The CMA&F Blog
Tips, updates, and stories from the mat.
BJJ Gradings in Canberra: A Beginner's Guide
Wondering what a BJJ grading involves, or whether you have to take part? Here is how gradings work at our Canberra clubs and how to feel ready.
Women's Self Defence in Canberra: What the First Course Is Really Like
Nervous about trying a women's self defence course? Here is what the three hours involve, what to bring, and the worries we hear most often.
Why Archery Is Part of Our Kids School Holiday Program
Why is there archery on a martial arts holiday program? Here is what it is for, what children take from it, and the worries parents raise most.
What Happens on a School Holiday Program Day? A Parent's Guide
Drop-off times, what to pack, screens, movie day and the worries parents raise most. Here is what a day on our school holiday program looks like.
Do You Need To Be Fit Before You Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A lot of adults type the same question into Google before they ever open a booking form: do I need to be fit before I start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? The honest answer is no.
Thought About Trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Before? Here Is Why It Never Happened
If you looked into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu once and never followed through, timing was probably the real reason, not interest. Here is what a beginner program actually looks like at CMA&F.
Why It's Fine If Your Child Does Not Get It Right Away
What actually happens when a child gets a new self-defence move wrong in class, and why that matters far less than parents expect.
What to Expect at a Women's Self-Defence Course, Even With No Experience
A plain-language look at what actually happens in a Women's Self-Defence Course - who else is in the room, whether you need any experience, and how to book a complimentary come and try class.
What Age Can My Child Start Martial Arts?
A look inside Tiny Tigers, our class for three and four year olds, and why the goal is never getting them to sit still.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Safe for Kids? What Canberra Parents Ask Before Their First Class
A straight answer to the safety question every parent has before their child's first Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class – what actually happens on the mats, and how the injury risk compares to other kids' sports.
What Actually Happens When You Book a Come and Try Class
Booking a come and try class is the hardest part. Here's exactly what happens next, from the first phone call to walking off the mats.
Starting Martial Arts as an Adult in Canberra: What Your First Month Looks Like
Most adults who start martial arts in Canberra aren't naturals – they're just consistent. Here's what your first month actually looks like, from your first class to your first grading.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Beginners: How to Start BJJ in Canberra
BJJ is built on leverage and technique, not strength – which is why it suits complete beginners. Here's what starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canberra actually looks like.
What Happens at a Martial Arts Grading — A Parent's Guide
The first grading invitation can raise more questions than it answers. Here's a plain-English guide to how gradings work at our Canberra clubs — and how to help your child prepare.
School Holiday Programs in Canberra: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Active
The July break is one of Canberra's trickier ones – cold, short days and bored kids. Here's how a school holiday program keeps them active, social and off screens.
How a Martial Arts Club Teaches Kids to Give Back
Martial arts teaches kids far more than self-defence. It quietly builds discipline, empathy and a habit of giving back – the values behind our Kick for Camp Quality fundraiser.
Beyond Self-Defence: How Martial Arts Builds Character in Kids
Most parents start their child in martial arts for confidence or self-defence. A year in, it's the character that stands out – and most of it shows up at home.
The Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids in Canberra
Martial arts gives Canberra kids more than self-defence – it builds the focus, discipline and resilience that show up at school and at home. Here's what to look for, and how to get started.
Pupil-Free Days in Canberra: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Active
Pupil-free days catch Canberra parents out every term. A practical guide to planning an active day for your kids – plus what we're running on Thursday 11 June.
Do Martial Arts Classes Run on Public Holidays and School Holidays in Canberra?
Public holidays, long weekends, school holidays – here's exactly when your child's martial arts classes run at Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness, and how to make up a missed Monday.
First Class Nerves: What to Expect
Walking into a martial arts class for the first time is unfamiliar. Here's exactly what happens, so it isn't.
Why Hapkido Suits All Body Types
Why a Korean art built on leverage and circular motion suits practitioners of every size and shape.
The Benefits of Training with a Community rather than alone at a Gym
The Benefits of Training with a Community rather than alone at a Gym Group fitness classes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.
Martial Arts is Not as Scary as You Think: A Guide to Starting Out Safely
Getting Started is Easier than you think! People are often weary about walking into a Martial Arts club for the first time, sometimes I hear people asking questions like: Do I need to be fit to get started?
