MBD Martial Arts Academy

🚨Closed Sept 2nd, 7th & 15th 🚨
We have a few dates in September that we will be CLOSED.

🇺🇸MONDAY SEPT 2nd LABOR DAY
📝SATURDAY SEPT 7th Out of town training - Staff
🥋SUNDAY SEPT 15th - Windy City Circuit Tournament

📅Please adjust your schedule or plan your make up dates accordingly.

🥰We appreciate your understanding.🥰

Congratulations to these amazing BJJ kids that leveled up today! 💪🥋🥰

Des Plaines Parents are RAVING about the transformation their kids are experiencing!

From unfocused with behavioral problems to a huge smile and better GRADES…

It’s possible with our SKILLZ Age-Specific Martial Arts classes!

For 72 hours only, get our innovative Martial Arts classes for just $10! (reg price: $19.99) and see why parents LOVE our program!

😎 3 transformative kids martial arts classes…
😎 PLUS a Karate T-Shirt
😎 for just $10! (reg price: $19.99)

Get it all right here: https://sparkpages.io/?i=_D79

USE PROMO CODE: LABORDAY 🌭 at checkout!

Hurry! Spots are limited.

🥊If you are interested in Muay Thai, Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu please like and follow our other business page Krav Maga Des Plaines IL 🥊
https://www.facebook.com/mbdmuaythaibjj

🥋Mindful Strategies for Getting Kids to Martial Arts Class🥋

Getting children motivated for martial arts class can sometimes be a challenge for parents. However, with the right approach, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child. Here are some mindful strategies to help you navigate those moments when your little ninja needs an extra nudge to get to class, prepared with insights from child psychology.

1. Set the Stage
Importance of Transitions
Setting the stage for a smooth transition to class time is crucial. Children often find it difficult to shift from one activity to another, especially if they are deeply engrossed in play. By easing the transition, you can reduce resistance and prepare them mentally for the upcoming activity.

Strategy
- Plan Ahead: About 10 to 15 minutes before class, gently transition your child with a less enticing task. This could be helping with a small chore or a quiet activity that signals the upcoming change.
- Visual Cues: Use visual schedules or timers to help your child understand and anticipate the transition.

2. Check Your Vibe
Parental Influence
Your mood sets the tone for the entire experience. Children are highly perceptive and can pick up on your energy, which influences their own attitude and behavior.

Strategy
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive and upbeat demeanor as you prepare your child for class. Your enthusiasm can create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming class.
- Model Calmness: Demonstrate calm and collected behavior, especially if your child is feeling anxious or resistant.

3. Focus on the Positive
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator that can help boost your child's confidence and self-esteem. Focusing on their achievements, no matter how small, encourages continued effort and improvement.

Strategy
- Celebrate Successes: After class, highlight the things your child did right rather than dwelling on mistakes. Celebrate their achievements and encourage them to keep up the good work.
- Specific Praise: Provide specific feedback about what they did well, such as "You showed great focus during your kicks today!"

4. Team Up with Instructors
Collaborative Support
Communication with instructors is key to supporting your child's journey in martial arts. Instructors can provide valuable insight and guidance, helping to address any challenges your child may face.

Strategy
- Reach Out: If you're facing challenges motivating your child, don't hesitate to reach out to their instructors. Discuss any struggles and work together to develop strategies.
- Consistent Feedback: Maintain regular communication with instructors to monitor your child's progress and address any ongoing concerns.

5. Reward Progress
Motivation Through Rewards
Setting attainable goals and rewarding progress can encourage positive behavior and keep your child motivated. Tangible incentives provide a clear and immediate benefit for their efforts.

Strategy
- Set Goals: Establish specific, attainable goals for attendance and attitude. For example, attending a certain number of classes with a positive attitude.
- Fun Rewards: Offer a fun reward, like a special treat or outing, for meeting these goals. This can help motivate your child to stay focused and engaged.

