Friends ask me ALL the time, why I include environmental self defense as part of my school's curriculum.
Why?
It has nothing to do with being an environmental "whacko".
It's just that I believe self defense is something more than just kicking and punching. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it is clear, we need to protect our planet's natural resources and do what we can to eliminate waste and conserve whenever possible.
Whenever I doubt the importance of this work, I watch the video below, which reminds us how beautiful and precious our planet really is.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Fun Night - Nerf Wars!
Samurai Karate Studio will be hosting a parents night out FUN NIGHT on Friday, December 2nd, from 6pm to 9pm. Kids of all ages (adults too) are invited.
Parents, this is the perfect opportunity to go out and have a quiet dinner with your spouse or to do some Christmas shopping!
The theme will be NERF Wars, so everyone needs to bring their own Nerf gun, as well as protective goggles. We will test our Nerf gun skills as well as do battle....
Who will be the "last man standing"?
We will also play a few games and serve pizza and water! (There might even be a few sweets for prizes)
The cost is $20 per person. If you bring a friend, than the cost is $10 each. We will also offer a family rate of $25!
Please be sure to sign up on the registration forms at our school, or call 803-462-9425 to register over the phone.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Penn State Tragedy
I am sorry that the wonderful career of a living legend like Joe Paterno has come to an abrupt end. It sure would have been nice to see him leave coaching on his terms.
However, in light of the information coming out of the grand jury investigation, I have to ask myself why this legend did not do more? As a father of 3 boys, I can't understand why Joepa (as he is affectionately called) did not follow up with the authorities or do more to "press" the issue with his superiors?
This whole controversy has been shockingly horrible and one can only imagine what these poor children went through. If you have not had a chance to read the grand jury report, I have provided a copy of it below for you.
WARNING.....
The details in this report are graphic and highly disturbing, but it will present a better picture of what occurred and help you decide if enough was done.
It is my opinion that the board acted properly by firing Coach Paterno and the president and it is my hope that in time, the university will recover from this terrible tragedy.
Meanwhile, my heart and thoughts are with the innocent children, victims of such terrible abuse! My prayers are with them and their family's as they try to recover from this horrible ordeal.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Combating bullying through martial arts
One of the missions of my school, is to help every child I can deal with the issue of bullying. We cover in class, it's part of our school curriculum, I do free workshops for children and adults and I do several presentations in the local schools throughout the year.
I am a BIG believer in how the karate, or the martial arts for that matter, can help most children learn to deal with bullies. While there is something to learn how to block and strike, more importantly, karate gives children the confidence to stand up, ignore or just plain walk away from bullies.
If you don't believe me, check out the article below; just another successful school that addresses bullying head on and helps kids deal with this important issue.
By Amanda Perez
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The kids at Fresno Ultimate Martial Arts may be small, but the lessons they're learning there are having a giant impact.
Seven-year-old Makayla Bea has been enrolled the martial arts studio since kindergarten, when her mother noticed she was being bullied by another child. "I never worried until I saw the effects of someone picking on her and she just melted under the pressure. She crumbled. And it did, it broke my heart to watch her do that," said Jenna Bea.
13-year-old Kyle Hopkins also has a personal story. Just weeks after he started martial arts classes, he was attacked by a kid at school. "I turned around and he punched me in the face and then he kicked me in the stomach and threw me down a hill and then he kicked me in the stomach and my friend came down and tackled him to make him stop," said Hopkins.
Kyle and Makayla are just two children who have built up their confidence through martial arts. Their instructor is another. Rudy Carrillo said his mother enrolled him in martial arts because kids were picking on him. "When I signed up I thought I was learning how to fight but learned it was mostly about self-discipline and being able to control myself and my actions," said Carrillo.
Carrillo said the decision was life changing. Now, he owns his own studio, where he spends his days trying to build up kids and their self-esteem. "I hope when children come to our school we help them build the confidence to believe who they are, not so much what they think other people believe of them - which is key," said Carrillo.
