Monday, July 16, 2012

Bodyguards Teach Women's Self Defense Seminars & Serve Chocolate


Women’s Self Defense Seminars 

Bodyguards to teach women 13 and older how to protect themselves.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

PHOENIX, Arizona, July 15, 2012 – HIT LIKE A GIRL, a women's self-defense and personal security program, announced today that Agent Rhonda Roth will teach a self defense class for women on Saturday, July 28th. The two personal security seminars will take place at Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards & USA Martial Arts Kickboxing Training Center at 4731 E. Greenway Rd. Suite 9-10 Phoenix, Arizona 85032 from 10-12:30pm.
“This course is designed to give women unconventional but highly effective step-by-step protective strategies, said Rhonda Roth, founder self defense specialist, Hit Like a Girl.  “You won't here the typical advice of "be aware of your surroundings" or other nebulous women's self-defense ideas.  Practical self defense skills begin with a practical set of beliefs, a plan and accurate information about protection.  This includes knowledge of how predators operate, assertion competence for boundaries, detection, avoidance and escape skills.  You won't be seeing the typical "fight like a man" advice or other impractical advice.   Seminar participants will be taught how to identify, prevent and thwart would-be dangerous situations.”
“Students attending the seminar will be learning from a trained Bodyguard and Self Defense expert,” added John Nottingham, co-sponsor and founder of Nottingham Sword & Shield Security. “Agent Rhonda Roth has been trained by some of the best, including graduating Gavin De Beckers Academy for Protectors and Bodyguard Training International. Her years of teaching experience, coupled with her advanced training in the martial arts and hand to hand combat, will bring some great insight to the students. This is a great opportunity for mothers and daughters to learn together and is open to women 13 and up.”
“During the Handbags, Heels and Chocolate seminar we will discuss and examine potential scenarios where a woman may be attacked,” added Agent Roth. "We use an empowerment teaching model as opposed to a fear based model.  The seminar will have an academic interactive approach. Students will learn practical strategies used by Agencies, such as the Secret Service, that are effective and easy to execute.  The second seminar, "It's Hot!" emphasizes unconventional tactics for using pepper spray and weapons of opportunity.  It also dispells many of the common myths surrounding self defense and personal security including the infamous groin kick.  The women's self-defense and personal security seminars will take place in a safe and supportive environment, and students will learn how to use brains over brawn, avoid being a victim and become intelligently empowered and armed with practical knowlege.”
The cost to attend the Handbags, Heels and Chocolate seminar is normally $195 but those who register online early can do so for just $35. The "It's HOT!" pepper spray seminar is normally $395 but with early online registration is only $95 or $125 for both events.  For more information or to register email info@usa-martialarts.com or visit Facebook Hit Like a Girl.

Register Online Here.  Reserve your space.
About Hit Like a Girl
Hit Like a Girl is an education firm founded by Bodyguards and dedicated to changing the way personal security and women's self defense is taught.  Hit Like a Girl offers training, seminars, home or office parties, lectures and professional speaking to small groups, corporations, churches and various organizations.    Hit Like a Girl is proud partners with Nottingham Sword & Shield Security Bodyguards, USA Martial Arts Phoenix, USA Martial Arts Antioch, and Personal Master Martial Arts Utah.  

Saturday, July 14, 2012

MMA Modern and Traditional Mixed Martial Arts Classes in Phoenix For All Ages


  

USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing PhoenixMMA Modern and Traditional Mixed Martial Arts Curriculum For All Ages

Taekwondo, Jiu-jitsu, Hapkido, Karate, Kung Fu Classical Philosophy and Certification
Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu concepts for Practical Self Defense

We at USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing  teach cutting edge classes for children, teens and adults in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek Area. We teach Traditional Martial Arts, and our MMA blend of Jujitsu, BJJ, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do concepts for practical self defense. Our classes include traditional martial arts that draw on Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, Karate and Kung Fu. USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing offers award-winning children's martial arts classes.  Children's martial arts classes include practical lessons and tools that help bring true life skill building to our students from children to teens. We have seen success in self-esteem, self-reliance, discipline, better grades in school, conduct and many other areas.

Do you know why children and adults LOVE USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing School?

Self-Confidence As you train in martial arts, you will notice a lot if improvements, such as your physique, balance, awareness, flexibility, and many other physical and mental characteristics. Martial Arts will teach you how to combine these capabilities and use them to succeed in competitions, attaining higher belts, building friendships and protecting yourself if necessary. The more you can do, the more confident you will be.

