Author: stephenreinstein

It’s common for parents to enroll their kids in a martial arts class because they want their children to be physically active. Adults take martial arts classes for the same reason. In fact, if you want a full body workout, martial arts training is one of the best ways to get it. To be fit […]

Goal-setting is an essential life skill, one that we all need to learn–and the sooner we learn it, the better off we’ll be. While participating in any sport or physical activity can help, when it comes to goal setting martial arts training is powerful because the techniques to set goals and work toward them is […]

One of the questions martial arts instructors hear most frequently from prospective students or their parents has to do with injuries. Specifically, they want to know if there’s a risk of injury if they learn the martial arts. The truth is that there is a risk–as there would be with any physical activity—but there’s a […]

Learning a martial art is an effective way to improve your physical and mental health at any age. In a martial arts class, students exercise their bodies and minds, whether they’re engaged in Karate training or Mixed Martial Arts. While it probably won’t come as a surprise that martial arts practice can get your body […]

Martial arts training is an effective way for people of all ages, from young children to seniors, to get in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle. While that might not surprise you, it may surprise you to learn that martial arts practice can lead to healthier habits in almost every area of life. Martial arts […]

Even people who have never studied the martial arts know what a black belt is. It’s a symbol of mastery and achievement. What most people don’t know is how a martial arts belt test works, what it involves, or when it happens. What is Belt Testing? In the martial arts, belt testing is the way […]

Whether you’re considering signing your child up for a martial arts class or you want to study the martial arts for self-defense, it can be confusing to choose between the various martial arts styles. While some disciplines are more popular than others, it’s possible to find Chinese martial arts, Japanese martial arts, Korean martial arts, […]

Martial arts training is something that people of all ages and sizes can do. One of the most common questions we hear when people are signing up for our martial arts classes is this: Does size give people an advantage in a martial arts fight? Size does matter in the martial arts, but not necessarily […]

Enrolling your child in a martial arts class can help them in a variety of ways. Children in our classes get the physical activity they need. There are mental and emotional benefits as well since martial art instruction fosters a healthy mind-body connection. One of the biggest benefits of martial arts classes for children is […]

You may already know that studying the martial arts is a positive way for children to learn key physical, emotional, and social skills. What you may not know is that the learning environment in martial arts training is defined by the five tenets. The five tenets are core principles that define the essence of martial […]

Martial arts classes are a popular activity for children because they provide a healthy outlet for kids’ energy as well as an opportunity to socialize. What some parents may not realize is that one of the biggest benefits of martial arts for kids is that it helps them form the fitness habit from an early […]

Martial arts classes can do a lot for your child. Children who study the martial arts learn key skills that will help them throughout their lives. One of the most important things they learn is discipline. Discipline is a skill that can help kids face challenges that arise at any stage of life. Martial arts […]

In the martial arts, students learn more than the physical skills associated with Taekwondo or Karate. Each one of the martial arts has core tenets that students must learn and apply both to their martial arts training and to life. The most important of these — because it relates to all the others — is […]

We get a lot of questions about the martial arts and weight loss. If you’re someone who wants to lose weight, then martial arts training could provide part of the solution. Here are 6 ways that studying the martial arts can help you lose weight. #1: Burning Calories There’s a reason that exercise is at […]

The benefits of martial arts for kids include physical, mental, and emotional lessons that will serve them well at every stage of life. One benefit that is sometimes overlooked is the social aspect of martial arts. Social interaction might not be the first thing you imagine when you think about the martial arts. Hollywood movies […]

When you bring your child to a martial arts class, you know they’re going to get a good workout and burn off some energy. Kids who are young athletes — and that’s a descriptor that applies to kids who study the martial arts — need the right fuel for their bodies before and after a […]

Studying the martial arts is a great way to provide kids with the physical activity and social opportunities they need to be healthy. For a lot of parents, the biggest question to answer about martial arts classes for kids is this: When should my child start martial arts training? It’s an important question to ask. […]

