In-House Seminar: Level Up Your Child’s Health and Performance!

Calling all Parents!
Join us for an insightful and educational event with Sifu Rikin, a board certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician.

When & Where

June 18, 2024
7:45pm–8:45pm
at the Academy

Registration

Please complete the Seminar Sign-up Form below.

We’ll discuss:

• Fuel for Success: Optimal nutrition practices for you and your child.
• Rest and Recovery: Essential sleep and recovery guidelines.
• Screen Time Management: Tips to mitigate the impact of excess screen time.

Empower your family’s journey to long-term health!

The post In-House Seminar: Level Up Your Child’s Health and Performance! appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD
Fu For You Fall 2023

The transition from summer to fall comes with mixed feelings depending on if you are a student, parent, or teacher. In the pediatric lifestyle clinic that I work in a few things were clear from kids and families I saw this past summer. First, routines become lax and can even go out the window. Second, almost EVERY child or teen was not looking forward to going back to school. Do any of these apply to you or anyone in your family?

In my observation of summers passed at WKFA, many students take time pursue other hobbies, camps, or interests such as traveling which takes them out of their Kung Fu class routines.

Going back to school and even getting back into Kung Fu can be daunting. It can induce stress, anxiety, and resistance. Over the last 30+ years in my Kung Fu and medical journey I have felt all of these at some point.

Here are some strategies to build motivation and confidence that our lifestyle team consistently share to help parents, teachers and kids manage stress:

1. “Baby steps” build momentum and self-esteem. One percent changes add up, and when done daily overtime, are powerful. Remember consistency crushes self-doubt.

2. Observe and affirm the positive as much as possible. Whether it’s your friend, child, student, or partner highlighting their positive intentions, actions and strengths promotes confidence and resilience, especially when they least expect it.

3. Practice self-compassion. By becoming more open, self-accepting, and compassionate towards ourselves we will more easily be able to step into other people’s shoes and relate to them. Remember sharing your own story can be a gift to someone else by building a bridge.

4. View obstacles and setbacks as a learning opportunity and as necessary parts on the path to success. My life changed when a mentor helped reframe a challenge, I was facing by telling me, “every challenging situation in life can be seen as an opportunity; BUT we have to have the vision to see it in that way.”

5. Get help. Having mentors, role models and even professionals in our life help water the seed of hope and inspiration within us.

Finally, in closing, let’s always remind each other how important our environment plays on our self-esteem and motivation. There is a powerful saying that I remember often that goes, “tell me who the five closest people are in your life are and I will tell you the person you will become.” Let’s keep looking for that positive environment to grow in and as students of WKFA be that positive company that everyone is looking for.

Parents: Check out this link for more information about a modern-day approach to pediatric health care: https://reset-pediatrics.webflow.io/

The post 5 Ways to “Side Kick” Back to School Stress appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

Recently, I have been shifting into the emerging field known as lifestyle medicine. It encourages doctors to integrate coaching skills rather than simply relying on medical expertise to help patients. At the core of coaching and teaching for that matter is the skill of listening. As a pediatrician, I have had plenty of opportunities to master this skill listening to parents, but I will admit that going into auto pilot and getting distracted still happens for a variety of reasons.

When we can listen intently research has shown that we can make the speaker feel heard and understood which in turn, creates safety, builds stronger relationships and more satisfying connections. Further, by listening well we can avoid conflicts and misunderstandings and it saves us our most valuable resource: TIME.

We are very fortunate that just by being a martial artist and training at WKFA we have a chance to cultivate this skill at each class.

First, at the beginning of each class we have an opportunity to listen to ourselves when we meditate. When Shaolin monk, Shifu Yuan Jing came to teach us Qi Gong in 2020, he said something profound, “you can’t catch your mind but you can catch your breath.” When you meditate focus on listening to the sound your breath – inhale and exhale. It’s simple but not always easy.

