April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. What can you do to help keep the children you love safe? Here are some tips that can help:
1. Teach your child that no one has the right to hurt them, physically or emotionally.
2.Teach them about personal space.
3.Teach children to listen to their "Uh Oh" feeling when something doesn't seem right.
4.Teach them to tell an adult they can trust if they have a bad feeling about something or someone.
5.Teach them the difference between a bad secret and a good surprise.
6.Help your child identify several adults that can be trusted and encourage them to tell you and or them if something bad ever happens.
7.Listen to children when they tell you something is wrong.
8.Teach your child to be aware without instilling fear in them.

Contact one of the appropriate links on the right to report child abuse.

How can I help you?

I want to help everyone reading this achieve some of their personal goals for 2010...How can I help you? Maybe you want to get in shape, maybe you want to be prepared for a potential self protection senario, maybe you need stress relief, or maybe you just need to meet some new friends.

I am offering a free month of classes. No strings attatched... What's the fine print? What strings are attached? None! This is exactly what I am telling you it is. How can I offer free classes? What do I gain from doing this? First of all its only a month. I have to pay my bills just like everyone else but I do teach my students to give back to the community. I gain new friends, hopefully, and more people know about me and our school. Some people don't even know we are here and I have been teaching self protection and martial arts in McComb since 2001. Additionally we had a number of women attacked and even killed in our community last year. I what I teach can help save the life of even one person then whatever effort I make will be worth it. I understand money is an issue in this economy so I will do whatever I can to help anyone that wants to train.

What is new at the school?
I am still working on the diabetes program... I thought that I had finished the training then they sent me several more weeks of work... I am starting that tommorrow so that I can share that information with my readers. I am teaching my students verbal judo. This is the same training that the top law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies get. It is just geared towards martial arts rather than police or federal agents. We will be doing more self protection seminars this year. Please contact us at epicmartialarts@hotmail.com

I'm at your service this year, seriously. Let me know how I can help.

Thanks

Chris Holmes-Master Teacher
601 248-3222

New Year of Self Defense...

Hello everyone... It's a new year and most of us are making resolutions and at the moment we may even be trying to reach those goals.. We may be working out trying to get in better physical condition, we may be trying to lose weight, we may be trying to be more proactive in our life and doing things that will payoff in the long term.

The question I would like you to ask yourself is: Am I going to still be doing the right things 6 months from now? We all have good intentions...How many of us actually follow through? We usually do good for a few months then we gradually fall back into our old habits and routines. Do you want to change that? Would you like to learn more about preventing diabetes before you develop it? Would you like to learn how to de-escalate a bad situation? Do you want to know how to defend yourself? Would you like to lose weight and get in better shape?

If you truely want to make a difference in your life this year, call or come see us at Epic Martial Arts... I can promise long term results but no quick fixes.... It will take work, blood, sweat, and tears... I will teach you what you need to know but you will have to master it. If you would like to really change your life call me at (601) 248-3222.

Let's have a great year in 2010!

Chris Holmes-Master Teacher

New Halloween Safety Tips

NEW Halloween Safety Tips
October 27, 2009

Dear Parents, Students & Friends,

Here is a list of some new safety tips for Halloween we are teaching in classes this week.

Some new tips have been added for children as well as for adults please take a moment to read them to enjoy a fun & safe Halloween 2009!

Thank you Chris Holmes-Master Teacher, Epic Martial Arts.

Safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind as Halloween approaches, especially parents of young children

Employing safety tips can make a difference. Tips include:

1.Parents should accompany young children.
2.Don’t go inside a stranger’s house, no matter what anyone says.
3.Trick-or-Treaters should always be in groups so they aren’t a tempting target for real life goblins.
4. Make a map of your Trick-or-Treat route and check the route against the sex offender database.
5.Stay in your own neighborhood.
6.Stop only at well lit houses.
7.Carry a flashlight or light stick.
8.Use make up instead of a mask so you can see.
9.Wear light colored clothing or costumes.
10. Always keep a safe distance between you and moving cars.
11. Be respectful of other people and their property.
12. Parents should screen all treats before you eat them.
13. Don’t accept and, especially, don’t eat anything not commercially wrapped.
14. Start early, end early.
15. Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic.
16. Stop, look and listen at corners.
17. Walk, don’t run.
18. Don’t go between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across streets or into traffic.
19. Don’t carry sharp instruments.
20. Never carry a lighted torch or candles.