The black belt is a universally recognized symbol of achievement in the martial arts. It symbolizes a level of mental and physical strength that people in all disciplines of the martial arts work hard to attain, whether they earn a black belt in karate or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In most disciplines, the black belt sits […]

The health benefits of martial arts training are well known but there’s always more to learn about how studying the martial arts can improve your health.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. For that reason, it’s important to engage in regular physical activity to improve […]

Whether you have dreams of being a great martial artist or you want to enroll your child in a fun martial arts class, you may wonder where competition enters the picture. Are students in our martial arts classes required to compete in tournaments? If you want to enter a tournament, can we help you train? […]

Martial arts training can benefit people of all ages, from young children to adults. Whether they want to learn self-defense or work toward a black belt, taking a martial arts class can help them both in school and at home. With that in mind, here are 6 martial arts benefits for teenagers that you should […]

Before you enroll your child in martial arts classes, it’s natural to ask questions about the benefits and what martial arts training will do for your kid and their self-esteem. The good news is that the martial arts help kids by teaching them physical and emotional control, self-defense, and self-confidence. In fact, the confidence martial […]

Martial artists in movies are almost always young and attractive. In some of the more imaginative martial arts movies, they literally fly through the air, defying gravity and the laws of physics. For that reason, people who are a bit older may worry that they’re too old to start martial arts training. The good news […]

Some physical activities focus primarily on working your body. While it might require focus and discipline to excel at any endeavor, martial arts training requires harmony of the mind, body, and spirit. The practice of martial arts is an exercise in constant self-improvement. One of the biggest benefits of signing up for a martial arts […]

Martial arts classes are popular with kids of all ages — and with their parents, too! While a lot of the focus is understandably on the ways that studying a martial art can help kids stay active and burn off excess energy, the mental benefits of martial arts for kids are undeniable. When kids study […]

Martial art movies almost always feature martial artists with sculpted bodies. While we understand the cinematic appeal of a chiseled six-pack, we also think that these movies send a message that may discourage some people from pursuing martial arts training. It can even impact their self-esteem. The last thing we want is for people to […]

Physical and mental health go hand in hand. The physical benefits of martial arts training are well documented. Martial arts practice improves cardiovascular fitness, tones muscles, and can help people lose weight. What you may not know is that the martial arts aren’t just for self-defense and physical fitness. The training provided in a martial […]

Martial arts classes are fun and challenging. Students of all ages come together to master new skills and techniques, earn belts, and share a unique experience. Best of all, studying the martial arts has many documented health benefits that can improve your body and mind. Here are 10 health benefits of martial arts you should […]

from our friends at skillz.com If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us to slow down and appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones. On the flip side, it has also caused some additional stressors for parents as they have had to play the role of teacher while also fulfilling […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Programs for children are all around us. From daycare centers to recreational sports and everything in between, options for parents to choose from are abounding. And although parents want what is best for their children, they often aren’t aware of the notable distinctions between the programs they are considering. To […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Nowadays it seems that children are only interested in their video games, smart phones, and social media platforms. Parents are frustrated with their children’s lack of motivation for and attention to other activities that they are at a loss as to what to do. Therefore, parents often respond by taking […]

Posted: 10/10/2020 Starting Thursday, October 8th, Pedro’s Judo Center will implement a BATTLE BUDDY SYSTEM for all recreational classes. A Battle Buddy is an assigned training partner who you would do full contact training with.  All current precautions such as but not limited to temperature checks, hand sanitizer, no spectators, distance between groups will still […]