Second, is listening to others which we are more acquainted with. We have an incredible opportunity be a better martial artist and impact everyone around us when we practice these key active listening skills:

1. Pay attention and focus fully on the speaker: naturally, this opportunity arises at the beginning, middle and end of each class as we follow the teacher’s instructions. We zone out at times because it takes effort to sustain attention but like any muscle, come prepared to flex and grow your listening ability.
2. Show interest: body language is EVERYTHING even when its simply standing tall, nodding, stern face or smiling when appropriate. Remember as we say in gradings, our body language communicates our spirit and shows we are listening.
3. Don’t interrupt: this one is much easier in the kwoon than outside. Remember we typically speak at 125-150 word/min but the human brain can comprehend at 600 words/min and this is why we get distracted so easily and potentially cut people off. Try jotting notes of your thoughts while you wait your turn. Consider changing your goal for the conversation from speaking to listening. As the saying goes, we have two ears and one mouth so we should try listening in that ratio as well.
4. Avoid seeming judgmental: you don’t have to like or agree with everyone’s ideas but you have to withhold blame and criticism to fully understand someone. Cultivating respect as we are encouraged to do helps combat this tendency.

Listening is the unheralded skill in communication and for martial artists has the potential of being our unspoken superpower both inside and outside the kwoon.

The post Listening: The Unspoken Superpower appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

Each June, I spend time reflecting on the years of learning under our school’s founder Sigung Bob Schneider. In addition to being an outstanding martial artist and teacher, his strong character that he inspired in all of us, I feel was his biggest contribution to society.

In a recent article, I had described the 7C’s to foster resilience in children and character was the most important. It’s important to understand a child and even an adult can be very competent, confident, and deeply connected but without good character will not be prepared to thrive contribute positively to society. Character can be thought of in a few ways. Simply it’s a basic sense of right and wrong. It is the ability to rise above self-interest for the sake of others. Character is who you are when others are not watching.

Our fast paced, technology run society greatly challenges our ability as parents and teachers to raise people with character. Today our culture values personal success and independence more than cooperation and sharing. It fosters winning the prize (even by taking shortcuts) rather than how we play the game that defines us as humans. Since most are encouraged to follow the masses, many have weak character because they lack courage to be bold and stand up against negative opposition and support truth.

While character development is a process it cannot be left to chance. It is taught by what we say and more importantly how we interact with others and what we do. Good character does not develop over a weekend workshop or even a few months but over years of nurturing, testing and time spent with those strong character. Thus, as parents and teachers, the onus first rests up on us.

Sigung Bob was that type of leader. He imbibed and exemplified the change he expected of all of us. Amongst many, here are some of the approaches he lived by to inspire good character that we can apply to our lives and encourage in others:

• He always maintained a student mindset, reading voraciously and studying and cultivating relationships with those of strong character – who we spend time with is who we potentially become
• He was extremely hardworking and self-controlled — delayed gratification as it is known today was his everyday way of being
• He noticed and appreciated kindness and good behaviours in others – he genuinely acknowledged and appreciated others
• He was committed to honesty and this built trust in his students and families tied to the school
• Continuously tried to simplify and keep life simple
• If something was difficult (ie. in his Kung Fu training), he leaned into it, worked hard to improve and also acknowledged his limitations
• He was very giving with his time without expectation — always approachable
• He was bold and courageous, always willing to call “a spade a spade”
• He was passionate about keeping high standards in the curriculum and at the same time compassionate recognizing each individual student’s trajectory and capability
• He promoted accountability and responsibility of himself and of all his students
• He was inclusive, personal, and respectful with every student or parent he met – gifted at remembering names and student numbers his attention to detail was something to aspire for

Moral, responsible, kind, hardworking, humble, and honest; qualities in Sigung Bob’s character that I have remained inspired to uphold and share with others. My respects to Sigung Dave for his dedicated efforts over the last sixteen years to continue the culture of strong character that Sigung Bob tirelessly dedicated his life to exemplifying.

The post Developing Strong Character: Reflections from our Founder appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

The foundation of discipline is a trusting relationship that encourages children (and eventually teens and adults) to behave in different situations in an age-appropriate way; recognize, express and manage their emotions; communicate; solve problems and explore the world around them and learn appropriately.

The first approach is known as Connect then Redirect.

