Author: Forged Bjj Krav Maga

Dennis Cregier, Owner and Head Instructor of Forged Self Defense Dennis has been training in the martial arts for over 40 years. He began his journey in New York, his home state, where he was first introduced to Western Boxing and Tang Soo Do Karate. Over the years, his experience has evolved into learning both Eastern and Western styles of martial arts. Dennis learned different styles to both educate and enhance is knowledge, techniques, theories, and forms to integrate the best disciplines in mixed martial arts. Dennis’s Martial Arts Credentials: - 3rd degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Tim Burrill/Carlos Machado - Black Belt in Krav Maga from Master Paul Garcia - Instructor in CT 707 Krav Maga from Nir Maman - Instructor in KCC/Knife Control Concepts from Aaron Jannetti - Level 3 Krav Maga from Ryan Hoover - Black Belt in Joe Lewis’s Karate/Kickboxing System - Black Belt in Kenpo Karate - Instructor in Muay Thai Kickboxing - Instructor in Filipino Martial Arts - Instructor in Filipino Dirty Boxing/Panantukan - Level 3 Knife Instructor from Sami Combat Systems - Level 3 Panantukan/ Filipino Dirty Boxing Instructor from Sami Combat Systems After working in New York as a personal trainer and a martial arts instructor for 15 years, Dennis decided to relocated to Massachusetts in 2002. Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts Academy was founded by Dennis in 2003 and he has since built a extraordinary school that contains the highest standards in Bjj/ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga and Mixed Martial Arts for Adults and Kids by offering the most functional, realistic, innovative and enjoyable martial arts and fitness instruction. In 2020 Dennis changed the name of the school to Forged Self Defense.

Supporting Your Martial Arts Training

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A commitment to Martial Arts and Self-Defense includes regular training and practice. Sorting through the puzzle of (BJJ) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improving reaction time of Thai Kickboxing, and kicking butt in Krav Maga all require a sound mind and body during training. Some basic steps will help you support your physical and mental health to keep your training on track.  

Sleep

Your body uses sleep to rest and recover, the brain uses it to sort out everything it processed that day and get ready for the next. Not getting enough sleep can affect mood, energy, and mental and physical performance. Over time, not getting enough sleep can even increase risk for chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Perhaps you rely on chugging caffeine to stumble through low sleep days, but poor sleep habits will still:

  • Make it harder for your body to recover. Your muscles need to recover from intensive workouts and sleep is the best recovery option.
  • Make concentration difficult during training. Lack of sleep may also make it more difficult to remember what you are learning.
  • Contribute to weight gain which can sabotage all your conditioning efforts.

Adults generally need 7-9 hours of sleep, teens about 8-10 hours, and children around 9-11 hours. The more routine you make your sleep time, the better your sleep will be. Light from electronic devices, including your phone, can make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid these devices for at least an hour before bed.

Nutrition

Physical conditioning needs good fuel and proper building blocks for recovery. If you aren’t supporting your physical efforts with good food, you’ll slow or even stop your progress. Good nutrition does not require extreme diets instead follow basic steps:

  • Focus on whole foods. This means foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. The more processed food is the less nutrition it tends to have.
  • Focus on eating well 80% of the time and allowing some wiggle room 20% of the time. Find healthy options that you enjoy.
  • Beware of diets that severely limit a single food group. They are generally no more successful than plans with balanced food groups, are hard to maintain in the long run, and can decrease your energy during workouts.

Staying hydrated is also important for your best physical performance and recovery. This can be simply done by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, through your workout, and after your workout.

Balanced Training

Commitment to training is an important part of martial arts. Physical challenges are part of the process and breaking out of training ruts may require extra effort but there are limits. Overtraining is the point where training stops being beneficial and starts becoming an obstruction to progress; training intensity overcomes the ability of the body to recover. Physical signs can include:

  • Having low energy, fatigue
  • Frequent muscle and joint pain
  • General aches and pain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Decrease in performance
  • Headaches
  • Lower immunity—may lead to more frequent colds or sore throats

Overtraining can also lead to:

  • Loss of interest in training
  • Irritability and moodiness
  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite

It is difficult to predict overtraining since everyone reacts different to a training routine. Once you begin to see these signs, scale back on your routine and begin to build a more realistic plan. To help avoid overtraining:

Martial Arts Training Path

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Martial arts training is a journey from the moment you sign up to the moment you receive your black belt. While each journey is unique, there are some common characteristics and challenges at each stage:

1.    Walking Through the Door.

You’ve thought about visiting the gym. Maybe you did some research. Thought of it again, but just didn’t quite get there. All that extra time allows more and more doubts to creep in. Maybe you won’t like it, maybe you won’t be able to do it. Will you make a fool of yourself? Are they just a bunch of meatheads or karate kids wannabes?