From our friends at Skillz.com We have all experienced, from time to time, that uneasy feeling you get when something doesn’t seem right. Often, we can’t put our finger on it, but we know that we feel bothered. For children, that uneasy feeling may show up as grumpiness or irritability, which can interfere with learning. […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Children today are presented with varying types of stressors in almost every aspect of their lives. The infamous “bar” has been set so high that in order to achieve it, children are asked to forgo “fun” and work towards superiority in everything they do. And while goal setting is an […]

from our friends at skillz.com One of the biggest struggles in parenting is understanding why perfectly sweet and smart children can, in an instant, turn into the most difficult beings ever faced. It’s often as if a switch was flipped and chaos has ensued. This typically results in parents becoming frustrated at their child and […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com On any given day, we may experience moments of high emotion in reaction to an event, or we find ourselves trying to control everyone and everything around us. Either way, our mental well-being is in danger, especially if we find ourselves stuck in either scenario for long. It can be […]

from our friends at skillz.com We’ve all set goals, to some degree, throughout our lives. Some were easily achieved while others we just gave up on completing. This is because most plans are either set in the comfort zone or the danger zone. And while our initial motivation generally puts on a path to setting […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com All children have their own unique way of interacting with the world around them. And while much of this is contributed by their temperaments, the degree of emotional nurturing plays a significant role. This essential piece is how attachment is formed. The emotional bond between a child and their parent […]

From Our Friends At Skillz.com The hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this year, maybe a little less intense but, no doubt, still exciting. While holiday parties may be missing from our typical December schedules, the pandemic can’t stop the spirit of the season! Decorating the house, wrapping gifts, and baking goodies will keep […]

As we continue to navigate the unchartered waters of the current pandemic, many are looking to the future and what it holds. And while it’s hard to predict how long our current daily life modifications will last, what we do know is that the experience of this trauma will have personal changes that could last […]

Technology as a TOOL in Your Toddler’s Life: Fostering Confidence and Personal Growth During an Unpredictable Pandemic Despite personal views on the pandemic, the reality is as it is. Life as we knew it to be a few months ago has changed drastically and rapidly. This brings forth many valid concerns as a parent of […]

from our friends at Skillz.com For years, parents and children have been faced with the dreaded summer slide, a time when the school year ends and summer learning loss begins. And as if it wasn’t detrimental enough in it’s own rights, this year the summer slide has been accelerated by the COVID slide and trauma […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And while it’s exciting to watch children grow and develop into caring humans, parenting definitely brings about it’s fair share of challenges. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now faced with parenting during a pandemic which presents […]

Click Here For Consent & Liability Waiver To Attend Class ALL STUDENTS & STAFF WEAR MASKS DURING TRAINING – THIS VIDEO WAS FILMED PRIOR TO THAT GUIDELINE. CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT PHYSICAL & VIRTUAL SCHEDULE These are the steps and procedures that will be in place as you attend class. UPDATED MARCH 2021 Enter The […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Parents have always served as the first, and typically, the most important role model for their children, even though family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well. However, in the wake of the pandemic, these people have had less of a presence in […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As the world continues its reopening efforts, more and more parents are headed back to work. And while this is a positive sign, it leaves parents with the task of finding their children a fun, yet safe, program to spend each day at. Since summer camps are unable to provide […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com In today’s world, there is an overgrowing focus on “me” and less on “us.” This “all-about-me” emphasis has led to a lack of empathy, which, in turn, results in more and more conflict. The primary reason for this…people do not listen. Their focus is on their own agenda, and they […]

from our friends at Skillz.com It is becoming more and more apparent that no one is to blame for everything that happens. So, if this is the case, how do we get ourselves in such turmoil if no one is responsible? Although this seems ridiculous, the use of “blame-shifting” has become the go-to way of […]

from our friends at skillz.com As we continue through the current pandemic and re-opening efforts show real challenges, school districts everywhere are trying to devise the best plans for children, teachers, and staff to return. And while there will be no perfect solution for each family, parents must consider all the information and choose the […]

from our friend at SKILLZ.com We are currently faced with all sorts of unknowns most, of which, are completely out of our control. And while we cannot dictate how others choose to move forward, what we can do, as parents, is prepare our own families for what may lie ahead. Currently, the most pressing matter […]

