What’s the Problem?

There was a good article about current health concerns in Forbes stating that “There’s been a fast growing body of evidence in the last several years that lack of exercise – or sedentariness – is a major risk factor in health. It’s been linked to heart disease, cancer, and to an early death.” According to this same article and study, lack of physical activity is also causing twice the number of deaths as obesity! Check it out.

The World Health Organization, has identified that the biggest health hazard of our day is not infectious diseases, but noncommunicable illnesses, which are all linked to common risk factors, and tops on the list is physical inactivity. Here is a study discussing their findings. I don’t want to scare you, but the dangers of excessive sitting around are real.

But, enough with the doom and gloom!

Okay, you convinced me. So, what’s the fix?

Easy! Find yourself a holistic, traditional martial arts school convenient to your home or office, and get your backside onto the workout floor! I started training when I was 27, and aside from giving me a focus outside of my job and graduate studies, my workout buddies were incredibly fun, and I loved how drenched I got with each class. Talk about endorphins! What surprised me most, though, were the accompanying clarity of mind and rejuvenation of my soul! Incredible!

Body ~ Mind ~ Spirit

Many types of workouts build strength or buff up your cardio. But if you are looking to find balance in your life, or if you are ready to step up to the best version of you – your body, mind and spirit – traditional martial arts is the way to go. You’ll get in the best shape of your life, practice true meditation, hone your focus, and in the right school, you’ll also discover clever new ways to protect yourself. Possibly even better, is watching your new skills cross over into your life in unexpected ways.

• I finally found the confidence to ask for a raise

• I feel less stress and calmer overall

• I’ve lost weight and I’m eating and sleeping better

• My relationships are improving

• I trust myself to do the right thing

What I have found, and the basic gist is, that when you are taking care of all the important “stuff”, i.e., the many different aspects of YOU, all the rest tends to fall into place.

Workouts to Live Your Life By

Most people are looking for some kind of a framework, a philosophy, or a structure of values, ethics and morals to live by. Why not traditional martial arts? They’ve been around for thousands of years and maybe, just maybe, there’s something here for you! Compassion, kindness, discipline, strength of character, fierceness, and excellence converge on the workout floor and beyond. You’ll find lifelong friends in your teammates, and a caring community standing by to encourage you to meet your goals – whatever they may be.

Speaking of Community…

There is power in community, always has been. Yet as social scientists look around, they see these intrinsic support systems eroding all around us. They are concerned about the negative impact their disintegration is having on us and our society. Myriad books and studies are showing how important it is to our mental and emotional health to be involved with a group of people who have a like purpose. In a review of the book “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of the American Community”, the writer, Steve Handel, lists six important reasons not to “go it alone”. It’s a good read if you have a sec.

A good martial arts school nurtures positive and strong bonds between students and teachers alike. You have a group of people who are on your side to celebrate your milestones and successes, but who are also on standby to champion you and hold you up when times are tough.

The Joy of Not Being in Charge

Yes, this is a real thing! All day you are working hard, making decisions and choices, leading others, or pushing yourself and your team, and I can tell you first hand, it’s a relief to step onto the mat and just do what your teacher tells you to do. Many people have gone before you, a whole line of teachers and students, in fact, going back 6,000 years! The instructors at your school have the experience, wisdom, dedication and know-how to get you where you want to go. Relax into a great workout, put one foot in front of the other, let the endorphins flow, and allow your heart and mind to open up all the incredible lessons there for the taking.

Convenience

You want your school to be easy to get to. At Naga, we draw students from Beaverton, Hillsboro, Aloha, Tigard and Portland, because our school is nestled between major arteries and a Tri-Met Transit Center. Free parking is plentiful and you’ll find a healthy selection of restaurants nearby for a quick bite after class. There’s also plenty of shopping (Freddies, Trader Joe’s, Natural Grocers, Target…) so you can pick up whatever you need for the rest of the week on your way home.

Classes at Naga

As a newcomer at Naga, we meet you right where you are and lead you along the way. With other beginners, you’ll have a fun workout with cardio, conditioning and strengthening. You, yes you, will learn to flip people over your back, take people down, and do things you never imagined. You’ll learn to hit – and hit hard. When you are ready, come try a free class. Find strength in your voice and wellness in your body. While you are with us, we’ll also show you the beauty of your soul! We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you onto the mat!

Is food an issue for you? Go Above and Beyond Resolutions. Check out this blog: