Summer Program | Workshop Victory Beyond the Kicks and the Punches

Your Mount Laurel Education Activist and Martial Arts Educator,
Peter Liciaga's Summer Workshop for 2012!

Find out more or

Fill in the Pre-Registration Form

"there is no starting or stopping, only doing"

"The Peaceful Warrior"

Victory Beyond the Kicks and the Punches
Summer Workshop Includes:

Leadership & Character Enhancement Skills

Video Lessons: Great Leaders on Leadership

Craft & Projects

Mini-Olympics

Role-playing

Anti-Child Abduction & Child Safety

Physical Fitness

ABC's of Self-Defense

Bully Buster & Bully Proof Skills/Drills

Guest Speakers

and much more!

Victory Beyond the Kicks and the Punches is our 2012 Summer Leadership and Character Enhancement Workshop is just perfect to help your child become one of tomorrow's leaders!

Early Bird Special

All participants pay the same "Early Bird" rate of $199 per participant per session (Session One is from July 9 - 13 and Session Two is from August 13 - 17)

Find out more or

Fill Pre-Registration Form

You're NOT My Student...BUT, if You Were...

If you or your child WERE my "student," here's some of the stuff I'd "teach" ---

I'd teach you that the people you hang out with so dramatically affects your thinking, goals, state-of-mind, sense of right and wrong, sense of duty, and the value you do --or do not --put on things like education, literature, art, Rolex watches, living-in-the-here-and-now, wearing the perfect sunglasses that make a statement about who you are in the world, compassion, empathy, participation, and 1000 other greats and not-so-greats, that it might be the single most important thing you pay attention to.


I'd teach you to pay more attention to just about everything about healthy eating, fitness, positive role models, positive self-image, peace, environmental awareness, anger management. The Good stuff.
I'd teach you how to contribute to --and fully participate in -- a successful martial arts program something like Mount Laurel's Dinoto Karate Center  offers. As I can tell that most people think that martial arts schools are nothing but an activity that teaches kicks, punches and blocks. I can also tell you that all the martial artist that I surround myself with are positive and motivating people that help me achieve my goals and overcome my obstacles. If I really taught you how to step up, participate and contribute and why...well, you'd know everything I learned in my 40 years as a martial arts student ----Everything!

I'd teach you how and why to embrace your life, your training, and your work. I'd teach you why it's so very important to train yourself to write a journal (more important than any kick, punch or block you'd ever learn, for sure).

I'd teach you why it's so important that you live a more transparent life (it's about being a GREAT student and teaching by example).

I'd teach you how to completely redesign your idea of what it is to be a great citizen in your community --and in the world (and that lesson, alone, would forever change your world --and the lives of 100's if not 1000's of people in your sphere of influence).

I'd teach you that the very things I'm trying to teach you are the very things someone's trying to teach me.

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This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com), which is an undertaking of The 100. (http://www.the100.us/), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

Video Game Addiction

Yesterday one of our students asked about how to help their friend stop playing video games all the time.


There are so many people that are battling video game addiction (read article: “Video Game Addiction NO Fun”).

Studies show that the excitement of video games makes playing them addictive. Parents of preteens and teens hardly find the realities of video game addiction surprising.

Ask any preteen or teen how they love to spend their spare time, and chances are you'll get an earful about video games. But why do they love them so?

Is video game addiction real? According to some studies it would appear that the excitement of video games causes the brain to release a chemical that is, in essence, addictive. For any parent who has seen the fervor by which some kids play video games, this news is no surprise.

What makes video games so addictive? Media literacy specialist, Dr. Charles Ungerleider explains that "they're very compelling with increasing complexity, so a child becomes more facile, yet wants to know more and apply new skills." While wanting to improve their game isn't a problem in itself, it becomes one if video games are "taking a youngster away too much from other activities," says Ungerleider. "Then the parent has to intervene and limit the amount of time the youngster spends with the video game."

Professor of Computer Science, Maria Klavee feels video games, if not too violent, can "offer some real opportunities for puzzle solving, strategic and critical thinking". But she adds that it's important that video and computer games are played in moderation. Klavee says parents should "provide a selection of activities, not just the ones that have the most action or are addictive. Choose some that involve problem solving or good story lines. Also aim for a balance in your child's life. Sports are important, reading's important. Just think of computer games as one more component in a child's exploration of what's out there in society."

As for video game addiction? Ungerleider believes that "a parent can prevent youngsters from becoming addicted to too much TV or too many video games by establishing a pattern of selective viewing or by using video game material early in a child's life so that by the time a youngster gets to be an adolescent and there's very little surveillance or control, it's less likely to occur."