from our friends over at skillz.com Over the past few months, we have been inundated with information that seems to change almost daily, making it hard to resolve what should and should not be done. Everyone has their thoughts and feelings about varying current debates, especially regarding starting school. And while there will be no […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As back to school plans continue to change almost daily, children’s emotions will remain unpredictable. One day they are thinking about returning to their friends and teachers at school, and the next, they are told they won’t be returning for another few months. Because of this, our children’s emotional needs […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Over the past few months, interactions have been minimal, and our social skills are rusty. Since prolonged school closures have a negative impact on children’s social development, we are now faced with how to regain skills while moving forward with new skills. Though some children will return to a brick-and-mortar […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Throughout the past four months schedules have been upended and downtime has taken over. However, as the new school year gets underway, reality is going to show up and we are going to be scrambling to get ourselves and our children back on a productive path. In the book “The […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As digital learning has become a widely preferred alternative for school, children everywhere are now “required” to be on devices in the wake of the pandemic. This is quite a change from the screen time limits that parents have attempted to enforce for years. Now, allotting time for school online, […]

Children of all ages are spending more and more time on devices. Online schoolwork and staying connected to family members are positive ways children can use technology. And while video games and social media apps are ways for children to connect and “play” with friends, these platforms are also a breeding ground for inappropriate content […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Adolescence has always been a challenging time for parents and teens to get through. Typically, this is because adults feel teens are lazy and/or out of control. However, these behaviors are usually present because teens feel uninspired and lack the right motivation in their lives. And while the development of […]

Today’s world is busy; people are rushing here and there to get to work, school, the store, or the next activity. Even our “leisure” time is filled with busyness. And during all of it, we are distracted by our devices. This not only leads to us missing important moments in our lives, but it also […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Choosing a martial arts school has always been a guessing game for most parents. Unless they have prior experience, to them, any style is coined “karate” so deciding on the best place is purely a guess. Parents generally look for a school that teaches punching and kicking, emphasizes discipline, and […]

Goal setting is one of the most highly linked characteristics to the success that individuals have. Top athletes and successful people all use goal setting. And while it is a trait that is most often associated with adolescents and adults, younger children can also benefit greatly from beginning this life skill at an early age. […]

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Have you ever considered that children have these as well? Of course they do! The problem is, they don’t know how to express this to us. They know something doesn’t feel right, so they act out or exhibit a grumpy mood. The good news is, there […]

Endorphins are natural chemicals produced in the body to reduce pain and boost happiness. They are most often associated with exercise since the release of these “feel-good” chemicals cause a state of euphoria and is usually known as a “runner’s high.” However, most any exercise will cause this state of happiness and it is also […]

Back to School Tips for Parents Summertime is coming to an end, and with that comes all of the back to school anxiety and jitters that are common amongst children. Your child may experience common physical effects of anxiety associated with back to school time including symptoms from stomachaches to sleeping problems. They will also […]

The New Year has arrived, and lofty resolutions have been set. Anything from working out daily to saving money to losing weight, our society knows how to dream big! However, when big dreams aren’t broken down into smaller, achievable goals, failure often ensues. And to make matters worse, our children watch us throughout this short-lived […]

Learning is a big part of child development and how children learn things is dependent on a variety of factors. Much of the time, observational learning contributes to how children learn information and behaviors. This type of social learning can be greatly influential because of the role that mirror neurons play in learning. Providing children […]

article from our friends over at SKILLZ.COM The development of a child can be one of the most fascinating things to watch unfold. From infants mirroring movements to toddlers and children mastering high level developmental skills, the growth they experience in a short time is astounding. And while all skills are important for children to […]

article from our friends over at SKILLZ.COM Parents are an essential element to their child’s success in anything. The enthusiasm and support, or lack thereof, of a parent can make or break a child’s accomplishments. In our martial arts, it is even more essential that parents be involved as part of the teaching team since […]

from our friends over at SKILLZ.com When we hear the term “school readiness,” the first thing most people think of is children knowing academic basics that will help them meet the demands of the classroom. And while these cognitive skills are important, teachers feel that skills in the other areas of child development are just […]

from our friends over at SKILLZ.COM Good behavior is a learning process for children, and we are their roadmap. Children usually behave per their own emotions and impulses. At the same time, being a parent is also a learning process and sometimes we rely on our own emotions and impulses to teach. Usually, that means […]