The answer to all is Maybe. But you won’t know until you walk through the door. Take the first step. Set an appointment to give yourself that last little push. It’s the only way to actually begin your journey.

“The most difficult part of [training] is not learning the first kick or punch. It is not struggling to remember the [combinations or routines]. Rather, it is taking the first step across the threshold of the [gym]. This is where roads diverge, where choices are made that will resonate throughout a lifetime.”
― Doug Cook

2.    First Few Classes

You made it through the door. You feel nervous/excited to go, then, you actually walk into the first class. It would be great to make a seamless start to training but in reality the first couple of weeks have a bit of awkwardness and a few muscle aches. The good news is that you’ll also see a lot of improvement during this time. Muscle memory will begin to build, you’ll begin to know the names of techniques, and your body will begin to adjust to new movements.

Many new students also worry about dragging down the workouts for partners, especially partners with higher belt ranks. But consider that:

  • Everyone was new at some point and was helped by other students. Sometime in the future it will be your turn to support a new student.
  • The match up helps both, since teaching someone and focusing on technique will help the advanced partner in their own journey.

Struggling to get technique right is part of learning. Wildly flailing about because you’re trying to prove your strength, skill, or fortitude will slow your learning and is a waste of your energy. Remember this is about progression. Stay open to the process and know that the pieces will eventually start fitting together.

“Wearing a black belt does not make you a super hero, and wearing a white belt does not mean you have little to offer as a person. It is what we do in the belts we wear, and not the belts themselves that matter.”
― Chris Matakas, My Mastery: Learning to Live through Jiu Jitsu

 

3.    Settling into Routine

Muscle memory is building, there is a much smaller gap between what your brain wants and your body does. You know core skills for Thai Kickboxing and Krav Maga, or you can survive a roll in (BJJ) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and have earned your first few belts.

Pieces are coming together but don’t forget to keep focusing on the basics with every move. Listen for tips that coaches repeat over and over. “Pivot, keep your fighting stance, hands back to your face, don’t give them your back, get a base.” You’re starting to build habits now, make them good ones and it will make it easier to progress through more advanced work. Rush through training and you’ll be fighting bad habits throughout your journey.

Your speed and power are probably picking up and beating on the pads or an intensive roll can be fun but keep a balance. At any belt level, high intensity with low skill gets little done.

“Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter! Try again. Fail again. Fail better! Understand? Good. Play.”
― Masaaki Hatsumi

 

4.    Advanced Belts

This is a part of the journey where people tend to fall off. There are longer periods of time between belts and the learned skills are more abstract. Individual techniques are always important, but now the focus is on understanding application and personalizing your approach. This relies not only on technique but also experience.

Furthering your training is not just about following what coaches lay out but assessing how you would use it and what situation it would apply to. It’s also about understanding what your weaknesses or strengths may be in the approach. Your thought process becomes an important part of your progress.

Working with students with white belt or other early ranks is helpful for those with advanced belts. If a fellow student asks “why” we do a certain technique or do I a certain way, you need to be able to answer with more than “because coach told us to”. Breaking down techniques and explaining why we do what we do can help jumpstart your thought process.

“Never forget that, at the most, the teacher can give you fifteen percent of the art. The rest you have to get for yourself through practise and hard work. I can show you the path but I can not walk it for you.”
― Master Tan Soh Tin

 

5.    Black Belt

When you reach your black belt, you finally understand that the black belt is just the beginning. The years leading up weren’t just about learning techniques but understanding how to grow as a martial artist. Even if you keep training for years to come, there will always be more to learn.