Self-Defense One of the most common reasons to study martial arts is to learn how to defend one’s self. A number of schools may dedicate class time and/or offer a scheduled class that strictly goes over self-defense tactics. Also, depending on the MA style or school, self-defense can be a large part of the curriculum, which can be beneficial to those interested in "applicable arts" (arts you can use in every-day life) as opposed to "traditional arts". 

Self-Discipline Webster defines self-discipline as the “correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement”. Whether it be trying to make a high-school team or meeting company deadlines, once you learn the focus necessary to succeed in Martial Arts you can apply it to the rest of your life. Success is mental, and Martial Arts will teach you the self-discipline necessary to succeed at anything you put your mind to. 

Coordination Martial arts does require a lot of hand, foot, eye, and mental coordination, but all of this is developed over time. If you consider yourself as an uncoordinated person, training in the martial arts will help you grow those skills. You’ll be amazed what your body is capable of doing! Even if you are a natural athlete, standing on one foot, while kicking with the other, and blocking with your hands is quite difficult and involves coordination. 

Fitness Martial Arts does not have to focus only on fighting or self-defense as some styles are based more on fitness. Tae Bo and Tai Chi are two examples of this. However, those with an interest in the fighting & self-defense aspects of Martial arts will find their fitness levels quickly increasing as training not only develops various muscle groups, but flexibility and balance as well. One's level of fitness can be just as important in winning a match as one's skills and abilities. 

Family Enjoyment This is an excellent way to spend time together with your family! Some martial art schools allow families to train together and others separate classes by age groups. Regardless of how classes are segregated, families find themselves enjoying the time spent together. It is not unheard of having a family all test together for various ranks and black belts. 

 Meet New People Our martial art school has 2 age groups: Kids – which can range from about 4 and up. This allows you to train with people that are relatively of equal skills and age. Often times people that start martial arts together and develop a bonding friendship end up obtaining their black belts at the same time because they pushed one another during their challenging times.

Children's Taekwondo | Karate Kids | Kickboxing | Practical Street Smart Self Defense | Fitness Fun

CHILDREN'S MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES WEBSPECIAL
KICKBOXING WEBSPECIAL

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Bullying and the Crumpled Paper Exercise...Bullying Victim Propaganda - Unintended Messages We're Sending To Children About Bullying and Self Esteem

Crumpled Paper Bullying Insults Exercise and Victim Culture 


Have Your Children Seen This Anti-Bully Exercise?
Alarmist Anti-Bully Propaganda Perpetuated Myths & Messages
A teacher was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform.  She had the children take a piece of paper [In some accounts: 'and write a name on it then list harsh words, insults, teasing and mean words.']  Then she told them to crumple it up, stomp on it, and really mess it up but to be careful not to rip it.  Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty it was.  She then told them to tell it they're sorry.  now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind.  And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it.  That is what happens when a child bully's another child, they may say they're sorry but the scars are there forever.  The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home.  
The Wrong Message About Bullying - Crumpled Letter
I continue to see this anti-bullying story in various versions circulate. While I can appreciate the sentiment and intention, the message is one that I believe contributes to the victim mentality of children. While the motives may be to create empathy in a would-be bully, the overarching message is one that we do not heal from wounds or hurts. 

Where Is The Forgiveness?  Where is The Hope? - Damaged Paper Bullying Insults
This exercise does not teach the amazing restorative power of love, forgiveness or freedom from victim thinking.  In helping thousands of men, women and children learn how to successfully overcome bullying, aggressive behavior and self defense situations in the last 27 years, I've seen amazing restoration and often, friendships grow out of former bullying situations.  While there is always the 1-3% of mentally or emotionally disturbed individuals, the majority of bullying takes place between people with a conscience.  Many of them have been or are being bullied themselves.  Many do not characterize or recognize our behavior as bullying.

An Alternative Point of View on Bullying Lessons
I use an alternative demonstration that offers hope and help.   I will take out $100 dollar bill.  I will crumple it, have students trample on it, punch it, wipe their nose on it, sit on it and even shout insults at it.  I will then take the bill and simply unfold it and hold it up in the air and say, "What could you buy with this?"  Pause.  "Who wants it?".  The hands shoot up into the air and eyes sparkle with eager anticipation of getting $100 bucks!

