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Shashidhar Kote Being As Junior Yesudas (kote Music And Arts Foundation)

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Bengaluru Ratna, Gayana Mantrika, Vishwamanava, Gana Gandharva, Kannada Saarathi…that’s Shashidhar Kote for you.

The Kannada singer talks to Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana about his journey from Dakshina Kannada to Bangalore and being called ‘Junior Yesudas.’

How did music happen to you?

I was exposed to music and Yakshagana at a very young age. As years passed, I realised that I wanted to be a singer. With my father Kote Vasanthkumar’s support I came to Bangalore to live my dreams.

Did you give up your career as a teacher to become a singer?

Yes, I used to teach literature at Mangalore University. But lecturing to a large class meant straining my voice. I couldn’t afford to do that as I wanted to pursue music. It is my lifeblood. In fact, when I was on a past-life regression reality show recently, I saw that even in my previous birth, I was a singer. Apparently I was a singer in the Mysore maharaja’s court and had been honoured by him.

Did you go through formal training?

After coming to Bangalore, I took classical music training from Vid Gurudutt. Before that, I had trained with Satyabhame and Gopalkrishna Iyer. However, it is Balamuralikrishna and Yesudas who have inspired me a lot. Listening to them has been an education in itself.

Have you interacted with your idols?

I met Yesudas 15 years ago. He had liked my voice. I’m yet to meet Balamurali. S P Balasubramanyam is also one of my favourites and I’ve interacted with him when I went as a judge on Yede Tumbi Haduvenu.

How does being called ‘Junior Yesudas’ feel?

God has gifted me with a good voice, but I’m no match for a legend like him. People think I resemble him because I sport a beard too and sing a lot of his songs. But even though the songs are his, the style is mine.

What is Kote style?

Be it Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam or Hindi, when I sing a song, I make it mine. I place utmost importance on presentation. I judge the audience and present songs accordingly. There is always a variety in my programmes — from film hits to folk songs and classical pieces. You’ll find a Vaatapi, Hendati Obbalu and Kuladalli Kilyavudo, all in one programme. I try and make my presentation lively. Also, people feel my pronunciations are clear.

Your ‘Geetha Chitra’ is also unique…

‘Geetha Chitra’ is the coming together of music and painting. Lending support to this concept is B K S Verma. He paints the subject of the song I sing. Take for instance Vaatapi. He’ll paint a picture of Ganesha as I am singing. We are a popular pair in Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai [ Images ].

You have received several accolades. Which would you rate as your best?

I have given over 4,000 concerts. The compliments I’ve got for them are the true awards. I have had elders falling at my feet. Another unforgettable incident is that of a beggar giving me the alms he had collected. He was that impressed with the programme. It is the love of the people that matters at the end of the day.

Are you saying awards and titles mean nothing to you?

Awards are bought these days. If anything, awards should come looking for you. But recognition pleases me. It encourages me to perform better.

While you have given many stage shows, you are not all that visible in the film circles. Why?

I have lent my voice to Shivaleele and Aiyappa. But today’s music directors want singers to approach them and I have too much self respect for that. Also, I am busy and don’t consider playback singing my ultimate destination. But Kannada youngsters should be given a chance. Why bring Hindi singers when you have so much talent here? Even singers like S P Balasubramanyam have not been utilised properly. How long will Hindi singers remain a trend? Even their Kannada numbers sound so Hindi!

What do you think of the current film music scenario?

Most songs are not backed by good lyrics. Rhythm is ruling over melody. Everyone wants an instant formula. In this bid, capable music directors, singers and lyricists are being ignored. We are not coming out with evergreen songs like Ellelu Sangeethave or Kuladalli Kilyavodo any longer. In comparison, the Malayalam industry manages to churn out tasteful music even now.

What is your take on fusion music?

I see it more as confusion rather than fusion! Half-baked knowledge on part of musicians is responsible for this state.

And what about reality shows?

The SMS-voting system is playing spoil sport. The judges’ words should be final. I have judged shows like Little Star Singer, Sangeetha Lahari, Hadondu Haduvenu and Sangeetha Sambrahma and I can say that what we need is opportunity and not competition, more so in the case of children. It would also do good if the channels popularised folk and classical music, not just film songs through these shows.

Speaking of young talent, both you and your wife are artistes. Is your son Saagar also aspiring to be one?

My wife Seetha is a dancer and a television actor. But that doesn’t mean we expect our son to tread the same path. He has shown interest in music, but he seems more inclined towards direction. As parents, our duty is to support him. All that I tell him is to learn and respect his language — Kannada.