If you know a child that is being bullied that needs help, please email me to arrange for a private lesson. If you can't afford the lesson, than I will do it for FREE!
Yes, free!
This is my mission.
My life is my dojo!
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
I am a BIG believer in how the karate, or the martial arts for that matter, can help most children learn to deal with bullies. While there is something to learn how to block and strike, more importantly, karate gives children the confidence to stand up, ignore or just plain walk away from bullies.
If you don't believe me, check out the article below; just another successful school that addresses bullying head on and helps kids deal with this important issue.
By Amanda Perez
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The kids at Fresno Ultimate Martial Arts may be small, but the lessons they're learning there are having a giant impact.
Seven-year-old Makayla Bea has been enrolled the martial arts studio since kindergarten, when her mother noticed she was being bullied by another child. "I never worried until I saw the effects of someone picking on her and she just melted under the pressure. She crumbled. And it did, it broke my heart to watch her do that," said Jenna Bea.
13-year-old Kyle Hopkins also has a personal story. Just weeks after he started martial arts classes, he was attacked by a kid at school. "I turned around and he punched me in the face and then he kicked me in the stomach and threw me down a hill and then he kicked me in the stomach and my friend came down and tackled him to make him stop," said Hopkins.
Kyle and Makayla are just two children who have built up their confidence through martial arts. Their instructor is another. Rudy Carrillo said his mother enrolled him in martial arts because kids were picking on him. "When I signed up I thought I was learning how to fight but learned it was mostly about self-discipline and being able to control myself and my actions," said Carrillo.
Carrillo said the decision was life changing. Now, he owns his own studio, where he spends his days trying to build up kids and their self-esteem. "I hope when children come to our school we help them build the confidence to believe who they are, not so much what they think other people believe of them - which is key," said Carrillo.
You can read the rest of the article HERE.
If you know a child that is being bullied that needs help, please email me to arrange for a private lesson. If you can't afford the lesson, than I will do it for FREE!
Yes, free!
This is my mission.
My life is my dojo!
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Billy Blanks pushes martial arts to help kids with autism
By MARY SHEDDEN
The Tampa Tribune
Published: November 07, 2011
Updated: November 09, 2011
The first time Billy Blanks showed up at karate class, the instructor bet $5 he wouldn't stick it out.
Blanks, then 14, seemed like a lot of kids who showed up at the Martin Luther King Center in Erie, Pa., in 1969. Also, Blanks had spent years in special education classes because of dyslexia that went undiagnosed and untreated.
The boy knew martial arts offered something different. It would pay off, he told himself, as long as he watched the instructor's every move and practiced every afternoon at the gym.
Within six months, the teen's focus improved, at home and at school. In a year, he had earned a black belt.
"It really gave me a chance to see that I could do it, that I could really be successful," said Blanks, who today is known worldwide as the creator of the Tae Bo kick boxing workout.
"I was learning how to bring my body under control. I got my mind under control and it gave me confidence."
Blanks' personal experience has evolved into a new mission: To introduce physical fitness to children with autism and other special needs. He'll do just that this week in St. Pete Beach, when he leads two community workouts as part of the 2011 National Autism Conference.
Social interaction, language and communication are key challenges facing children and adults living with the highly complex autism spectrum disorders. Research shows that regular movement, such as exercise, can help with treatment, especially for children with still-developing brains.
Blanks, who still teaches regular classes, said he's seen first hand how music coupled with the fast-paced punching and kicking in his workouts appeal to children with autism. It helps them gain confidence and connect with others.
You can read the rest of the article HERE.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A History Lesson In A Song
As a teacher, my goal is to develop my students to their absolute fullest potential! While I am serious about helping my children or adults learn how to defend themselves, the reality, I am even more passionate about making them outstanding, successful human beings.
This is REALLY what becoming a black belt is all about!