“Jiu Jitsu gives me an ideal to strive toward. Technical mastery lies on an infinite continuum and completion of this skill is impossible. Every time I train I have something that I can improve upon, and this will hold true for each and every training session that lies between me and my grave.”
― Chris Matakas

 

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Pursuing Black Belt

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Many students begin their martial art journey with the black belt in mind, while others may only begin to envision a black belt once they’ve begun training and climbing through the belt ranks. Either way, all start with enthusiasm, confidence, and determination but few make it to advanced belts and fewer still to black belts.

The physical challenges of training are expected but a black belt journey also requires perseverance. Bad days and stalled progression can make training a difficult commitment, and soon you’re off the black belt path. Motivation challenges will always be present but setting some basic goals and keeping focused on your journey can help you stay on track…

Set Your Goals

Black belt is the ultimate goal but there are many steps in between. Keep that black belt in mind but set some short term goals along the way.

Make goals that are focused on training and tackling areas that you are stuck in. Avoid relying solely on the next belt rank as your main goal. Rising in belt ranks is a great acknowledgement of your achievements but the purpose isn’t to have a belt but to earn that rank through training. Focus on your progression and the belts will come. Examples of training-focused goals include:

  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—if you are always getting swept in guard, make a commitment to put yourself in guard every time you roll until you find what works for you.
  • Thai Kickboxing—If you feel like your general progression has come to a halt but you can’t pinpoint why, commit to spending 10 minutes after every class shadow boxing the drills worked in class to practice live use.
  • Krav Maga—if you work with the same person each class, commit to working with a new person at least once every week. New energy can help challenge your habits.
  • General Goals—commit to taking class 3 times per week for 2 months.

Using these kinds of goals throughout your training will help keep you focused on your conditioning and skill progress instead of wondering when they’re going to give you a belt. Talk to your coaches if you need help focusing on areas to improve.

Your goals may only take a few classes, a few weeks, or perhaps a couple months to reach. In general, keep the goals challenging but realistic. Avoid making short term goals that last longer than 3 months, motivation can be hard to maintain if the finish line is too far out.

Life Happens

It can take years to earn a black belt. There may be a lot of life changes during this time which, unfortunately, can translate into the end of the black belt journey. Children, weddings, school, house hunting, new job can all push martial arts training off of your schedule.

If you are feeling positive about your journey you are far more likely to keep your workouts on the schedule. If your life change is happening while you are struggling with your progress it can be a little too easy to walk away.

Use your short term goals to help you adjust to your new situation. Maybe you move from 4 to 2 days per week but spend an extra 15 minutes after class to work on the bag or roll a bit longer after jits class. Also consider talking to fellow students. There are a number of people that have similar commitments, who have found solutions. If you need a brief hiatus, schedule a return date so it doesn’t become “one of those things you’ll eventually get to”.

Your Journey

Many people feel discouraged when they see other people receiving belts and feel that they have worked just as hard, come as often, or demonstrated the same or better skill level. There are a number of reasons why some may advance faster or slower but it’s really a waste of your energy to compare your progress to someone else’s.

At the end, when you receive your black belt, it is only about your journey, no one else’s. Worrying about someone else’s progress simply brings short term misery, which gets you no closer to your goal. Celebrate fellow student’s achievement, see inspiration in skills that higher belts have achieved, then focus on your journey so you can, one day, celebrate your well-earned black belt.

A black belt journey requires commitment, persistence, and patience that you will most appreciate the day you receive your black belt. So remember that challenges and overcoming them are part of the journey and continue to push on.

 

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

 

Why is Women’s Self Defense so Controversial?

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Miss USA’s statement supporting self defense training for women created a firestorm of support and condemnation. Sentiments that were renewed after a number of sexual assaults on college campuses became big news. Here are some of the most common concerns and some responses…

Fighting Back Doesn’t Work for Women/You’re More Likely to Get Hurt

Certain situations aren’t worth the risk. If someone just wants your money, car, or other material possessions, just hand them over. However, once the attacker threatens or causes physical harm or if an attacker tries to take you away, then fighting back does work.

A large amount of research, including a 2005 study from the Department of Justice, has found that women who fight back can often stop an assault with no greater risk of injury. Some research has also shown that women who learn self defense are less likely to be attacked.