Conclusion
By implementing these mindful strategies, you can help empower your child to embrace their martial arts journey with enthusiasm and confidence. Parenting with intentionality and attentiveness can make all the difference in helping your child succeed both on and off the mat. The next time you're faced with the challenge of getting your child to class, try incorporating these tips and watch as they thrive in their martial arts practice.

🥇Gi Grey Belt
🥈Gi Open
🥈No Gi Open
🥉No Gi Grey Belt

8️⃣ Matches
5️⃣ Takedowns
4️⃣ Sweeps
3️⃣ Submissions
1️⃣ Cool guy 😎
#

Don't forget to get registered for our September 15th DOUBLE POINTS tournament.

Registrations are starting to roll in! We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

There are divisions for Little Dragons, Youth, Teens, BJJ.

AND our NEW & EXCITING ABSOLUTE Kata Division! Chance to win a 4 foot trophy!

This is a family friendly, positive & fair tournament. Get registered ASAP!

WINDY CITY CIRCUIT! SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15th - DOUBLE POINTS TOURNAMENT!

LOCATION
Golf Maine Park District
Feldman Park
8800 Kathy Ln.
Niles, IL 60701

TIME
Doors open at 10AM
Black Belt Meeting at 10:45AM
Bow-In at 11AM

Karate Divisions start at 11AM
BJJ / Sparring Weigh-ins 11:30AM
BJJ / Sparring Divisions start at 12:30pm

REGISTER ONLINE: www.WindyCityCircuit.com

Go to our Windy City Circuit website & click on upcoming events.
www.WindyCityCircuit.com

Competitor Fees: $25 for one event $40 for UNLIMITED events.

Spectators get in FREE if you bring plastic bags for Clean-Up Give Back!

We hope to have a great turnout.

Please let me know if you have any questions about registering, or any questions about the rules....anything at all.

🚨Please get registered ASAP! 🚨
Let us know if you need help getting registered!

🏆Registration is OPEN for September 15th🏆
WINDY CITY CIRCUIT! - DOUBLE POINTS TOURNAMENT!
Registrations are starting to roll in! We are looking forward to seeing everyone.
There are divisions for Little Dragons, Youth, Teens, BJJ.
AND our NEW & EXCITING ABSOLUTE Kata Division! Chance to win a 4 foot trophy!
This is a family friendly, positive & fair tournament. Get registered ASAP!
LOCATION
Golf Maine Park District
Feldman Park
8800 Kathy Ln.
Niles, IL 60701
TIME
Doors open at 10AM
Black Belt Meeting at 10:45AM
Bow-In at 11AM
Karate Divisions start at 11AM
BJJ / Sparring Weigh-ins 11:30AM
BJJ / Sparring Divisions start at 12:30pm
REGISTER ONLINE: www.WindyCityCircuit.com
Go to our Windy City Circuit website & click on upcoming events.
www.WindyCityCircuit.com
Competitor Fees: $25 for one event $40 for UNLIMITED events.
Spectators get in FREE if you bring plastic bags for Clean-Up Give Back!
We hope to have a great turnout.
Please let me know if you have any questions about registering, or any questions about the rules....anything at all.

When children are younger, adults make everything fun and exciting to learn. However, as children get older, much of the fun is taken away, and learning becomes a mundane task. Expectations go up; enjoyment goes down. Adults must remember that children learn best through play…not just younger ones, but all ages. The MBD Martial Arts SKILLZ program uses the following tips to keep children engaged in the learning process, increasing attention span and bringing a newfound excitement to learning again.

1) Gamify: Playing is one of the easiest ways to help children maintain attention and learn. And when children play with other children, it is even more effective. When this technique is implemented, adults find that children learn quicker, are happier, and learning new information comes easier. The SKILLZ curriculum utilizes a game-based learning format to associate learning with a strong positive emotion, which helps them retain information better.

2) Divide It Up: We should have expectations of how long a child should be engaged in an activity and the time frames within each period. By cutting the time into smaller chunks, children will be more likely to stay interested and retain the information better. The SKILLZ program does this by splitting children into developmental age groups in which the class structure is then separated into different activities.

