When we’re trying to stay on track with our weight loss goals exercise is great, but what we’re putting in our mouths matters most and ties the two together for maximum results! A low glycemic, high in fiber, and moderate carbs kind of food such as oatmeal or high in protein like eggs are […]
People often question whether or not they are making progress because ‘progress’ is almost never the straight line trajectory that we have been conditioned to expect. Progress in anything challenging, progress in anything worthwhile is a roller coaster. Ups and downs are a NORMAL part of the process towards long term growth & development. On […]
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Shopping can be a thrill. In a good way and even in a bad way. Adding a little self defense mentality can go a long way. Self Awareness You have society on your side. Potential criminals (for the most part) won’t just obnoxiously run up to you in front of a crowd and take […]
Helio Gracie is the founder the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ), also known internationally as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Until his death, Hélio was the only living 10th degree master of the discipline and is widely considered as one of the first sports heroes in Brazilian history; he was named Black Belt Magazine’s Man of […]
Come on out and try a FREE class. Almost every form of martial arts training requires a training partner of some sort. In group classes, selection of a good partner can make or break the lesson. Whether sparring, practicing self defense, working two man forms, or just working out, the partner is key to the […]
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU GIVES GIRLS CONFIDENCE, FITNESS, THE ABILITY TO DEFEND THEMSELVES, PLUS SO MUCH MORE! Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a very important skill for a daughter to develop in today’s world where your daughter may very likely be put into a bad situation where she needs it. Here are a few stats […]
Kevin Seaman -from the winning mindset There is a lot of stuff out there on the internet in regard to visualization. The TRUTH is, we all visualize. In fact, it is as ancient as humankind itself. But, once we learn the power we have to change our direction by using this form of internal communication, […]
Halloween is such a fun time of the year for children; but when children encounter tricks instead of treats, this holiday can become very scary – and not just because of the decorations and frightening costumes. Abductions, bullying, candy that has been compromised; these are all things that can make Halloween a dreadful holiday […]
Kickboxing is a form of martial art that involves punching, kicking, and footwork. The sport incorporates moves from other types of martial arts, such as karate, as well as boxing. There are different types of kickboxing, each with different rules. For instance, American kickboxing uses the hands and feet to make contact, while muay […]
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just a sport, it is a way of life, a lifestyle. Once you have experienced one or two classes, I guarantee you will be hooked. Have you ever wanted to start a martial art but are worried about getting hit in the face? Well this is the perfect opportunity. […]
Get your significant other in to train! There are few things quite like working out with a partner or spouse – a loved one of any sort. No matter type of martial arts you both practice, there are some benefits to exercising together. From perfecting your form to keeping each other motivated, you’ll find them […]
Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four students has reported […]
Come try a Muay Thai Class at Tai Kai. Muay Thai Benefits 1) Burns Calories Effectively. Health and wellness are the main reasons to take up exercising. … 3) Widens Social Circle. There is always a strong sense of comradeship at every Muay Thai gym. … 5) Improves Self-Confidence. … 7) Easy […]
It’s been proven that physical activity helps a child develop cognitively and socially. According to Psychology Today, “Physical activity is a fundamental building block for psychological and physical well-being throughout a lifespan.” But, it’s not always clear for parents which physical activity their child should participate in. Of course, children may naturally show some interest […]
Happy Labor Day. We are open. Regular HOURS
When coaching college basketball players and helping them to use mental performance techniques to improve their game performance, I’ve made some interesting observations. I watched a team shoot free throws for about an hour and when some of the players missed, they would give themselves negative reinforcement. It would be an under the breath expletive, […]
1. Increased Cardiovascular Conditioning Being both aerobic and anaerobic, Muay Thai places huge stress on your cardiopulmonary systems. With continued practice, your body will adapt to the demands of the sport, and improved cardiovascular performance is one of the payoffs. 2. Leg Strength Kicking and footwork play a large role in Muay Thai. […]
?We want to invite you in to check out our amazing martial arts school in Liverpool? Under our certified Black Belts & team of amazing coaches we’ve created a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Where everybody can relax, have fun, learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kid’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Fitness Kickboxing, and Muay Thai and get in great shape. […]
There is a defined procedure to developing what we know as Mental Toughness. Here are four of many, of the mental qualities necessary to be the person you want to be. Each of the four qualities will support each other, strengthening your behavior and mindset synergistically. Emotional Flexibility- Going with what comes. This quality is the […]
We have all our new clothing at Tai Kai. Hats, tank tops, rashguards,and shorts now in stock.
