Stocking fillers for the martial artist
It’s that time of year again when we are thinking about the Christmas Break and festive season, and it seems to have come around again so fast!
At CMAS, we have a great range of products that make ideal small gifts for the martial artist in your life.
The first is our solid belt colour key ring. This is a handy little gift as it can be used for many things. You can use it as a keychain. But you can also use it to reinforce a bag's zipper and make it easier to open. I use one on my lunch bag as the original zipper pull broke off so I threaded the key chain through the attachment point on the slider and it works as good as new.
Another good gift idea is our Tote Bag. This mesh tote bag is big enough to hold your martial arts gear, like sparring equipment, a towel and a water bottle, so they are easily accessible and make losing equipment less likely.
Another low-cost gift idea is Gel Wristbands. These are trendy these days, especially with younger people and children. They are used as a bracelet that is personalised with something about them. We have them in a range of colours with debossed text.
If you want to train at home and have a partner to assist you, then you can’t go past our range of Blockers and Targets. If you are a parent who encourages your children to train at home, the smaller ones are great to have around to help prepare for gradings or tournaments or just to help create a regular practice habit. For older students, we have larger items to help either refine your techniques or to give you a good workout.
Taking Time Out – Taking Care of Yourself
2025 has been a tough year economically in both New Zealand and Australia. As Martial arts instructors and school owners, we are at the coal face of it. But we have to front up to every class with a positive and energetic demeanour all of the time even though we may be feeling a bit worn down ourselves.
Everyone gets worn down or depleted of energy (especially at this time of the year), and what drains and what recharges us is personal to each of us.
Over the Christmas holiday break, most schools will shut down. This may be only for a couple of weeks (and some schools may offer some classes over the holiday break) or for up to a month, depending on how each school run things.
However short or long your break, it is important to use this time for some “me” time. This “me” time helps give your body a chance to rest and recover from any minor niggles and injuries that you may have picked up but not had a break to recover from. It also allows to help your mind to relax and for you to recover from any mental fatigue or stress that has accumulated during the year.
As mentioned earlier, what refreshes our bodies and spirits is unique and personal to each of us. But as a rule, you need to look at one or more of the following areas:
- Physical – as martial artists, we push our bodies hard. So, over your break, focus on less intense physical activity. This could include walking and stretching. If possible, get out into nature.
- Mental – focusing on your “wins” and good memories over the past year. This will help rebuild your enthusiasm.
- Sensory – reduce your amount of screen time and other stimuli that overwhelm your senses and stop you from relaxing or sleeping properly.
- Emotional – as martial arts leaders, we tend to focus on other people’s needs. Use this time to reflect on your own needs.
Focusing on one or more of these areas between this training year and the next training year will allow you to take stock, refocus and boost your own energy for the year ahead.
Enjoy your holiday break!