3) Break It Down: When children are expected to complete challenging tasks, adults should take the time to break down the task so that the directions and expectations are clear. The SKILLZ instructors utilize the “7 Steps for Teaching a Drill” to make sure all students are confident of instructions to be the most successful during each activity leading to more satisfaction and understanding.

4) Boost Brain Power: Children’s attention spans can be exercised to become stronger. By engaging them in activities that require concentration, this muscle can be used. In SKILLZ classes, mat chats are utilized to quickly activate children’s learning efforts, and neurobics is used to engage their concentration and thinking skills. Also, positive chemicals in the brain are triggered, creating the ultimate brain power for learning.

5) Praise and Reward: As we know, children are motivated by praise and rewards. They want nothing more than to be recognized for their efforts and success. This is a critical step in maintaining their interest and motivation to learn new things. The SKILLZ instructors connect with each student, prompt, good behavior, and reward skills developed through hard work in each class.

When it comes to attention span, adults must be knowledgeable of what normal expectations are for children. Making simple adjustments to any learning environment can significantly boost a child’s attention span and make learning fun again.

Our AWESOME MBD Karate kids! They just can't stop doing karate everywhere they go! 🥰🥋💪

Des Plaines! Check out our new SKILLZ PRE-KARATE PROGRAM!
Age Specific Martial Arts Programs

MINI DRAGONS Ages 3-4
LITTLE DRAGONS Ages 5-6

Experience this exciting program! 🎉
Benefits: Make new friends, focus, strength, balance and gain self-confidence.

Don’t miss out. First 20 sign-ups use coupon code VIP to save 20% off our NEW MEMBER INTRO. 🥋

3 Classes for $19.99, includes a Karate T-shirt & Krate White Belt.
Follow link to register: https://mbdmartialarts.com/preschool-martial-arts-in-person-classes-mbd-des-plaines/
Enter coupon code VIP at check out to SAVE 20%

We have a few dates in September that we will be CLOSED.

MONDAY SEPT 2nd LABOR DAY
SATURDAY SEPT 7th Some staff out of town training
SUNDAY SEPT 15th - Windy City Circuit Tournament

ADD the word "...YET" to "I am not good at ..." sentences

Carol Dweck, the author of Mindset, encourages the use of the word "yet" to shift thinking from a limited mindset to a growth mindset.

Instead of saying “I am not good at karate sidekicks change it to “I am not good at karate sidekicks … YET”,

We might not be not good at something today, however with practice and persistance, we do have the power to become good at it in the future.

Adding “…yet” to our sentences helps us from getting stuck in a limited mindset.

🚨🥋🥊NEXT TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 15th🚨🥋🥊
🥇🥈🥉DOUBLE POINTS TOURNAMENT! 🏆🏆
REGISTRATION LINK BELOW!
https://windycitycircuit.smoothcomp.com/en/event/17127

Windy City Invitational - September 2024 DOUBLE POINTS This is a Double Points tournament! All divisions except Kata Absolute will receive 2x points for podium finishers.

Unlocking the Potential: How SKILLZ Martial Arts Programs Transform Children's Lives

When it comes to raising confident, resilient, and well-rounded children, parents are constantly on the lookout for activities that go beyond the ordinary. Our mission transcends the realm of kicks and punches. We are committed to crafting unforgettable experiences for every child who enters our doors, and in the process, we are nurturing the potential within them in remarkable and positive ways.

Here are the top four reasons why SKILLZ Martial Arts programs stand out among various sports and activities, making them the perfect choice for parents who are passionate about martial arts and their children's growth:

1. Confidence Boosters: Empowering Minds and Hearts
We believe that martial arts should be more than just physical training; it should be a holistic journey of personal development. That's why we teach with the brain in mind. Our teaching practices are meticulously designed to boost your child's confidence by intentionally triggering positive neurochemical responses. Our instructors undergo training ensuring they maximize these practices on the mat. The result? Your child not only becomes proficient in martial arts but also develops unwavering self-assurance that extends to every aspect of their life.

