Member Highlight - Daniel's Evolution

Watching a child grow up in martial arts is an extremely rewarding experience. Daniel started Kung Fu with us at 11 years old. He was very quiet and reserved, but full of dedication and a desire to learn and improve. He is still going strong today. Moving from Kids Kung Fu and BJJ, to the adult San Shou/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs, he now holds Blue Belts in both styles.

Daniel doing a skit with a counselor at Kung Fu camp at 11 years old.

He has excellent grades in school while maintaining an impressive training schedule in the dojo. He was also selected as one of the few kids in his class to go to Japan on a school trip last year. Daniel is a prime example of the positive effects martial arts can have on a child's life. 

Seeing him grow up into a respectable adult; eating better, taking care of himself physically, maintaining a positive attitude on the mats, at home, and school, are all positive results. You can see the changes for yourself in the photos, but watching this process first hand has been an honor. Way to go Daniel! Keep up the hard work on your journey.

Daniel being awarded his BJJ Blue Belt at 16 years old.

Kids Kung Fu Sword Workshop

Praying Mantis Saber for Kids 

March 2nd - 9:30 - 10:30am

The Saber is considered the Tiger of Kung Fu weapons. It’s ferocious and vicious attack methods are why it became one of the more popular weapons in China and used across all styles of Kung Fu. Learn to wield this mighty weapon, becoming a whirling dervish with this blade in your hand. Workshop is scheduled right before the kids graduation/belt ceremony. Saber must be purchased separately.

Call, email, stop by the desk, or click here to SIGN UP TODAY

Kids Nutrition - FREE Workshop

Free Workshop - February 2nd

Do you know what to feed your kids?  Do you know what helps them get through a day of school or training, and what actually hurts them or makes life more difficult?  We're bringing in a local nutritionist to help you with answer these questions.

Eric Reardon of Crossroads to Health in Groton is going to be talking about what kids should eat to maximize their day, when and how frequently to eat, portion sizes, foods that cause behavioral problems, and...what snacks are best before coming to class.  After the presentation he'll be answering any questions you may have on the topic.

FREE workshop. Parents and kids are welcome. You do not have to be a member of Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts to attend.

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013     Time: 1:30 to 2:30pm
Price: FREE

Sign Up Today

Kids Nutrition Tip

Wondering what to give your child before Martial Arts class? Something that won't make them crash, or worse get sick or pass out? Yes, it's happened, and it is usually due to Low Blood Sugar (caused by long periods without eating, or a large sugar blast which the body burns through then crashes), or dehydration. Here's a couple of helpful hints that can give your son or daughter all the fuel they need to meet their physical and mental challenges.

1/4 cup of Almonds and an Apple.

1/4 cup of Walnuts mixed with 1/4 to 1/3 cup Blueberries.

Paleo Bar (meal replacement bar)

Fresh Veggies - we need 5 to 7 servings of vegetable/day, why not get some of them in a snack? Carrots and Celery sticks with a little Olive Oil. Tomatos and Cucumber with a little salt and pepper.

Things to avoid before class - Milk, Cheese, Crackers, Cookies, Spicy Foods or lots of Bread. Also try to avoid high sugar products like juice, gatorade (or anything like it), soda, etc. Water is best for exercise. Feel free to ask questions if you need more ideas.

Kids Sparring and Gear

Sparring

If you've watched the kids class lately, or perhaps your child has come home excited about something different, you've seen or heard that we've re-introduced sparring into the kids classes.  The kids are loving it and it is an excellent tool to improve their martial arts skills, and try to make their moves work.  The value of sparring in martial arts is priceless.

By now you've seen the schedule change and noticed we have tacked on an extra 15 minutes to the kids classes (except for Saturdays).  This is to allow time to incorporate this into the class structure without losing valuable time for their other training.  We think this will be a great addition to the program and look forward to the results.

Fun. Safe. Effective.

Gear Requirements

Kids Kung Fu

There will be two types of sparring in Kids Kung Fu.

1. Striking Defense - Punch, Block, Kick.  This requires padded gear for protection.  If you already have gear, please make sure your child brings it to class with them on Monday and Wednesday.  If you do not have gear, please see us right away and we'll get you on the list when we order our approved gear.  Gear includes: helmet, gloves, shin and foot pads.  Groin and Mouth Guards.
2. Stand-Up Grappling - Praying Mantis Kung Fu is all about grappling.  The kids currently learn throws/trips/takedowns, but this will help them know how to use them.  This requires mouthguard and groin protector, as well as their Gi with Jacket.  Please ensure your child has their Gi Jacket with them for class.  If they do not have a jacket, please see us and we will help you to get one asap.