That's why my curriculum includes Diabetes awareness, environmental self defense, community service, acts of kindness, anger management, verbal judo and healthy eating. While the world feels unsafe at times, the reality is, most of my students will never have to face an assault.
Yet, they are assaulted daily with fast food, poor diets, lack of exercise, disease, anger, apathy, and disengagement.
These are the enemies we must defeat!
The below video represents a teaching moment for my students that I would like to share with them. There is a vivid history lesson as well as a beautiful rendition of a song that most of us our familiar with.
Go forth and show the world who you are!
Be the change!
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
This is REALLY what becoming a black belt is all about!
That's why my curriculum includes Diabetes awareness, environmental self defense, community service, acts of kindness, anger management, verbal judo and healthy eating. While the world feels unsafe at times, the reality is, most of my students will never have to face an assault.
Yet, they are assaulted daily with fast food, poor diets, lack of exercise, disease, anger, apathy, and disengagement.
These are the enemies we must defeat!
The below video represents a teaching moment for my students that I would like to share with them. There is a vivid history lesson as well as a beautiful rendition of a song that most of us our familiar with.
Be the change!
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
South Carolina Sheriff: 'You Need to Protect Yourself'
Published November 01, 2011
FoxNews.com
- Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, above, made the suggestion at a news conference on Monday while detailing an attempted rape on Sunday at Milliken Park in Spartanburg.
A South Carolina sheriff is making the extraordinary suggestion that local women arm themselves following the attempted rape of a woman at a local park, saying, "you need to protect yourself."
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, the county's top law enforcement officer since 2005, suggested local women apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon during a news conference Monday about the attack on Sunday at Milliken Park in Spartanburg.
"It just struck me wrong that we keep telling everyone 'trust us, trust us, trust us,' but in reality, you need to protect yourself," Wright told FoxNews.com. "If you are not a convicted felon or someone who causes trouble or don't have any mental issues, buy a weapon to protect yourself and get some good training."
Walter Monroe Lance, 46, of Spartanburg, was charged Monday with kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and grand larceny in connection with the attack. Lance was ordered held without bond, Wright said.
Wright suggested that had the unidentified victim been armed, perhaps with a .45-caliber handgun concealed in a fanny pack, she would have stood a better chance fighting off her attacker.
"If she didn't shoot the guy, she could have at least stopped him and made him leave her alone," Wright said. "You can defend yourself."
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, the county's top law enforcement officer since 2005, suggested local women apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon during a news conference Monday about the attack on Sunday at Milliken Park in Spartanburg.
"It just struck me wrong that we keep telling everyone 'trust us, trust us, trust us,' but in reality, you need to protect yourself," Wright told FoxNews.com. "If you are not a convicted felon or someone who causes trouble or don't have any mental issues, buy a weapon to protect yourself and get some good training."
Walter Monroe Lance, 46, of Spartanburg, was charged Monday with kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and grand larceny in connection with the attack. Lance was ordered held without bond, Wright said.
Wright suggested that had the unidentified victim been armed, perhaps with a .45-caliber handgun concealed in a fanny pack, she would have stood a better chance fighting off her attacker.
"If she didn't shoot the guy, she could have at least stopped him and made him leave her alone," Wright said. "You can defend yourself."
Wright said he was "tired of looking at victims" of crimes whose perpetrators are arrested multiple times and are later released without significant jail time. Lance, for example, had been arrested more than 20 times, he said, including for offenses like rape, battery and resisting arrest. Wright characterized him as an "animal" during Monday's news conference.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/01/south-carolina-sheriff-need-to-protect-yourself/#ixzz1cwU2YwnU
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Nature is Good Self Defense
Growing up as a young boy, I spent a great deal of time playing and exploring the outdoors.
Because there was nothing keeping me in the house too!
We didn't have Xbox or game boys, we didn't have over a 100 channels of kids TV, in fact, we had just 3 channels in black and white.