The message we send is one of hope.  That your value is not how you have been treated.  In life we may be damaged, injured, hurt, insulted, soiled, and beat up, but that doesn't determine or undermine our inherent value.  You are not the difficulties and abuses you have been through because your value is already established as a human being.  You are infinitely more valuable than that $100 dollars.

Teach a Different Lesson on Bullying: Peace Education, Forgiveness and Hope
My message to children...
Kids, if you get a teacher who gives you the bully paper exercise,  take it home, iron it, paint beautiful words with bright colors and pictures over it.  Use words like LOVE, FORGIVENESS, COMPASSION, KINDNESS, FRIENDSHIP, PEACE, EMPATHY, and HOPE.  Sign it, "LOVE, Your Name".  Put it into a nice frame.  Then return it to the class with your example of how time, love, kindness, a bit of therapy can not only heal wounds but be a foundation for compassion, wisdom and an example to others.  In fact, it can be more beautiful than it ever was before.  

Ask them if they will display your art in the classroom.  Never forget that other people do not define you and that your value or self worth is not in the opinions of other people.  You are unique and no one in the world is exactly like you or has your unique gifts, talents or personality.  I believe you are on this Earth for a purpose and can use your gifts to make the world a better place.

My Opinion on the Bullying Crumpled Paper Illustration
Again, I don't doubt the intention here, the Bullying Crumpled Paper Exercise just sends a mixed or unintended message. Everything is context. 

The Story of Lucy and Bullying
Ten year old Lucy told me, "Everyone hates me."  When asked why, she told me about two girls who were being cruel to her using social exclusion and conspiring to get her in trouble with teachers.  Upon examination, it was clear that these other girls enjoyed a higher level of social intelligence and were popular.  The misinterpretation from Lucy was that those girls represented "everyone".  It can seem this way to a bullied child without coping skills or perspective, however,  it is not true.  She had given up on teachers helping her saying, "All they do is say 'tell a teacher'. Then when I do it just gets worse cuz the girls get to me when they [teachers] aren't around."  Lucy had the bully paper example at her school and was losing hope.  

Lucy's school employed the Olweus school wide anti-bully program and even had an assembly a year ago.  Kids like Lucy fall through the cracks unless we know how to look out for them, to see the signs and take appropriate action to assist, counsel, and equip them.  She wanted to learn martial arts to exact her revenge.  When individuals see themselves as victims they often justify aggressive and inappropriate behavior.  This is just one reason that the bully paper message is inappropriate.  

I'm proud to say that after some intervention and training that the bullying has not only stopped, but Lucy is now friends with the girls.  Her experiences yielded wisdom and compassion for other kids experiencing bullying.  Lucy now speaks up for other kids targeted for bullying.

Teaching Victim-hood, Dependence or Resiliency with Interdependence
We are not helpless victims left to our own devices. Children have inherent value beyond what others deem or see in them. Children cannot be taught that their self esteem is linked to others opinions of them and then expect them to be emotionally prepared for the world we live in. We must accept reality and nature as it exists, not as we hope or wish it to be. This is the beginning of addressing denial and reclaiming our power and stake in nature. I believe that this is a more important message to convey. 
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt.
Emotional Placebos Perpetuate Denial
While it may make us feel better about ourselves because it demonstrates how much we "care", as a bullying specialist on the front lines, I would ask everyone to please reconsider this type of alarmist propaganda. I'm in no way attempting to excuse bullying behavior but we must be careful not to demonize children nor eliminate hope.  Yes, we must encourage empathy, respect, kindness, self control and courtesy to others, however, we must be careful of the messages were sending and the context in which they might be received.
“The evil that is in the world almost always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding.” – Albert Camus
Helpless & Hopeless From Wrong Bullying Messages
When children feel helpless and we send messages that they are permanently damaged from harsh treatment or words, it destroys hope. Hopeless children, prone to depression, have turned to self abuse and even suicide. Contemplate the larger lessons for lifelong emotional health.  

My experience has taught me that you cannot teach "ANTI-BULLY" without being anti-child.  I believe the path is teaching peace education, compassion, empathy and respect for good manners.   The rest is counseling, legal system and self defense.

Hope is a Powerful Ally - Especially Against Bullying
For an alternative point of view, solutions, questions or networking, you can read my other blog articles at Bullying Prevention Initiative International or Arizona BullyProof Project. Our goal is to provide hope, options and a way out. Hope is alive when people care and options exist. If you don't care to read my opinions or research, I would recommend school Psychologist Izzy Kahlman or Dr. Joel Haber's BullyProof.  You can also join or LIKE us on Facebook.  

