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The Journey Of The Black Belt

                       If you’ve ever trained Martial Arts, you’ve probably received the infamous question: ‘Are you a black belt?’ No matter what discipline you train, it’s the first thing on everyone’s mind. The quality of ‘being a black belt’ seems on par with being a superhero, or having your hands registered as deadly weapons. Black belts certainly deserve praise for the countless hours of training they put in, hundreds of techniques they learned, and unflinching dedication that it took for them to get there. However, should earning a black belt be ultimate goal for a martial artist? It’s what we’re all striving for, isn’t it? Well, ask any coach or talented martial artist and they’ll tell you that their journey didn’t end at the black belt. 

A White Belt Who Never Quits 

            The classic martial arts idiom goes, “A Black Belt is a white belt who never quit.” In martial arts, determination, effort, and willingness to learn are much more important than any belt rank. In some ways, the white belt is the hardest rank to earn, because it requires taking a risk. What if you fail? What if you’re not cut out to be a black belt someday? Sometimes, the most difficult part of a journey is just beginning it. But in the encouraging words of Woody Allen, “90% of life is just showing up.” For those who have the courage to start something new, the rewards will be great. That is why we never forget where we came from, and welcome each new white belt brave enough to start their journey. 

As martial artists learn and grow, their belt colors are designed to represent the sweat and grit that have gone into their training. Persevering through difficulty, frustration, dips, plateaus, and roadblocks along the way can be challenging, but above all, martial arts rewards consistency and sticktoitveness. Every Black Belt who ever lived was once a white belt who barely knew how to throw a punch. For that reason, martial artists stress the difference between getting a black belt, and earning one. Anyone can go online and buy a piece of fabric, but it takes dedication and hard work to truly earn the rank. Mostly, it takes a willingness to be a white belt first. 

The Journey Never Ends 

Why do martial artists always refer to training as a ‘journey’? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga are skills that can always be improved, and never be mastered. As the belt rank goes up, the scope of knowledge left to acquire doesn’t narrow – it grows wider. In fact, when an experienced martial artist earns their black belt, often they find that their journey has only just begun. For this reason, few people quit once they’ve hit this milestone. At that point in their journey, they’ve likely realized that having a black belt doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from any more training. There will always be more to learn, and if a martial artist is truly committed to improving, they’ll be able to learn from any situation. Cross-training between disciplines, helping other students, and teaching are all ways that black belts seek new opportunities to learn. Most importantly, they form a community of people who never quit, and encourage each other and students of all belt ranks to appreciate the journey over a final destination.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s Programs.

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Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MALynn MAMarblehead MADanvers MA

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The Importance Of Ground Fighting Along With Stand Up 

Krav Maga, Kickboxing and Boxing are great striking arts for fighting on your feet. No matter how good you are with your striking, you must be equally proficient on the ground. In order to have the most realistic Self Defense techniques when dealing with a bigger, stronger opponent or with someone who can close the distance and force a grappling situation on you, you must have some Jiu Jitsu skills. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches us that no matter how small you are, you can be able to gain a dominant position on your opponent no matter how big they may be.

Did you know that 80-90% of street fights end up on the ground? So, relying only on your striking skills to defend yourself is not only naive but is also dangerous considering the statistics.  Fact of the matter is: if you don’t know how to defend yourself on the ground, then you really don’t know how to defend yourself! The importance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to know how to defend against a ground attack and to be able to escape that attack and get back to your feet as fast as possible in a street scenario.

BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position.  It uses joint locks and choke holds to force an opponent to submit and also teaches you how to escape encounters on the ground.  Today, BJJ is practiced for fun, self defense or sport by men and women, hobbyists, professional fighters, military, and law enforcement alike. A lot of people take BJJ for fun, or for the sport element of training in Martial Arts, but the practical street elements are there if the self defense situation were to arise where you needed to get back to your feet in a real life situation.

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Forged Self Defense Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical Self Defense programs for the North Shore Area including,

Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MADanvers MA

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Benefits of Martial Arts Training for Kids

Children’s brains are like sponges: they soak everything up and always need new stimulation. Enrolling young kids in extracurricular activities can provide them with a structured way of learning outside of school and a community of peers to support them. However, finding the right fit according to their specific learning style, developmental needs, and temperament is no easy feat. Martial Arts Training is an extremely popular choice, with over 3 million children in the U.S. participating according to recent statistics, and for good reason. The emphasis on discipline and self-respect in martial arts culture combined with a child-oriented format gives kids the perfect outlet to work on behavior, make friends, and get their energy out. 