Finally, Ungerleider remind parents that "if a youngster becomes addicted to video games it can be a problem and the parent does need to intervene and provide attractive alternatives."

A structured and discipline environment like martial arts offers, CAN help with video game addictions.

If you ever wonder about the symptoms of computer game addiction, here are the red flags based on my stories…

If you can’t concentrate or lack focus doing anything when not playing the video game. If you don’t play just for a day your mind can’t think straight and the sound to play just ringing in the head.

You play not because you enjoyed it, but you need it, you depend on it. Sure for the first or three hours you still enjoy playing it, but many hours later you probably has diminish the fun factor and play just for the sake of it.

You play to run away from real life problems. Many people when nervous or have troubles with their life go to the place where they can feel safe like foods, alcohol or smoking and this applies for games too. Game can temporarily make you feel safe and doesn’t have any problem at all.

There is a feeling of guilt every time you play the video game. Playing too much video games can make you feel guilty for some reason. I believe the reason for this is that deep down, you know you played too much video games.

Loss of control. How many times have you said to yourself “okay this is the last game” or “I’m gonna stop playing after an hour”, but you end up playing a lot more games or a lot more hours than what you promised yourself?
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This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of The 100. (http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

Back To School - Setting the Stage for Academic Success

Here are a few good tips for preparing your child for academic success.

1. Start establishing a Morning Routine. Start now making sure that you and your family are getting enough rest and starting EVERY morning with a healthy breakfast. Like a car, our body needs the proper fuel to perform at PEAK levels. Martial Arts Champions and Academic Achievers need proper fuel for Peak Performance!
2. Great Attitude - Attitude IS Everything! An open mind is a learning mind. It's important that we prepare our children now for a positive and exciting new school year and academic succes by reminding them that black belt excellence is starting each day ready to focus, work hard & have FUN!
   It’s a well known fact that an excellent attitude improves results.
3. Great Homework Habits. Create a set time now for your children to do homework, such as right after school. My wife and I always have our children work on reading assignments or math facts, even when they don't have "homework". Make sure you have a quiet place away from distractions to do it. Avoid rushing, encourage your child to be neat and ALWAYS hand it in ON TIME.
4. Communication Is KEY! Teachers are smart, but they can’t read minds. Great relationships come from great communication. Prepare and teach your children NOW to ask questions and share concerns!
5. Support The School Rules. School rules may not always be the most fun, but they are there to make sure everyone is safe. Similar to our martial arts school, school is a place for everyone to learn and grow. Go to your schools website and review the rules / school handbook.
   NOTE: Mount Laurel schools have a new website! Check it out HERE ( http://www.mtlaurelschools.org/ )
6. Super Star Study Habits. With that "GREAT ATTITUDE" we spoke about earlier, let's encourage our children to see school as their favorite sport. In martial arts as well as all sports, proper practice and preparation promotes PEAK performance. To become a High Academic Achiever, your child MUST prepare like one.
7. Guard Your Child's Inner Circle. Surround your child with the right people. Who you surround child with....they become! Having friends that are positive and achievement oriented like your child will help keep your child on a healthy (if not fast) track to success!

95% of our Black Belt Champions
ARE Academic Achievers!

This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of
The 100. (http://www.the100.us/), and a part of
Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

For Martial Arts in Mount Laurel NJ,
visit DinotoKarate.com

Healthy Eating Is Self Defense

Your Mount Laurel martial artist, Peter Liciaga would like you to check out a link to a new movie, Food, Inc.

Watching this film should be "mandatory self-defense training" for all students training for black belt mastery.
 
This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote a children's healthy & active lifestyle for the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of The 100. ( http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

For Martial Arts in Mount Laurel NJ, visit http://www.dinotokarate.com/

Martial Arts training for kids? hmmm....I mean how good can they REALLY get?

Watch this video and YOU DECIDE!

This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote a children's healthy & active lifestyle for the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of The 100. ( http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

For Martial Arts in Mount Laurel NJ, visit http://www.dinotokarate.com/

The gift of Teaching - A Child's Life Within My Power!

This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's community activism effort for the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of The 100. ( http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

Positive, safe, and clean Martial Arts School for Kids and Families

Your Mount Laurel Martial Artist and Dinoto Karate Center are on an endless quest for martial arts excellence. To enhance service to our members and our community, we promise to: Help individuals achieve their goals as a person and a martial artist. Provide a positive, safe, and clean environment for all our students and our families. Keep the safety of our students as our primary concerns. Always teach self-discipline above self-confidence. Instill the values of respect, discipline, confidence and self-reliance. Build and enhance our system of martial arts. Provide the atmosphere of unity that extends out to our family and community.