The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by the news and begin feeling anxious […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Let’s face it, conflict is hard and is bound to happen no matter what ground rules are put into place. Whether it’s on the playground or right in our own homes, children will clash. And while it can create challenging situations, it is a normal event that occurs between children. […]

from our friends skillz.com Stress is a significant part of our lives today. And while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Academic pressure, social tensions, family stressors, etc. all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, it’s important for parents to help their children develop […]

from our friends SKILLZ.com The recent closures of schools and businesses are widespread and have led to major disruptions in the daily routines of families. Children are trying to adjust to doing school at home and parents are now trying to balance their new work from home life with their role as teacher to their […]

From our friends at Skillz.com Although not new, virtual learning has increasingly become a more widely used approach, especially in the wake of the current pandemic. Nearly everyone has been directed to stay at home, which initially seemed like a vacation but quickly became an unwanted situation. With routines upended and everyone limited with access […]

from our friends at Skillz.com With our country at somewhat of a standstill due to the current pandemic, it’s easy to get into a routine that is more laid back. Anything from going to bed late to increased screen time, habits may start leaning on the unhealthy side. And one of the major behaviors that […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Remember when you wished the weekend would last forever? As weeks of the “shelter in place” order have passed, the eagerness for some “time off” has lost its spark. Children’s boredom is growing day by day and will continue, especially as many schools will be ending the school year earlier […]

From our friends at Skillz.com As the pandemic carries on, our coping skills are starting to unravel. For many people, this has become the ultimate emotional test. As we continue to maintain our distance from each other, not only have our social lives been halted, but our emotional support is wavering as well. And while […]

from our friends at Skillz.com We are all human and our responses to our current situation vary. Some have hunkered down and sorted through their new reality in a way that has motivated them to complete tasks and put new goals in place. Others have become increasingly overwhelmed and feel like they have no control […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com For the past two months, we have been asked to socially distance ourselves from others in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. We’ve put most of our “normal” daily living routines on pause and created a secluded environment for ourselves and our children. And while many things are in […]

How Judo Builds Strength   Judo not only provides an aerobic workout but tones muscles, too. A lot of people associate muscle toning with heavy weight lifting. In judo, kids learn techniques through repetitive movements and create muscle memory. Repetitions help tone muscles without bulking them up. Both boys and girls can benefit from having […]

Pan-American Junior Championships   Pedro’s Judo Center (Wakefield, Massachusetts) athletes Katherinne Lieby (-57kg) and Devin Leggett (-73kg) competed in Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina at the Pan-American Junior Championships. Fighting in arguably one of the most difficult junior weight classes, Leggett fell to eventual bronze medalist in his first round. Devin Leggett of Lynnfield, MA went […]

2018 World  Championships: Baku, Azerbaijan   From September 20th-September 27th, four Pedro’s Judo Center Team Force athletes will represent the United States of America at the 2018 World  Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. Athletes Colton Brown, Jack Hatton, Ajax Tadehara, and Alisha Galles are four among fourteen Americans who will compete at the world-class event. Additionally, […]

Improving Your Child’s Conduct at School Through Judo   At Pedro’s Judo Center, there is strong emphasis and training on becoming a leader both on and off the mat. Some kids have a tendency to engage in outbursts during class or simply don’t listen to their teachers. This affects grades and parents’ peace of mind. […]

Judo Teaches Safe, Respectful Self-Defense Many parents worry that putting their kids in a judo program will teach them that fighting is the best way to resolve their problems. It is understandable that people who haven’t studied martial arts have some real misconceptions about what it entails. Many martial arts movies put heavy emphasis on combat […]

Gaining Motor Control Through Judo Studying martial arts makes kids less destructive because it helps them control their movements. Young kids don’t have the same motor control that adults do. When an adult performs any motion, it’s a deliberate thing. The link between your mind and body is so smooth – and so highly developed […]

