Wednesday, July 31, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Wins 1st Place BEST MARTIAL ARTS School in the Hudson Valley


Dear Students, Family members, Friends and Fans,

I am very proud to announce that United Martial Arts Centers has won 1ST PLACE 2013 Times Herald Record Readers Choice Award for BEST MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL in the Hudson Valley.

I want to tell you how grateful I am for you voting for United Martial Arts Centers and helping us win this very prestigious award.  UMAC was up against some pretty tough competition but with your help we prevailed.

I am also very deeply grateful to all of our staff especially Master Teresa Ciarfella, Master Jason Bender and Master Danielle Ciarfella for their commitment and dedication to the students and making United Martial Arts Centers the BEST Martial Arts School in the Hudson Valley.

I am confident that United Martial Arts Centers will continue to improve.  We are passionate about teaching martial arts and love helping our students reach their full potential in life.

Thank you

Sincerely

Grand Master Edmund Ciarfella

United Martial Arts Centers

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Monday, July 29, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Instructor Testing 7-26-13 (playlist)


Taekwondo for kids Warwick NY Future United Martial Arts Centers Black Belt #umac


Back to School Success Program: 6 weeks of Classes and Uniform

Back to School Success Program Prepare your child to succeed this year at United Martial Arts Centers
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United Martial Arts Centers Lounge: Weekly Updates 7/29/13

Good Morning Winner Happy Monday! CONGRATULATIONS to all UMAC Students who graduated on Friday Night The Instructor Testing was AWESOME Here are your United Martial Arts Centers Weekly Updates FOCUS: Forms: TIP - Video your form and review it T SHIRT THURSDAY- students can wear the NEW UMAC T Shirt FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Wednesday Aug 7th to raise fund for the Back Pack Snack Attack. Food Fun and Games for the whole family $5 admission plus a snack 5:30-7:00pm Please LIKE our Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/umacfans Visit our website www.umacenters.com Make it a Great Week Grand Master Edmund Ciarfella United Martial Arts Centers
United Martial Arts Centers Lounge

Thursday, July 25, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Lounge: An Act of Courage is an Act of Love



Merriam-Webster defines courage as the ability to do something that frightens one and strength in the face of pain or grief. That second definition really speaks to me. The past few years have been challenging for me. I went through an unexpected and difficult divorce. And like any parent, I cherish my children so much that to be separated from them for visitation weekends or splitting up of holidays has been heart wrenching. In the middle of my divorce I was diagnosed, out of the blue, with breast cancer. I very quickly had to make choices about what steps I would take and I was terrified about how I feel afterwards. Would I still feel like a fierce young woman? I had my doubts. Step by step, I made it through the divorce, two surgeries, chemo, radiation and the onset of hormone therapy pretty well. I felt like a rock star. I felt proud that I could show my boys that whatever you're faced with you just keep going. Honestly, though, in the months that followed I felt like I crashed. It had somehow turned into almost three years that I had defined myself by these crises. I wasn't sure how I could take that feeling of soldiering through a crisis and have it translate for the sake of my boys into how to be strong and centered and ready for anything during the times when life is peaceful. That's when we came to UMAC.#umac
I always love to make new friends, and I cannot deny that I love with all my heart taking out my aggression by practicing my roundhouse kicks, but what I love most about my training is a feeling that's developing in me of core strength. It's really a mental shift as much as a physical one. I know that, should I ever have to face more pain or grief, I will be much better equipped to handle it. I've gotten stronger. And so have my boys. There's so much more to write, but class is starting soon. The three of us will continue to be there as time goes on because I want my boys to see me show them by example that we never retreat in battle.

United Martial Arts Centers Lounge

United Martial Arts Centers Lounge: Try this Simple way to Meditate

Try this Simple Meditation

          Just breathe.  Right now.  Become aware of the fact that you are breathing.  If you are like most people - busy, multitasking, distracted and stressed - your breath is probably shallow and short.  Without adding a lot of effort, simply increase your awareness, and begin to put a little more attention on this usually unconscious process.  Let your breath begin to relax, allowing it to become deeper and longer.

          Breathe in and out through your nose.  Notice that you have an inhalation and an   exhalation.  Many of us have the tendency to do a short inhale and a longer exhale.  Quietly notice if that's what you're doing.  Very gently make them even.

          Lengthen the breath, so that you are inhaling for a slow count of 4 and exhaling for a slow count of 4.  Let your breath flow freely from one to the other. Let yourself experience the balance and the flow.

          Become aware of the points when you lungs are at their fullest, and when they are emptiest.  Feel the cyclical nature of the breath.  Appreciate that this cycle continues 24 hours a day, every moment of your life, without your having to to do anything at all, supporting you.  Allow your breath to help you take in what you need and release what you don't need.  Let yourself relax into that deep knowledge.

          Continue to let your breath slow, deepen and relax as you feel each inhalation support, brighten and activate your body.  Feel yourself exhale, trusting that you are letting go an anything yo no longer need.  Feel gratitude for this miracle.