Connect

As instructors and parents, it is critical to connect with children and teens at an emotional level to build a healthy relationship. Here are some considerations to increase connection and approach challenging behaviours in ways that strengthen relationships:

• Use “I” statements such as: “I don’t like it when you do that” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” This expresses your feelings and discourages being judgmental.
• Acknowledge your child or students’ behaviour (“I can see that you are upset”) even when they are misbehaving. It shows them respect.
• To avoid saying “NO” too often, find other ways to convey what you are trying to communicate. For example, if a child yells, say “Use a quiet voice).
• Be comforting. Approaching a child at their eye level or below with a gentle nod or touch with an empathetic look can go a long way in creating safety.
• Be consistent with limit setting. Say what you mean; mean what you say and follow through from your side on what you said you were going to do especially with consequences.

Redirect

The second part is to do redirect, which works well with young children but can help with older children. Consider the REDIRECT mnemonic:

Reduce the number of words used when disciplining and ensure the message is clear, firm and brief.

Embrace emotions. Acknowledging a child’s feelings is validating to them.

Describe the behaviour you would like to see without lecturing.

Involve your child actively in disciplining.

Reframe a “NO” into a “YES” (with conditions). This is often not possible when safety is an issue however, when possible, tell a child what they can do versus what they cannot do.

Emphasize the positive things a child does. Catch them doing good and tell them. Focusing on the negative behaviour will in fact reinforce that behaviour.

Creatively approach the situation with humour if possible.

Teach your child how to recognize and name feelings like frustration, anger, disappointment. This will help them learn how to deal with strong emotions.

Time In

A second approach is known as a “TIME IN” instead of a time out. In a “time in” you can connect with a child and discuss their feelings and behaviour in a way they can understand. The key is to try and determine what their unmet need may be. Listening will usually go further than arguing. Note that time outs are now considered less effective and should be attempted after these other approaches have been attempted. If trialing a time out be sure to; keep it short, ensure no attention is given to the child and finally create a safe distraction free spot.

Should you have any questions on any of the information provided in these brief articles, feel free to reach out so we can book an appointment to discuss things further.

Also see Approaching Discipline Positively: Part I.

The post Approaching Discipline Positively: Part II appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

Discipline is a concept that is often difficult for our minds to accept, however in any area of life it is a character trait that is required for any of us to maximize our potential. If we want to be a disciple within any system of knowledge, discipline is a prerequisite, hence the linking of these two terms. For all of us training as martial artists, we are taught to embrace discipline as a cornerstone for good character and attitude. If approached properly, discipline can give us more freedom rather than restrict us.

This article will explore principles of how we as instructors and parents can approach discipline and behaviour change in a positive way through the lens of western medicine. The purpose of positive discipline is to foster independence and communication skills, manage feelings and take responsibility for behaviour. The aim is never to shame or punish. The first important point to consider is that disciplining methods vary widely based on cultural background. This point is easily understood when we watch any older Chinese Kung Fu film where discipline is typically instilled with harsh training and lifestyle.

In my work as a pediatrician, I am often asked by parents how to manage challenging behaviours and instill discipline. The Canadian Pediatric Society shares principles we can incorporate regardless of culture or background.

Step 1: Exploring the Behaviour

The first step in approaching discipline positively is exploring the behaviour with a simple ABC method (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence). Helping to change an unacceptable behaviour means first understanding why it may be happening.

1. Observing the events prior to a behaviour (antecedent),
2. the behaviour itself, and
3. then the result or aftermath (consequence)

…can help identify patterns and make links between what is happening from the child’s perspective and a specific behaviour. This focused approach also helps identify key opportunities before and after to change our approach to guiding a possible new behaviour. This first step of observation requires multiple views and takes time to establish a pattern but will be critical in striving for lasting change. It can also be important to identify external factors that are potentially modifiable, such as environment, transitions, scheduling, or possible interferences.

Step 2: Exploring Ourselves

The second step in positive disciplining is exploring ourselves as the instructor or parent. It is important to identify and recognize our personal biases and experiences towards discipline. First, it would be important to identify how our parents, teachers and mentors approached us and how we responded to these approaches. We may be strongly influenced to take the same approach but having this reflection will at least allow us to consider a different approach. Second, it will also be important to ask ourselves if there is a more helpful way to think about a certain behaviour. This takes practice and may require multiple prompts to pull us out of our tendency to assume and make quick judgments based on our own opinions. Third, we should always be reflecting on our own habits and how we are modeling, not just when others around but when we are alone.

In part II, I will share specific strategies on how to approach discipline in ways that are both practical and supported by research. Stay tuned.

The post Approaching Discipline Positively: Part I appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

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by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

In this edition, we continue with the 7 C model of building resilience in children and teens and how the training at WFKA partners in this cause. You may also enjoy reviewing Part I.

The third principle is Connection. It is well established that children with close ties to family, friends and community are more likely to have a solid sense of security that produces strong values and prevents them from seeking destructive alternatives. The WFKA strives to build a sense of physical safety and emotional security at the school, while challenging everyone to strive to their individual potential. An important question for parents to ask is if this safety and security are also being fostered at home? It is also important for parents to allow their children to express all types of emotions rather than suppress unpleasant feelings. Giving them the space to connect with you and others to seek support is critical.

Character is fundamental sense of right and wrong. Children with character enjoy a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. A fundamental sense of boundaries allows children and teens to be more comfortable in sticking to their values. At WFKA character development is at the core of Kung fu training. Discipline, respect, hard work, honesty, commitment and caring for others and are some of the core character traits that are encouraged for success in Kung fu. In turn these qualities ripple into every aspect of martial artists life. As parents, modeling these character traits is not only one of the best ways to boost yours and your child’s resilience but in turn also all the people they will positively impact.

The fifth principle is Contribution. Children who understand the importance of personal contribution gain a sense of purpose that can motivate them. The opportunity to contribute in turn also enhances their own competence, character and sense of connection. The entire lineage of Kung fu as a martial art has sustained itself on the principle of contribution and giving back to others what has been given to you. Regardless of rank, training at WFKA provides ample opportunities to contribute both inside the kwoon and outside. If you are unsure please ask the instructors. For parents and all students, it’s important to model generosity and the value of serving others.

Coping is the attempt to overcome problems and difficulties. When coping is learned by children, they can more effectively handle stress and overcome life’s inevitable challenges. The environment at WFKA provides a safe environment for positive coping strategies to be rigorously developed through sparring, competitive performance, teaching, and public speaking. The center of all coping strategies will be patience and guided self-reflection.

The seventh principle is Control. When children realize they can control the outcomes of their decision and actions, they are more likely to know that they can do what it takes to bounce back. A resilient child knows that she has internal control and that her choices and actions can shape the results. The emphasis on taking personal responsibility for one’s development of Kung Fu knowledge and skills is fostered immediately upon starting one’s training at WFKA and is continually stressed for continued development and progression. However, as parents and students, it important to understand and teach that not all circumstances can be controlled but being adaptable and choosing positive behaviours can shift our odds towards success.

To conclude, it’s important to emphasize how interrelated these 7 ingredients of resilience are. Taking the time to reflect on how each of these can be developed through Kung Fu training will tremendously improve our lives and all whom we influence.

The 7 Cs Model

This model of 7 Cs has been taken from Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg book “Building Resilience in Children and Teens.” A common language about resilience will allow us, as a Kung Fu community, to collaborate better and help one another grow as individuals and as a community.

These 7 interrelated principles are:

1. competence
2. confidence
3. connection
4. character
5. contribution
6. coping
7. control

The post Building Resilience in Your Child: Part II appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

“Resilience” has become the new buzzword in any type of setting—from students at school or university to adults in the workplace. Succinctly, resilience is the quality of bouncing back. Similar to the theory of buoyancy, when pushed under water, our bodies instinctively rise back up to the surface.

In my work as a pediatrician, I am continuously helping children build resilience by helping families navigate stressors, trying to instill healthy habits and coping mechanisms. The reality of life as we can see from the current pandemic is that problems and challenges will continue to come so our goal must be to raise children who can handle the bumps and bruises the world has in store. In this two-part article, I will introduce a 7 C’s holistic approach to resilience for our Youth and Juniors and show how training Kung fu at WKFA inherently provides an incredible system to promote resilience for students at all ranks.