It Takes Hours of Specialized Training to Learn Effective Self Defense Techniques

In truth, self defense does not require specialized moves to be effective. Some well-timed and well-placed smacks can go far. The thought process is also one of the most important elements in self defense. Even a single self defense class can help change how you approach self defense.

There are several self defense systems but not many are effective for the general population. Even some forms of martial arts don’t translate to self defense. Be selective, if something seems too complicated for you to grasp, it probably won’t work. Regular training in any defense system will increase your options, make you more efficient, and improve conditioning. If you aren’t interested in regular training, attending a single class and occasional refreshers may help.

Krav Maga is one of the most effective and efficient ways of dealing with attacks. It focuses on simplistic response based on instinctive reactions you already have so there are fewer steps to learn.

Women Are More Likely to be Smaller and Weaker Than Their Attacker, It Is Unlikely They Can Overpower Their Attacker

This concern has come up in every women’s self defense seminar that I have been at in Dragon Within Martial Arts. And it’s true. If someone is attacking you, they are pretty sure that they can overpower you. If your only defense plan is to physically overpower your attacker, you will probably lose. In fact, as soon as you feel the attack, the fight may be mentally over because you will know you cannot physically beat your attacker.

Fortunately, effective self defense methods like Krav Maga start with the assumption that you are physically overpowered. Instead of physical strength this method relies on overwhelming the attacker’s thought process through smaller but effective attacks. No matter who the attacker is, he has vulnerable areas, and there will be opportunities to use them against him. Taking your attackers mind off of their goals even for just seconds at a time can give you the opportunity to escape.

A Focus on Self Defense Puts the Blame on the Women if She Can’t Adequately Defend Herself

Self defense simply provides more options, it does not mean a woman is responsible for stopping any attack or has to fight back. Decisions are completely dependent on the individual and their assessment of the situation. All negative outcomes from the attack are solely the responsibility of the attacker no matter how the victim responds.

Closely related is the mental health after an attack. Some studies have suggested that women who fought back but were unable to stop an attack had better mental health outcomes after a rape.

Focus Should be on Programs Targeting Attackers Not on Self Defense

This is a common concern on college campus or any community offering self defense options. It would be fantastic if simple intervention programs would completely stop violent attacks. However, violence is a complex social problem. It should certainly be addressed but it will take some time for social change to take place.

Self defense provides immediate options. It is also an empowering option in contrast to many other safety recommendations that focus on restrictions like not traveling alone at night or not drinking.

 

 

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

  www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your Private Lesson 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the                            most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn                           MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

I have PTSD and Anxiety: is martial arts good for me?

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So, last week I took my first Krav Maga class at Dragon Within. I thought since I have been working here for about 6 months it would be good to see what everyone does and get a better understanding of the arts. I also had a lot of personal issues to get over. I have a fear of being too close to people, I don’t like being touched or really touching others. I have hardly any confidence in my abilities to do anything. I’m over weight, shy and embarrassed about nearly everything. I have also had a lot of “traumatic” experiences in my life that I have yet to be able to get over.

You see when you have something traumatic happen, with out going into gory details to make people heads spin, it takes something away from you. Some people are strong enough to get over it on their own. Some people let it haunt them and really hold them back from a lot of things. Some people like me, relive the trauma every day and with subtle movements or conversations, it can put you in a bad place mentally. So the old saying goes, you can either run from it or face it. So I suggest to all you out there like me who suffer from living nightmares… just face your fears. You wont regret it.

Enough about me, and the reasons I have for staying away from anything challenging. I decided it was time for me to try to push myself to a whole new limit. It wasn’t about working out, or using my boss for his gym and space. It was about learning. It was about getting over my fear, and maybe gain the confidence I need and stop being so emotional and fearful.

