Olson's Martial Arts - October 2019

WHERE SHOULD I GET A DOG?

3 REASONS TO ADOPT FROM YOUR LOCAL SHELTER

find one near you. Even if you don’t find the breed you’re looking for, you may find an indispensable companion in a breed you weren’t looking for — and you never would have found them if you didn’t check the shelters. GREAT FOR YOUR KIDS Having a dog can be great for your kids, and getting it from a shelter can be even better for them. Dogs encourage kids to play outside and be more active, and kids gain a friend who loves them unconditionally. Plus, if you adopt, the act of giving an unwanted animal a new home can teach your kids empathy. If you still haven’t checked your local shelter for the newest member of your family, what are you waiting for? Find a furry friend you and your kids will love today!

So, you’ve decided to get a dog. Maybe you think your kids could use a new playmate, or maybe you and your spouse want someone to join you on morning walks. Whatever the reason, the next question is where to get them. Instead of paying exorbitant amounts of money to a breeder for a purebred puppy, why not check the local shelter or humane society? October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and, if you’re looking to get a dog, here are a few reasons to check the shelters first. IT’S CHEAPER TO ADOPT Adoption prices include the upfront expenses, such as spaying, neutering, and vaccinations, that you wouldn’t get from a breeder or pet store. Some shelters even include the cost of microchipping in their fee. If you adopt from a shelter, you’re ensured a healthy, happy dog. With some shelter dogs, you may also save on housebreaking and training costs. LOTS OF CHOICES Is there a specific breed you’re looking for? Chances are you will find it at the shelter. Shelter dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Some organizations rescue specific breeds, and with a little research, you may SELF-DEFENSE COURSES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS In this month’s cover article, Master Amanda Olson explains how the self-defense courses at Olson’s Martial Arts Academy help our students recognize dangerous situations and react accordingly to protect themselves and others. The team at our academy wants to go over the other benefits a self-defense course can give individuals of any age. DEVELOP FIGHTERS’ REFLEXES If you’re ever caught in a situation where you need to act quickly, fighters’ reflexes are essential. If you’re being attacked, you don’t have time to wonder where to place your foot or where to strike. Training your body in self-defense gives you the capability to know exactly how to respond to a high-stress situation. Fighters’ reflexes allow you to react without conscious thought. You’ll be prepared for any fight, physically and mentally. BECOME AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS This is one of the biggest lessons the teachers at Olson’s Martial Arts Academy impress on our students. When you’re aware of what’s around you, you can minimize the chances of being attacked. Recognizing places a dangerous person could be hiding and avoiding areas where attacks are likely to happen will help prevent grim situations. You’re also giving yourself the tools you need to make yourself less of a target.

BUILD SELF-IMAGE Taking self-defense courses can increase someone’s self-esteem, self- respect, and confidence. Training will increase your body image, which, in turn, can increase self-confidence, but it also shapes the way you perceive yourself. You can be confident, knowing you can defend yourself and others should a situation call for it. By giving yourself these skills, you’ll feel good about yourself and what you can do. Our academy welcomes any person interested in learning self-defense. Whether you’re looking to enroll in a class for intensive training or want to give yourself a fundamental understanding of defending yourself, our courses can help. Call us at 423-926-9161 to sign up today.

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