Remember this Saturday is the Phil Migliarese Seminar. This is a FREE seminar as a gift for supporting us during covid. Don’t Miss out its Saturday July 17th , 12-3PM. The seminar is a GI seminar. Even if you can make it for a little bit , come in. Once in a lifetime opportunity.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a difficult but rewarding martial art. Unlike many other martial arts it has no striking, instead mostly taking place on the ground and utilising chokes, strangles and joint locks. In newspaper advertisements from 1930s Brazil, the benefits of jiu jitsu were listed as “more agility, sharper reflexes, more acute senses, […]
Ed Abrasley was awarded his black belt Saturday June 19th. Check out this video made by Jim Kearns on Ed’s journey to black belt
Remember this week we have 2 belt Tests so there is a schedule change for this week only. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend both Belt tests. Thursday June 17th 6:45 will be our Blue Belt Test( so no regular Jiu Jitsu classes that night) and Saturday June 19th at 12PM is our […]
The benefits of Muay Thai – If you are even mildly fitness conscious, then you definitely strive to be stronger. This, of course, means a healthier lifestyle, and there are many ways one can go about accomplishing this goal. Practicing martial arts is definitely one of the most effective ways to become stronger and be […]
Happy Memorial Day- We are Open on a Regular Schedule today
As you probably know, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an incredibly physically intense activity. Although many people train BJJ for self-defense or other personal reasons, BJJ is also a great method to help you lose weight and improve the overall health of your lifestyle. If you have ever tried to lose weight, you are likely familiar with […]
What we say and how we say it has an amazing power sub-consciously in our determination and perception of the events in our life. I have a friend who said something to me that made me think about just how influential our choice of words and phrases can be toward our perspective, “I have to go […]
Well, after many years teaching martial arts and observing my students behavior, I can complete the sentence of the post subject by telling you that couples that roll together stick together for a long time! Well, that’s not hard to explain at all. Both of them are making a commitment to learn something together under […]
Mental health in youth is at a crisis level. Bullying, anxiety, depression, and suicide are on the rise. Reports show that 160,000 students are missing school EVERY DAY due to fear of being bullied. 85% of bullied children have no intervention and are forced to deal with the bullying by themselves. Martial arts have […]
Some people look at grappling as a giant grab-bag of techniques. They may learn hundreds of techniques, but there’s no rhyme, reason or organizing framework to guide what they learn or work on next. If you’re very physically talented then maybe you can get away with this approach, but I find it much easier […]
The Head of Balance Studios, Phil Migliarese(Relson Gracie Black Belt), will be at Tai Kai giving a seminar Saturday July 17th at 12PM. More info to follow
1) Relax And Breathe First, is relax. Almost every BJJ beginner moves like a terrified animal initially. Practicing rolling in a calm and controlled manner. Breathe! It’s cliché, but so important. Don’t panic. You’re not fighting for your life. 2) Just Wiggle Second, if you don’t know what to do, just wiggle around. In fact, that’s all I do most of […]
There are countless reasons why Americans are not getting enough sleep. From the bright city lights to the constant stresses and pressures of daily life, getting the required 7-9 hours of sleep every night can feel like an impossible dream for many. But although those nightly zzz’s might be proving elusive for so many […]
“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results” Sir Winston Churchill “You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war” Napoleon Bonaparte “A good battle plan that you act on today can be better than a perfect one tomorrow.” General George […]
Benefits of Muay Thai Training In recent years, there has been a surge in people taking up Muay Thai. The sport was once seen as too brutal for the mainstream, but that simply isn’t the case. As these misconceptions are being dispelled, the sport is on the rise among people looking to get fitter […]
www.tai-kai-.com Learning a martial art might be the closest thing to discovering the Fountain of Youth. It keeps our bodies healthy as we build up mileage on them. The benefits of learning martial arts go past making you fitter and healthier. It also slows down the effects of aging on our bodies. Some of the first […]