Before heading out to “trick-or-treat” this Halloween, visit the MS State Sexual Offender and Predator database click on this link to be taken there,http://www.sor.mdps.state.ms.us/sorpublic/hpsor_search.aspx to ensure the residences your children are visiting do not house registered sex offenders.

- When the “trick-or-treaters” begin their neighborhood trek, exercise extra vigilance for those excited, costumed youths whose exuberance may overcome their awareness of vehicles.

- Many adults will don customs and drive to various events; check to be sure your costume doesn’t impede your ability to operate your vehicle in a safe manner.

- If celebrations include alcohol, whether hosting or participating, be responsible, as always, drivers need to remember “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.”


Happy Halloween,

Chris Holmes-Master Teacher

Epic Martial Arts

313 Richmond St.
McComb MS
(601) 250-0550

www.epicmartialarts.com

Top Ten Killers of Adult Males 6-10

6. Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes follows closely on the heels of this nation’s obesity epidemic. The American Diabetes Association (ADA)
states that 54 million Americans are pre-diabetic, meaning that blood glucose levels are approaching diabetic levels.
Risk Raisers: Excess body fat and inactivity increase risk for type 2 diabetes; risk factors for type 1, which is far less common, are not well understood.
Numbers That Count: 9.6 percent of people aged 20 or older have diabetes, while nearly 21 percent of people over 60 have it.
Prevention 101: Make a habit of healthy food choices Exercise; Maintain a healthy weight.
Did you know? According to the ADA, 10.5 percent of all men aged 20 years or older have diabetes, although nearly a third of them do not know it.


7. Pneumonia & Flu
The statistic that 36,000 people die from pneumonia and influenza every year scares a lot of Americans into getting a flu shot. Most are individuals with compromised immune systems, especially the elderly.
Risk Raisers: Pre-existing respiratory condition; Heart disease; Diabetes; Weakened immune system.
Numbers That Count: The pneumonia/flu death rate dropped 10 percent between 2003 and 2004.
Prevention 101: Immunization.
Did you know? As of 2004, more people are dying of Alzheimer’s disease than pneumonia or flu. (Alzheimer’s is far more prevalent among women than men, which is why it ranks lower on the list of health threats for men.)


8. Suicide
Depression is the common element in more than half of all suicide attempts, though only one in 10 attempts is successful. It appears men are more successful than women because they choose more certain methods of self-destruction (for example, a gunshot rather than sleeping pills).
Risk Raisers: Depression; Painful illness; Recent crisis or loss; Substance abuse.
Numbers That Count: Men commit suicide four times more frequently than women.
Prevention 101: Tell a friend; Contact a doctor; Call a suicide hotline (1-800-SUICIDE).


9. Kidney Disease
Your kidneys remove waste and toxins while also helping to regulate blood pressure and body water. Kidney diseases are predominantly brought on by diabetes or high blood pressure.
Risk Raisers: Diabetes; High blood pressure; Inactivity; Smoking.
Numbers That Count: Treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) soared by 57 percent as awareness rose in the 1990s, though the actual rate of prevalence has been relatively stable.
Prevention 101: Exercise; Drink plenty of water; Maintain a healthy weight; Limit aspirin and ibuprofen.
Did you know? CKD is closely associated with heart disease. According to the American Society of Nephrology, death from cardiovascular disease is 10 to 30 times higher among dialysis patients.


10. Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease correlated to aging, so the number of cases has been increasing as men live longer. Life expectancy after diagnosis ranges anywhere from two to 20 years.
Risk Raisers: Aging.
Numbers That Count: According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, an estimated one in 10 persons over age 65 and nearly half of those 85 or older have Alzheimer's disease.
Prevention 101: Little is known, but experts advise taking similar steps to preventing heart disease.
Did you know? One hopeful prospect for combating Alzheimer’s is a brain-imaging technique which would measure the amount of the toxic compound (amyloid) that causes Alzheimer’s.

Hope this give you guys some ideas on what to work on and what to be concerned about....

