When we think of the Christmas season, we think of a time of giving. While we may be busily racing around to buy gifts for family and friends, the season of giving and sharing can even extend to those we don’t know. We can creatively share the spirit of Christmas with others.

You can buy someone a drink or a meal. How many times have you been in the drive-thru line and when it’s time to pay, you’re told your meal was already taken care of? It is an amazing feeling, and just makes you want to do the same for someone else. Or you can offer a cold drink to someone who has been working outside in the hot sun all day. Construction workers and mail carriers are just a couple of professions that would benefit from such kindness.

Donating items is also a gesture of giving. Good Will and an abundance of thrift stores would gladly accept donations. Take it a step further by finding an organization with a track record of helping others with money earned from donated items.

A call to the local florist can initiate the start of a very pleasant surprise for someone. Who doesn’t like to receive unexpected flowers, or a fruit basket? Maybe balloons or baked goods? Showing someone you thought of them can mean more than the item sent.

Reach out with a gesture, great or small, to make someone’s day memorable. It is truly better to give than to receive.

Have a Joyous, Merry Christmas from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

In Step With . . .

Cole Peavy

Seven-year-old Cole Peavy is a student at our Fayetteville location. This active youngster loves Tae Kwon Do and the workout it gives him. His mom loves it too.

“Tae Kwon Do is an excellent tool for discipline.  The instructors are great role models and learning self-defense is a good trait,” says Cole’s mom, Briana Barlow. Here’s a look at December’s student profile, Cole.

How long have you been taking Tae Kwon Do?

3.5 years

What problems did Tae Kwon Do help you overcome?

Tae Kwon Do helped me to focus better and to kick better and punch to the patch.

Has Tae Kwon Do given you confidence?

Tae Kwon Do tells me that I can do better and don't give up.

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do? Why would you tell another kid that it is fun to do?

It helps me defend myself from danger.  It helps you be a great warrior.

In Step With . . .

Emily Parlier

She is an international medalist, whose repertoire boasts more than one hundred medals and trophies in Tae Kwon Do. Senior Instructor  Emily Parlier has taught students at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do for five years, and is currently an instructor at the Peachtree City location. She has been involved in the sport since she was 9 years old. It’s a decision that Emily has never regretted. “The unique teaching style (at Master Shim’s) was really good for me, and I fell in love with the classes and instructors when I walked in for my first class,” she states.

She has watched the involvement with Master Shim’s grow into a family affair, with her parents, cousins, and aunts all signing up for lessons as well. As the American Tae Kwon Do United (ATU) National Champion in 2015 and 2016, and the silver medalist in 2017, Emily is an excellent example for them to follow.

Here’s a look at December’s featured instructor, Emily Parlier.

What problems did Tae Kwon Do help you overcome?

When I was younger, I was a little firecracker, as I’ve been told. I had some behavioral issues and I had a hard time getting along with others. Tae Kwon Do taught me self-control, discipline, and respect.

Has Tae Kwon Do given you confidence?

Tae Kwon Do has been great for my confidence and self-esteem. I was never sure of myself before, but I believe that I am now.

Why would you recommend Tae Kwon Do for all ages?

Tae Kwon Do is really great for anyone! It helps adults get into shape and have a fun activity to get away from the stress of being an adult. It’s great for families to bond and work together at something. It’s especially great for kids to build life skills in them while they are young so that they will last a life time.

Let’s face it, we’re all looking for ways to do things faster, smarter and easier. We want events and activities in close proximity, to shorten our commute, and lengthen our time to spend with family. Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do gets that … and that’s why we have three locations, so you can find the one that is most convenient for you.

Our Fayetteville location provides martial arts for the burgeoning South Atlanta area, including Jonesboro, Riverdale and Lovejoy.  The Peachtree City school reaches students from numerous areas, including Sharpsburg, Senoia and Tyrone. And if you are in the Irondale, Conyers and McDonough areas, then our Stockbridge location may be ideal for you.

Each location offers the same comforting, encouraging environment for children and adults alike to learn and develop.

We’d love to have you at the location that best suits you. It’s your choice, and our pleasure to welcome you to a healthy activity that the entire family can enjoy.

And don’t forget, you can sign up for free classes and check us out. Visit https://atlantatkd.com/beginners-martial-arts-classes-program/ to sign up for our trial program.

We have a place for you!

It’s Sunday night, almost midnight, and you realize school snacks haven’t been packed. Ugh. You need something quick and tasty that the kids will enjoy. Oh, and you want it to be nutritious too. Believe it or not, there are snacks that will actually meet all of those criteria – and pass the parent healthy food test.

If sweet is your child’s thing, then Sun-Maid’s best are sure to hit the spot. A mini-box of raisins can be filling, and are a healthy alternative to a candy bar. But there are some candies, like dark chocolate with nuts, that can make for a delectable taste combination, improve your health and even lower your risk of heart disease. Granola bars, filled with grains and fruit, can also provide a healthy, quick option, conveniently packaged.