Any word of advice for aspiring musicians?

First of all they should understand that just by singing on S P Balasubramanyam’s show they don’t become SPBs! There is no short cut to success. Dedication and a good teacher are the key words. They should be well-informed about musical notes and grammar, and make music that touches people. Money will follow.

What are your other interests?

I act in television serials. I also endorse products occasionally. Going out with my family and watching movies and cricket with them keep me relaxed. I also follow news keenly. Listening to songs set to my favourite ragas Kalyani, Anandha Bhairavi, Hindola, Karaharapriya and Abhogi also keep me going.

What’s the flipside of being an artiste?

Any artiste’s life is complex and unpredictable. There is too much tension and running around to do. For a singer, maintaining his/her voice is a task in itself. But all the effort seems worth it when you are on stage.

What’s next from your side?

There are a few music albums. One will be a collection of Dasara padas and another of devotional songs. I also want to make an album of Bharatanatyam dance numbers. My big dream is to start a music and dance academy along with my wife and brother.

Nude Portraits

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What could possibly be more discreet than having unique Christmas painted or drawn by a professional portrait painter based in faraway Thailand?

Those wishing to buy nude portraits should select a special photo and send it to the online portrait art supplier via email. However, theres also the option to upload a pictures directly to their website.

Once the nude photo has been received, one of the passionate and skilful Thai artists will turn it into a magnificent oil colour portrait or black and white charcoal pencil sketch.

In general nude portraits will be finished within five working days. Once the art painting has been completed, a digital photo of the nude portrait painting will be send to the customer.

This allows the client to review the finished portrait and perhaps suggest any reasonable modifications.

Only when the customer is fully satisfied with the artworks end-result, the nude portrait will be shipped free of charge! Obviously the nude photo that was used to create the lifelike portrait will be deleted.

Completed nude portrait orders will be stored in solid, cardboard tubes guaranteeing that the artworks arrive at the postal addresses in a perfect state.

Normally it takes about 10 working days having the ordered nude portrait delivered at your home address. You can buy a mini charcoal nude portrait online for as low as $65!

The most popular Christmas portrait presents are black and white nude charcoal pencil drawings. Nude charcoal portraits come in sizes varying from mini (19x28cm) to large (56x76cm) drawings.

Portraitists based in Chiang Mai, Thailand are the worlds most skilful art painters. In addition, the fees are considerably cheaper than those offered by the main online portrait painting suppliers in the West, while the artistic quality of the nude charcoal drawings and oil colour portraits is even higher!

How to Do Fa-Jing –Issuing Energy — in Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Bagua

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He was one of the greatest kung-fu masters in the world, a direct descendant of the creator of tai chi, and he was asking me to show him a punch. It was an exciting moment but also nerve-wracking. Trying not to be nervous, I settled into the posture and prepared to show him internal power. Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang stood in front of me, watching carefully.

Trying to remain relaxed, I shifted my weight from my right to my left leg and my right fist shot out, fast, relaxed, and powerful. At the same time, my left elbow thrust backward and my left hand stopped at my ribcage.

Grandmaster Chen was not impressed. He took my right hand in his left, my left hand in his right and told me to relax. Before I knew what was happening, he jerked the right hand out and pushed the left hand backward. I wasn’t quite relaxed enough and almost suffered whiplash in my neck.

Relax, he told me again, and once again he jerked my arms — hard — forcing one to punch and the other to return to my ribcage. For a minute, I was like a rag doll, completely limp as he repeatedly demonstrated how relaxed I was supposed to be when performing fa-jing.

It’s amazing how the internal arts of China — Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Bagua — have been distorted by teachers who take what they have read too literally. The subject of fa-jing (pronounced “fah-zhing”) is one example of how a simple concept is misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Fa-jing means “issuing energy.” Unfortunately, the people who desperately need to believe in the supernatural think that in doing fa-jing, you are shooting chi out of your hands or body. They take it literally.

It’s not magical or mystical. It’s a matter of physics, and in the internal arts, it’s a matter of body mechanics.

Boxers issue energy anytime they deliver a jab, a hook, or an uppercut. If you’re into karate, you issue energy when you break a board with your foot, and if you’re into MMA, energy is issued when you drive a knee into an opponent’s face.

In the internal arts, fa-jing — issuing energy — is more complex, but the end result is the same. You knock someone into next week.

Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, whose ancestor,Chen Wangting created Tai Chi 11 generations ago, teaches that fa-jing is a matter of proper body structure (posture) and good internal movement. From there, he says you simply “step on the gas.” He likes using automobile metaphors. In other words, if you use good structure and mechanics and then add speed, you will create the unique relaxed power of the internal arts.

I’ve studied other martial arts and have found the body mechanics of the internal arts far more difficult and complex. For high-quality tai chi you must maintain ground strength, peng jin, whole-body movement, silk-reeling (spiraling movement through the body), dan t’ien rotation and opening/closing the kua. You must connect all of these skills through the body as you deliver the strike with speed, power, and relaxation.

It takes years to learn how to do this from an internal perspective, because we all bring bad habits to the internal arts and it takes years to learn the above-mentioned skills and learn to maintain the whole-body connection as you move. It takes years for us to lose the muscular tension that we’ve developed all of our lives.

When Grandmaster Chen worked with me on the punch, I didn’t have it the first few times I did the punch and he corrected me each time. Suddenly I understood, and the next time I punched I connected the relaxed power from my foot, through my body and out my hand, exploding and shifting my weight at the same time.

“Ahh!” he said, his face lighting up. “Good.”

As a martial artist, few things are better than getting a “good” from Chen Xiaowang.

A short time later, he astonished those of us attending his Washington, D.C. workshop by doing a series of fa-jing strikes.C. With each strike, it seemed his uniform was exploding in all directions. That type of power comes from being connected and relaxing — and from a lifetime of practice. When he does fa-jing, you can almost feel the energy even standing halfway across a room. It reminded me of being on the floor right behind the basketball hoop during a University of Iowa game. When the big players were slamming into each other beneath the hoop, you could feel the body heat and almost feel the energy as they collided. I’ll never forget it, and being close to Chen Xiaowang when he does fa-jing is very similar.

There are two myths about tai chi that all martial artists should put aside. One is that tai chi is a slow motion health and meditation exercise. In truth, it’s a powerful martial art that is practiced slowly so students can learn the body mechanics and later can speed up the movements and deliver amazing power without a lot of obvious effort to the untrained observer.

The other myth people should forget is about chi. Fa-jing has nothing to do with shooting energy out of your body. Instead of focusing on chi, which has never been proven exist in independent scientific studies and which is too often the focus of tai chi teachers, you should focus on proper posture and body mechanics. Do this and you’ll be closer to developing the relaxed power of fa-jing.

——

Ken Gullette has practiced martial arts for 36 years and is best known for his high-quality instructional DVDs, his online internal arts school and his internal arts blog. He is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding tai chi, hsing-i and bagua, showing that the skills required for the internal arts are physical, not metaphysical.

What To Do If Someone Wants To Fight You!

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PHYSICAL COMPETANCE

Have you ever seen raw violence or someone getting ‘owned’? Just search google for “martial street fights” – “martial owned” Watch those movies and cringe!!!

Kung Fu, Boxing, dancing, balley, incompetance? What will you display to your attacker if that day comes?

Can you throw a punch or even stand steady on one leg? can you do a round-house or even give a kick to the knee? Ever heard of a combination, technique or form?

Today we are lazy, probably fat too.. Go look in the mirror and skip for ten minutes, then check your image again and what do you see?

I can judge I am probably half the strength and endurance form 10 years ago, how about you?

MARTIAL KNOWLEDGE

a martial art is defined as – 1 : of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior 2 : relating to an army or to military life 3 : experienced in or inclined to war : WARLIKE

a martial art is defined as: various styles of self-defense, usually weaponless, based on techniques developed in ancient China, India, and Tibet.

The term ‘Kung Fu’ does not relate to any specific form of martial art, but rather translates as ‘talent’ or ‘aptitude’.

Wu Shu is traditionally the term popularly used to describe the traditional Chinese martial arts, though other descriptions akin to Kuo-shu, Kuo-chi, Chien-shu and Tao-fa have also been used occasionally. (Wu Shu is the term of late used for Chinese martial arts by the People’s Republic of China).

If youve never studied a martial art, your awareness of them most likely starts at Bruce Lee movies and ends with the stylized theatrics of The Matrix. If thats the case, you may not realize from what youve gleaned onscreen that there are an estimated 200 unique kinds of martial arts, and within these, thousands of different styles. Karate, judo, kung fu, and tae kwon do are among the most popular and well-known of the martial arts in the U.S., but there are numerous others.

Despite the array of martial arts and styles, most of them share common techniques, and so they can be organized into broad categories that facilitate understanding. The primary way of classifying martial arts is by the basic physical technique they use: striking or grappling.