All Martial Arts Schools Are Not Created Equal.

Mount Laurel martial arts Dinoto Karate Center are celebrating its 18th year in business in Mount Laurel, changing the lives of their students one class at a time. Those who study and train at Dinoto Karate Center enjoy the additional benefits of improved health, a new body awareness and a sense of accomplishment that comes from learning something truly worthwhile.

It’s Great For Kids

Martial Arts is good, clean fun for kids…and a great way to give kids a head start in life. At Dinoto Karate Center, they’ll learn the positive benefits of self-discipline and confidence, develop coordination and increase strength and flexibility. Because a structure of respect is built into martial Arts, children develop the ability to listen, learn, and achieve within a highly related environment. This proves to be an excellent reinforcement of study techniques for school.

It’s Not All Serious

Just ask the kids. We regularly have social functions, pizza parties, sleepovers and movie nights. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of success and accomplishment, making sure all kids feel great about themselves as they make their journey towards Black Belt. We make learning challenging as well as enjoyable. Not only do our students learn the most, they have the most fun too!

Winners Don’t Wait

Now is the Time. Why put it off? Sign up right now for the trial program. Get your child or yourself on the road to self-discovery that will make every stage in life easier. So what are you waiting for?

Email: info@americanblackbelts.com

http://americanblackbelts.com/

This blog is part of the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/ ), which is an undertaking of The 100. ( http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.

What is Self Defense?

What is Self Defense by Kyoshi Steve LaVallee.

After a busy day, you're walking though the parking lot to your car. Just as you open the door, someone approaches you unexpectedly with a knife to your throat. You respond quickly and aggressively, defending yourself, controlling the weapon and neutralizing the attacker.

That is Self Defense!

Your child is having his lunch at school, suddenly he gets slapped in the back of the head by a larger, stronger and threatening kid that is well known as a bully. Your son stands up to him with confidence and courage, backs the bully down without using his physical skills.

That is Self Defense!

Here's a real story: Several years ago, I was traveling with my mentor to do a series of seminars in the UK. We were sitting at an outdoor cafe waiting for our lunch, when suddenly I noticed an intoxicated patron a few tables away starting to argue loudly with another gentleman. It was obvious to me that it was soon to become violent.

I asked my mentor to get up quickly and put his back up against a wall. (Mr C. is in his eighties and doesn't really like to do anything quickly :-) I positioned him between the wall and used myself as a protective shield. Just in time because a physical fight did break out and pretty much wiped out the table we were sitting.

Neither of us was harmed and we soon resumed our lunch and had a good laugh.

That is Self Defense!

If you or one of your family members were involved in any of these situations...

Would you rather be trained or untrained?

Our dojo's are filled with friendly, respectful and caring people. Sometimes the real world is not so friendly, respectful or safe. Unfortunately, there are many dangers lurking in the world around us. You don't need to look far to realize violent crimes do occur in your own community, perhaps in your own back yard.

Be ready...be aware...be trained!

Our program specializes in teaching practical, real world Self-Defense skills for men, women and children. As your body gets in better and better shape, you'll also be learning valuable skills that raises your awareness and will give you the confidence and skills to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from danger.

SAFE...FIT & FOCUSED!

As Mount Laurel's number one martial arts family center, Dinoto Karate is committed to self-defense. Find out how we can serve your family by calling us at 856-235-0414 or visiting us at www.DinotoKarate.com

Kids Making a Difference

Mount Laurel martial arts school, Dinoto Karate, mentors children to make a difference.

Dinoto Karate believes it truly doesn't matter how old you are – you can make a difference in your world today. There is never an age where you are too young to make a difference in some way.

If you have a cause or idea you are passionate about, don't think you are too young to do anything about it. Follow after the courage of Severn and find a way that you can make a difference. Perhaps you too will be able to silence the world.

Read her story Here.

Here is the video of this remarkable girl:

Montel Williams Endorses Martial Arts for Better Parenting! An Interview with Dave Kovar.

Call your Mount Laurel Martial Arts Expert Dinoto Karate at 856-235-0414 and find out how you can receive your complimentary copy of Dave's book, "A Dad's Toolbox for Better Parenting", or...
Click here to see what our program can do for you.

Be prepared to smile! Video of Kid Giving a Speech about Riding His Bike!