          Notice when you mind wanders.  When that happens, and you become aware of it, remind yourself that you are not doing anything wrong; that it is the nature of attention  to wander.  Simply come back to your breath.  See if you can keep your entire focus on your breath for a count of 10 complete inhales and exhales. When you wander, simply come back again to the process.

          There.  Congratulations!  You have done your meditation for the day.  Reset your nervous system out of stress mode, lowered your blood pressure a and released some tension from your muscles.

United Martial Arts Centers Lounge

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Lounge: 6 Fun things to do with your kids this Summer

6 Fun Things to do with your kids this Summer
This summer can be a great outlet to catch up and spend time with your kids. Here are 6 fun things that both you and your kids will enjoy doing together.

Get Wet
Either go to a water park, city pool, YMCA, backyard pool, or just get out your hose this summer and cool off with your children. Water fun can come in so many different ways. Water guns are a great way to play with your family, you can also try water balloons or a slip n' slide for more ideas of outside water fun. Not only will you save on the electric bill but you will make memories that will last a lifetime.

Go to the Zoo
Almost every city has a Zoo. Most of these Zoos are free. The Bronx Zoo is FREE on Wednesdays! Take the kids to see the animals. Young kids and older kids alike get a kick out of seeing a trainer feeding the seals or a gorilla cuddling her baby. Most times you can find a Children's Zoo located right inside your own local Zoo where you can feed goats grain in ice cream cones or birds nectar from little cups. This experience gets you out of the house and exercising as a family with all the walking around watching animals.

Make Something Together
Make a project with your entire family this summer. You can do any type of craft or outdoor project. Get a stepping stone kit from your local craft store. Make a new stone each summer with your kids and put them in the backyard. Each person could make a stone or you could make one together. However, you could also plant a garden with your kids. Teach them how to grow a seed into a plant that produces food or flowers. This can be such a learning experience for your children.

Have Family Night Every Night
What a great feeling you get when you walk away from your weekly "family" night. With your kids growing up so fast why not make these memories last for as long as you can. Days when you are not transporting your children to hockey or dance this summer designate as family nights. Play games, watch movies with popcorn, go to a local restaurant (kids pick), or just go out in the backyard and throw around the bat and ball. Spending time with your kids is what they will remember. I used to camp in the backyard with my kids…it was a blast.

Take a Walk
Go outside and just walk around the neighborhood collecting leaves and rocks, exercising, letting the kids off all that extra energy they always seem to have, as well as just talking and spending time with our kids. Create a space at home for the treasures you find on your walks. Get a jar for the rocks and a scrapbook to lay the leaves in and identify them online. Being active is what your kids need this summer, not only physical activity but mental activity as well.

Enroll in Martial Arts Classes together
There is nothing that bonds a family together than doing something that is fun, healthy and challenging like training in the martial arts with your children. United Martial Arts Centers is offering a FREE EZ TRIAL PROGRAM – One month of classes (2-3 times a week) and a Uniform. This is so people can try our classes and see if it is something they would like to continue doing. There is no obligation to continue and no strings attached. We love what we do and are confident you will love it to!


#umac
United Martial Arts Centers Lounge

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Warwick NY #umac


United Martial Arts Centers Lounge: A-B-C's of Womens Self Defense

A-B-C’s of Self Defense for Women
A = Awareness – Always be aware of your surroundings.  If you are walking to your car be aware of who is in the parking lot or standing by your car.  If you are alone and someone looks a little “Sketchy” wait till others come into the parking lot and walk with them.  If you are alone go back into the store or mall and get a security guard and ask him to walk with you.  The easiest way to defend yourself is to avoid the situation.  Never walk anywhere and be looking at your phone or texting.

B = Boundaries – Never let anyone within two feet of you if you do not know them personally.  If you let someone within two feet of you they are in your “safety zone” and will be able to grab you and attack you.  If you are approached by someone you do not know and feel threatened put your hands up and be assertive and say “Back Off!!”  Nine out ten times you will be able to defuse the situation without any physical confrontation.

C = Combat – If you are attacked it is important to use techniques that are simple and effective.  Palm strike to the nose, hammer fist to the groin, front kick to the groin and elbow strikes are very effective.   Eyes, throat, solar plexus, groin and most soft tissue areas will be good targets.

Disclaimer: The above are only TIPS.  To be prepared I suggest you contact United Martial Arts Centers and set up a Women’s Self Defense Seminar.  These seminars can be 1 hour or 3 hours long and are taught by Master Teresa Ciarfella 5th Dan Black Belt with 20 years of experience.  (She was also attacked 20 years ago at the Galleria Mall in Middletown NY by 2 men and was able to defend herself)
For more information on a Women’s Self Defense Seminar please Click on the link below



http://bit.ly/12fyAVM

www.umacenters.com
www.facebook.com/umacfans
#umac #Selfdefense #women
United Martial Arts Centers Lounge

Monday, July 8, 2013

After School Karate Kids Warwick NY #umac

After School Karate Kids #umac

FREE EZ Trial 1 Month of Classes and a Uniform

EZ Trial
United Martial Arts Centers Free One Month of Classes and a Uniform No Obligation to continue  #umac