Because karate, judo, kung fu, and tae kwon do have been more prominent than other forms in popular culture, from film to sporting events, many people mistakenly believe that all martial arts are Asian in origin. In fact, diverse cultures throughout history from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East have also given birth to their own martial art forms.

Or a combination of triangles with small circles as can be seen in chinese trapping, wrist locks or Aikido entry and endings.

Do you even know the diffference between kung fu and karate? Do you think wing chun is a chinese dish?

The different styles can even be related to shapes or geometry – squares, triangles and circles.

MARTIAL TRAINING TO LIVE

Training is hard..really hard. The most hard is to get started and its down-hill easy from there. What you need is a martial arts machine – something new and exciting to get you off your fat ass.

Everyone knows someone who knows how to fight – with fists, knives, weapons, guns, tactical, sensless, whatever but START!

Or find a martial arts school in your area.

GO to the local phone book and look up kung fu or karate. Then give them a call, go along or take your kid.

Whats important now is to do something, start with brief excercise, get into stretching, shadow box, then step up and train hard.

ITS DANGEROUS OUT THERE

Its dangerous out there and especially for you..

The enemy may be next door and you dont know it but you got to have the guts too look. What can you really do once you see some violence or get scared or worse because you receive a bashing or king hit – do you hide in your house?

TV today scares the shiit out of many people as it promotes violence and turns the meek yellow and nervous.

The danger today is maybe not too obvious to you but you better hone your sensors or youll get hit without seeing it coming.

You know that given a situation to be a hero and stop a crime, terrorism or violence you’ll be able to step up or chase after them etc – or maybe you’ll cower or be the victim.

Were are you on the scared meter of life? Are you out there amongst it or a bit of a shy body or house mummys boy?

CONCLUSION IS ACTION

Life is not scarey but maybe your lack of skill, self confidence and personal competance is making you petrified.

Be pro-active and look, then choose and participate in action whether alone with a martial arts training machine or go to a dojo.

Life is not scarey but maybe your lack of skill, self confidence and personal competance is making you afraid.

If you are not liking what you see in the mirror, afraid to go down a dark street, scared of a potential confrontation then train now.

Be pro-active and look, then choose and participate in action whether alone with a martial arts training machine or go to a dojo.

We cant all be Bruce Lee but you also dont want to be an emotional and physical punching bag do you?

THE TRAINING ANSWER

The Martialarm is the only martial arts training dummy that bequeaths you consummate realism in all your martial arts training in kung fu, karate, krav maga, jeet kune do, tae kwon do, kempo and more.

The martialarm is unlike similar training dummies: The wooden dummy has been used for centuries as a solo training machine. In contemporary years, they’ve been provided accessible in different materials as well as synthetic. But still they all have one item in general:

They dont swing and they’re all static.

The wooden dummy frequently costs hundreds of dollars but is still only produced to absorb your blows and step up your precision moves. It doesn’t react to your attacks akin to a factual partner can. So although you get apt repetition training, which is acceptable for accomplishing the basics down, it may well be difficult to use and will get dreary so quickly.

Why A little Martial Artists Improve Faster Than Others

As martial artists, we all recognize this. Your martial arts instructor probably hammers the point home in practice every day. Alas, there are only so so many classes in a week and this can stunt your learning and headway.

You want to improve – swift. And you’re keen put in your time with home training. But solo training can only take you so far due to the fact it lacks the interaction that only a assistant can award.

Until Now!

The Gwynne Jones Misleading Article in MartialArts Illustrated

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News

Gwynn Jones misleading article in Martial Arts Illustrated. and its effect on British Aikido History.

Bends the Branch

A statement by Henry Ellis

Please visit the National Aikido Data-Base for forum comments www.aikido-database.co.uk

I am writing this brief statement to correct the serious errors stated within the MAI June 2005 article interview “Bends the Branch” with Mr Gwynne Jones. The article would have served the readership better had it been titled ” Bends the Truth ” . I have both emailed and written to the editor of MAI magazine to politely request that the errors be corrected, or for my letter to be added to the letters to the Editors page. I am sorry to add that neither of my communications to MAI editor were acknowledged, nor were they added to the letters to the Editors page in the following two issues.

I would have thought that MAI would have have made a positive response to such serious errors to the history of British Aikido and the named students from that period. Mr Gwynne Jones has also chosen not to apologise for his confused perspective of the history of British Aikido.

