Monday, October 10, 2011

BAGUIO CITY

The City of Baguio (Ilokano:  Ciudad ti Baguio; Tagalog:  Lungsod ng Baguio) is a highly urbanized city in northern Luzon in the Philippines.  Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway.  Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903 and incorporated as a city by the Philippine Assembly on September 1, 1909. There is a presidential mansion, as well as Supreme Court and legislative offices in Baguio.  Baguio is the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning ‘moss’.  The city is at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters (5100 ft) in a moist tropical pine forest conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids.

Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines.  Located in northern Luzon, Baguio City was established by the Americans in 1909, It is sited about 1,500 meters above sea level, high in the Cordillera mountain range giving the city an almost temperate climate. Baguio is a favorite vacation destination of Filipinos & foreign tourist especially during summer because of its year-round cool climate. It is also known as an educational center with its 4 universities and several colleges and institutes in Baguio City’s 49 square kilometer area.

The City of Baguio will be celebrating its Centennial on September 1, 2009. The celebrations will mark the first 100 years of the Baguio City Charter, which was authored by former Philippines Supreme Court Justice George A. Malcolm. According to the 2007 census, Baguio City has a population of 301,926.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

PALAWAN ISLAND

Palawan is the most well preserved major island group in the Philippines. It is also the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. The rain forest, caves, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and clear blue waters are its best assets.  

With over 1,700 islands and islets and almost 2,000 kilometers of coastline, Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Palawan was proclaimed as a fish and wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and to this day, this group of islands is probably the most protected province in the whole Philippines.

The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern Calamianes islands is home to exotic and endemic species of animals that roam freely in its verdant hills and plains. Palawan is the home of Palawan Monkeys, Palawan Parrots, Palawan Bear cats, Palawan Peacock, Mongoose, Scaly Ant Eater, Porcupine, and mouse deer.

A must to see is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (also known as Sabang’s St. Paul Subterranean National Park).  It is a wonder to behold;  carved by nature for millions of years;  the length of cave and river network is unknown up to this day.  The cavern stretches away in an almost perfect rectangle with walls and ceiling decorated with natural carvings in many colors.  Stalactite and stalagmites seem like they have been intentionally crafted to awe the visitors.  Further inside, one reaches a grand chamber, decorated with multi-faceted colored stones.  One has to be there to see its grandeur.

El Nido is the place with crystal clear waters and many wonderful dive spots with first class resorts.  El Nido Marine Reserve is noted for its very expensive and edible birds’ nests that is harvested on majestic limestone cliffs that end up on our dinner table as Bird’s Nest Soup.

Honda Bay is just 30 minutes from Puerto Princesa  is Honda Bay.  One can take a boat and beach hop the dozens of beaches on the islets that dot the bay. One can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving or just relaxing on the beach amidst the clear waters and fine sand. The panoramic view would surely leave a lingering impression on the visitor.

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and richness of marine  life.  Tubbataha Reef is made of 2 atolls (North & South reefs) located 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City covering 33,200 hectares.  The North Islet serves as a sanctuary for birds and marine turtles. Tubbataha Reef has pristine waters, lagoons, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes, two corral islands with a magnificent 100-meter perpendicular wall.

Tubbataha Reef and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park are nominated as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”.

Palawan has been called the “island of the gods” and it is not without reason, the spectacular sea and landscapes of Palawan; especially at El Nido, gives the impression of seeing heaven’s beauty on earth. Acknowledged as the Philippines’ last frontier, Palawan is a must to see for the traveler who appreciates the majesty and splendor of nature.

Friday, October 7, 2011

DAKAK

DAKAK
Taguilon, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
Dakak's  footpaths of discovery wind past rushing streams, gushing cascades and tranquil pools. The 750 meter private beach is blanketed with pure powdery white sand. Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed the resort's two pools, whilst the ultimate hideaway is provided at a private open-air jacuzzi where you can relax in the sauna and whirlpool midst an atmosphere of blissful solitary.

HOW TO GET THERE?
 Nestled on the tip of Northern Zamboanga, Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and is surrounded by mountains on its east side. North of Dakak are Negros, Cebu and Bohol. To its south is the Mindanao mainland with Borneo and Sarawak beyond the Celebes Sea. Conveniently encircled by all these large island, Dakak tactfully evades the typhoon belt, making it the perfect all-season destination.
 To visit the place, take a plane going to Manila to Dipolog City via Philippine Airlines. Another way is via Cebu - Dipolog via Asian Spirit Airlines.

ACCOMMODATION
 Sensitively designed in keeping with the natural surroundings, the distinctive native style cottages are constructed in traditional bamboo and nipa leaves, and feature marble tiled bathrooms and capiz shell window panes. Individually controlled airconditioning, intercom phones, mini-bars and TV with in-house videos and CNN add the modern touch. Set down by the beach or snuggled among wild orchards of papaya, mango, coconut, banana, and frangipani, the entire village follows the natural contours of this vast 15 hectare resort.

FOOD AND DINING
Absorb the informal ambience of the al fresco Port Orient restaurant, a delightful day-round setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or try out the Japanese flavour of the Sushi Bar at the Verandah, whilst those with adventure in mind can take a trip up a mystical river to Lab Kamayan, Dakak's very own prawn farm built over the water on bamboo stilts, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.
 Experience sumptuous buffet dinners laid out on the beach or hidden amongst the tropical gardens, but always with a certain magic in the air. Whatever your choice, dining at Dakak is truly an experience not to be missed

AMENITIES

 Each bungalow has its own veranda facing Dakak Bay.   Beachfront bungalows are by the beachside.

Room Facilities
 Air conditioned
 Satellite TV
 NDD/IDD telephone
 Mini bar
 Shower/bath with hot and cold running water
 Dressing area
 In-house movies

FACILITIES
 Hotel Services : 
A] Child care facilities
B] Laundry
                C] Medical facilities
                D] Parking

 Business Facilities:
A] Conference room(s)
B]  Convention centre

Recreational Facilities:
A] Archery
B]  Billiards
            C] Boating 
            D] Bowling 
E] Children's play area
F] Children's pool            
            G] Diving
H] Golfing
            I] Horse riding
J]  Jacuzzi Massage
K]  Nature trails
L]  Religious facilities
M]  Sailing
            N] Shops 
            O] Sports centre 
 P]  Swimming pool
            Q] Tennis court 
            R] Watersports

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

 It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
 Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

 METHOD OF TREATMENT
 1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
 2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
 3.. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
 4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
 5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
 6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
 The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
 1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
 2. Gastric (10 days)
 3. Diabetes (30 days)
 4. Constipation (10 days)
 5. Cancer (180 days)
 6. TB (90 days)
 7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily..

 This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
 It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
 This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

 For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
 It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
 Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
 Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

 A serious note about heart attacks:
 · Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,
 · Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
 · You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
 · Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
 · 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
 · Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
 A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

UNTOLD STORIES OF AN OFW

Every OFW has its story which is unique to everyone, but the common is - broken family.

So sad to say, almost 90 percent of women working abroad who left their family in the Philippines have a broken family.

They left their country not for fun, but to earn money for their loved family just to have a better way of living.

OFW sacrificed their life....so hard to be an OFW, because an OFW is not rich, they always have no money... all sent to the Philippines, always even short.  So funny but this is the reality.

When an OFW got sick, they just have a self medication, it is expensive to see a doctor....actually the reason is no more money to see a doctor and to buy the prescribed medicines.

 (Watch out for the next episodes of this untold stories of an OFW, it might be your story or a similar story of your life.......)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

BORACAY - ASIA'S HIDDEN GEM

BORACAY
One of the Asia's best travel secrets is that the region's greatest value beach holiday destination can be found in the Philippines. With 7,101 islands there is a world of possibilities on offer. Not only is it cheap and very easy to get to, the Filipino people have warm smiles, good English and truly welcome their international visitors.
It was recently ranked by Yahoo as the most popular beach in the world and squidoo.com has rated it as the 'Stand out best beach on the planet.


The best known beach destination in the Philippines, if not Asia, is the island of Boracay (about a one-hour flight south of Manila). It's famous beach, simply named "White Beach", always features in the lists of 'Top Beaches of the World and it deserves its many accolades.
World-class resorts, a sensational beach, international dinning and a thumping nightlife await you at this island paradise. You can find a remote corner of the island and sun away the days, or for the less shy and retiring types there is plenty to see and do on Boracay.

> Beach
Boracay first came to the world's attention in the 1970s and has been hugely popular ever since. Its famous White Beach is divided into three areas, called Station One,Station Two, and Station Three. Station One is considered the most expensive part of the beach and is said to have the most powdery sand. Station Two is the busiest part of the island and is where you will find most of the restaurants, bars and shopping. Station Three boasts some of the island's most inexpensive accommodation. The water is a little deeper at Station Three so it's great place to enjoy water sports.
The rest of the island also features an array of attractions and accommodation but White Beach (spanning all three stations) is at the heart of the action. The island is pristine and there is no rubbish or cigarette butts in the sand. The local mayor knows he has a gem and he is dedicated to keeping Boracay a paradise, not a tacky unclean tourist pit.
"Everyone in Boracay is proud of their island. We love what we have and we welcome the world to enjoy it for generations to come. Our job is to make sure that it remains as beautiful and as clean as it is today", the local Mayor of Boracay said.
Parasailing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and dinner cruising are just a few of the activities to enjoy. Be prepared to bargain for the best price on any of these activities. Your hotel can also be very helpful in arranging activities.
You can also have all your stress rubbed away with a beach massage that will cost you under US$10 an hour or you can go to one of the many world class spas that are also great value. Tirta won the Asia Spa Awards prize in 2010 for the best day spa in Asia. You will be in the good books with your wife or girlfriend if you treat her to an afternoon there.

> Food
Boracay has a great range of food and it is excellent value. The beachside shwarmas for around US$1 can be addictive but is just the start of the range of food experiences available.
The seafood here is simply out of this world and for the best on the island you must visit D'talipapa situated behind Station Two. Simply walk through a couple of back alleys and suddenly you are in an open air market place full of the freshest seafood you will ever see. You can buy your seafood and vegetables, then take it to one of many eateries nearby that will cook it to your liking. Be prepared to bargain or you will pay over the odds. For a good-sized live lobster you can expect to pay around US$30 a kilo.
Be careful buying seafood on the beach. Most of it is fresh but unless you are an expert you could easily be sold yesterday's catch.
Deja Vu on Station Two is a lovely little bar and restaurant and one of the owners Dave (a Canadian) serves only the freshest seafood available on the island. He has hand-chosen his chefs and service staff and they are amongst the island's best.
If you like fresh Japanese check out the sashimi at Sea Gaia on Station One. It's hard to find, as it is actually located at the back of a dive shop. Don't let the plastic table and chairs and disinterested staff fool you. The food here is not only cheap but also fresh and tastes incredible.
Valhalla is a great little restaurant located in D'Mall. It is owned by a 'Norwegian Viking named Chris and run by a South African Master Chef named Mike. During the day you can see the two of them battling it our on the golf course, but by night they are cooking up the best a la carte on the island. Ask for Mike personally and he will cook you one of his specials.
On Wednesdays and Sundays from 3pm onwards you can enjoy a BBQ on top of the island at Tanawin Luxury Apartments. This is a fantastic little property that has the best view on the island. Englishman Steve serves a mean steak and cold drinks while you get to take in a panoramic view of every inch of the island. Other dining highlights include the Shangri-La Hotel, which offers a great buffet, the honey and garlic wings and burgers at Nigi Nigi Beach Bar and Baker Brothers sandwiches and bread are simply awesome. You can find fruit shakes all over the island and it's easy to polish plenty of these off everyday particularly in the hot season.
If you want to find a few more culinary delights on the island just ask some friendly locals and you won't be disappointed.

> Accommodation
1) Nigi Nigi Nu Noos'e'Nu Nu Noos (usually simply referred to as (Nigi NIgi's')
Nigi Nigi's' is one of the island's best value stay and is situated at the heart of the action right at the centre of Station Two at White beach. The rooms are native style bungalows decked out with cable, air conditioners and all the mod cons you will need for a relaxing vacation. White Beach is literally ten meters from the front door and you can snap up a deckchair and sun the day away.
It's iconic beach bar is one of the island's premier meeting spots and you can enjoy great music with a rocking happy hour from 5pm to 7pm everyday. You can even tune into the cable sports running here. Icy cold San Miguel beers are under US$1 and their mango shales are amongst Boracay's best.
Reliable and free wireless Internet is available and their food is simple, fresh and very reasonably priced. Be quick in this place if you make reservation because this place fills up especially at peak season and weekends. If you are a keen golfer speak to the friendly staff at the front desk as they can arrange a 50 percent discount at the golf course.
Nigi Nigi's' also has a second resort called Nigi Nigi Too at the quieter end of the beach at Station One.

2) Red Coconut
Red Coconut is located at Station One. This is resort-style accommodation at an affordable price. White Beach is right on your doorstep and you are only a short stroll to Station Two and the heart of the action. This is the perfect location if you are one of those people that want the best of both worlds.
The rooms are excellent, the staff are wonderful and they have one of the best in-house restaurants on the island. Perfect for a romantic getaway or for a family break, you can choose to lie by the pool all day or float in the ocean - it's your choice.

3) Ambassador in Paradise
Despite its towering elegant buildings, the upscales Ambassador in Paradise Resort at Station One has a homey feel to it. The rooms features anahaw ceilings, the interiors are rustic Filipino and the hotel as a whole seems a natural part of the landscape.
"We try to keep Ambassador as Boracay or as natural as possible", says resort manager Jose Ramon Cacho, 'but we're also quite well known for and proud of our restaurants." He went on the say, 'We also make our bread and pasta. Chef Fortune is very experienced and has already made quite a name for himself on Boracay".
The resort is situated on what's considered by many to be the best part of the famous White Beach. There has been no expense spared when it comes to design, quality furnitures, fixtures and fittings. The Dutch hotelier owner has trained his staff to the very highest European standards which result in top quality service.
Each luxurious apartment has its own balcony and if you're looking for genuine top class service there's no more delightful place to sip a cocktail than a the well furnished and appointed poolside restaurant and bar. You can even have your own private butler attend to your every whim.

3) Lingganay Suites
After spending a few days on magical Boracay it is not uncommon for visitors to come to the realization they do not want to leave!  Many an expat will tell you of how they became enchanted with this place and simply cancelled their return ticket!
Lingganay Suites offers opulence and luxury, starting at incredibly affordable price points.  If your idea of a getaway is peace and quiet in a place you can call your second home then this is it.  You are only 10 minutes from the action but you are in your won private oasis.  These luxury apartments are for sale and astute investors can buy a property here to holiday in, and then rent it out when duty calls.
Pictures or words can't describe how heartbreaking this place is.  Sweeping views of the jungle, panoramic ocean vistas, infinity pool, private beach - the list goes on and on and you just have to see it for yourself.
This is one for the savvy investor and with gaming licenses and an international airport in the planning stages you can expect Boracay real estate price to fo through the roof.

> Golf
     Fairways golf course situated at Fairways & Bluewater Beach Resort is the only golf course on the island, but why would you need another?  This magnificent course features 18 hectares holes designed by Graham Marsh that wind their way around the top end of the island.  Tropical golf doesn't get any better than this 6,600 challenging championship yards that will test any scratch golfer.  Long stretches of lush fairways, plenty of water, deep bunkers and billiard tables greens - this place is a must for any golf lover.
     Grab a buggy and a caddy, as it gets hot out on the course and make sure you take in plenty of liquid.  Resident pro Mr. Mike Moynihan made a name for himself on the Nike Tour in America. He is passionate about his golf course and takes its improvement and upkeep very seriously.  He keeps making this course better and better.  Mike is a natural teacher and one of those pros that will actually lower your handicap, so don't be shy in grabbing a lesson and win some money off your friends when you return from holiday.
     You can hire everything you need here but be mindful that you often must book in advance.

> Nightlife and Bars
     Boracay is party central.  This is not to say that you can't get away from partying if that is not your thing, but if you like to have a few drinks there are over a hundred beach bars that offer you cheap drinks, great happy hours and friendly visitors and locals to chat with.
     The island had an award winning rock band 'The Boss' that has won multiple awards in the Philippines "battle of the Bands'.  Filipinos are a musical people and their best musicians must be seen to be relieved.  They play a mix of rock and blues from the '70s all the way up to new releases.  They have their own specially built cabana on the sand in front of the Regency Hotel on Station Two and play most nights beginning around 9pm.  Get in early and grab a seat near the front.  Fire dancers fill in the time between sets and a bucket of beers for a couple for hundred peso (US$4) will get your favourite song played.
     There are many dance clubs for the young or young at heart to party to all night long.  Cocomangas is probably the most famous nightclub and is a short trike ride away from White Beach.  Boracay has a bar to cater to almost every musical taste so ust walk down the beach at night and stop in for a drink at any bar taht takes your fancy.