My First DAY

So I walked into my first class, scared out of my mind just praying that I wouldn’t cave. Praying that I wouldn’t cry, or freak out, or give up. I was surprised I was able to jog and shuffle and keep up with everyone. “Okay this isn’t so bad, I got this”…. Then we bear crawled and I felt so out of place. It is an awkward position with your butt in the air, and your crawling across the floor. I was the slowest one in the room. I finished last. But then I got up and stretched out with the group caught my breath and kept going. Then we went over bear hugs. So basically someone has to grab you from behind and you have to get out of it. Great so I get to feel like I’m about to be taken by some huge man. But okay, I keep repeating to myself, I can do this, I can do this. And I did! Slowly at first, but then faster and I hit harder. I felt myself getting angry at the pads and would ram my knee into them like I was hurting the people that have hurt me so many times. Then it was over…. So I thought.

We moved on to the next exercise. I have to stand alone by myself with my eyes closed and let someone attack me. Once again all I could think about was someone sneaking up on me and doing unspeakable things. But I pushed through it. And every time someone hit me with the pad, I would get scared out of my mind and freeze for a second. But then I was instinctively hit, and keep hitting the pad. I felt good to hit it. I let out all the anger. Then it was over. I made it through….

But we weren’t done! Now we have to get in a group and put one person in the middle and get attacked from all over by 4-5 other people. By the time I was in the middle, I was the only girl with 4 men surrounding me. My heart was pounding through my chest. I wanted to roll over and cry right then and there. But I didn’t. I hit and hit again. I booty bumped, and high kneed those men. I was fearless, on the outside. I was praying no one could see my fear that I was holding in. Then I was getting exhausted. It hit me that I’m extremely out of shape. But I wasn’t letting my mind quit on me. I hit those men with every last ounce of energy I had.

I did it. I made it through my first class. It felt so good to finish it. I accomplished my first goal. I was on top of the world. I felt like I could accomplish anything. I was hot, sweaty, and sore but I was pumped. I couldn’t wait to go back and challenge myself again.

I will admit, I went into my car and cried and called my friend who made a very valid point…. I DID IT! I didn’t give up. That’s the key here is you can do anything if you put your mind to it. All of a sudden I felt better and was so confident, I was almost high on life. I had such a burst of energy and thought to myself… I can do anything I want. I can’t wait to go back.

Dont Hesitate!!

Don’t wait: Get your free intro lesson today! 

Call: 978-745-8511

www.dwmma.com

dragonwithin@gmail.com 

Krav maga, Thai kick boxing, martial arts, bjj, brazilian jiu-jitsu, workout, anxiety management, PTSD management,

Partner Drills — Three Reasons to Pair Up with Someone New- Oldie but Goodie

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Thai Kickboxing

Remember your first day of school? Remember walking into the classroom for the first time and taking a seat? Probably not; but I bet you were sitting in the same seat at the end of the school year? C’mon, you know I’m right. As human beings, we are creatures of habit. If we find something we like, we are hard-pressed to change… even if we know it’s good for us. It’s no different with martial arts training.  In Thai kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ and Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, we rely on our training partners to help us to learn and get the best possible workout. Naturally when paring up to do partner drills, we gravitate toward people we know, people we like and people have worked with before. However, if you work with the same person every night, you might not be learning as much or progressing as fast as you can. Sure, you may be comfortable… but, maybe, you’re too comfortable. Rather than falling into your comfort zone and training with the same partner every night, you should try to branch out and work with someone new every chance you get. Here’s why: 1. Different people give different energy — people come in all sizes and shapes; all with different temperaments — some are gentile, some are aggressive. If you always train with a smaller, less aggressive person, you’ll never learn how to deal with a more aggressive opponent. Training with different people will give you a feel for how to deal with different people’s energy. 2. You’ll learn faster — training with people of varying skills will help you learn faster. By mixing up your training partners, you have the opportunity to learn from more advanced students and to help coach, teach and mentor the lower ranks. Either way, forcing yourself out of your comfort zone will make adapt and think about what you are doing, making you a better martial artist. 3. You’ll meet new people — our gym is a community. Training with new people will introduce you to new people, you’ll learn a few more names and who knows, maybe even make a friend or two. So next time the instructor calls out “pair up”… what are you going to do? Head toward the same partner as last night, or are you going to branch out and work with someone new? You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose by branching out.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your 30 DAYS FREE! 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

My Child is being Cyber Bullied!!