Mr Jones makes misleading statements of a period before he himself had started Aikido, describing events as if he were actually there, he did not bother to contact any of the Abbe students of that time to verify his ” facts ” .

As it was proved with Mr Jack Poole’s serious memory distortions with the history of British Aikido, If left for a period of time these matters can soon be recalled as fact, and sadly history is altered for the genuine students of the future. One can only assume that Mr Jones has decided it would be prudent to follow Mr Poole and not apologise for their deliberate mistakes, they obviously stand by their statements. I find it most ironic that in the very same article of errors Mr Jones states with some pride “When I eventually go to the great dojo in the sky, the epitaph on my grave to read ‘An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it ! ‘” Perhaps now is a good time to think of a new epitaph ?

I have never been surprised by any of Mr Poole’s claims or actions in recent years, I would add that I am surprised and disappointed by the statements of Mr Gwynne Jones who I once considered a friend.

The original dan grades of Abbe Sensei along with Sensei Ken Williams did so much in those early days to promote Aikido which then was a little know Martial Art. Teaching for free, Derek Eastman and I traveled around the UK teaching for free. we never received any payment, just a bed occasionally for the night and a meal, many a night we spent sleeping in the car, we never complained, we actually enjoyed what we were doing. These efforts and sacrifices were to promote the name of Aikido. Derek and I were the first to introduce Aikido to the Further Education System. These original students should be recognised for their part in the inception of UK Aikido. People such as Mr Jones and Mr Poole and so many others now reap the benefit from those early teachers.

The Article

Mr Jones refers to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei as ” Abe ” Matsutharu Otani Sensei as “Tani”

Mikito Nakazono Sensei as ” Nagezomo ” .

Although Mr Jones uses these strange names in every reference in the article, I will use the correct names for historical reasons.

Gwynne Jones:

Well, Ken Williams had trained under Abbe Sensei (Abe) who was a great Budo man and his style was very linear. YoshinKan formal Aikido.

Ellis:

Abbe Sensei nor Williams Sensei ever taught Yoshinkan, there was no Yoshinkan style when Abbe Sensei was with OSensei. ( Shihoda Sensei developed YoshinKan in 1955 )

Gwynne Jones:

However, when Nakazono ( Nagezomo ) was called over by Abbe Sensei ( Abe ) to properly introduce Aikido to this country.

Ellis:

Mr Jones’s words baffle me, on the arrival of Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) there were eight dan grades, one 3rd dan and two second dans, I think it is fair to assume that Aikido was well established and healthy on his arrival.

Gwynne Jones:

He Nakazono ( Nagezomo ) became famous for saying, while he was looking at four or five people on the mat wearing hakamas, that three of them should ” Best sell hakama today while you can get a good price” .

Ellis:

The previous statement is pure nonsense. Fact.. Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) looked at one student in particular a stated ” Necessary sell your Gi whilst prices are high ”

Gwynne Jones:

He ( Nakazono) proceeded to downgrade them, Ken Williams kept his grade as did Hayden Foster and possibly Henry Ellis and Andy Allen with a few others who were the nucleus of Aikido then in the London area.

Ellis:

Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) down graded one student and one student only from second dan to first dan, which we all thought was so very wrong. No others were downgraded, Henry Ellis was not that student, Ellis has never ever been down graded or ever over graded.

For the record, Andy Allen was not there on this occasion, he was only a beginner at this time and had been introduced to Aikido by Henry Ellis.

Ellis:

Nakazono Sensei had been invited to the UK as he was the official AkiKai Hombu representative for Europe and North Africa. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei wanted to devote his time to his main objectives of promoting Judo and his philosophy of Kuy Shin Do. He had asked that Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) supervise the further promotion of British Aikido, and not to ” Properly introduce Aikido to this country ”

Ellis:

I hope that students having read this statement will now be more aware of the facts.

A brief statement by Henry Ellis.

Co-author: Positive Aikido

http://www.EllisAikido.org

http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido

Preventative Medicine and Sports Therapy for Performing Arts

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Theatre is a wonderful form of entertainment and depends on performing artists who are highly dedicated to their craft to create the magic so often found there. The industry, however, is highly competitive and extremely demanding of performers. When people think of athletes they may picture football, tennis or basketball players or long distance runners. But like other athletes, dancers and musicians also experience injury and develop conditions as a result of their trade.