Judo: A Productive Outlet for Energetic Kids Parents of young kids know that their energy seems boundless. It can be a challenge to keep up! In fact, many parents end the day exhausted from running around after their children.  The exhaustion is real – and it can take over even when your kids are old […]

An Outstanding Performance! Pedro’s Judo Center program director and coach Riley McIlwain led 31 athletes of Wakefield, MA on Sunday, July 15th in the Bay State Games held at UMASS Boston. The competition organizes annual Bay State Summer and Winter Games attracting over 7,000 athletes from more than 30 different sports in the state of […]

Supporting Our Educators Believe it or not, this year’s school season is only about one month away! As the first day of school approaches, many teachers prepare (once again) to pay out of pocket for classroom supplies. With the help of our Pedro’s Judo Center (Wakefield, MA) community, we would like to show gratitude and […]

Let Pedro’s Judo Center Host Your Child’s Birthday Party Planning a party can be quite a headache. Between picking a venue, decorating your home, or just buying supplies, it can be stressful and feel like a lot of pressure to arrange the perfect day for your special child. Not to mention, kids bring a lot […]

Fostering Self-Control and Confidence Through Early Friendships   “No,”  Said every two-year-old, ever. The ‘Terrible Twos’ really don’t have to be so terrible. Engaging your toddler in a safe, constructive, active, and disciplined environment can strengthen focus and encourage cooperation. With a sense of security, particularly with a parent by their side at a very […]

Playing a Role and Taking an Initiative in Your Toddler’s Physical and Cognitive Development   The physical growth and cognitive development of a toddler is unparalleled to any other stage of life. From gross motor skills to hand-eye-coordination, toddlers are stimulated and challenged by seemingly simple tasks. Simplicity should not be overlooked at this stage […]

A Well-Deserved Recognition Jimmy Pedro Wakefield, Massachusetts | September 13, 2018 On September 18, 2018, Jimmy Pedro will be the first ever American judoka to be inducted into the International Judo Federation Hall of Fame. In Baku, Azerbaijan, a celebration and commemoration is in store for one of the most profound American judoka in history. Jimmy […]

Don’t Get Spooked Learn How to Stay Safe Door to door candy stops are a tradition on Halloween night with friends and family. Decked out in a costume, kids are excited and ready for some fun. Before going out, however, it is important to keep in mind a few safety tips that will help keep […]

As parents, we want what’s best for our children, and we also want our children to give it their best when they participate in extra-curricular sports and activities. The problem is, we sometimes get caught up in our desire to see our children perform well and we speak up at the wrong times. With that […]

So many parents are concerned about “what crowd” their child will end up. How can you as a parent ensure your child’s future success? Check out our tips on what steps you can take!

From our friends over at kicksite. For the original article click here. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common condition exemplified by impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention, according to the Child Development Institute. Because many children diagnosed with ADHD have a short attention span and struggle with socializing and emotional control, a lot of parents don’t […]

By now summer is in full swing and we hope that everyone is taking advantage of our summer programs at Pedro’s Judo Center! If you are looking for something fun to keep your ninja occupied this summer feel free to find us at the front desk or give us a call and ask about all […]

Have you ever wondered why children and teens seem to be so addicted to their smart phones and other devices? Parents are frustrated with their children’s lack of attention and motivation but what do their devices have to do with this? The answer is found in science! Often referred to as the “motivator molecule,” dopamine […]

Oxytocin has been dubbed the “love chemical.” It is the hormone that is released when we feel love and trust in relationships. For most people, they know oxytocin as a significant part of the parent-child bonding process. However, it is also very important in overall human relationships and is considered our “social glue.” The release […]

Katherinne Lieby represented the United States in Cancun, Mexico where she competed in the Junior Pan American Championships. Lieby competed in the under 57kg division in the under 20 year old bracket. d She dominated her first two opponents from Chile and Columbia beating them bu ippon. Her semi final match against the Mexican athlete […]