New Look Studio Ready for Students to Return from Covid-19 Shutdown

During the COVID-19 shutdown, we were busy laying new mats and giving the Studio a new paint job..  It looks fantastic!!  We can't wait for all our wonderful students and new students to come back over the COVID-19 shutdown and back into training.

 
 
 
 

The Benefits of Virtual Training 

Although not new, virtual learning has increasingly become a more widely used approach, especially in the wake of the current pandemic. Nearly everyone has been directed to stay at home, which initially seemed like a vacation but quickly became an unwanted situation. With routines upended and everyone limited with access to activities, children are filled with an overabundance of pent up energy. The need for supportive, online resources is essential for parents and children. This is why engaging in Munen Muso Martial Arts SKILLZ virtual martial arts training is so beneficial. 

Virtual classes are a way for people to learn via an online platform. They have become more and more popular due to the evolvement of technology and the need for convenience. Today, many people utilize online systems as a way to attend various levels of school, learn new skills, and join conferences. And now, companies such as SKILLZ are implementing online training to stay connected to their students, offer an outlet for extra energy, and provide an opportunity to continue training. 

In the new normal of our world today, it’s easy to become stagnant and passive. By providing children with training online, SKILLZ is continuing to empower them to develop a growth mindset and come out even stronger on the other side. And since SKILLZ is a child development course, children continue to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. By utilizing the 8 Teaching SKILLZ and applying the D.O.S.E. method, instructors boost the student’s neural circuitry all the while helping them stay fit, active, and entertained. 

And while virtual classes and training are new for many, SKILLZ lays out the curriculum and class access in a way that is easy to use. By providing students and parents with At-Home Training Planners and supplemental videos, virtual live class access, and one-on-one training opportunities, SKILLZ strives to cover all bases of student needs. The best thing is this type of platform provides flexibility so recorded classes can be accessed at a later time if a student misses class. By having all this information easily accessible, it also gives the students the ability to go back and review information that may have been more of a challenge. 

Today, more than ever before, children need to be assured that everything will be ok. By keeping them engaged with activities that part of their “normal” routine, parents can help their children deal with the current situation in a more productive way. Along with this, the extra support that instructors provide helps parents understand that they are not alone. Utilizing platforms such as SKILLZ virtual martial arts training can give children the tools for success right from the comfort of their own home.  Contact us now to enrol your child in our Skillz childrens programs today - Ninja Warriors (4 to 6 years) and Samurai Warriors (7 to 10 years).  www.munenmuso.com.au

SEROTONIN

The Key To Reinforcing Positive Behaviors In Children and Teens

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Have you ever considered that children have these as well? Of course, they do! The problem is, they don’t know how to express this to us. They know something doesn’t feel right, so they act out or exhibit a grumpy mood. The good news is, there is a way to boost their mood and reinforce positive behaviour choices.

Serotonin, also known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter, plays a part in our wellbeing and is important in balancing mood. Ninety percent of the serotonin in our bodies is produced in the gut. This is because the gut and the brain were developed from the same embryo cell line and continue to communicate through the vagus nerve. This explains why the gut is often referred to as the “second brain” and where the phrase “gut feeling” comes from.

In recent studies, serotonin levels have been found to also affect memory and learning. In addition to this, it helps build new neuropathways in the brain which supports the ability to learn new information more quickly. When there are higher levels of serotonin, moods are better and, therefore, cognitive functioning is improved. The problem is found when serotonin levels are too low. In children, this can manifest in behaviours such as poor impulse control and inattention.

Now that we understand the neuroscience surrounding serotonin, how can we, as parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone who works with children, use this information? We must create a learning environment that is inviting and form bonds with the children by setting an enthusiastic and positive mood.

The SKILLZ (Ninja Warrior & Samurai Warrior) programs does this by teaching with the brain in mind and utilizing game-based learning. Along with this, two of the Teaching SKILLZ that are used in class are specifically designed to increase the students’ serotonin levels.

1) Choices: The use of “choices” as a teaching skill in class helps the students build satisfaction because they have a say in what they are doing and, therefore, their excitement to do things increases. For example, when working on forms in class, if the instructor tells the students to do their forms for 15 minutes, they probably aren’t going to be that excited. But, if the instructor tells the students they can choose from doing their forms with weights, slow motion, backwards, or progressively, then the student will be more excited about getting to make their decision regarding this. And, they will then be more satisfied with the overall experience.