Kumdo Grading – Dec'2021
Sunday 12th December @ CMA&F Members are encouraged to speak with their Instructors.
Professional Photo Shoot
We held a professional photo shoot at Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness to capture our members and programs in action.
Taekwondo Grading – Dec'2021
Friday 10 Dec @ Mount Stromlo High School Members are encouraged to speak with their Instructors.
Women's Self Defence
Find Your Inner Power Self-Confidence | Self-Determination | Control Women’s Self Defence Course Introductory (before Intermediate) — Sunday 6th February, 11am–2pm. 100% suitable for beginners.
Stay Away From This Kind of Fitness Trainer
Does your fitness trainer actually know what they’re doing or are they just wasting your time? Let’s find out! As a general rule, if they show one or more of the following red flags, then it’s probably best for you to start looking for someone else.
Want to Be Healthy? Use More Herbs and Spices!
If you’ve ever needed another reason to use more herbs and spices in your dishes (aside from the fact that they taste amazing), here you go: they can help you get healthier too. How, you ask? Let’s find out!
The 5 Rules For Healthy Living By Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was known (and loved) for many things. Aside from being an accomplished film and fashion icon, she was also a humanitarian. One thing she was not, however, was a health expert. But that doesn’t mean she didn’t know anything about the subject.
The Only Workout You Need To Finally Transform Your Body
Are you tired of workouts that promise amazing results fast but fail to give you even mediocre results after months of training? I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s not necessarily the workouts themselves that are the problem.
Top 3 Superfoods To Eat For More Energy
Always feeling lethargic? Fuel up with these three energy-boosting superfoods and get the fuel you need to make the most out of every single day!
No Excuses! You’re Never Too Old To Start Martial Arts!
Think you’re too old to start martial arts? Think again! Let me show you eight super compelling reasons why you can (and should) start exercising regardless of your age.
The Complete Beginner’s Guide On How To Get Into Martial Arts
The way you get into Martial Arts training out makes a world of a difference in how fast (and safely) you get to where you want to be. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you begin your martial arts journey the right way.
How Fit People Use Technology To Reach Their Goals Faster
Getting fit is challenging. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make things a little easier—which is exactly what fit people do using technology. But how exactly do they do that? Let’s find out!
Get Out Of Your Workout Rut With These 3 Tips
Are your workouts starting to get boring? Don’t quit just yet! Here are three things you can do to make training exciting again.
Diet v. Exercise: Which One Is More Important To Fitness?
The short answer is diet, and today, we’ll show you why. But before we get to that, a quick heads up: there’s a big caveat to the whole thing, so be sure to read the post until the end.
Coffee Vs. Tea: Which One's The Perfect Workout Partner?
When it comes to improving performance in the gym, some people swear by coffee while others insist tea is the way to go. Let’s find out which camp is right!
10 Signs You Need A Health And Fitness Reboot
First things first: what the heck is a health and fitness reboot? Simply put, it refers to the process of evaluating your current health and fitness level to identify issues, come up with solutions, and then implement those solutions so you can improve.
Feeling Unmotivated To Work Out? Pump Yourself Up With A Kickass Gym Playlist
You probably already know that consistency is key when it comes to getting fit. Unfortunately, that knowledge doesn’t help at all on days when you just don’t feel like working out. You know what would help instead? Music.
8 Reasons You Need To Work Out With Proper Form
Everyone says proper form is important when it comes to working out. But is it really? Well, the short answer is yes, and today, we’ll take a look at the eight reasons why. Let’s get started!
Get More Out Of Your Workouts With These Warm Up Tips
Are you always unable to perform at peak capacity during your workouts? Let’s fix that with a proper warm up routine!
5 Things Nobody Tells You About Going To A Martial Arts Club
There are a lot of misconceptions about going to a Martial Arts club. Today, we’re going to dispel five of them so you can make a more informed decision. Let’s get started!
10 Ridiculous Fitness Trends That Won’t Go Away
There’s so much BS in fitness these days that it’s become virtually impossible to know who to trust or what to believe in. Well, how about we shoot down 10 of the most ridiculous fitness trends today to make things a little easier for you?
What Should You Eat After A Workout?
Some people say you need to chug a protein shake immediately after every training session. Others say you need carbs and fat too. Which camp is correct? Let’s find out!