www.tai-kai.com Let’s say that you began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a friend, or with someone else who started at around the same time as you did. The two of you were pretty close to each other in terms of technique and overall skill… Up until recently, as your training partner started improving WAY […]
For grapplers that are looking to shred, lose fat, and just basically build a lean, muscular, aesthetic physique, you’ll no doubt already be well aware of just how much hard work, motivation, and dedication it actually takes for you to get in any type of decent shape in the slightest. If you decide to […]
The martial art of Brazilian jiu jitsu is becoming well known as a dynamic and effective discipline. It is a grappling art much like judo or wrestling but its focus is on submissions rather than take downs or throws. Applying these techniques can be much more challenging than simply emulating what can easily be observed. […]
Confidence. It’s something that a lot of people struggle with. Some people join Jiu-Jitsu to lose weight, get in shape, meet friends, or protect themselves. Whatever the reason, there is a common result that comes from training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or “BJJ”): Confidence. HOW DOES IT HAPPEN? No matter what your background – whether you […]
To those unfamiliar with martial arts, it may seem a little counter intuitive to learn of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s positive impacts on stress levels in the body. In fact, people have been learning martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to help them manage stress and lead calmer, more focused lives for thousands of years. There are […]
We will be operating on a normal schedule for the week of 12/28-1/03 except we will be closed on 12/31 and 1/1. So normal classes Monday through Wednesday, closed Thursday and Friday, Normal classes Saturday and Sunday. See everyone in class.
The holiday season is finally upon us. As amazing as the anticipation of the holiday season can seem with its lure of time off from work, from school and from our normal routine, we must be careful that we don’t derail the progress we’ve made by straying too far from the routine and […]
Recovery is an important part of reaching your exercise and fitness goals, but often overlooked! Not devoting enough time to recover will shortage the results you’ve been working so hard for in the gym. Here are a few safe and effective ways to recover from those challenging exercise sessions we put our bodies through. […]
Why Women Should Train Martial Arts— Ladies, wanna know how to get your fitness on without having to look at a treadmill? It’s an easy fix – make the decision to start martial arts and train consistently. Mix that with healthy habits, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming unstoppable. It might […]
On Sunday November 1, 2020 , we had our first social distancing level 1 Muay Thai Test. We followed the Safety protocols by New York state and have our air ionization to help with the spread of Covid. The test went great and everyone did awesome. Congrats to everyone and our Muay Thai Instructors […]
Tai Kai has gone beyond what the recommendations have been to increase the air quality here. 1) We have upgraded our filter to the proper Merv rating for covid 19 2) We invested in an air ionization purification system and modified the outside air system to prevent the spread of airborn viruses as well […]
It’s not uncommon for prospective or new members to express concern about being too out-of-shape for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Occasionally they will even say they aren’t ready to join BJJ yet, and would like to go to the gym and get in shape before joining. It may seem like holding off on starting BJJ until you […]
If you have kids of different ages, then you know how challenging it can be to find things to do as a group. What excites your 10-year-old daughter is likely to bore your 7-year-old son – and vice versa. There’s one exception that we know of – and that’s taking martial arts classes! Studying the […]
Foods we eat make a major impact on our metabolism. So, if you want to build a body that is burning fat and building lean muscle, following a certain macro-nutrient profile, one that is giving our bodies the proper fuel to keep us metabolic, is highly important. On that note, here are four ways […]
Nutrition is the key When we’re trying to stay on track with our weight loss goals exercise is great, but what we’re putting in our mouths matters most and ties the two together for maximum results! A low glycemic, high in fiber, and moderate carbs kind of food such as oatmeal or high in […]
