The Centurion

Protective gear has certainly come a long since we humans first realized, “Huh, I’d better try to not break every bone in my body.” Today, you can find gear of all kinds for all sports, but the best gear for martial arts comes from Century Martial Arts, the world’s leading uniform and equipment manufacturer. Add 40+ years of experience, research, development and testing and you have an end product – actually, products – you can have confidence purchasing. The Student Sparring Headgear, Gloves and Boots are among them.

This product review comes from Sifu Jimmy Manfredy! While I was looking for potential writers for these blogs, he happened to visit Century. I asked if he was familiar with any of the products I still needed reviews for. "Oh, sure," was the immediate response. "I use those targets all the time. I can even do videos, if you want!" I did. So now, you get not only a review blog, but some demo videos too! 

This Century Product Review blog was requested by Mike Plachy, who wanted to learn more about Century’s Blast Master Shield. This shield is one of our most unique items, but, sad to say, I’ve never used it in training, let alone come up with drills and exercises for it – so I reached out to someone who has!

There are numerous benefits of martial arts for kids, including improved physical health and a boost in self-confidence. Martial arts can also teach children self-defense skills that can help them ward off bullies and protect themselves from violent attacks. More importantly than fighting off others, however, martial arts teaches kids how to become masters of themselves: how to control thoughts, emotions, actions and responses.

By Dwight Trower

By Dwight Trower Originally published on the MAIA blog.     In my many years as a martial artist and school owner, I have had the fortune of being able to instruct many students with Down Syndrome, as well as others on the autism spectrum and with various mental and physical disabilities. Given the inclusive nature of martial arts (no one sits on the bench!) I know that many of my fellow school owners have also had this experience. However, in 2010, thanks to Deidre Pujols and the Pujols Family Foundation, I was given the opportunity to do even more.

Did you know that over 30% of children and adolescents in the US are overweight or obese? Fewer than a quarter of children get the recommended amount of physical activity a day: 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. A child who is regularly physically active will be more likely to carry that habits into adulthood. On the flip side, a sedentary child will likely grow into a sedentary adult.

 

 

  I frequently find myself inspired by other martial artists. There are so many amazing individuals out there, who are using their talents to make the world a better place. At a Century video shoot, I had the chance to meet another incredible martial artist who is improving lives in our community in Oklahoma City. Sensei Jennifer Allman is a teacher at Harding Fine Arts Academy in OKC, out of which she runs her Firehawk Martial Arts program. She is using her karate background and teaching abilities to bring martial arts to kids who might not otherwise have had access – and it’s changing the entire school! During a break from shooting, I had the chance to interview Allman.