9 Fitness Mistakes Keeping You From Reaching Your Goals
Are you not progressing as fast as you’d like in your fitness journey? Here are the 10 most common fitness mistakes that might be holding you back!
The Absolute Beginner’s Guide To Protein
Clueless about protein? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! I’ll teach you everything you need to know about this amazing macronutrient so you can get more out of every calorie you consume. Let’s get right to it!
5 Easy Lifestyle Changes You Can Do Now To Become Healthier
So, you’ve finally decided to start taking better care of your health. The only problem? You have no idea where to start—and the fact that there’s a lot of conflicting information on the subject does not make things any easier.
Forget Trying To Get Ripped, Do This Instead!
Let’s face it. Most of the people who start working out do so because they want to get fitter and look better. And you’re probably one of them too. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that—unless it becomes your sole focus.
5 Food and Drink Hacks For Better Health
Want to get healthier but don’t know how to go about it? Here are five quick food and drink hacks you can do today to get started!
Tired Of Boring Workouts? Spice Things Up With These 10 Tips!
Let’s face it: working out can feel like a chore sometimes. Even if you’re the biggest fitness buff around, training is not always as exciting as you’d like it to be. Well, why don’t we fix that?
Yes, You Need A Fitness Trainer
Let’s face it: just like everyone else, you probably also want to get fit fast. Unfortunately, there are no magic pills that can get you your dream body overnight. The good news, though, is that there’s a way to speed the process up a bit.
This is why so many of us are overweight
In the western world, most of us have all and more than we need. We have big houses and multiple computers and we have access to SO MUCH FOOD.
Best Workouts You Can Do At Home
Instead of just giving you a list of sample workouts, how about we just teach you how to build a training program that gets results so you can design one that better aligns with your specific goals and needs? It’s easier than you think!
Why It’s Good To Work Out In The Morning
Does the time you work out matter? Yes! And today, we’ll give you eight compelling reasons why.
How To Workout To Lose Weight
When it comes to losing weight, what’s the best way to train? Is it jogging? High-intensity interval training? Swimming? Resistance training? A combination of different training protocols? Let’s find out!
How To Workout To Build Muscle
Muscle building seems like some monumental task that mere mortals can never accomplish. In reality, though, it’s a lot simpler than most people think.
10 Things to Know Before Your First Session at CMA
You have heard so much about our Martial Arts and Fitness classes, and you’re finally ready to give it a go. That’s great! You’ll get to discover more about the workout your friends have been raving about.
How To Work Out Through An Injury
No matter if you’re new to Martial Arts, a seasoned trainer or a professional, injuries can happen to anyone. After an injury, it’s important to focus on how you return to training.
Your new MANTRA: 31 inspirational quotes to help you achieve more
“I think I can, I think I can…” The Little Engine That Could had it right, although perhaps he should have replaced “think” with “know”.
15 Ways to Stay Motivated This Winter
It’s funny isn’t it? In spite of all the admiration you receive for your dedication, discipline and commitment to training in the summer, and despite your pride for living an active lifestyle, it can…
Get Out Of Your Training Rut Now With These Expert Tips
In life, Fitness and Martial Arts, it would be great if we could just keep hitting goals week after week, but this, unfortunately, is not the case. At some stage, training, life or injuries may catch up with you and you will find yourself in a workout rut.
Seven protein-filled snacks to fuel your workout
No matter how you choose to work out, the effort you put in taxes and strains your muscles. To repair them and feel your best, you need protein as a building block for good health. A healthy, protein-filled snack is ideal after a heavy workout.
Why your last gym didn’t help you trim down!
Many of us sign up to the gym with a vision of getting fit and slimming down, only to find motivation quickly drops away, as do results. If you have struggled to make a regular gym work for you, perhaps it is time to give Martial Arts a try.
Five Tips to Avoid Injury Training
One of the great things about martial arts training, as well as our fitness program, is that it isn’t just exercise. Our training is designed to test your mind, push your limits and challenge your body.
Injury Management and Returning to Training
If you sustain an injury or feel the inklings of an injury, don’t ignore it and hope it will go away. Instead address it to help with a speedy recovery.