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Dragon Within is taking a stand against cyber bullying. By bringing your child into Dragon within for martial arts training, you can be sure to notice a change in your child’s attitude. We take bullying seriously and work with our kids to avoid the bully and avoid being the bully.

 

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber bullying happens over the Internet, cell phone, text messaging, and any other social media source. People are posting pictures, verbal complaints, and hurt full words to each other. It is a serious problem and cannot, should not, be taken lightly.

How to Protect Your Child…

So there are many side effects to cyber bullying. If you notice your child is having episodes of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, failing in school, violence or suicide thoughts, then it is time to take action. Online bullying can have a huge impact on our kids that children may not be aware of.

Examples of Cyber Bullying

Facebook lies; posts, comments or pictures can all cause a huge impact on ones life. . Ever have someone take a picture at the wrong time and make you look like your doing something your really not? Even Photoshop has come a long way and anyone can be changed into anything now.

Tweets, and Instagram can be just as bad. People are vicious.

If I post something on Facebook about Johnny saying he slept with Mary and now has a disease. People will take that and run with it. Now I know that’s graphic but its true and it happens all the time. People are labeled “slut”, “whore”, and all kinds of names for action they may not even have done or actions that got blown out of proportion.

The same goes for texting. Direct or indirect texting can be hurtful. I can send a text to you calling you names or saying ugly things about you, or I can say it to everyone else and let them attack you.

The Impact of Cyber bullying

Any bullying can have a significant impact on kids and adults. Every child responds to bullying in a different. Bullying triggers each person in a different way. The same bully may not have control or effect on one person the same way as another.

Any child may be subject to harassment online. This may cause a child to feel depressed, or have a fear of school. Kids may keep to themselves. They may even have feelings of suicide or start to fall into the path of drugs and alcohol to block out the feeling and to succumb to peer pressure so the bullying will stop.

What can parents do to help make a difference?

A child’s self-esteem can be severely damaged, causing them to feel worthless, powerless and helpless. This hopelessness experienced by a child who is cyber bullied can have significantly negative effects. As parents we need to take a stand and take action. You can do so by following these simple steps.

  • Make yourself available to your child with open communication and lack of judgment
  • Intervene as soon as possible, by contacting the school, parents or police
  • Assist your child in stopping or reducing the harassment, this could be as simple as deleting a Facebook account
  • Buffer the impact of cyber bullying and help your child cope with the negative emotions he or she experiences
  • Keep close attention to all your child’s social media accounts and texts.
  • If you notice something, say something.

If you start to notice any changes in mood, sleep habits, school interests and activities, or a sudden change of friends or even picking up nervous hobbits like nail biting. Don’t wait, talk to your kids, watch the Facebook, and read the text messages. These are our children and this is their future.

For more questions or concerns, please call or visit Dragon Within. We make a huge effort to changing a child’s life, boosting there confidence and work vigorously to bring an end to bullying.

How do I turn to Krav Maga when my life is on the line?

On By Forged Bjj Krav MagaIn anti-bully, BJJ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, DWMMA, DWMMA - Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Fitness, Inspirational, Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Media, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, MMA FightsLeave a comment

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Turning to Krav Maga with Your Life on the Line

In the darkness of every night lurks a potential danger. You may go your whole life without experiencing the terror of an attacker darting out an alley. Or you might find yourself forced to fight or lose your life when an unstable force comes hurtling your way. How will you respond?

No one wants to expect anything of this sort happening to him or her, but you simply can’t guarantee what will come your way, no matter where you are and what you do. Fortunately, Dragon Within teaches that modern self-defense techniques can empower any man, woman and child to beat back an attack and make it to safety in one piece. Krav Maga is the apotheosis of all the self-defense techniques, a gritty skill set learned on the mean streets of pre-World War II Slovakia – where Fascist gangs roamed and anyone who came from the wrong family could end up with a split skull.

The History:

Imi Lichtenfeld invented the technique known as Krav Maga on these violent streets of Eastern Europe. The balance had swung in the favor of Nazis and he had no choice but defend himself or perish. In those days, Lichtenfeld learned how to counter assailants wielding knives, bats, guns, chains and weapons no had even seen before. It was survival of the strongest – survival of a fighter who could bring unparalleled mental toughness to every encounter and overcome physical limitations with sheer cunning and lightning-quick reflexes.