As a martial art's teacher, one of the many challenges I have is motivating younger students to have courage and perseverance, to keep pressing forward, no matter what and to never give up!

Unfortunately, in today's society, I find too many children give up very quickly and many parents just let their children quit. I am not just talking about martial art's, I am talking about other sports, playing a musical instrument or getting good grades.

One of my instructors, Tom Callos, who is the creator and team coach for the UBBT and The 100, reminds me all of the time, "that nothing in life that is worthwhile, comes easy!"

Sure, getting a Black Belt takes many years, hours of practice and dedication and overcoming the many obstacles that life throws your way. The same goes for never missing a day of school or work, or getting good grades or that well deserved promotion.

So, I am always looking for ways to inspire and found a great one!

I love the short video above! Why?

Because it's from the heart and even better, it's from a little child.

Be inspired.....

Peter Liciaga
Dinoto Karate Center
856-235-0414

Mount Laurel Martial Arts School Teaches Kids Online Safety

Teach Kids Online Safety

The Internet is not as dangerous a place for children and teens as we previously thought, according to a recent law enforcement task force report. Real threats remain, however, and Mount Laurel's Dinoto Karate Center encourages ALL parents to educate themselves and their children about online safety and privacy.

Be aware of Internet safety
There are six major areas parents need to be concerned about:

• Amount of overall Internet/computer use
• Inappropriate websites—violence, pornography, hate groups
• Internet predators, perhaps posing as children or teens
• Online abuse and bullying
• Divulging confidential family information or ID numbers
• Downloading/installing malicious software

Your Internet policy will depend on how old your kids are and what level of individual responsibility you’re willing to grant them. The point is to have a policy.

• Use parental controls (see below) to enforce the level of safety you’re comfortable with.
• Ask the child to suggest a reasonable amount of daily computer usage. Reach agreement on this and then hold the child accountable. Renegotiate if necessary—again, the point is to have an agreed standard, not to expect that the limit will never be exceeded.

Emphasize safety and privacy.
Be sure that children understand that talking on the Internet is the same as talking to strangers.

• Talk to children about the dangers of giving away family secrets—whether it’s bank account numbers or vacation schedules.
• Make sure children understand that anyone they “meet” on the Internet might not be who they claim to be.
• Teach children to be wary of free offers or attractive lures.

Use parental controls.

Install parental controls and kid-appropriate Web browsing and email software at an early age. Let your children decide when they want to ask for less restricted access, and talk to them about their decision. And remember, controls are not foolproof.

Parental controls are available at several different levels.

• Many Web portals, such as Yahoo! and America Online, offer child- and teen-appropriate portals that block inappropriate content and activities.
• Your PC or your wired or wireless router may include a program that lets you monitor all websites visited and the amount of time each family member spent on the Internet.
• Third-party solutions, such as the parental controls in the Norton Internet Security™ and Norton 360™ free add-on packs, enable even greater control and flexibility.

Conclusion

The Internet is no more dangerous—or safe—than the real world. You can’t protect your children from everything, but you can guide them toward sensible and responsible Internet behavior.

Basic Rules & Pledges for Your Children.

For a list of Internet Safety Resource Sites go to Mount Laurel Self-Defense

On Leave, soldier and Dad captures robber

An Army staff sergeant and Iraq war veteran on leave from his overseas posting is being hailed as a hero after a would-be bank robber pulled a gun on his family.

This is a great story, with a great ending, with great lessons for everyone. I will share two lessons later. Watch the following video (compliments of NBC News with Mark Potter reporting).

(NBC News)

Lesson Number One: Be Prepared to Protect your children. Our number one priority as parents is to protect our children. Parents, we must do all that we can to stay informed, knowleable and trained to move to action to protect our children. Learn and teach your children the ABC's of Personal Safety (or get a professional help by doing a Google search for Personal Safety in your town).

Lesson Number Two: Don't Panic, Stay Calm. Albeit this Dad is a trained professional soldier with 5 tours of duty in Iraq. However, the lesson here is that we parents MUST do all that we can to be prepared and ready to move to action --and the right action-- to protect our children.

This takes a calm and clear mind. The father stayed calm (by the way he moved the chairs in position to shield his children, the perception could be he did not panic).

This is a learned skill --staying "calm" and not panicking-- which can be acquired through proper training. Training ourselves to remain calm in stressful situations is key. For example, Verbal Self-defense (Verbal Judo) teaches a philosophy of how to stay calm and look creatively at conflict and use specific strategies and tactics to find (peaceful) resolutions.