Professional musicians and dancers face common injuries like tendinitis, sprains, muscle strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, and other orthopedic, neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Think about the repetitive nature of practice and performance for string musicians, pianists and wind instrument players. Its little wonder they often suffer from conditions related to overuse of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Neck and shoulder pain is very common. So is pain in the hands. Dancers tend to face musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions involving the feet, ankles, hips and knees and are also more prone to injury regarding bones and ligaments such as the ACL.

For these reasons preventative medicine and sports therapy for performing artists are growing.

Occasionally chronic injuries and/or conditions develop as a result of incorrect posture, stress, insufficient rest and excessive force placed upon the bones, ligaments, joints, muscles or tendons. Passion that drives performing artists also tends to produce people so committed to the craft they often tend to accept a lifestyle of injury as easily as theyve embraced the physical demands placed upon them. But the two are not the same, and injury left untreated can jeopardize a performers career. Performing artists who ignore early symptoms of an injury or condition and continue working, without allowing conditions or injuries to heal, arent thinking of the long term consequences to their body and their ability to work. Ignoring a small problem now can lead to a larger one later.

Preventative medicine and sports therapy for performing artists can teach them how to avoid injury and reduce the likelihood of a developing an unwanted condition. Performers can learn techniques for reducing force on joints by selectively strengthening and balancing the muscles needed to perform. Musicians can learn about how different postures reduce muscle tension produced while playing their instruments. Dancers who struggle with osteoarthritis in their hips and knees may receive Durolane injections directly into the joints to lubricate them, relieving pain and inflammation. Can you imagine how much relief this brings to a dancer otherwise forcing him or herself to continue dancing in pain?

Techniques that both dancers and musicians can adopt include warm up and cool down exercises, stretches, short breaks, adjustments in technique, use of devices and modified foot gear, massage therapy and more. Sports therapy professionals can work with performing artists to stretch and loosen tight areas and strengthen weak ones. Combination treatment options like injections in correlation with procedures for reducing inflammation and blood flow to a targeted region are essential restorative therapies which often remove the need for surgery.

It is not uncommon to see medical personnel from sports therapy clinics present at rehearsals and performances. These behind the scenes professionals can do wonders to support and enhance performing artists, helping them avoid injury and also mitigating injuries to avoid further damage. Sports medicine is a quickly evolving industry and medical advances are constant. Performing artists stand to increase their rate of long-term success by establishing and building a relationship with a good sports therapy clinic that understands and specializes in treatment of people in their industry.

Sound care now becomes an investment enabling performing artists to increase their level of pain-free comfort, physical strength, enjoyment and longevity within the field they are passionate about — and that many hope to continue well into their senior years.

Oklahoma Schools Arts Integrated And Learning Styles Go Hand-In-Hand

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Many people understand the importance of exposure to the arts. We love art; it is a necessary part of our society. In fact, for every culture and every society, art in some form or another is critical to how we live. For many, many years, arts programs have been cut in Oklahoma City Schools in efforts to divert funds to “more pressing” subject areas like reading and mathematics. While these are indeed necessary subjects for Oklahoma City Schools students to master, including an arts education in a student’s learning experiences can do nothing but improve their time attending Oklahoma City Schools, as well as contribute to the amount of success they see as a whole.

Most Oklahoma City Public Schools concentrate on teaching students in three ways; by showing them how to do things, by telling them the information they need, or by giving them opportunities to try things themselves (also known as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles).

There are, in fact, many learning styles as identified by Howard Gardner, psychologist and noted pedagogical theorist:

– Linguistic – “word-smart” – Interpersonal – “people smart” – Bodily-kinesthetic – “body smart” – Logical-mathematical – “math smart” – Naturalist – “nature smart” – Spatial – “picture smart” – Musical – “music smart” – Intrapersonal – “self smart”

More than ever, schools are realizing the importance of addressing all of these learning styles. Students attending certain Oklahoma City Schools are reaping the benefits of the commitment to providing educational experiences via these learning styles.

In efforts to give more and more students an education that addresses their specific learning style(s), some Oklahoma City Schools are integrating the arts into their programs. Following an “A+” model originally begun in North Carolina, Oklahoma City Schools are instituting their own arts integration programs. Originally a project of the DaVinci Institute, it is currently administered by the University of Central Oklahoma.

The model being used by Oklahoma City Schools looks at 8 different areas to improve arts integration in their schools:

1) Arts; 2) Curriculum; 3) Multiple intelligences; 4) Experiential learning; 5) Enriched assessment; 6) Collaboration; 7) Infrastructure; and 8) Climate

For teachers employed with Oklahoma City Schools, the program has been a godsend. All educators strive to “light the spark” and desperately want to reach all – 100% – of their students. For the instructional staff, of the Oklahoma City Schools using this model, discovering how to appeal to the different ways children learn has been exactly what they have been looking for.