The Vinidication of a Self-Defense Style

Lichtenfeld survived that ugly period from the mid-1930s all the way up to the Nazi takeover of the region. He made it out of Europe on one of the last refugee boats that took to sea. It was a painful experience, but the proof was indisputable: Lichtenfeld was a survivor and his technique had worked. Upon settling in Israel after the war, the IDF quickly made a place for him in special forces training.

Protection You Can Trust

Incorporating these survival techniques to suit modern times took less refining than you might think. The same concept applies to modern-day muggings. You are walking down the street and you happen to notice a shadow moving in an alleyway. No one is on the street. As you approach, you see movement. An attacker jumps out…are you ready to engage, or do you feel hopeless?

Dragon WIthin teaches that with Krav Maga training under your belt, you will be ready to meet the challenge and repel the attack. Whether you know it or not, quick action in times like these can save your life. You never know when an unhinged attacker will decide he or she wants to jeopardize your life. Knowing how to disarm an assailant in rapid-fire movements could be the difference between waking up in a hospital or walking home unscathed.

Living in fear is no way to respond to the challenges of this world. Krav Maga is not a system designed to get you asserting yourself in violent situations. It is a technique meant to reassure you. It is confidence, pure and simple. When your life is on the line, you’ll know you are ready to respond.

Don’t wait for the moment when you are caught unprepared. Act now and get your free private lesson to see for your self the difference between a prepared person and an unprepared person.

Call 9787458511

email: dragonwithin@gmail.com

or visit 11 Franklin st. Salem MA 01970

Krav Maga, Thai Kick Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Self defense, Martial arts, street defense, mma, 

Are your kids bully proof?

On By Forged Bjj Krav MagaIn anti-bully, DWMMA, DWMMA - Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Inspirational2 Comments

Martial Arts Benefits Adults

So I want to take some time to reiterate some things that have been said in the past, but need to be stressed again. It’s about our children in martial arts. Its not about being the best fighter in the world. It’s about so much more than that. Get the benefits of martial arts for you or your children.

The list of benefits for children who practice mixed martial arts is incredible!    There are a lot of people who speculate that MMA/Mixed Martial Arts isn’t for kids based solely on what they see on UFC; however, the reality of mixed martial arts and children isn’t one geared towards fighting–but more of a way to give your child confidence.  There are a lot of strong positive applications for mixed martial arts that reaches far beyond learning self-defense or keeping your child physically active.

Here are a few examples of how Mixed Martial Arts/MMA has helped a few of our students….

One main value gained from children taking Mixed Martial Arts/MMA is the level on confidence that it instills within them.   At Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, we don’t force children to compete.  We do (however) have a few who like to compete and it’s a great confidence builder!  We have these four kids (ages ranging from 10-16)  who love to compete in NAGA (North American Grappling Association).  They have been written up in our local paper and it makes them feel good about their accomplishments.  It also teaches them that, win or lose, if they gave it their all–they should be proud of what they have achieved.  Being a sore loser isn’t an attribute in any of these kids.  They are humble in their achievements and gracious in the lesson learned from their defeats which makes them work even harder next time.  They set goals and work to achieve them.  Which is a huge thing for kid’s to learn:  goal setting.

There is a simple benefit from kid’s enrolled in mixed martial arts; it can improve the results in almost anything that you do in conjunction with their Mixed Martial Arts/MMA classes.  We have one teen, 15 years old, who is flourishing in school with A’s and B’s and this all started when he began his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ.

The Most IMPORTANT thing to stress is that our programs at DWMMA, Salem MA,  instills confidence in Children!  Whether it is performance in school or sports they have the confidence to perform to their fullest potential.   Or, if they were to encounter bullying or peer pressure–they have the confidence to make the best decisions to make you proud as a parent.

Have your Child Try our Program for
30 days FREE

DON’T WAIT
CALL TODAY!
978-745-8511
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.DWMMA.com

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA , provides the most realistic and practical fitness & self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:
Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

What if my child is a victim of being bullied?