We didn't have videos or dvd's of our favorite Disney or Pixar movies.
We didn't have Ipods, computers, lap tops or Ipads.
We didn't have cell phones with unlimited texting.
Sounds kind of boring! Yes?
It wasn't!
I grew up spending most of my days outside, away from my house.
We grew up playing football, baseball, and soccer.
We grew up playing games like "kick the can", or hide and seek; even pretended to be cowboys and Indians.
We grew up walking, running and bicycling everywhere in and outside our neighborhoods.
We grew up with Boy Scouts (or Girl Scouts), we hiked, we backpacked, we camped, we fished and we swam.
It was a world filled with nature and the outdoors and all the splendors it had to offer.
Sadly, today's children sit at home in front of the television or computer and hardly ever go outside. In fact, there have been numerous recent studies, suggesting, the current generation of children is growing up with a nature deficit disorder (Last Child in the Woods).
This disorder effects the psychological well being of our children.
And let's not forget the obesity epidemic in children and the rising rates of Diabetes among all children in the US population.
Sitting versus exercising and playing outdoors.....is this a coincidence?
We are raising a generation of children that have never played in the outdoors, never experienced nature first hand and learned to love all the beauty our planet has to offer.
The below video speaks to this.....
Parents, introduce your children to the wonderful world that exists outside of your home. Help your kids take a break away from the television, video games, cell phones and computer!
This is good self defense for the soul!
Yes?
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikartestudio@gmail.com
Friday, October 21, 2011
Living Hero
Fauja Singh says he lives 'a very simple life'. Photograph: Chris Young/AP
I found this inspiring person from the Daily Good and have re-posted the brief biography they provided on their website. This man is incredible, not only for his physical abilities at his age, but we can all take a lesson from his philosophy about money, food and life!
Rock On!
'Anything worth doing is going to be difficult," says Fauja Singh, the100-year-old runner who this week became the world's oldest person to complete a full-length marathon, crossing the line at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront event in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds. (And he didn't finish last: five came in after him.)
At five foot eight and weighing a little more than eight stone, Singh is a spindly figure under his heavy turban and wispy beard. "Girl, you tell me: has anything you wanted ever been easy?" he says. "I was so worried we [he ran with his trainer] might not make it that we didn't tell our relatives we were doing it. I just wanted to break that bloody record."
He is referring to the record set in 1976 by a 98-year-old Greek athlete. "I lost my speed in this race," says Singh, "but it was the thought of that old man that pushed me through the last four miles. That and God."
Speaking in Punjabi, Singh says running has given him purpose and a sense of peace. "Why worry about these small, small things? I don't stress. You never hear of anyone dying of happiness." And Singh is, by his own admission, pretty happy. Having moved from India to England in 1995, after the deaths of his wife and son, he lives with family in east London, and leads what he says is "a very simple life".
He took up serious running when he was 89 and says it was his good kismet (destiny) that led him to meeting ex-professional runner Harmander Singh, his trainer and friend. The pair were introduced through a neighbour after Fauja began asking how he might enter the London marathon.
"I train him for free," says Harmander. "It's an honour for me." Together, they have clocked up more than a dozen full and half-marathons.
Harmander says health tests taken last year showed that Singh "has the bones of a 35-year-old". And yet, Singh claims never to drink milk. "I'm scared of building up phlegm," he explains.
Asked about the rest of his diet, he chuckles. "I could go on and on, but it's not a new or magic thing, is it? Punjabi people know eating and drinking is important, but I just eat the minimum of what I need: some daal and roti, gobi and chai – I'd probably be dead if I was full all the time."
Singh runs between 10 and 15km every day – "you have to keep your engine going" – and at 94, became a poster boy for Adidas, alongside David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson.
"I'm not really interested in all the rupees, I give it to charity," he says of his sponsorship deal. "Money can be saved and spent and lost and made. At my age it's nice just to do this. Come on, who wants to talk to this old man? Everyone now! And it's because of the running that all these people keep showing me so much love. Look how blessed I am. What's not to be happy about?"