Why It’s OK To Have A Day Off Every Week
You’re an achiever, a man/woman of action, and you work out because you want results! But, did you know that taking that extra workout during the week could actually be jeopardizing the results that you want?
Destress Your Day – How Martial Arts Improves Your Mental Health
Do you feel burned out at work or overwhelmed by family life? Are you looking for a productive way to break out of your routine? Martial Arts might be the perfect solution.
Love Yourself Through Your Workouts
There’s more to exercise than meets the eye. Sure, an active lifestyle keeps your heart healthy and joints functioning but did you know that it also gives your brain a boost?
Daily Eating Habits That Set You Up For Success
To become the fittest version of yourself, diet is as important as exercise. You need to make the right choices to get the best results. Here are five quick tips for good eating habits which will help you achieve better results, faster.
How to Start Again with Your Weight Loss When You Failed in the Past
How many times has “Lose Weight” or “Go to the Gym” been on your resolution list in January? And how many times have you shrugged your shoulders in around mid-February when you realised you had done very little to achieve your goal?
How to Stay on Track When You Don’t Feel Like It
There goes that 5am alarm! But it’s cold outside and bed is so warm! What do you do — hit the snooze button or force yourself up to make that workout class you booked in for?
Think Martial Arts is not for you? Think again.
Maybe being a lean, mean fitness and martial arts machine is your end goal. But You don’t have to start out that way. We get it! The world of Martial Arts can seem intimidating.
Why Planking Is Worth The Fitness Pain… Really!
Planking is one of the fitness exercises that many people love to hate. Because let’s face it… it’s flippen hard! But is all that difficulty worth in the end?
Breathing Tips That Will Help You Train Harder
Did you know that the way you breathe can actually make a difference to your training? When you breathe ‘right’, you maximise the flow of oxygen around your body. This gives you more energy and helps prevent stitches.
Correct Your Posture Now With Tips From Our Trainer
Ever since you were young you’ve been told to correct your posture… and guess what? It’s not going to stop now. The reason your parents, your teachers and now your trainers go on and on about good posture is that it is essential for good health.
No Pain No Gain? How Hard Should I Be Pushing Myself?
You’re half way through class warm-up and you’ve had enough. You’re tired, your muscles ache and your trainer’s motivational words are no longer reaching your ears.
Training Tips For Brand New Mums
If you’ve just become a Brand New Mum, firstly, congratulations on your new family member! If you’re a brand-new Mum then the thought of exercising probably isn’t high on your priority list. There’s feeding routines, hormones and of course sleep to focus on!
10 Martial Arts Fit Exercises You Can Perform Anywhere
Want to fast-track your strength and fitness? Of course, the best thing you can do is attend regular Martial Arts & Fitness classes.
How To Fit Training Around Your Busy Lifestyle
You’re busy, busy, busy and there isn’t a spare minute in the day for exercise, right? Wrong. Have you ever wondered how other people fit training around kids, work commitments and hobbies?
5 Negative Thoughts You Need To Stop Right Now!
You know something guys, getting into martial arts and fitness can be tough. There’s new moves to learn, new fitness boundaries to push through and probably a change of diet and lifestyle too.
Black Belt Program
You don’t need to be a black belt to join the club, but you do need to think about making the commitment to eventually gain your black belt.
Setting Goals
Life is full of challenges and sometimes it seems that getting what you want, or just what you need, can be a challenge. Setting Goals is the first step.
Beginners Check-List
Beginners Check-List Visit the school and watch a class. Speak to the instructor, ask a lot of questions. Be satisfied of the instructor’s experience, attitude, legitimate certification and that they are supervised (if under 4th dan black-belt).
How Long Does It Take To Reach Black Belt?
The time taken to achieve black-belt depends greatly on the student’s level of commitment and their aptitude. Like life, you only get as much out of Hapkido as you put in.
What is the History of Hapkido?
The true history of Hapkido can never really be established. This history has been re-written by people so many times over the years for political and commercial gain that the truth has been lost to us.
What are the common Korean terms and customs used in Hapkido?
While commands and terms will vary between Hapkido organisations and schools, some of the more common Korean words used in Hapkido are listed below, along with their translation.
How do I find a good Hapkido club or instructor?
There are many good Hapkido organisations around the world, there are also many poor ones. The first thing to consider is the instructor. To learn properly you must trust and get on with them.