Without prejudice, 

John Nottingham


Monday, July 9, 2012

Phoenix Women's Self Defense Trainers Team Up With Chocolate





Handbags, Heels and Chocolate Have Women and Girls Learning Self Defense in Phoenix

A new self defense program is being offered to Phoenix residents and comes with chocolate.  Now you can learn personal protection while enjoying time eating chocolate with a group of friends.

 "It's a novel approach for personal security developed by women for women in a supportive atmosphere.", says founder and self defense expert Rhonda Roth.

Roth is not only a self-defense expert but a trained Bodyguard and advanced Black Belt as well.  Holding several Bodyguard certifications from some prestigious organizations the likes of Gavin de Becker and Associates and Bodyguard Training International, her list of achievements in the field are quite unique.

According to her, Hit Like a Girl was developed as an alternative to those bizarre and uncomfortable self defense courses commonly made available to the public.  Hit Like a Girl is a well-conceived program developed by professional protectors that creates an enjoyable experience and delivers life saving tools.


"The key to Hit Like a Girl is providing women a peace of mind that they can enjoy for life."
The entry level program is called The Handbags, Heels and Chocolate Experience and can be conducted in a home, company, church or other organization.  The presentation is fun, upbeat and provides unique information to outsmart a potential attacker.  Other courses teach how to use pepper spray and other weapons of opportunity for effective self defense.


Roth, who is based out of Texas, will travel to Phoenix Arizona for a July 28th special self defense training event.  For more information contact USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix at info@usa-martialarts.com.  Register right away as the course is expected to fill up fast.  You can also get more information on Facebook at Hit Like a Girl.


Phoenix Arizona Women's Self Defense Personal Security Seminar
Hit Like a Girl July 28, 2012
Handbags, Heels and Chocolate - Bodyguard tactics for preventing sexual assault & other common attacks
It's HOT! Pepper Spray and Weapons of Opportunity 
info@usa-martialarts.com

Thursday, July 5, 2012

No More Boring Gym Workout - The Secret To Fight The Fat - Kickboxing Makes it Fun

Kickboxing For Adults  WEBSPECIAL  http://ilovekickboxing.com
Mixed Martial Arts Freestyle for Self Defense for Kids and Family  WEBSPECIAL http://KidsLoveMartialArts.com


Transformation takes place from the inside out.  That's the secret to USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing lasting mind and body make-overs.  For thousands of years the martial arts have been refined to build an individual from the ground up.  Martial Arts & Kickboxing have stood the test of time because these methods work.

The Secret To Fight The Fat - Kickboxing Makes it Fun
The secret to fighting the fat is to let go of the superficial, short term thinking and gimmickry so often found in modern marketing.  Those ads play on our hopes and fears, appealing to our vanity and ego.  The secret to Martial Arts and Kickboxing's success is that you begin by slaying your ego and doing self exploration.  Your first battle is within yourself and our trainers are here to help you step by step build those skills to succeed.

"You must renew your mind before you renew your body."

No More Boring Gym Workout
At I Love Kickboxing Phoenix, you're not just moving for the sake of movement.  No, you're no hamster on the wheel like all those other tired souls at the local gym.  You're learning a skill that keeps your mind sharp, body adapting and spirit fired up and interested.  Kickboxing is rewarding and really fun.

The Secret To Confidence For Kids and Adults
The fact is, whether a child or an adult, the transformation process is the same... it has to go from the inside out.  Without the proper values, role models, inspiration, mindset and habits that come from discipline, you just can't get the lasting change.  That's why martial arts is so effective when taught properly.

Motivation Comes From Within  - Fitness Bootcamp for the Mind
Hating yourself can lead to a negative spiral with nasty consequences.  You may have already seen or experienced this.  
You get motivated for good choices by having self esteem and loving yourself enough to make hard decisions.

So if you're looking for a way to change your life, or that of your child's, try USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing Phoenix.

Transform Today with our Awesome WEBSPECIALS

Kickboxing For Adults  WEBSPECIAL  http://ilovekickboxing.com
Mixed Martial Arts Freestyle for Self Defense for Kids and Family  WEBSPECIAL http://KidsLoveMartialArts.com