As people grow older, they begin to find ways to be more productive and make use of their time. For senior citizens, in particular, they find that there is even more time they need to utilize and want to do so effectively. Many will go out and find other jobs while others will pursue hobbies […]
The T shirts have arrived for those that supported us coming in for the first 8 weeks. This is our gift to our students. We will be distributing them during class. Thank you again
Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for more than just exercise or learning how to defend yourself. There are plenty of additional benefits that you get from training in a sport as diverse and unique as BJJ. Some of them might be obvious, but there are some you may find surprising. Check out the most […]
As appreciation to all of our members who have been coming in since we reopened July 6th we are purchasing as gift this FREE limited edition T shirt. The deadline to be in for class is this Wednesday the 9th. The orders are going out Thursday morning. Thank you again to all of our […]
Kickboxing is a form of martial art that involves punching, kicking, and footwork. The sport incorporates moves from other types of martial arts, such as karate, as well as boxing. There are different types of kickboxing, each with different rules. For instance, American kickboxing uses the hands and feet to make contact, while muay […]
Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. Look online for the benefits of BJJ for women, and you’ll find article after article relating to self defense. Sure, picking up some self-defense skills is a huge plus for the art of grappling, but it really just scratches the surface. Here are the not-so-obvious benefits of BJJ for […]
Exercise is often broken down into two categories: cardio and strength (or weights). But there is much more to fitness, so branching out into other exercise programs that incorporate more aspects of fitness is wise—and can be extremely fun and effective. Is Muay Thai, an ancient kickboxing martial art from Thailand, worth considering for […]
Why BJJ is Safe for your kids. When it comes to youth sports, safety is a concern. Sports are a great way to teach your kids valuable lessons; how to make friends, be active, and stay healthy. Jiu-jitsu is one of the most fun, engaging and safe sports for children. Jiu-jitsu is a martial art, […]
Best friends? Worst enemies, buddies, adversaries, confidants, competitors? There’s no relationship like it– siblings! One minute they’re getting along and the next minute they are fighting tooth and nail like lions and tigers! Some parents might even wonder under the most extreme duress, will there ever be a day when they just get along? […]
On one hand you have Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the most dominant grappling martial art. On the other hand you have Muay Thai Kickboxing, the most dominant stand up martial art on Earth. These 2 arts make up the majority of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), so we are going to explore this and see which one […]
We all need to hone the ability to regulate ourselves, and teach and model for our children and students how to do the same. That means sharpening our social and emotional skills so that we can function and thrive in today’s society—creating healthy relationships and health and wellbeing for ourselves as well. What are […]
Brazilian jiu jitsu is more than just a sport. It’s more than a martial art. It’s a way to change your life. You hear a lot of people talk about the jiu jitsu lifestyle, but what does that mean? Does it mean you train all day? Does it mean you surf and then head […]
We live in an uncertain world. Modern times from politics to illness to how the economy functions, racial and gender bias and even the opening and closings of schools and camps has taught us that. Nobody can perfectly predict what is to happen from year to year, month to month and even from […]
We are set to Re-Open July 6th. Members and people who have purchased class passes please check your email for information and exact instructions. You can’t just show up for class. You have to follow the instructions from the email. Thanks
As you get older, it’s easy to find yourself in a rut. You go to work, you watch TV, and you go to bed. Some people avoid falling into such an unhealthy routine by working out at home, jogging, or going to a gym. The problem with doing these almost cliché exercises is […]
There is a defined procedure to developing what we know as Mental Toughness. Here are four of many, of the mental qualities necessary to be the person you want to be. Each of the four qualities will support each other, strengthening your behavior and mindset synergistically. Emotional Flexibility- Going with what comes. This quality is […]
As a parent, teacher or martial arts instructor, you might have had moments where children experience overwhelming feelings such as anger, anxiety or agitation leading to fitful moments, tantrums and melt-downs. Who hasn’t? Statistics tell us that 20% of young children have tantrums daily—this is normal. And as children get older, some still have […]
You Learn a Skill While Exercising The best time to begin your journey in training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is now. While Jiu Jitsu is not the first activity that many people consider when they look to start a new hobby, it’s probably the best decision that you could ever make. Training Jiu Jitsu is […]
Today, May 25, Americans across the country celebrate the brave servicemen and servicewomen who died defending our country. Whether you celebrate by hosting a backyard BBQ get-together or having a simple and intimate moment of silence with your loved ones, Memorial Day is a special time to honor America’s history and commemorate the bravery, courage and […]
As parents, we have heard that the days are long and the years are short. The days can be filled with mistakes, sibling rivalry, tantrums, boundary testing, bedtime battles and tough discussions—and even as they are interspersed with fun, excitement, pride, connection and love, as parents, it’s normal to feel frustrated at times and want […]
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is in the United States, and people are taking extra care in public spaces. Maybe you’re playing it even safer by staying home for a couple of weeks, either by choice or doctor’s orders. If you’re quarantined at home, it’s important to eat healthy foods. You can get creative if you’re […]
The world is filled with feel-good stories about how people have transformed their bodies – and their lives – by starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). To anyone who has ever practiced BJJ before, this is unsurprising. Each BJJ class is packed with various techniques, exercises, and even some ‘live’ drilling and sparring. All of that […]
TIP 1 – KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON: We know it is not business as usual, but children and young people need as much stability as possible, especially during such uncertain times. They look to us, the adults to model how they should respond in the current pandemic and our words and […]
Here is our current online virtual schedule Monday: 6PM SOLO Adult BJJ Drills with Dennis Sugrue on ZOOM Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4261709906?pwd=dTB1ZXFxYWN2bHdoQVQ5UU1ZNzVjZz09 Meeting ID: 426 170 9906 Password: TaiKai Tuesday: Kids BJJ at 5PM with Dennis Sugrue on ZOOM Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/167186945?pwd=dXp4SERhRmllR2c2bHBJMWcyTkl6Zz09 Meeting ID: 167 186 945 Password: 028957 Wednesday: Facebook LIVE Breakdowns and Techniques on […]
The school years are a critical time when parents must allow their children to fail—to experience disappointment and frustration that occur when life gives us lemons. By learning to fail, how to cope with disappointment and try again (while the stakes are low), kids can grow up to become self-assured, resilient, competent, self-reliant and […]
We’ve all seen the ads on the internet for “One Quick Trick” to get better at something we like. Unfortunately, there is no quick trick to get better at an activity. That only comes with hard work and determination. Before you succumb to the cycle of wave riding trends, look inward to see if you […]
People often question whether or not they are making progress because ‘progress’ is almost never the straight line trajectory that we have been conditioned to expect. Progress in anything challenging, progress in anything worthwhile is a roller coaster. Ups and downs are a NORMAL part of the process towards long term growth & development. […]
Today we are discussing how to talk to kids about treating each other with dignity and respect. What are the cultural messages that our kids receive? Are their differences between how boys deal with their relationships and girls cope with their relationships? How do kids bond and what do betrayals look like? How do […]
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu landscape is roughly 85%-90% men. (An ‘official’ stat may exist somewhere, but this percentage is my observation based on our numbers at Tai Kai Academy, tournaments, and my experiences with the sport for over a 25 years.) Our academy actually has more women than most jiu jitsu academies, but more […]
Don’t let your New Years resolutions wane. Remember martial arts helps with all of them 3 Martial Arts Benefits: Physical – The most common New Year’s resolution you will hear is to get in better shape. The physical benefits from martial arts are obvious. Martial arts will get you in shape in a […]