Martial arts and self-defense programs, or at least the right programs (and teacher) is the key.
For me and my family, it's not an option!

As an education activist and self-defense expert, I highly recommend self-defense and martial arts! For me and my family, it's not an option. Everyone in my household MUST train in martial arts and learn self-defense!

If you do not know of a martial arts school or self-defense program in your community, please contact me at 856-235-0414 (ask for Peter Liciaga!)

Your Mount Laurel Martial Artist,
http://www.peterliciaga.org/

Martial Arts for Kids – What’s a good age to start.

Kids benefit from physical exercise and Martial Arts for Kids is a fantastic and energetic way to achieve fitness of both mind and body.

All to often kids aren’t keen to participate in run of the mill sports and would prefer to sit in front of the TV or computer playing games. As a result too many kids become obese, lack energy, lack social skills and have poor interaction with others. But Kids benefit from physical exercise and Martial Arts is a fantastic and energetic way to achieve fitness for mind and body.

Q. If I encourage my Kids to take up Martial Arts won’t they become bullies at school?

A. No. Most unlikely, as Martial Arts teaches self control and improves their self esteem.

Frequently Kids lack self esteem and therefore confidence, which in many cases leads to them being bullied at school.

Q. Should kids be encouraged to fight?

A. No of course not.

Some parents mistakenly believe Martial Arts to be the first step in the bullying process, whereas the opposite is the case, and the kids soon become the leaders in their school or community.

So what are Martial Arts.

They come in various forms, the most common being Judo, Karate and Kung Fu, however there are many other popular formats

Martial Arts is about self control, knowing that you have the knowledge rather than the strength to beat your opponent. It is about technique and the ability to turn the others person’s aggression to your advantage. It is the art of self defense.

The uniforms or suits that are worn vary according to the Martial Art that you follow. However within each discipline they are the same except for the color of the belt which confirms the standard that has been attained, it reflects the work they have put into the sport and the achievement they have made.

Martial Arts is a sport that many kids will be happy to participate in as it is non academic, and without them realizing it, it builds their self esteem, it teaches them respect, and above all it builds their self confidence.

Sassy Children

I was speaking with a mom yesterday who told me how her son has been extremely disrespectful to her. I found this article and it had a lot of good points. Go to http://www.parent.net/article/kids-talking-back.shtml.

I'm glad this parent brought her concern to my attention. It is so important that what we teach inside the studio occurs outside the studio as well. That's why we work closely with the parents and want to support them.

The Power of Enthusiasm - Success in Mount Laurel

I just had a wonderful tele-conference with Master Dinoto (we conf every morning!) and both of us got so excited about how great our students at DKC are doing. Not only those that tested this past weekend, but all our students. They are doing such a great job making a difference. Not only in the their own lives but in the lives of people in their communities.

We talked about one of our 8 year old students (no names here)  that has done a 180 degree turn-around when it comes to paying attention and is now making a difference in our Little Champions program by helping out.

We discussed a former student that works special ops for the military and credits his training at DKC for getting him through challenging situations.

We also got excited about how our CIT and Leadership students are making a difference in our community by teaching others about self-defense (bullying). Those students are now mentors to other students. It's all very exciting!

As a full-time martial arts instructor, it's so easy to get caught up in the every day details of teaching that I forget to just STOP and SEE what our students have achieved are accomplishing. As teachers (and parents) we MUST stop and see how the work and effort that we are investing in our children and our students are making a difference. It is invaluable!

This is the reason why I teach...to make a significant difference in the lives of others! To me this is SUCCESS!!!

It's never (read NEVER) in vain.

See you on the training floor.

Peter Liciaga
Parent & Master Martial Arts Instructor

Wisdom Beyond Their Years! Essays from our Children.

5th Grader encouraged by Mount Laurel School Superintendent!

I just got an email from our school superintendent about our Anger Management for Children site!

Alexandra was so excited when she saw this email! (Thank you Mrs. Rath for your kind words and for encouraging Alexandra!)

Hi Peter and Alexandra,
What an awesome site!! Thanks so much for sharing. I am certain that many of our community's children (and adults too!) will put the information to good use.
Best wishes for much success,
Antoinette Rath

You can visit the site at http://flavors.me/kidsanger


http://flavors.me/kidsanger





New Anger Management for Children (and adults) Resource Site

Gor HERE for a simple resource site for anger management for children with 5 simple tips.
Includes videos from Alexandra (a 5th grader) and her dad, education activist and martial arts master teacher, Peter Liciaga from Dinoto Karate Center in Mount Laurel NJ.

http://flavors.me/kidsanger