2. Brain Boosters: Learning Disguised as Fun
Our approach is backed by science, and we integrate it into every game-based drill we use in our classes. These drills are designed not only to enhance physical prowess but also to stimulate cognitive development in an enjoyable and engaging manner. Your child will love every moment of their training, all while experiencing remarkable cognitive growth.

3. Age-Specific Development: Tailored Growth for Every Stage
Every child is unique, and their developmental needs vary with age. We recognize this and tailor our teachings to align perfectly with your child's stage of growth. This approach ensures that our classes are perfectly suited to foster physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth, creating a well-rounded and resilient individual.

4. Positive Role Models: Guiding Young Minds to Greatness
Our team comprises individuals who are not only passionate about martial arts but are also well-versed in the best child development practices. This means your children have the privilege of learning from the very best, both in terms of martial arts skills and personal development. Our instructors inspire your children to be the best versions of themselves, setting positive examples that extend beyond the mat.

We want to emphasize that our SKILLZ Martial Arts programs are not just about learning martial arts; they are about empowering your child with skills and qualities that will propel them toward excellence in every facet of their lives. Our unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment ensures that your child not only learns but thrives.

We warmly invite you to become a part of our vibrant SKILLZ community and experience firsthand the transformative power of martial arts. Reach out to us to learn more about our programs, and classes, and how we can make a profound and positive impact on your child's life.

Let's embark on this journey of growth, confidence, and empowerment together. Together, we are making the world a better place, one SKILLZ student at a time. Join us in shaping a brighter future for your child.

Congratulations to our amazing BJJ student Henry! With two seconds left Henry got the submission to secure IBJJF gold! He dominated the whole time, with not even a single point being scored against him!💪🥋🥇

I am sure you’ve heard of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”...but did your child read “Way of the Warrior Kid”?
It’s a children's book written by Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL and leadership expert.
The book follows the story of Marc, a fifth-grade student who is struggling with school and physical fitness. When his uncle, a Navy SEAL, comes to visit, he teaches Marc the importance of discipline, hard work, and determination.
Through his uncle's guidance, Marc transforms himself into a confident, disciplined "warrior kid" who is ready to tackle any challenge that comes his way.
Along the way, the book teaches important lessons about the value of hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline.
The book outlines 5 major lessons:
The importance of Discipline: The book emphasizes the importance of discipline in achieving success. Marc learns that he needs to be disciplined in his studies, exercise, and other areas of his life in order to achieve his goals.
Hard work pays off: Marc learns that hard work and persistence are essential to achieving success. He sees the results of his hard work in his improved grades, physical fitness, and confidence.
Healthy habits are important: The book emphasizes the importance of eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Marc learns that taking care of his body is essential to his overall well-being.
Overcoming fear: Marc learns to overcome his fear of swimming by facing it head-on and practicing until he becomes comfortable in the water. The book emphasizes the importance of facing your fears in order to grow and succeed.
Don't give up: The book teaches the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Marc faces many obstacles along the way, but he never gives up and eventually achieves his goals.
These are all GREAT lessons our children should learn, especially when they are between the ages of 7-10.
Have you or your child read this book? Let us know!
Please reply with a 🥰 if you are loving this content!

🚨HEADS UP! LIMITED PARKING TODAY! 🚨
🚓Metropolitan Square TONITE August 6 from 5-8 p.m National Night Out 2024! 🚓

IF you are coming to class today. Metropolitan Square right behind the dojo is CLOSED. Parking will be very limited.

Please plan on arriving early OR consider coming to class a different day this week.