This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).
At five foot eight and weighing a little more than eight stone, Singh is a spindly figure under his heavy turban and wispy beard. "Girl, you tell me: has anything you wanted ever been easy?" he says. "I was so worried we [he ran with his trainer] might not make it that we didn't tell our relatives we were doing it. I just wanted to break that bloody record."
He is referring to the record set in 1976 by a 98-year-old Greek athlete. "I lost my speed in this race," says Singh, "but it was the thought of that old man that pushed me through the last four miles. That and God."
Speaking in Punjabi, Singh says running has given him purpose and a sense of peace. "Why worry about these small, small things? I don't stress. You never hear of anyone dying of happiness." And Singh is, by his own admission, pretty happy. Having moved from India to England in 1995, after the deaths of his wife and son, he lives with family in east London, and leads what he says is "a very simple life".
He took up serious running when he was 89 and says it was his good kismet (destiny) that led him to meeting ex-professional runner Harmander Singh, his trainer and friend. The pair were introduced through a neighbour after Fauja began asking how he might enter the London marathon.
"I train him for free," says Harmander. "It's an honour for me." Together, they have clocked up more than a dozen full and half-marathons.
Harmander says health tests taken last year showed that Singh "has the bones of a 35-year-old". And yet, Singh claims never to drink milk. "I'm scared of building up phlegm," he explains.
Asked about the rest of his diet, he chuckles. "I could go on and on, but it's not a new or magic thing, is it? Punjabi people know eating and drinking is important, but I just eat the minimum of what I need: some daal and roti, gobi and chai – I'd probably be dead if I was full all the time."
Singh runs between 10 and 15km every day – "you have to keep your engine going" – and at 94, became a poster boy for Adidas, alongside David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson.
"I'm not really interested in all the rupees, I give it to charity," he says of his sponsorship deal. "Money can be saved and spent and lost and made. At my age it's nice just to do this. Come on, who wants to talk to this old man? Everyone now! And it's because of the running that all these people keep showing me so much love. Look how blessed I am. What's not to be happy about?"
This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Sunday, October 16, 2011
October Is Domestic Violence Month
Last Thursday, I was invited by my friends at WLTX TV to come onto their morning show and talk about the free self defense workshop I was doing in honor of Domestic Violence month.
You can see a video of the segments below:
Thanks again to WLTX for being such a gracious host.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
You can see a video of the segments below:
Thanks again to WLTX for being such a gracious host.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Halloween Safety Tips
Our martial arts school is asking parents, homeowners and drivers throughout our community to join with us to make Halloween safer with these safety tips.
Parents
· Make your child eat dinner before trick-or-treating.
· Children should carry quarters, so they can call home.
· An adult should accompany young children.
· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear watches, preferably those that can be read in the dark.
· Buy or make costumes with flame-retardant material.
· Older children should know where to reach you and when to return home.
· You should know your children’s route for the evening.
· Although tampering is rare, tell your children to bring their candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
· Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.
Homeowners
· Buy candy that is individually wrapped.
· Consider healthier alternatives for treats: juice boxes, packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini-boxes of raisins, packaged granola bars, and wrapped single-serving packages of microwaveable popcorn that can be popped later.
· Consider non-edible treats for children: pencils, erasers, plastic rings or coins.
· Clear your yard of debris, ladders, dog leashes, flowerpots, etc.
· Make sure your home and yard is well lit.
· Make sure your jack-o-lanterns are away from the path where trick-or-treaters will be walking. Battery-powered jack-o-lantern candles are preferred to real candles.
· Ensure that any decorations can’t be blown into the jack-o-lantern and catch on fire.
· Make sure that your pets are secure for the evening.
· Do not invite any children to come into your home. Prop the door open while handing out candy, never ask them to stand in the doorway.