On By Forged Bjj Krav MagaIn anti-bully, DWMMA, DWMMA - Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Events, FitnessLeave a comment

Martial Arts Benefits Adults

Are your children excited to go back to school? Or are they afraid of being bullied? Here at Dragon Within, we take bullying seriously. We can help teach your child the respect, discipline, and confidence they need in school. 

Let me address what bullying is:

Bullying, in a nut shell, is a form of intimidation or domination toward someone who is perceived as being weaker.It’s almost like we are living in the jungle with a pack of wolves fighting over alfa male. We do all sorts of harmful acts to show our dominance and take what we want by force.  Typically as kids, the only thing we want is make the other child feel humiliated. Usually this is because we are insecure for some reason. There are different types of bullying. While some may think that bullying mainly consists only of physical domination, the fact of the matter is that there are verbal and emotional forms of bullying as well. And, with the rise of the Internet, there are now instances of children being bullied online through email, chatrooms and on Facebook. It is even possible to be bullied through text messaging on a cell phone. Chid bullying can happen in any of these forms. It’s not like in the 90’s when you had to go knock door to door to bully someone, now they make it easy for you.

For the most part, boys prefer to use physical intimidation tactics in their bullying. They will use physical aggression to force others to do what they want, or to feel in charge of a situation. Something about testosterone I would imagine. Girls, on the other hand, typically use more of a subtle approach. They stick to teasing, name calling, and passive aggressive methods. None the less it still hurts the same.

so how many ways can someone bully your child?

So why do kids bully other kids?

They may be abused or neglected at home. They may not have parents that get involved in their life or well being. And how well do our school spread knowledge about bullying and taking a stand?

Let’s break down some numbers shall we?

  • 60% of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying.
  • 86% of students said, “other kids picking on them, making fun of them or bullying them” causes teenagers to turn to lethal violence in the schools.
  • 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.
  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it.
  • Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University
  • A study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying
  • 10 to 14 year old girls may be at even higher risk for suicide, according to the study above
  • According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying
  • One third of teens reported being bullied while at school
  • About 20 percent of teens had been made fun of by a bully, 18 percent of teens had rumors or gossip spread about them, 11 percent were physically bullied, such as being shoved, tripped, or spit on, 6 percent were threatened, 5 percent were excluded from activities they wanted to participate in, 4 percent were coerced into something they did not want to do, and 4 percent had their personal belongings destroyed by bullies
  • 4 percent of teens in this study reported being the victims of cyber bullying
  • Most bullying occurred inside the school, with smaller numbers of bullying incidents occurring outside on the school grounds, on the school bus, or on the way to school
  • Only about a third of bully victims reported the bullying to someone at school
  • About 2 of every 3 bully victims were bullied once or twice during the school year, 1 in 5 were bullied once or twice a month, and about 1 in 10 were bullied daily or several times a week
  • In this study, females and white students reported the most incidents of being the victims of bullying
  • 44 percent of middle schools reported bullying problems, compared to just over 20 percent of both elementary and high schools

Signs of child bullying

Are you like many other parents out there who are concerned for our children’s safety in school? There are many signs that indicate your child is a victim of bullying.

Also try to be alert on if your child is the one doing the bullying at school:

If your child is the one being bullied, you need to help them as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Try talking to them.

  1. Let them know that you can go together, to school authorities to see what can be done in terms of mediation, and in terms of increased attention paid on the school grounds.
  2. Encourage the child to avoid the child bully, and seek help from a teacher or trusted adult when necessary.
  3. Practice being assertive and asking the bully to leave the child alone.
  4. Encourage your child to be with true friends – bullies are less likely to pick on children who are in a group.
  5. take up a martial arts class to teach confidence, self discipline, respect, and much more.

Please help Dragon Within Martial Arts spread the word about bullying. Talk to as many people as you can. We are hosting an anti-bully workshop that is free to your child. We want to help teach every kid the importance of knowing the signs of bullying. We need to stop this and together we can.

Join us November 22nd from 2-4 for a free community event. We will be teaching anti-bully techniques and how to get away from someone who is bullying your child.

Don’t wait

Sign up today!

Call or click

9787458511

www.dwmma.com

Dragonwithin@gmail.com

11 Franklin st. Salem MA 01970

bully, anti-bully, back to school, child self defense, krav maga, mma, street defense,