it could have finished me.It didnt thank goodness but i was lucky i had some great friends and even better family.I will never be able to repay the kindness and patience they showed.
Well getting back to you you have been on our site you have downloaded the free self defence report.Now you would like to get started i will send you a list of our instructors in the midlands i am sure you will find one near you.
I hope you do not mind this going on my blog i just hope it will be of some help to others as well.
All the best Mark Stephens
http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
Friday, 18 July 2008
What not to do when injured
Hi all,
After training a few nights ago i was on my way home when i was involved in a head on collision with a decrepit old van.
One written off 57 plate punto a sore head and busted ankle later.It turns out the other driver has no insurance or license im not even sure he owned the van,the police are not saying.
Watch my insurance premiums go through the roof.
So that is why i have been laying on my sofa feeling sorry for myself and bored out of my skull.
That is until i found internet poker.
Now this is addictive,its worse than ciggies,they should carry a government wealth warning.
I love it i dont want to see my next bank statement though.
I have never gambled much before but i had seen it played on television.So i thought id have a go.I have won the odd couple of hundred dollars and felt like a millionaire.
So i have decided to put all the concentration and patience that i have learned from over twenty years of study in the martial arts.
To become a poker grand master,so long as i dont go broke first.
Well thats all tody,i suppose your wondering what has this got to do with self defence.
Well its self defence of the mind,thats my story and im sticking to it.
Speak to you soon.
http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
After training a few nights ago i was on my way home when i was involved in a head on collision with a decrepit old van.
One written off 57 plate punto a sore head and busted ankle later.It turns out the other driver has no insurance or license im not even sure he owned the van,the police are not saying.
Watch my insurance premiums go through the roof.
So that is why i have been laying on my sofa feeling sorry for myself and bored out of my skull.
That is until i found internet poker.
Now this is addictive,its worse than ciggies,they should carry a government wealth warning.
I love it i dont want to see my next bank statement though.
I have never gambled much before but i had seen it played on television.So i thought id have a go.I have won the odd couple of hundred dollars and felt like a millionaire.
So i have decided to put all the concentration and patience that i have learned from over twenty years of study in the martial arts.
To become a poker grand master,so long as i dont go broke first.
Well thats all tody,i suppose your wondering what has this got to do with self defence.
Well its self defence of the mind,thats my story and im sticking to it.
Speak to you soon.
http://www.selfdefencemadeeasy.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