· If a child needs assistance, ask them for their parent’s phone number and offer to call them.
· If you think a child is in danger, call 911 and stay outside with the child.
Drivers
· Drive carefully over hills, around curves and approaching stop signs or cross walks.
· Enter and exit driveways with caution.
· Watch for children walking in the street in neighborhoods without sidewalks.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Legacy of Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs recently left us, falling victim to Cancer after battling this horrid disease for several years!
Even though he passed away at the relative young age of 56, he had radically changed the world we lived in. The Apple computer, the Ipod, the Ipad and the Iphone; just a few among the over 200 products he developed.
He created a special company devoted to creating movies for children called Pixer and spun out many classic stories, the first being Toy Story. Today, Pixer is the largest animated film studio in the world.
Below is a video of Steve Jobs addressing a graduating class at Stanford University. Intensely private, Steve Jobs almost never talked about himself, however, during this commencement address he talked about his own life and offered great advice to the graduates.
It gives you insight into the man, his passion and his life.
We will miss you Mr. Jobs!
Thank you for your vision of the world!
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
One Day!
There is so much conflict in the world!
From the Middle East to Afghanistan to Iraq.
From the Arab Spring which has resulted in regime change and the loss of thousands of lives.
From the economic crisis in America and Europe, with the near collapse of our banking system, that is slowly reaching into Asia.
From the Tea Party rally's to the Wall Street demonstrations.
From the high unemployment rate with millions without a job, to a growing homeless population.
The left is attacking the right and vice-versa.
Washington has mastered the art of the "blame game" with neither party accepting responsibility for what is going on.
One Day!
I am confident that one day, we will be part of a kinder, gentler world, because of the work we are doing! As school owners, we have audience to a large sphere of influence if we make the most of it.
Our curriculum touches on all things human -- strong and vibrant as well as frail and compassionate.
We have the power to CHANGE the world; one student, one parent, one community at a time!
One Day!
This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
New FBI Child Id
Dedicated to Polly Hannah Klaas 1981-1993
October 1 was the 18th anniversary of the kidnapping of Polly Klaas. If she were alive today, Polly would be 30 years old.
We honor all missing children today-- those whose whereabouts are still unknown, those who have been slain, and those who were kidnapped as children, recovered and are now building productive lives as they grow up and become adults.
______________________________
Things have changed since Polly’s kidnapping. With the active participation of our members, who used the Polly Klaas Foundation website to contact their elected officials, Amber Alerts are now the law in all 50 states and at the Federal level. Also, law enforcement organizations now have protocols for communicating with one another in missing child cases. Best of all, a missing child report takes the highest priority. We applaud the law enforcement community who over the years have incorporated new procedures and new technological tools to respond to the news of a child being kidnapped.
In that spirit, we are truly pleased to see the latest technological innovation to help find missing children. The FBI has issued its first and only smartphone app—to help parents quickly report that their child has gone missing.
The FBI’s Child ID App
The FBI’s Child ID app is now available to all iPhone users, apps for other mobile devices are on their way. Launched in August 2011, the app allows you to store each of your children’s vital information & current photo on your smartphone (not with the FBI or itunes.)
In the unlikely event that your child goes missing, the app allows you to instantly shoot out an email with this vital information to the appropriate agencies. This app is a powerful tool, literally in the palm of your hands, if your child ever goes missing or gets lost.
5 Reasons why we are excited about the FBI Child ID app:
______________________________
You can learn more about the foundation by visiting Poly Klaas Foundation.
We honor all missing children today-- those whose whereabouts are still unknown, those who have been slain, and those who were kidnapped as children, recovered and are now building productive lives as they grow up and become adults.