Kids BJJ

Kids BJJ involves rolling with a partner to make the moves work.  Nothing has changed in this class except allowing us more time for rolling as class was too short before to spend ample time doing it.  Gi is required for this class.  Please ensure your child has a Gi for BJJ class.

Thank you for your support.  We look forward to not only the fun, but the confidence, and skill that your children will gain from this.

Gear Return Program

Kids outgrow stuff all the time.  Do you have old gear that no longer fits and just sits in your closets?  You can do one of the following:

1. Either donate it back to the program so we can give it to another child.
2. Or we'll even buy it back from you to resell.  Just bring it in to be appraised.

'Kid Power' Workshop

Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts presents Power Building Boxing - for Kids For one week this summer, Plum Blossom Fitness Martial Arts is proud and excited to offer this special workshop just for kids.  No Experience Required. A classic Kung Fu set that has been passed down from generation to generation to build strength, power, conditioning, and coordination.  'Gong Li Quan' - translated as 'Power Building Boxing', is a solo set that has been used by Kung Fu practioners for 100's of years, to improve their skill and form while building muscle and tendon strength in a fun and entertaining manner. Clans such as Eagle Claw, Long Fist, Chin Woo Institute, and Praying Mantis families, all use 'Power Building Boxing' as a prepatory form in their curriculae before a student moves on to more complex sets. Fun and easy to learn, a great precursor to such advanced styles as Mantis or Tai Chi. August 27, 28, 29, 30 from 9:30am to 10:30am. Must be age 7 and up. Sign Up Today  »

Kung Fu for Kids Holds the Secrets!

Did you know:

• Childhood Obesity is on the rise, tripling since 1980.  Kids have more than a 33% chance of being obese as adults by today’s statistics (this does not include overweight).

• Kids today are averaging 8 hours/day connected to some form of media (TV, Video Games, Computers, MP3’s, Phones).  Studies show this leads to decreased ability to pay attention.

• Kids are spending far less time exercising, playing with friends, or socializing outside of school. 

• 17% of Kids in grades 3 - 12 report being bullied 2 to 3 times/month.

As adults, parents, and members of our community, it is our job to protect children from harm brought on by others, or from themselves; to prevent kids from falling into one of the above categories.

For centuries, Kung Fu has been used by warriors to hone the body, as well as the mind.  Kung Fu builds your child’s self-esteem and self-confidence, which prevents them from  being a bully target in school.  Kung Fu helps focus the mind through dedicated practice and meditation; this helps children to pay better attention in school and at home.  Kung Fu also instills self-discipline through commitment to mastery.

Kung Fu is a life long exercise, and when ingrained in children from early on, it helps them understand the values of a regular exercise routine to care for their mind and body throughout their lifetime.  Not every child is cut out for ‘team sports’, and Kung Fu gives them an opportunity to shine as an individual, while building valuable friendships with other children.  

Our Kids Kung Fu program uses qualified and well trained Adult Instructors with thorough background checks.  Our fully equipped Wu Guan (martial hall), is kept clean and safe to limit/prevent the spread of disease or infection. Our classes are for boys and girls ages 7 to 12, and class sizes are limited, to keep an environment of higher quality learning.

"The curriculum of Plum Blossom Kung Fu has significantly boosted my son's self-esteem, while raising his awareness of his responsibilities as a good citizen. The emphasis placed on becoming a role model for behavior has gone a long way to assist in Anthony's social development." - J. Rosenthal

Pre-Fall Registrations (August 17th - September 7th):
Enroll your child into our program during our Pre-Fall Registration dates and receive:

• 25% off Kids Uniform
• 25% off Kids Sweatshirt
• 25% off Duffel Bag
• Free Kung Fu Patch 
• That's a $40.00 value!

Slots Available:
Kids Kung Fu : 10 spaces/session

Open House for Parents/Kids:
We are holding an Open House for Parents and Children on August 27th from 10am to 12pm so you can meet the instructors and take a tour of the Wu Guan.

Contact Us today to setup a time to register, or RSVP for the Open House.