Youth Curriculum  

   Martial Arts attracts all types of children. Those who do well in a classroom, and those who don’t. Those who make friends easily, and those who struggle. Those who learn visually, and those who benefit from a hands-on approach. The youth Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curriculum at the Forged Self-Defense uses a fast paced and varied mixture of activities to make sure everyone is learning skills and having fun, no matter how their brain functions. Line drills in which instructors hold pads for students to work a technique, before sending them off to run through an obstacle course, is a staple drill to keep energy high. Group activities encourage students to work together and learn each other’s names, so no one is left out. Games incorporating techniques and fitness make sure students get their exercise in and energy out so they are happy and tired by the end of each class. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and hands-on, so students are never bored or stuck in one activity for too long. 

Values 

            On top of drills and activities targeted at developing skills like listening, teamwork, and intensity, instructors sit down with the class in a circle towards the end of each class for a “mat chat” to talk about martial arts values such as self-discipline, respect, and gratitude. The kids are encouraged to participate and offer their own interpretations of the topic to show their understanding. Veteran students can often define these complicated concepts in their own words and explain how to use them in everyday life. 

            Since the best time to form habits is in childhood, Forged instructors teach students the right habits to build to succeed in life. Sometimes the mat chat topic of the month is “the mindset of a champion”, or “why should we treat ourselves with respect?” To reinforce these core tenets, students perform both traditional martial arts customs such as bowing to their partners to pay their respect, as well as new traditions such as responding to the call-back “Put your hands in the air and say ‘We’re awesome’!” 

            The effects of this teaching can be seen in how Forged Self Defense students treat one another, and the progress new students make after just a few months. When a student receives their first belt, they are part of a team that they both want to support and earn the support of. Above all, the Forged instructors try to teach that the goal of Martial Arts is not a black belt, but everything they learn on their journey to the black belt and beyond.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s Programs.

Visit Our Website! www.forgedsalem.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE Intro LESSON 978-745-8511 

Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MALynn MAMarblehead MADanvers MA

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Training Martial Arts Through the Holiday Season 

The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, but for many, it can also represent stress. The tasks of dealing with family in town, buying gifts, and adjusting to the coldest and darkest time of the year make it easy to feel overwhelmed in December and lose momentum in Martial Arts Training. The key to balancing festivities with mental and physical health is to stay consistent with the activities that keep you active and working towards a goal. 

Same Year, New You

Everyone knows about the famous statistic: only 8% of people accomplish their New Year’s resolutions, but why is that? People accomplish great things all the time, so how is it possible that so few can keep a New Year’s resolution? The problem is that as appealing as the idea of a ‘fresh start’ might be, it’s not the best way to pursue a goal you’re truly committed to. If you truly want to change your life in some way, why wait for a certain date to begin? 

When we try to start a goal anew, even if we’ve already tried and ended up in the 92% the previous year, we choose to forget the mistakes that we made in the past rather than learning from them. Instead of waiting for the New Year to begin a resolution – whether it be getting into shape, attending more martial arts classes, gaining confidence, or anything at all – make a plan the moment you identify the goal and go from there. Slipping up or straying from your trajectory is normal. What matters is that you get right back on track instead of waiting for the next year to roll around to start again. 

Consistency 

Training Martial Arts is a journey that requires patience, determination, and above all, consistency. In Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ, belts and stripes aren’t just handed out. They’re earned through hard work, pushing through apathy and exhaustion, and showing up day after day. While it may be tempting around the holiday season to let training go and promise to work extra hard in the New Year, this mindset may ultimately lead to more stress down the line. No one likes playing catch-up, and staying consistent with training can maintain steady progress and prevent unnecessary burnout. After all, there’s no way to hack martial arts training. Like almost any skill in life, it takes practice and a willingness never to give up. 

Family 

            The holidays are a time for spending with family and friends and showing them how much we appreciate each other. Communities come in many shapes and forms, and many are proud to call their coaches and teammates at Forged Self Defense their martial arts family. We come to Forged to train as well as spend time with our friends and help each other grow and learn. Martial Arts is a skill that is impossible to learn without forming connections, whether it be a personal relationship between a student and a coach, the mutual bond between training partners, or the sense of community in a class of martial artists sweating and having fun. In the spirit of the holidays, it’s worth letting your martial arts family know how much you value them.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s Programs.