This model of 7 Cs has been taken from Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg book “Building Resilience in Children and Teens.” A common language about resilience will allow us, as a Kung Fu community, to collaborate better and help one another grow as individuals and as a community.

These 7 interrelated principles are:

1. competence
2. confidence
3. connection
4. character
5. contribution
6. coping
7. control

Competence is the ability to handle situations effectively. When a skillset is in place it allows us to trust our judgments, make responsible choices and face difficult situations. The continuous repetition of technique that is the heart and soul of Kung Fu provides us with a graduated system to hone our strengths and develop our weaknesses in our training. The progression of practicing technique in the air, to a kick-shield or heavy bag, then with a partner through self-defense or sparring, gives us the crucial opportunity to trouble shoot and experiment in a variety of tangible experiences. For parents at home some key questions to consider to help fortify your child’s competence: Do I help my child focus on her strengths and build on them? When I need to point out a mistake am I clear and focused, or do I communicate that I believe she always messes up? Do I communicate in a way that empowers my child to make her own decisions (facilitate their thinking), or do I undermine their sense of competence by giving information they cannot grasp (lecturing)?

Confidence is the solid belief in one’s own abilities and is rooted in competence. When any of us demonstrate competence in real life situations we gain confidence. This in turn helps develop deep seeded security that helps one face and cope with challenges. At our school, the continuous practice over time inevitably fosters confidence through rigorous gradings, healthy competition in tournaments, demonstration and Lion Dance teams and finally teaching as an instructor or helping as a Leadership Team member. At home parents can consider: Do I clearly express that I expect the best personal qualities (i.e. persistence) rather than achievements? Do I hold realistically high expectations? Finally, when I criticize or correct him do I focus on what he’s doing wrong, or do I remind him that he is capable of doing well?

Let’s keep training together to stay resilient this summer. Stay tuned for Part II in the fall.

The post Building Resilience in Your Child: Part I appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.

by Sifu (Dr.) Rikin Patel MD

In our last article, Watch for the Ego Trap: Part I, we introduced the concept of the “Ego Trap” which is a motivational dilemma caused when an overestimation of our abilities that eventually leads us to recognize there is a gap in what is expected of us and what is in fact reality. This can either be self-imposed or placed on us by others. This leads to avoiding the challenge that awaits us for fear of not living up to the above normal expectations that has been created.

So, let’s apply this information to our children’s or our own Kung Fu training. First, set the bar at a reasonable level. This doesn’t mean we don’t push ourselves or encourage our children. It means to set the bar just ahead of where you are now where you are actually quite confident you can get to rather than a very high distance from where you are. We can understand this very easily by simply looking at New Year’s resolutions. Research shows that the one of the most common reasons for dropped resolutions is having unreasonable expectations.

One small example from my training is my use of the centre split stretcher. It has a wheel that I turn to push my legs out further. I’ll shoot for rotating the wheel just a few degrees or a centimetre further than the previous time. For stances that could mean, one inch lower, for a new form that could mean adding one more move and for a form you know it could mean doing it faster, adding pauses or kicking just a little bit higher. Over a week or month it may seem like very little progress but watch the difference over 6 months to a year. Now you’re talking. Keep in mind that practice makes progress!

Avoiding the ego trap for parents they may want to consider a different approach that might look this as one example. “Tommy, school is different these days and the demands are greater. Given you won’t be able to practice your Kung Fu enough over the next 6 months to get ready to grade we don’t expect you to be ready for the next grading.” Remember children and teens love rising to a challenge and our goal as parents is create hunger and a desire to excel.

A reminder for both parents and students is that we all have three needs to succeed:

1. Autonomy or the sense we are driving our own ship.
2. Competence or the feeling I can do this well.
3. Relatedness, both to yourself and others. It’s the feeling of closeness and connection with those that matter to you.

Reflect on these needs in your life.

It’s great to watch those that are better than us for motivation, let’s just work on getting out of the mentality of constantly comparing ourselves to others. It’s not easy but from my 30 plus years of training Kung Fu it promotes longevity and one of the easiest ways to help us rise above the ego trap.

The post Rising Above the Ego Trap: Part II appeared first on Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy.