I first learned about the Gracie method when one of my friends shared their audition for Oprah’s own show on YouTube. Their videos had millions of hits and the charismatic brothers became an overnight sensation. These two engaging coaches take a no nonsense, FUN, approach to teaching kids the skills to both give them confidence and the ability to defend themselves. Two essentials for making themselves “bullyproof”. Now the Bullyproof series is available on DVD.
Whether you live in the inner city or the poshest suburb, your kids will at some point face a bully. Consider this:
- According to the National Education Association, 160,000 kids miss school every day in the U.S. just to avoid a bully.
- According to the U.S. Secret Service, the majority of school shootings have been linked to cases of excessive bullying.
- Studies show that adults who were bullied as children have higher levels of depression and lower self-esteem than those who weren’t
The Gracie Academy was established in 1925 to teach kids and adults vital self defense skills through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
You don’t have to live near the Gracie Academy to learn from the Gracie family. You can learn remotely using their innovative dvd series. Watch the short video above for a preview of the sort of games/activities you’ll find in this DVD series.
We were initially apprehensive about these videos but once we saw what they were all about, we were hooked! Each video contains a series of exercises that are really games. In fact they are called the “Gracie Games”. These exercises are pretty similar to what your kids already do, rolling around wrestling with each other, with you or a friend. But they have specific objectives and moves. And they are fun. Fun for you and your kids. It’s a great way to be active and physically rewarding. My kids had such pride at being able to “beat” me and their dad at various wrestling assignments.
The videos are a full course in that you can register your child online, purchase a belt and receive stripes for your accomplishments when you send in a video of your child performing the assignments.
Check out one of the games online for a taste of what this video series is about. I cannot think of a better gift for your children than the gifts of confidence, security and physical fitness that this series promises. The fact that the Gracies make it fun is just the icing!
Tired of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill? If you are planning on entertaining this summer, we’re got some different ideas and recipes for you! I recently attended 
Roasted Plum Tomatoes in a Fresh Basil Sauce – which was divine, recipe at the end of this post) and the super yummy Sorrento Velvety Smooth Ricotta Cheese Sorbet with Warm Local Strawberries in a Strawberry Syrup.
We received our Kindergartner’s bus schedule yesterday. Sending him to Kindergarten doesn’t bother me. The bus isn’t worrying me. What terrifies me is that I’m going to have to get 3 kids and me dressed, packed, ready and fed (including one of them breastfed) all before a time we’re used to. And while I’d love to feed everyone a 5-course meal with all the necessary vitamins, I know me, and I know its not going to happen.
One of the very best parts of being a Mommies With Style west coast writer, are the opportunities I have to hang out with Celeb Moms and hear about the latest and greatest products they are using, as well as the old standards that are still their faves. Recently I attended the Silver Spoon Dog and Baby Buffet. Moms, dads, kids and furry babies all attend this family friendly event each year and get treated to organizer Melissa & Lorena’s latest finds. It’s one of my favorite events to attend: celebs, great products, families, what’s not to love?! Plus, if you are really lucky, you might even see a dog in a pink wig.