Visit Our Website! www.forgedsalem.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE Intro LESSON 978-745-8511 

Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MALynn MAMarblehead MADanvers MA

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Benefits of Martial Arts Training for Women

            There are many different reasons why women choose to practice Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Martial arts is a journey and a life style that can benefit anyone regardless of gender, but many women are drawn to it for their own personal reasons. Krav Maga and BJJ don’t require genders to be separated for training purposes since they are not traditional team sports, so the community is very integrated and inclusive. The Self Defense aspect appeals to many women hoping to feel more secure and empowered by developing their own abilities, or to improve self-esteem and confidence.

Confidence and Community  

            Women face many challenges to their sense of safety and confidence in everyday life, whether they be physical threats, sexist remarks, or emotional drainage. Learning to be an upstander and losing the fear of taking up space is a crucial part of many women’s Martial Arts journeys. This is taught through developing skills that grant students a sense of accomplishment and belief in their own potential. The kind of people that form this community are extremely supportive of one another, welcoming to newcomers, and always pushing each other to succeed. Women especially lift each other up and strive to help each other realize their own potential.        

Self Defense 

Krav Maga training emphasizes strength and capability over aggression and dominance, and focuses on ways to avoid conflicts just as much as ways to face them. On top of physical techniques, Forged Self Defense teaches students how to avoid becoming a victim by displaying Confidence and capability in their everyday life. For example, someone who walks tall, looks people in the eye, and asserts what they need is not an easy mark for an aggressor. Women, who are often pressured to accept negative behavior, can apply these tenets to feel more self-assured and comfortable in both tricky situations as well as day to day life. 

While body language can go a long way, many women hope to gain from martial arts a better understanding of what to do should a situation escalate and they need to defend themselves against a man. The Krav Maga curriculum at Forged Self Defense includes many techniques that are effective no matter the size or shape of the two opponents, and often provides many variations for different scenarios. Defenses for attacks like a rear bear hug or a choke from behind directly address some of the concerns that students may have, but questions about specific situations are strongly encouraged. 

Furthermore, proficiency in Self Defense concepts taught on the curriculum can enable students to come up with their own solutions to problems, and in-class drills help to develop other necessary skills such as quick reactions, improvisation, and dealing with stressful encounters. These benefits and the cooperative community built around them are part of the reason why so many women as well as men choose to train Krav Maga and BJJ.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s Programs.

Visit Our Website! www.forgedsalem.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE Intro LESSON 978-745-8511 

Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MALynn MAMarblehead MADanvers MA

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Practicing Gratitude In Martial Arts 

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about how you can practice gratitude within your daily life and martial arts training like Krav Maga or Bjj-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Studies have proven time and again that counting your blessings regularly can improve emotional stability, increase happiness, and lead to a growth-mindset. Focusing on what you have instead of what you lack can lead to greater satisfaction in life and clearer goals. The same is true about practicing gratitude in martial arts. Learning to enjoy the process instead of only caring about the next milestone is the key to becoming a great martial artist. 

Gratitude On The Mats 

            When we step onto the mats, we always bow to show our appreciation to the school and the space we use. When we pay our respects to our partners, we are thanking them for helping us train and grow. When we clap for our teammates as they earn a new belt, we are showing our pride, not our envy. All of these traditions are little ways that we practice gratitude here at Forged Self Defense, and that help to remind us that training is a privilege and not a chore. 

It’s only human to feel disappointed with where we are in our journeys sometimes, but reframing our thoughts through a lens of gratitude can help get us back on track. For example, instead of thinking that we “have” to go to class, we can celebrate that we “get” to go to class. Oftentimes little shifts in our thought processes are all it takes to regain motivation and get out of a slump. 

Loving The Journey 

            Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This is especially true in a martial arts school, where newer students often find themselves surrounded by those more skilled or experienced than them. However, martial arts is not a skill that can ever be completely mastered, and no matter where you are in the journey, there is always more to learn. Regardless of what belt you wear, you will always find teachers in those with higher and lower belts than yours. Earning a belt is a great achievement, but it should never be the main motivator for studying martial arts. Any black belt in Krav Maga or Bjj-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can testify that falling in love with the learning process, being humbled, and forgetting their ego is what got them to where they are. 

            If you think back to why you decided to join a martial arts school, it probably wasn’t to earn belts. Remembering what you have gained from training – confidence, skills, fitness, a community – is a great way to motivate yourself through gratitude rather than comparison. Setting goals is important, but only on the foundation of thankfulness for where you are and all the hard work you’ve put into getting there. 

