March Break

Hey FC Parents and Kids,

The Youth Program will be closed over the March Break Week from March 11th-16th. Have a safe and fun Spring Break.

See you all next week,

emmanuel

Easy as 1-2-3!

Hey FC Parents and Kids,

Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. Yours might flit from one thing to the next — forgetting books at school, leaving towels on the floor, and failing to finish projects once started. You’d like them to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks,  Is it possible?

Yes! A few kids seem naturally organized, but for the rest, ‘organization’ is a skill learned over time. With help and some practice, kids can develop an effective approach to getting stuff done.

And you’re the perfect person to teach your child, even if you don’t feel all that organized yourself!

Easy as 1-2-3

For kids, all tasks can be broken down into a 1-2-3 process.

1. Getting organized means a kid gets where he or she needs to be and gathers the supplies needed to complete the task. For coming to FightClub it’s putting on their FC T-shirts on and getting a water bottle filled and packed.
2. Staying focused means sticking with the task and learning to say “no” to distractions. In FC class this means that when the teacher is talking they should sit facing the teacher, legs crossed, mouth closed and ears open.
3. Getting it done means finishing up, checking your work, and putting on the finishing touches. After class listen to the teacher’s final words and ask any questions about what you learned that day.

Not only is it practical to teach these skills, but knowing how to get stuff done will help your child feel more competent and effective. Kids feel self-confident and proud when they’re able to accomplish their tasks and responsibilities. Use the moments before coming to class to re-enforce getting organized. To me, learning happens before, during and after FC classes.

See you at FC,

emmanuel

International STAND UP to Bullying Day 2019

International STAND UP to Bullying Day is a semi-annual event that takes place in both February and November. The November event coincides with Anti-Bullying Week. Those participating in the day sign and wear pink “pledge shirts” to take a public stand against bullying. The shirts signal to those being bullied that they are supported, and stands up in a non-confrontational way against bullies. The day is observed by schools, workplaces, and organizations, in at least 25 countries around the globe.

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Kids who bully use their power – such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity – to control or harm others. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally and purposely excluding someone from a group. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may experience serious, lasting problems.

FightClub approaches anti-bullying head-on by using principles of redirection and straightforward assertiveness. Students are taught to manage situations without the use of violence first, learning ways to assess threats, redirect verbal assaults and mobilize the audience, which is a critical factor in empowering the bully.

In a nutshell, I want to teach your kids how to deal with a ‘bad guy’ without becoming a ‘bad guys’ themselves. I want them to find power and confidence in what it means to be good. If you are facing these challenges with your kids please bring them by FightClub for a few classes and see what Systema Training at FC can do for them first hand. 

Respectfully,

emmanuel manolakakis

Owner & Head Instructor

FightClub Martial Arts & Fitness Training Centre Inc.

Simple Brain Exercises

For years it was thought that each of us was born with a generous supply of brain cells, but that we were unable to produce additional cells or make changes in how they function. Fairly recently, neuroscientists discovered the presence of something called “neuroplasticity” which enables the brain to actually grow additional cells or modify the function of existing cells. Amazingly, cognitive exercises have been found to produce desired changes in not only how the brain works, but how it looks. What this means for parents is that you now have the ability to work with your child to help improve their focus.

“Cognitive exercises have been found to produce desired changes in not only how the brain works, but how it looks. What this means is that you have the ability to work with your child to help improve”

Here are some of my favorite exercises that can help kids improve their concentration.

1. Crossword Puzzles and Picture Puzzles: 

It sounds simple, but these are great tools for kids. Crossword puzzles actually improve attention for words and sequencing ability, while picture puzzles—in which your younger child has to look for things that are “wrong” in the picture or look for hard-to-find objects—also improve attention and concentration.

2. Memory and Concentration Games: 

Children’s games such as ‘memory’ and ‘simon says’ are great ideas for improving memory and concentration. They are quick and fun. Memory motivates the child to remember the location of picture squares and Simon helps them memorize sequences of visual and auditory stimuli. Through repeated playing, brain circuits are “exercised” and challenged, which strengthens connections and thus improves function.

As you do all of these “brain exercises,” you should work together with your child serving as his or her “coach.” Provide them with encouragement and track their progress as they improve. This is a win/win solution because it also strengthens the relationship you have with your child.

FightClub Youth Program Wins 2018 Award!