ADULTS CLASSES! Muay Thai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Krav Maga
Stay up to date on our adults classes.
Please like, follow and share our page Krav Maga Des Plaines IL

ADULTS CLASSES! Muay Thai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Krav Maga
Stay up to date on our adults classes. Please follow our page Krav Maga Des Plaines IL
https://www.facebook.com/mbdmuaythaibjj

ADULTS CLASSES! Muay Thai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Krav Maga
Stay up to date on our adults classes. Please follow our page Krav Maga Des Plaines IL
https://www.facebook.com/mbdmuaythaibjj

ADULTS CLASSES! Muay Thai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Krav Maga

Stay up tp date on our adults classes. Please follow our page Krav Maga Des Plaines IL

https://www.facebook.com/mbdmuaythaibjj

Understanding Dr. Daniel Siegel's HALT Method and Its Impact on Kids' Extracurricular Activities
As parents, we want our children to thrive in all aspects of life, including their extracurricular activities. However, sometimes we notice that our kids are not performing well or are acting out, and we might struggle to understand why. Dr. Daniel Siegel's HALT method can be a helpful tool in these situations. HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, and recognizing these states can help us address underlying issues that may affect our children's behavior and performance.
What is the HALT Method?
Dr. Daniel Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist and author, introduced the HALT method as a way to check in with our emotions and needs. The acronym HALT stands for:
- Hungry: Physical hunger or nutritional needs.
- Angry: Feelings of anger or frustration.
- Lonely: Feelings of loneliness or social disconnection.
- Tired: Physical fatigue or lack of rest.
Applying the HALT method can help parents identify which basic needs might be unmet and how these needs impact their child's behavior, especially during extracurricular activities like sports, music lessons, or martial arts classes.
Tips for Using the HALT Method with Kids
1. Hungry
Signs of Hunger: Irritability, lack of focus, stomach growling, or frequent requests for snacks.
Tips:
- Regular Meals and Snacks: Ensure your child eats balanced meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Include protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep their energy levels stable.
- Pre-Activity Snack: Provide a healthy snack before extracurricular activities. Something light but nutritious, like a banana with peanut butter or a yogurt, can help keep their energy up.
- Hydration: Make sure your child is drinking enough water, especially before and after physical activities.
2. Angry
Signs of Anger: Tantrums, aggressive behavior, sulking, or verbal outbursts.
Tips:
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment.
- Teach Coping Skills: Help your child learn healthy ways to manage anger, such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or physical activity like running or hitting a pillow.
- Role-Playing: Practice scenarios where they might get angry and guide them through positive ways to handle the situation.
3. Lonely
Signs of Loneliness**: Withdrawal, sadness, reluctance to participate, or a lack of enthusiasm.
Tips:
- Social Opportunities: Arrange playdates or group activities to help your child build friendships.
- Quality Time: Spend one-on-one time with your child, doing activities they enjoy to strengthen your bond.
- Encourage Team Activities: Extracurricular activities that promote teamwork, such as team sports or group projects, can help alleviate loneliness.
4. Tired
Signs of Fatigue: Yawning, rubbing eyes, lack of energy, or decreased interest in activities.
Tips:
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ensure your child has a regular bedtime routine and gets the recommended amount of sleep for their age.
- Rest Breaks: Allow time for rest and relaxation between school, activities, and homework.
- Monitor Activity Levels: Be mindful of over-scheduling. Ensure your child has downtime to recharge.
Applying HALT to Extracurricular Activities
When it comes to extracurricular activities, keeping the HALT method in mind can significantly impact your child's experience and performance. Here are some ways to apply HALT:
- Pre-Check: Before heading to an activity, do a quick HALT check. Ask your child if they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired and address any needs.
- Post-Activity Debrief: After the activity, check in again. Discuss how they felt during the activity and if any HALT factors influenced their experience.
Conclusion
Understanding and applying Dr. Daniel Siegel's HALT method can help parents better support their children's emotional and physical well-being. By addressing hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness, we can help our kids feel more balanced and ready to participate fully in their extracurricular activities. Remember, a well-nourished, emotionally supported, and well-rested child is more likely to thrive and enjoy their activities to the fullest.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can help your child navigate their feelings and needs, leading to a happier, healthier, and more engaged experience in their extracurricular pursuits.