Forged Self Defense offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore Salem MA Area.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s Programs.

Visit Our Website! www.forgedsalem.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 

Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MALynn MAMarblehead MADanvers MA

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Krav Maga and Fitness Training at Forged

Posted on November 15th 2023

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy life-style.  People who engage in physical activities, on top of a healthy diet, live longer and generally feel better than those who don’t.  Exercising at least 30 minutes to an hour a day can reduce your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.  The key is finding the right activity for you.

For those of you who have never taken a martial art, or have an opposed attitude to learning one; the idea of learning something like Krav Maga, will surprise you on how beneficial it can be for your over all health.

In Krav Maga, you get an overall body workout and conditioning.  Unlike some forms of Fitness Training that neglect certain areas of the body or leave out cardio training, Krav Maga covers it all.

Our Krav Maga, at Forged Self Defense, are safe and fun, as well as physically and mentally challenging. It is a unique and extremely effective blend of Kickboxing, Wrestling, Grappling and Self Defense Techniques.

Students will learn fundamental punches, kicks, knees, elbows, wrestling drills and self defense awareness for real life situations. You will be trained like a professional fighter with techniques and conditioning drills to get you into the best shape of your life. Not to mention, the added bonus of your confidence going through the roof!

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Learn Self Defense and Get In Amazing Shape!

Learn Krav Maga…
Krav Maga will help you feel more confident!
Krav Maga will teach you self-defense and get you into great shape!

Krav Maga is the official self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces and has been taught to militaries, law enforcement agencies and civilians in the United States and all over the world. Krav Maga is designed to be instinctive, natural, and easy to learn and implement. Krav Maga is appropriate for everyone from military to civilians, elite athletes to people who have never trained a day in their lives.

No experience is necessary to begin Krav Maga. In the beginning, you will learn basic stances, striking, techniques for falling and getting up safely, and basic defenses against common attacks including chokes, bear hugs and headlocks. In addition to learning how to deal with an attack, you will train to perform better under stress and learn awareness and prevention techniques. Besides just learning self-defense you will also get into great shape!

We’re committed to sharing with everyday men and women the best way to stay safe in the face of danger. Join us today for an effective total-body workout and a cutting-edge approach to real-world training. Just give us a call to set up 1 Week of FREE classes!

 

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

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

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How Can Krav Maga Prepare You For A Street Attack

crazy-attack-to-asshole

Street altercations and attacks are dangerous and can occur when there is nobody around to help you out. These situations can often lead to potentially fatal or crippling injuries. It is best to avoid walking through alleyways and empty streets at odd hours, but sometimes it is not possible. This is the reason it is better that you know some techniques for defending yourself in case of an attack. If you are looking for ways to prepare yourself, read on.

Preparing Yourself

It is true that you cannot predict when you might be attacked or get involved in a street altercation so you need to be ready to defend yourself. The basic human instinct dictates you either fight or flight in such situations as the adrenaline in your body is what determines your response. In any case, it is better to take off and avoid confrontation unless it is not an option.

Being prepared mentally and physically is a must. If you show any signs of fear or distress, there’s a good chance you’ll lose. When you are physically prepared, you can take on anyone who challenges you or attacks you on the street. That being said, staying alert can enable you to avoid potential attacks altogether.

Practice Krav Maga/Self-Defense

There is a lot of information on the internet you can follow for learning self-defense techniques in order to defend yourself. It would be wise if you actually consider joining a Martial Arts school to get proper training in order to improve your chances of successfully protecting yourself. Moreover, it is also a good idea to stay fit. Krav Maga training will get you in good shape and give you the necessary strength, energy and confidence to defend yourself in any situation.

A Great Stress Reliever

Besides learning how to defend off attackers one of the most important and perhaps the biggest benefit of Martial arts training is it provides you an outlet to get rid of the stress which builds up inside your body and mind. Practicing martial arts trains you to focus on yourself. Which in return helps build self-awareness.

As you can see, there are several compelling reasons why you should opt to learn Martial Arts like Krav Maga/Self-defense. That being said, all of them offer the same benefits equally.

Keeping these factors in mind, you will come to realize Self-Defense training can help your body and mind to function as one. Aside from learning how to defend off attackers, improving your fitness, you can motivate yourself to accomplish feats you might not have considered before.

Forged Self Defense offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ),  Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.forgedsalem.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Forged Self Defense, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MASalem MA, Beverly MALynn MAMarblehead MADanvers MA