2) Redirection: The use of “redirection” in class helps the students feel more accomplished and, therefore, happier. For example, if you have a student in class that doesn’t always sit the best during mat chats, the instructor can say “When I count to three, let’s see who can sit faster than Johnny.” This student will be prompted to sit correctly and then he will feel more accomplished by showing how quickly he can sit correctly.

By utilizing these techniques, the instructors are increasing the students’ serotonin, which helps them become more satisfied in their accomplishments and it reinforces their good behaviours.

At Home Training Tips

Greetings Parents!

Today I would like to talk about how to use things from around the house to benefit your child's "At Home" training! Every child has gotten carried away sweeping the floor while pretending the broom was a Bo!  Now I am not telling you to strap a cloth to your child's tummy and have him practice army crawls across the tile floor and call it "training". Let's face it, that's just how a ninja does his normal chores!

Sometimes we think that we are unable or ill-equipped to practice at home because we lack the same pads or mats that we use while in class. With a little ingenuity and imagination, we can find things around the house that serve the same or similar purposes!

First on the list is pillows! Finding a nice sturdy pillow can act as a kicking shield that the parents can hold while their child practices their kicks! Of course, make sure it is a fluffy pillow or you might be surprised at how effective a little ninja can be. If you have smaller pillows around, we can throw those around and work on accuracy with our strikes and/or kicks.

Next up is our mobile phone! Being able to see what you are doing helps a lot because you can actually see your progression. Another great use is to be able to show your instructor your form or technique, which will allow them to give you advice on how to make it even better! A great app to use for this is Coaches Eye. It will let you go frame by frame and even doodle on the screen, which adds another layer usefulness.

The last one I would like to mention is a windowsill or wall. Either can be used to practice improving balance while kicking. You can easily use a wall or windowsill to rest a hand on while you practice kicking. Slow tension kicks will help build strength in the legs. Practicing rapid-fire kicks will help improve speed! Be sure to pivot and re-chamber properly to build perfect technique.

Just about anything around the house can serve as a training aid. I hope I have been able to help you think with ingenuity and imagination when it comes to everyday items! Remember, the more we put into our training, the more we will benefit! If you have any questions about how you can increase the level of "At Home" training, feel free to ask your favourite instructor!

Sincerely,
Kyoshi Leanne Johnson

Master Instructor/Owner

Martial Arts and Soccer

Recently one of our student's parents related a very interesting comment on the martial arts training being given to their son.  Normally we promote the core pillars of martial arts training for children as self-confidence building, teaching respect, composure/calmness under pressure and fitness.
However, something else has come to light which we think is a big plus for children playing contact sport.  Our student plays soccer in an academy team and in one particular game, the student let's call him James, had made a break and was heading for goal.  A player from the opposing team decided to prevent that from happening so tackled him heavily from behind.

Based on this training James was able to fall correctly and avoid injury.  Whilst his parents had a perfect understanding of this scenario a number of other parents were amazed he was not hurt and wanted to know how he did it. 

Once 'the how he did it' was explained to these parents they could see a major benefit of martial arts training that previously had not been on their radar.  This then led to conversations around where James trains, what are the costs and other benefits.

Given the litigious nature of society today we would not advocate that martial arts training would prevent injuries from falls in sport.  On the other hand we are confident that correct training will help minimise such injuries and this training will be added to our benefits list for discussion with potential clients.

2014 Gold Award Winner - Australian Business Quality Awards

Munen Muso Martial Arts Australia recognised for service excellence in the 2014 Australian Business Quality Awards.

Strong focus on customer satisfaction leads Munen Muso Martial Arts Australia to win the Gold Award.  Munen Muso Martial Arts, achieved the esteemed Australian Business Quality Award for successfully adhering to its high service standards and going beyond customers needs.

We are truly proud of this accomplishment which clearly demonstrates our commitment to please our customers by providing overall quality service.  In our business, we walk the talk as we deliver on our promise and more..

Munen Muso's New MMA Instructor

Richie Cranny is our new MMA Instructor.  He teaches on Monday nights from 7.00 to 8.30pm.  Please refer to our website for further details www.munenmuso.com.au
Darren Marks is still our MMA Instructor on Wednesday nights.

Head Coach/Founder - Platinum Extreme Gym

Head Coach/Founder - MMA Coaching Academy

Head Coach/Founder - Wimp 2 Warrior series

MMA columnist for Men’s Fitness Magazine

MMA feature columnist for On Duty Magazine

3rd Degree Black Belt ProMai MMA

Chief Instructor and International Examiner

Qualified Level 3 MMA Coach

Qualified Boxing Coach