🚨Please take note of dates that we will be CLOSED in 2024🚨
Be sure to schedule your make up classes.

ADULTS CLASSES! Muay Thai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Krav Maga

Stay up tp date on our adults classes. Please follow our page Krav Maga Des Plaines IL

https://www.facebook.com/mbdmuaythaibjj

Understanding Horizontal and Vertical Connectivity in Child Development

As a caring child development expert, I’m here to share insights on two crucial aspects of brain integration: Horizontal Connectivity and Vertical Connectivity. These concepts are essential for helping children develop emotional and cognitive balance, which is key to their overall well-being.

Horizontal Connectivity (Integration)
Horizontal connectivity refers to the integration of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This integration is vital for balanced emotional and cognitive functioning.

Integrating the Left & Right Brain
The left hemisphere of the brain is typically associated with logical reasoning, language, and analytical thinking. The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is linked to creativity, intuition, and emotional expression. For optimal functioning, these two sides need to work together harmoniously.

Common Dis-integration
When there is dis-integration between the left and right brain, children may exhibit:
- Irrational Emotions: They might react emotionally in situations where a logical response is more appropriate.
- Faulty Reasoning: Their ability to reason and make sound decisions can be compromised.

🚨Introducing the Internationally Acclaimed Early SKILLZ Program!

Three- to four-year-olds love physical activity and anything involving play. They have a rich imagination and strong desire to be less dependent on their usual caregivers. The problem we discovered is that many children this age have a hard time with structure in a group environment like what is commonly found in most Martial Arts schools.

The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that keeps them entertained while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. This program introduces early skills training to the pre-school age group, which has limited physical, intellectual, social, and emotional abilities. More emphasis is placed on building early fundamental skills training with a strategic balance of Martial Arts.

As parents, we want what’s best for our children, and we also want our children to give it their best when they participate in extra-curricular sports and activities. The problem is, we sometimes get caught up in our desire to see our children perform well and we speak up at the wrong times. With that said, I’ve put together some details about how coaching from the sidelines plays a harmful role in our child’s emotional development.

(Please note as it relates to this article, I’m focusing on a martial arts parent because that’s the environment I’m an expert at when it comes to this topic. However, this information is easily related to other sports and activities.)

For starters: your child’s brain is already occupied with so many thoughts. Take a sparring match for example:• Which technique should I throw?• What technique is my opponent going to throw? • What if I get hit? • What did my instructor just say? • What did my classmate just say?• What did my parent just say?• Was that other parent talking to me?• What are the rules about hitting the head again? • What if I miss?• What is the score? • How much time do I have left?

You can imagine this a lot to think about, and when your parent is yelling at you, chances are the emotional cup will run over!

How about a simple class where your child is learning a ‘kata?’Here’s what’s going on in your child’s mind:• What move is next?• Is it my left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot?• What did my instructor just say?• What did my parent just say?• What will my classmates think if I make a mistake? • What will my instructor think if I make a mistake?• What will my parents think if I make a mistake?• How many moves do I have left?

Again, there’s a lot of ‘movement’ going on with your child’s neurons, and your coaching from the sidelines, be it positive or negative, could make your child’s emotional stability fall off balance.

But let’s not forget that your coaching is a distraction to other people besides just your child:• It distracts the other students.• It distracts other parents.• It distracts the instructors.

So, although you have good intentions with coaching from the sidelines, there are more productive options:• Give your child tips and encouragement before class or competition. • Remain silent unless you see your child look to you for advice or support. • Provide constructive feedback after class or competition.

Hopefully this article sheds some light on coaching from the sidelines, and prompts you to take more constructive steps towards your child’s performance in extra-curricular sports and activities. The goal should be to help foster growth and development, as well as encourage the fun out of it. After all, it’s the great memories that last a lifetime.