Another impressive aspect of the program is the Oklahoma City Schools professional development that goes along with it. Instead of giving newly trained teaches the manual with the expectation that they follow the model, the A+ model provides extensive and ongoing training and support to all teachers new to the program. Oklahoma City Schools’ teachers focus on learning to work together, using research-based practices to establish curriculum that includes interdisciplinary themes that foster arts integration across classes as well as use Gardner’s various learning styles.

Clearly, Oklahoma City Schools are working to improve learning, one style at a time.

Find tips about law of attraction relationships, legal driving age and other information at the Knowledge Galaxy website.

What You Should Know About Culinary Arts Schools

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It takes dedication to become a chef. Many people entertain the idea of becoming a chef and owning their own restaurant but few actually make this dream come true. Even fewer individuals make their restaurant a success. You may know how to chop an onion or saut some vegetables but that isn’t enough. Before you go looking into culinary arts schools, you are going to need a lot more information in order to make such an important decision.

The best culinary school can only teach its culinary students so much. There has to be a will and drive to succeed. Being a chef means checking your ego at the door, at least while you are learning. There is no such thing as a weekend off and the hours can be late. You will have to clean, cook and prepare food long before your first customer sits down to order a meal. You can expect to work holidays and work more than a forty hour week.

Culinary arts schools vary across the country and the world but if you are determined to go ahead and know what is in store for you, then you cannot go wrong with the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School offered at many campuses across the world. They have what it takes in order to teach you how to become the award winning executive chef that you want to be. The program can be found in many different states and you will not regret gaining admittance.

The programs at Le Cordon Bleu are divided into three different course programs. The Culinary Arts program, Patisserie and Baking, and Hospitality and Restaurant Management. If you can afford the time and money to attend all three programs, then you will be ahead of many culinary students in the industry who elect to just attend one program.

It is a great way to learn all facets of the industry. You will be well rounded in different cooking and baking techniques, as well as learning the skills needed to run your own restaurant.

Culinary arts schools are not cheap nor are they quick. It takes time to become an chef. You will want to choose a program that is accredited and has a high success ratio from former students.

Small factors such as these can make the difference between being a mediocre chef and being someone who commands respect from the culinary community. With hard work and determination you can get your culinary degree and perhaps be the next big television cooking star or be in command of your own five star restaurant. Good luck and try to enjoy what you are cooking!

Enrich your knowledge further about culinary arts schools from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our cooking school blog where a free gift awaits you.

Only Real Martial Arts Stop Rapists

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One of my favorite stories to tell is about the time my brother-in-law’s girlfriend got her black belt in karate…

She had her big flashy test…kicked the bag…sparred other girls (and a couple of guys that looked like girls!) with the foam booties and gloves on…did her kata with the appropriate “snap” in her movements…very nice.

Now, I’m not a complete jerk, so I let her have her moment. Congratulated her, hobnobbed with the karate “master”, and ate a piece of the sheet cake with little icing karate dudes on it….

That was until a couple of months later at a family graduation party when she began to tell all the girls how the type of “karate” she studies is great for fitness (ok), fun (ok), and self defense (BZZZZZ!).

I had stood what I could, but I couldn’t stands it no more…

I walked right up into the middle of the gaggling girls, singled her out and flat out asked her, “Tell me the truth…If a 225 pound man attacked and tried to rape and kill you, can you 100%, honestly say that you would know what to do? Could you save your own life?”

There was a deathly quiet pause as every single girl in the room visualized that horrible situation in their own minds. Then came the same answer I’ve heard from every single women martial artist I’ve ever met in my life who doesn’t train with us…

“Ummm…I guess not.”

Here in the United States there seems to be a government agency looking into just about every consumer industry in an effort to protect people from scammers, hucksters, and other assorted con men or corporate swindle.

Unfortunately, for women who are looking for a martial arts style that will provide them with a way to defend themselves, there is no government agency licensing or even looking into instructors or the proven effectiveness of the claims.

Therefore there is an over abundance of inexperienced, untrained, liars who claim they are teaching self-defense. These frauds will often teach a style that sounds and perhaps even looks good on the mat, but lacks any value in real combat.

Moreover, dealing with criminal rapist scum is no time for a woman to find out that her “training” was really just cardio kickboxing in disguise… So share the following information with a woman you care for.
Examining the profiles of rapists gives incite into a dangerous enemy.