United Martial Arts Centers Lounge: Weekly Updates 7/8/13 #umac

Good Morning I hope you had a wonderful weekend Here are your weekly United Martial Arts Centers Updates and News
1. FOCUS: Combination attacks and Sparring (Please bring your safety gear)
2. BLACK BELT TEA CEREMONY & POT LUCK PARTY Friday 6pm
3. Instructor Boot Camp Sat. July 20th 7am-9am
4. UMAC Applications for Graduation Due Friday July 19th
5. UMAC Graduation and Instructor Testing Friday July 26th
 Please TEXT UMACVIP TO: 72727 for Specials & Updates to your phone 1 a week
Please LIKE United Martial Arts Centers on www.facebook.com/umacfans
Make it a great week Grand Master Edmund Ciarfella  #umac
United Martial Arts Centers Lounge

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Warwick NY #umac


United Martial Arts Centers Lounge 10 Womens Self Defense Tips

 

10 Women’s Self-Defense Tips

In this day and age, you can never be too careful. That’s why it’s important to consider these tips to benefit your self-defense skills!

  1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Knowing where you are and who or what is around you is a major safety advantage! Before going to a new place, you should have a basic understanding of the surrounding area. For example, if you’re going to a new restaurant you could look up the area on the Internet and know exactly where it’s located and what streets or businesses are close by.
In addition, if you are alone, with a friend or in a group you should keep your eyes on what is happening around you. You don’t want to be the last to know if something is going on!

Instagram
  1. Try and Stay in Well-lit Areas
Well-lit areas are obviously a great way to be able to see what is going on around you, especially in the night. It gives you the opportunity to be aware of your surroundings and see what’s going on around you. In addition, it makes you more visible to those around you leading to more help opportunities.



  1. Never Put Yourself in Questionable Situations
This also seems to be an obvious choice. However, you may be putting yourself in sticky situations without realizing it. For example, if you’re going out on a first date you should go to an establishment where there will be other people (like a restaurant or coffee house). NEVER go back to someone’s house alone or allow someone to come back to yours!

  1. Have Your Keys Ready When Going to Your Car
Preparation is key! Preparing your keys will allow you to quickly and efficiently enter your vehicle without losing time. Not only does it serve as a simple time management tool, if attacked your keys can act as a defense weapon as well.

  1. Never Count Your Money in Public
Counting your money in public is an easy way to turn yourself into a visual target. If an individual is looking for someone to assault or rob, having your money readily visible and available is a sure way to be victimized. When leaving a bank or ATM machine, make sure you wait until you’re in an environment that you know is secure to handle your money!

  1. Only Carry Items That You Need
Not only does this lighten your load, it allows you to carry smaller bags or purses. This makes you a less noticeable target, especially if you are carrying your bag close to your body. Then, if your bag is stolen, you will have less to replace and know exactly what has been taken.

  1. Know the Body’s Sensitive Areas
If you are ever assaulted it is important to remember that your goal is to stop the assailant long enough for you to get away. Remember the sensitive areas: nose, eyes, throat, knees, and stomach. For men, you can add the groin on the list.

  1. Trust Your Instincts
Instincts are a deeply rooted self-defense mechanism. Your body and mind alert you for a reason, to stay out of harm’s way. If you feel unsafe, nervous, or think someone is following you it is always important to trust those instincts. Cross the street, go to a busy and well-lit area, or take unexpected turns. NEVER go home. If you are definitely being followed, you don’t want the individual knowing where you live. Trust yourself, better to be safe than sorry!

  1. Stay Calm
This may sound easier said than done, however this is one of the most important tips to remember! It is much easier to think on your feet when you’re calm. If you panic, it lessens your chances of acting quickly and getting away. When you’re calm you’ll be able to readily access the information you need to defend yourself, like the body’s sensitive areas.

  10. Register for a Self-Defense Course
          It is always beneficial to know tips to physically defend yourself! If you receive the training, you will KNOW how to react and effectively defend yourself from an attack. Knowing is the real tool that will lead you to feel safe and confident in your self and your capabilities.

For more information please call 845-987-1853
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Monday, July 1, 2013

United Martial Arts Centers Weekly Updates

Happy July 1st

Here are your weekly United Martial Arts Centers Updates and News

Big Shout out to all the students who helped UMAC raise Funds at the Fireman's Fair
Instructor Luke Evans
Master Paolini
Instructor Tiana Ocker
Austin Droge
Cheyenne Sirois

FOCUS - Self Defense: Tip of the Week: Always be AWARE of your surroundings

UMAC IS CLOSED JULY 4th - Have fun and be safe

July 20th Instructor Boot Camp 7am-9am

July 26th UMAC Graduation and Instructor Testing

Keep an eye out for the UMAC July Calendar

Make it a great week
Please TEXT UMACVIP to:72727 for weekly updates and specials to your phone
Please LIKE UMAC at www.facebook.com/umacfans
Visit us at www.umacenters.com

Sincerely
Grand Master Edmund Ciarfella
United Martial Arts Centers
153 Rte 94 Warwick NY 10990
845-987-1853


United Martial Arts Centers Lounge