On Saturday, January 25th, 2020 , from 12pm-3:30 PM, we had the head of Balance up for a seminar, Phil Migliarese. The seminar was a huge success. We had over 60 people in attendance. Phil warmed everyone up with some yoga stretches that were functional for jiu jitsu. He then went over a few […]
The term “Martial Arts” is a relatively broad expression that encompasses a variety of different disciplines. Typically, when we hear the words martial arts, the first ideas that come to mind are one or more of the techniques that have developed in Asian countries. However, the martial arts are comprised of most types of […]
THE SHOCKING RISE IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY. OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE KIDS FACE SO MANY CHALLENGES… FROM PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS TO MENTAL WELL BEING CHALLENGES. Our kids need to change. This is all lifestyle driven. It doesn’t have to be this way. Exercise is one of the key components missing from most kids lives today. Many parents struggle to find some […]
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU GIVES GIRLS CONFIDENCE, FITNESS, THE ABILITY TO DEFEND THEMSELVES, PLUS SO MUCH MORE! Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a very important skill for a daughter to develop in today’s world where your daughter may very likely be put into a bad situation where she needs it. Here are a few […]
This is ALL TRUE What to Expect as a BJJ Beginner Alright! you made the decision to change your life the minute you stepped on the mat congratulations your first few days made me a little overwhelming! Just like it was whenever you first learned how to ride a bike it was awkward. You fell […]
At Tai Kai we always want a challenge. Getting past each challenge makes us a little better at the next thing life throws at us. It’s really remarkable how we can always improve. Seneca, the stoic philosopher, on how overcoming challenges is a requirement for happiness. In the great movie, Fight Club, average people frustrated with […]
Come Try a FREE class. You Learn a Skill While Exercising The best time to begin your journey in training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is now. While Jiu Jitsu is not the first activity that many people consider when they look to start a new hobby, it’s probably the best decision that you could ever make. […]
Learn where our/your heritage came from and why we are the experts in teaching you and your family Brazilian/Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Come Try a FREE Class
Only one out of every five American adults exercise as much as they are supposed to. It’s the same across the board—men, women, the young and the old, all radically less fit than they should be. If you are an adult that doesn’t want to be a part of this deadly statistic, then […]
Today we thought we’d share 8 mistakes that are commonly made by beginners to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you find yourself reading this blog and think ‘hmm, this is me’ then take heed! These examples will help you as you begin your journey. #1: Focusing on Attacks rather than Defense. It’s cool to learn sweeps, […]
Have your child start today Children’s martial arts classes not only tend to be profitable for schools but also are an amazing way to improve the lives of the kids, their families and the communities. This is because of the values the martial arts impart to children. Those values include the following: […]
Congrats Team Tai Kai. 13 gold 4 silver and 3 bronze. Even if you didn’t place competing is a great experience and you learn so much from it 1st place GI KIDS / WHITE-GREY Davian Mcleod 1st place GI ADULT /WHITE / ADULT /-David Cowles 2nd place GI ADULT / WHITE / ADULT -Dustin Cowles […]
Very Important Recovery is an important part of reaching your exercise and fitness goals, but often overlooked! Not devoting enough time to recover will shortage the results you’ve been working so hard for in the gym. Here are a few safe and effective ways to recover from those challenging exercise sessions we put our bodies […]
very interesting READ In today’s world we are all burdened with stress from work, financial obligations, and family matters. When stress is high, cortisol, the stress hormone, rears its ugly head. This can trigger pathways that affect our emotional well-being as well as our ability to burn fat and build muscle. So what […]
Nutrition is the key When we’re trying to stay on track with our weight loss goals exercise is great, but what we’re putting in our mouths matters most and ties the two together for maximum results! A low glycemic, high in fiber, and moderate carbs kind of food such as oatmeal or high in […]