The Power-assertive rapist considers himself manly and is the one most likely to commit date rapes. This type makes up 44% of rapists and will try to con a victim and gain her trust, but will have no problem using whatever level of physical force he needs to take control.

The Anger-retaliatory rapist hates women and will look to brutalize and punish them. He looks for targets of opportunity and will most likely beat you unconscious then commit rape. This animal makes up 33% of rapists and is easily enraged.

Power-reassurance rapists account for 21% of rapes and often spies on or stalks his victims since he lacks the confidence to have a normal relationship with women. In his twisted fantasy, he sees himself and the victim as lovers, and will force her to wear lingerie and kiss her while seeing the attack as lovemaking. However, using violence is not out of the question if it comes down to making a woman give in to his demands.

The Anger-excitation is the worst of the lot. A sexual sadist, this sick bastard only makes up 5% of all rapists. He has his attacks preplanned and victims can be women he knows or just spots haphazardly on the street. He derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain and will tie up, gag and torture women for days on end. So vile is this creature that he will even film or photograph his victims so he can relive the attacks. He is the hardest to catch of the group because he usually kills his victims when he’s through.

During an attack your mind will be racing and you won’t be thinking clearing about what kind of rapist you are dealing with and what approach to take, but what all experts agree on is that a “properly trained” woman who fights back early DOUBLES their chance of escape…AGAINST ANY SIZE OR STRENGTH ATTACKER.

The Department of Justice reported that 93,934 women were forcibly raped in 2005 (They’re still calculating ’06)…These numbers are completely unacceptable as women can and should know how to defend themselves.

In Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, safety is listed right after breathing and eating. Personal protection is too important to be left to the police alone, or to depend on others for help.

Teaching and learning a martial art is ok as it has plenty of redeeming physical, cultural, social, & mental benefits. However, what people (especially women) need to understand, is that 99% of martial arts are NOT legitimate methods of self-defense.

Nutritious Ingredients That Are Good During Martial Arts Training

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For the best performance, an engine needs a fuel tuned to its specific needs. The same is true for the human body, and there are many foods that are great for martial arts training. Strength, dexterity, and mental acumen can all be sharpened with the right balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, giving a martial artist a boost in performance.

Bananas: They come in their own wrapper, and if that wasn’t benefit enough, bananas provide the body with potassium, a nutrient that a martial artist loses quickly when sweating through a rigorous workout routine. Electrolytes help maintain muscles and nerves when they’re put under stress, and potassium is a key electrolyte. The carbohydrate sugar in bananas can be digested easily, for a quick energy boost.

Water: Everyone knows by now that water lost through sweat needs to be replenished, but a properly hydrated body is essential before the martial arts workout even begins. Water carries nutrients, is the body’s cooling system and keep muscles functioning at their optimal performance levels. When fully hydrated, the muscles can stretch further, and the chance of cramping is heavily reduced. The benefits of hydration to a martial artist can not be overlooked.

Oatmeal: This breakfast staple has shown potential to reduce cholesterol, but what makes it great for a martial artist is its ability to fuel a workout. Oatmeal is low on the glycemic index, which means it can provide constant energy over a long period of time by breaking down slowly and letting your body release insulin in smaller doses. Avoid adding extras like sugar or syrup, which can cause insulin to spike, leaving you drained of energy early in your training.

Avocados: The body requires fats to work as efficiently as possible. The best way to deliver those fats is in a healthy nutrient dense form like avocados. Avocados are the number one fruit when it comes to healthy fat packed with calories for muscle growth and brain function.

Spinach: Iron is an essential mineral, facilitating the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the muscles. Iron deficiency is quite common, and when the body is low on iron, oxygen consumption slows down. It’s important to stay oxygenated while training in martial arts, and spinach can provide your body with massive amounts of iron, ensuring that you’ll never be deficient.

Sardines: This tiny little fish is one of the few foods on earth to supply the body with Co-enzyme Q10, a nutrient and anti-oxidant that increases the body’s energy supply. On top of that, sardines are a healthy source of omega-3, one of the healthiest essential oils. Sardines also have large supplies of potassium and iron, vitamins and minerals that are required for a healthy functioning martial artist.

There are many foods that are great for martial arts training. Whether you’re looking to build muscles or develop the mind, choosing the right diet is important. A martial artist requires the best nutrients at all times in order to perform at peak capacity. Finding time to incorporate these foods into your diet will pay off and provide you with an added boost of energy and performance.