______________________________
Things have changed since Polly’s kidnapping. With the active participation of our members, who used the Polly Klaas Foundation website to contact their elected officials, Amber Alerts are now the law in all 50 states and at the Federal level. Also, law enforcement organizations now have protocols for communicating with one another in missing child cases. Best of all, a missing child report takes the highest priority. We applaud the law enforcement community who over the years have incorporated new procedures and new technological tools to respond to the news of a child being kidnapped.
In that spirit, we are truly pleased to see the latest technological innovation to help find missing children. The FBI has issued its first and only smartphone app—to help parents quickly report that their child has gone missing.
The FBI’s Child ID App
The FBI’s Child ID app is now available to all iPhone users, apps for other mobile devices are on their way. Launched in August 2011, the app allows you to store each of your children’s vital information & current photo on your smartphone (not with the FBI or itunes.)
In the unlikely event that your child goes missing, the app allows you to instantly shoot out an email with this vital information to the appropriate agencies. This app is a powerful tool, literally in the palm of your hands, if your child ever goes missing or gets lost.
5 Reasons why we are excited about the FBI Child ID app:
- The app contains invaluable safety tips that you can review with your child. Use these tips as a jumping off point to rich discussions with your child. Use PKF’s free Child Safety Kit as a guide to teaching abduction prevention without scaring your child or yourself.
- A tab within the app contains two hot buttons for 9-1-1 and for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: One touch and you’ll be connected.
- Another tab within the app contains useful checklists/guidelines for a searching parent during the first 24 and 48 hours a child is missing. Included in that tab is a user guide and other “Helpful Links and Resources.”
- The FBI assures users that all data stored within the app will reside solely in your phone and will not be stored by the FBI or iTunes… unless you decide to share/e-mail that information to other agencies.
- The FBI plans to add more features in the coming months and plans to broaden its reach beyond iPhone users to other mobile devices
______________________________
You can learn more about the foundation by visiting Poly Klaas Foundation.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
My Online Neighborhood
This is a cute AND practical way of introducing your younger child to the internet and what 3 rules you should enforce!
Remembering Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai died this last week, of cancer. This link will take your to a an ON BEING interview with Krista Tippet --with Maathai.
Maathai is worth studying, even if you only listen to her on the link above, as she was a no-BS MASTER of getting things done. She broke down 100's of barriers, overcame obstacles that 99% of the population would run from ---and at great personal risk, she made things happen.
THAT is what I feel our work at SKS is about. You haven't trained in the martial arts all these years to sit on the sidelines!
You're here to do GRAND WORK with people of all ages. You're here to demonstrate The New Way. If you didn't know Wangari Maathai while she was alive, get to know her now. She's a great "high water mark" for you to have in your life --when you ask yourself the question, "What can I do to make a difference in the lives of others?"
That is a Black Belt!
Yes?
Sensei Chris Feldt
803-462-9425
Answers From The Heart
Since Coach Callos introduced me to the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh a couple of years ago, he has quickly become one of my favorite authors. He has written many excellent books on a wide range of topics, and one of my favorites is "Answers From The Heart".
The focus on the book is to give "practical responses to life's burning questions". The questions range from controlling anger, to tempering our fears, to questions about illness and death, learning how to be happy, to learning how to live in the present, even offers advice on how to effectively meditate.
I look at many of the questions asked in this book and consider most of them to be rather complex -- yet, Thich Nhat Hanh does such a wonderful job of breaking these complex questions down and providing simple, yet thought provoking, answers! He writes in such a way that is truthful and comforting. I leave this book by my bed, as I like to come back to certain passages that very compelling and need reaffirming.
If you haven't had the chance to read any of Thich Nhat Hanh's books, I highly recommend you start off with this one.
Thanks again Tom, for introducing him to me.
"The mind can go in a thousand directions. But on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, a gentle wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms."
Thich Nhat Hanh
This blog post is a part of The Ultimate Black Belt Test (ultimateblackbelttest.com), an undertaking of The 100 (the100.us), and a part of Samurai Karate Studio (samuraikaratestudio.net).
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Power of One
Sunday, October 2 marks both the United Nations' International Day of Non-Violence and the birthday of one of its biggest proponents: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This video pays tribute to the concept and the man and is called the "Power of One."
Here at SKS, we honor the values and practice of the nonviolent civil actions that changed a nation -- and indeed, the world.
Video from KarmaTube
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Samuari Karate Studio To Offer FREE Self Defense Workshop For Women
October is Domestic Violence Month!
Why does that matter?
Because sadly, South Carolina is ranked 6th in the nation for domestic violence!
Because sadly, South Carolina is ranked 6th in the nation for domestic violence!
Samurai Karate Studio will be partnering with Sanctity, Inc., a local non profit that helps victims of domestic violence and offering a FREE self defense workshop for women on Monday, October 17, 2011, starting at 7:30pm.. This seminar with be both classroom presentation and hands on training to cover basic techniques of self defense.
What you learn, could save your life some day!
Classroom presentation will include:
The 3 reasons women get attacked
Attack indicators
What happens to the body during attack
Power of your voice
Common everyday items you can use to defend yourself
On the Mat training will include:
How to break free from being grabbed
Defense tactics against being choked from the front and behind, bear hugs and hair pulls
Every women who participates in this seminar will leave having a much better understanding of what to do if threatened.
Please email us at samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com to register for this event. Please leave your name, phone number and email address for each member that will participate. All guests must register and will be asked to fill out a guest waiver to participate.
Space will be limited to 30 women, so please don't wait to reserve your space.
The best way I know to honor the victims of domestic violence, is to bring attention to this national tragedy and help as many women in my community develop a sense of empowerment knowing how to defend themselves in common situations. Sensei Chris Feldt
This workshop is free, however, donations will be gladly accepted for Sanctity or the Samurai Foundation.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Creating a better world, one black belt at at time!
Samurai Karate Studio
2000 Clemson Road
Suite # 9
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
Safe Disposal of Drugs
By Cheryl Eisenberg
A side effect of our medicine-go-lucky culture is a cabinet full of expired drugs and no easy way to dispose of them safely.
Back in the day, we just flushed them away. Then we got the bad news—widespread contamination of streams by pharmaceuticals, according to a 1999-2000 study by the U.S. Geological Survey. Next, we learned from a 2008 investigation by the Associated Press that there were drugs in the drinking water supplies of 41 million Americans.
Why do we have this problem? Our bad flushing habit is one reason, as is human excretion of drug residues. Other causes include improper drug disposal by medical facilities, agricultural practices and landfill leaching.
Water treatment plants don't usually screen or treat water for drugs, which is why drugs tossed in the toilet return to us through the tap. They also return through the bottle, as many a brand of bottled water is simply tap water in plastic packaging.
Humans aren't the only ones affected. Many animals get a daily dose of drugs at their local watering hole. Worse, many fish and other aquatic animals live in a pharmaceutical soup.
You can read the rest of the article at NRDC.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
A side effect of our medicine-go-lucky culture is a cabinet full of expired drugs and no easy way to dispose of them safely.
Back in the day, we just flushed them away. Then we got the bad news—widespread contamination of streams by pharmaceuticals, according to a 1999-2000 study by the U.S. Geological Survey. Next, we learned from a 2008 investigation by the Associated Press that there were drugs in the drinking water supplies of 41 million Americans.
Why do we have this problem? Our bad flushing habit is one reason, as is human excretion of drug residues. Other causes include improper drug disposal by medical facilities, agricultural practices and landfill leaching.
Water treatment plants don't usually screen or treat water for drugs, which is why drugs tossed in the toilet return to us through the tap. They also return through the bottle, as many a brand of bottled water is simply tap water in plastic packaging.
Humans aren't the only ones affected. Many animals get a daily dose of drugs at their local watering hole. Worse, many fish and other aquatic animals live in a pharmaceutical soup.
You can read the rest of the article at NRDC.
Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com
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