Maybe salty … and crunchy … suits your child’s palate. Pretzels meeting the smooth taste of hummus not only tastes good together but can come as an easy-to-handle small premade snack. And vegetables and fruit, from mini carrots to apples to oranges, are always a nutritious win.

Keeping quick bites on hand for snack emergencies can get you an A+ in the lunch department. They can also make great snacks when you’re on the go during school break in December!

Indeed, Christmas is in the air. The excitement and buzz of the joyous season is here. From parties to gift exchanges, donations to dinners, there’s no shortage of happenings for the month of December.

Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do loves to celebrate the holiday, and reach out to the local community. Be sure to check us out in the Fayetteville Christmas Parade on December 1. This year’s float is sure to be a show-stopper, complete with music!

And if you’ve decided to get a jump start on your shopping list, don’t look any further than Master Shim’s for gift cards. Give the child in your life lessons full of excitement and fun, or the adult in your life the gift of self-defense, exercise and fun!

Check out atlantatkd.com for more information.

With the Thanksgiving Holiday upon us, many people have chosen to adopt an attitude of gratitude. But having a mindset of thankfulness isn’t just for the month of November. Nor is expressing appreciation to others. Here are a few ways that you can show someone all year long that you are thankful.

Focus on providing your full attention when someone is in your presence. Simple acts like making eye contact and actively listening to what the person has to say can make someone feel appreciated and valued. So can remembering your manners. Two little words – “thank you” – can make a big impression.

Lending your support always makes someone feel like they matter to you. Whether you’re just offering heartfelt congratulations, or reveling in a success or victory as if it were your own, your happiness for them will make all the difference. You can also be sure to share their praise. This is especially applicable when a waiter, waitress or someone in the marketplace provides you excellent service. Share your kudos with their manager, or via online review. Tipping well for good service, when applicable, is a much-appreciated gesture.

A few other ideas for expressing gratitude …. handwriting letters. In this era of emails, texts and tweets, taking the time to write a note by hand is an especially thoughtful gesture. A note to say “thinking of you” or “thank you” or even “I love you” is very impactful. And a small little gift, which doesn’t have to be costly, can relay thankfulness.

Keep the spirit of gratitude going all year long.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

GERD AWARENESS

Heartburn, acid reflux, continual coughing and an ever-present sore throat can all be symptomatic of GERD. GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and it’s a chronic digestive condition that affects 15 – 30% of the US population. November 19-25 is GERD awareness week. To honor the designation, here’s a look at some symptoms that accompany the condition, as well as potential solutions.

Symptoms include:

• Heartburn that persists more than 2 weeks
• Heartburn that wakes you up at night
• Discomfort that interferes with daily activity
• Pain or difficulty when you swallow

Solutions can include:

• Changing diet; removing foods that trigger symptoms
• Medication to relieve symptoms and reduce stomach acid
• Surgery for severe situations
• Holistic methods to help with gut repair

Cooler temperatures and leaves turning colors signal that the fall season has settled in. While the lack of blazing temperatures may not seem to illicit the same need to quench your thirst, it’s vital to remember the importance of hydration during cold weather months.

First of all, not drinking enough water affects both your physical and mental capabilities. Just a slight percentage decrease in your water intake can lead to brain fog and a loss of mental sharpness. The physical can follow, from feeling thirsty to inability to achieve tasks. Incidentally, by the time you realize you’re thirsty, it’s already reached a low point.

Although a variety of other liquids boast that they can quench your thirst, it’s not the same as having water. In fact, ironically, some drinks can cause you to lose fluids. Among them, coffee and caffeinated drinks. You can wind up in worse shape and less hydrated after gulping a large Coke.

Don’t let the cool temps fool you. Although you may not be sweating profusely like you would in mid-June, you’re still losing fluids. Keep up your water intake, and don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. By being educated and informed as far as what your body needs, you’ll keep the fall season fun!

And while we’re discussing the Autumn season, here are a couple of fun things coming up at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do:

The 2018 Ha Tae Kyung Taekwondo Championship will kick off the fall tournament season, on November 10. A week later, Master Shim’s 3^rd Annual Fall Family Festival will be an exciting time for all ages.

Get more details at atlantatkd.com.

Muscle strain and muscle sprain are often used interchangeably. In some instances, they can share similar symptoms. Strains and sprains are, however, different injuries with different diagnosis and varied methods of treatment.

• A sprain is defined as a stretching or tearing of ligaments
• The stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon is a strain
• Both injuries have the same initial treatment: rest, ice, elevation
• Symptoms of both can include pain, swelling, and limited movement to the area
• Numbness, pain or difficulty moving are reasons to see a doctor for further treatment
• Fatigue, poor conditioning, and improper warm up can all contribute to strains and sprains happening
• Stretching and strengthening exercises can help out with prevention
• Use proper form and technique when engaged in activity