Peace

Chris Holmes-Master Teacher

Call me if I can be of assistance: (601) 248-3222

Top Killers of Adult Males1-5

1. Heart Diseases
Though heart disease is the longstanding No. 1 killer, its mortality rate since 1950 has been halved in the 25-to-64 age group. Approximately 28 percent of American men—more than one in four—die from cardiovascular diseases today.
Risk Raisers: High cholesterol; High blood pressure; Obesity; Diabetes.
Fact: Heart disease kills about 26 percent more African-American men than white men.
Prevention 101: Eat fruits and vegetables; Be smart about fat intake; Exercise; Go for regular check-ups; Don’t smoke.


2. Cancer
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that cancer will take the lives of 289,550 men in 2007. However, the death rate for cancer’s major killers has steadily been decreasing. Even without a cure we could slash the rate by nearly one-third: ACS says tobacco accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths.
Risk Raisers: Smoking; Sun exposure;Excessive alcohol intake.
Numbers That Count: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death among men (31 percent), followed by prostate (9 percent) and colorectal (9 percent) cancers.
Prevention 101:Eat well; Exercise;Get screened; Protect against UV rays; Learn about carcinogens in your environment.
Fact: Fewer than half the people diagnosed with cancer today will die of the disease.


3. Accidents
“Unintentional injuries” kill a staggering number of people every year. In 2004, the CDC’s total for men and women was
112,012. Vehicle accidents accounted for the most fatalities, followed by poisoning, falls and drowning.
Risk Raisers: Driving while intoxicated; Ignoring safety regulations; Dangerous occupations such as mining, farming, construction and fishing.
Prevention 101: Wear a seat belt; Don’t drink and drive; Be well rested at work; Follow safety guidelines; Follow warnings on household and workplace chemicals.
Did you know? Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for men under the age of 34.


4. Stroke
There are two types of strokes—those caused by a blocked artery (ischemic) and those due to bleeding in or around the
brain (hemorrhagic). Both types result in the death of brain tissue, which can affect one’s entire body.
Risk Raisers: High blood pressure; Smoking; Diabetes; High cholesterol; Obesity.
Numbers That Count: About 80 percent of strokes are ischemic and 20 percent hemorrhagic.
Prevention 101: Keep a healthy diet; Exercise; Mind your blood pressure.
Did you know? A 2007 report by the American Heart Association estimated the cost of health expenditures and lost productivity due to cardiovascular disease and stroke at $431.8 billion—well over twice the cost of all cancers.


5. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is not actually one disease but the co-existence of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These lung conditions are primarily
caused by smoking—and they will kill you.
Risk Raisers: Smoking.
Numbers That Count: According to the American Lung Association, male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked.
Prevention 101: Don’t smoke.
Did you know? Smoking is bad for you.

This list was created by Tom Callos-www.tomcallos.com and brought to you by Epic Martial Arts- http://www.epicmartialarts.com/


The numbers 6-10 will be coming up soon... If you really want to beat these things you need to get in shape. Come in for a free month of classes.

Peace

Chris Holmes

One Month of Free Classes....

Alright Southwest MS, No more excuses.... Today is my birthday and I am giving the first 5000 people (ADULTS ONLY PLEASE) that respond a month of free classes, no gimmicks, no strings attached, just give me a call or come by the school. This blog is dedicated to self defense and the course is geared towards that, it will be much more in depth than any one night seminar could be.

Mississippi leads the Nation in heart disease, Obesity, and we are in the top in Diabetes. These are the sort of things you need to be defending your self against. I'm trying to help you kill two birds with one stone... I don't know of any other martial arts program in MS that has donated a month of free classes to 5000 people. Honestly we can't fit that many on the mat so we might have to start a waiting list... But I am holding up my end of the bargain...just come try it out, give me 100% for one month. Learn how to avoid and survive violent situations.

Honestly you are far less likely to be killed or injured due to a violent attack than you are by your sofa, your television, or the box of Twinkies or cookies in your lap. But I'm feeling generous so you are going to get the best of both worlds FREE, for one month. I'm going to be teaching you world class self defense against attackers, but also holistic self defense. Defense from your lack of exercise, the things you eat, the things you drink, and I will teach you about self defense from a global perspective. So get off your rear-end and come try a month of classes. If I do my job then you are in better shape you feel and look better and you are more well prepared to defend yourself against an attacker or your bad habits. If you do a month and give 100% and don't feel like you've really benefited from the program(then go see Doctor because you are suffering from hallucinations...Just Kidding!) Seriously if you don't see or feel a benefit then we will shake hands and part as friends.

Take Care,

Chris Holmes-Master Teacher