>Gaming
     There has been a lot of talk about a casino opening in Boracay.  At this stage the people working behind the scenes to make this a reality are very tight-lipped about what they are doing and when they are planning to do it.
     The primary hurdle is that an official license has to be granted first, though many 'in the know' say this is just a formality.  Fairways & Bluewater Resort appear to be the front-runner in the race to get the first license.  WGM has also been told by reliable sources that there be up to three licenses issued on the island over the next few years.  Lingganay is location that also appears to be working towards getting a license.
     There is also much talk about the possibility of Boracay opening its first poker room.  Poker rooms like the Metro in Manila run without full casino licenses so it may be relatively easy to set up a poker room quickly.
     Boracay offers plenty to people who like to gamble so it would be nice to have that option available on the island.  it's interesting times in Boracay and we here at WGM promise to keep you updated.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Karate (continuation)

Part Three

The DOJO
      It is a Japanese word for "karate school".  Most dojos are similar in many ways,  They may be different in size and in some of their equipment, but the basic dojo had to have a certain features.

Description of a Dojo
     When u look at the dojo from the outside, you probably see lettering in the windows that tells you the karate club's name and something about it.  You may also see a sign that represents the club or the organization that represents the club or the organization to which it belongs.  Clubs that compete in lots of contests probably have many trophies in their windows,  Don't be fooled by this.  Dojos that have lots of trophies probably practice sports karate, while others that are more traditional do not spend a great deal of time training for sports karate -- they are more interested in self defense.
     When you go through the door and enter the dojo, there is probably an office to the side or a receptionist.  Some have a wall between the entrance and the training area so that students can train in private.  If the dojo is large, there may be an area for parents to sit and watch class.
     There are changing rooms for boys and girls, but the main part of the dojo is the training are.  This may vary in size, but it is always the biggest section.  On one side of the training area there are probably photographs of karate masters hanging on the wall.  On either side of the pictures you may see American and Japanese flags.
     Some schools follow the Japanese tradition of having a name board on the wall.  There is a section for each rank, and students who have that rank are listed there.

The Rules and Etiquette
     Every karate school has very strict rules that you must follow.  Let's look at the ones that designed for safety first.
      Karate practice takes place in a dojo, which usually has a wood or a mat floor.  The floor is kept very clean.  You are not allows to enter the training area wearing shoes.  All training takes place in bare feet.  If you try to train with your socks on, you will probably slip and hurt yourself.  If you train with your shoes on, you will not be able to develop any strength or flexibility in your feet, and you may injure your fellow students.
      In order to have ten, twenty, thirty, or more people train safety at the same time, the class must be well organized.  Normally, students line up in a row and face the instructor. The students are supposed to stand attention, with their feet about shoulder width apart and fists in front of the lower body.  This is a natural position, and it is easy to move from this position into karate stances.  Each time a new move is to be done, the instructor gives command, and all the students do the move together.  This prevents people from bumping into each other and getting hurt.
     Don't run around on the training floor before class begins -- this is time for you to practice on your own.  Fooling around has no place in a karate dojo, and you may get in trouble with your instructor if you play around.
     Do not enter or leave the training area without your instructor's permission.  If you don't feel well or are injured and the instructor doesn't see you leave, there may be no one to help  you.
     A dangerous thing that might not think about are long fingernails and toenails.  Many students have been cut badly by them, and girls who have long finger-nails can't make a fist correctly.  Keep your nails cut short.
      When you practice sparring drills with your training partners, make sure not to make contact with them when you kick or punch.  Karate blows can injure someone, so you must be very careful.
     Never aim at the eyes, throat, groin, or knee joint of your training partner's body during sparring drills.  If you make a mistake and strike your training partner by accident, you may cause a serious injury.  Do not spar without an instructor watching.  Sparring matches can easily get our of control, and there may be injuries.
      In all training you must listen carefully to the teacher's instructions and follow them closely,  That way no one will get hurt.
     Other rules are designed to show our respect for the past masters, our instructors, and other students. These include the proper way to speak to the instructors and how to bow to them and our fellow students.

Words to know
1.  Kohai - one who is junior to you
2. Mokuso - the command to meditate
3. Mokuso yame - the command to stop meditating
4. Seiza - the command to kneel before and after practice
5. Senpai - one who is senior to you
6. Sensei ni rei - the command to bow to the teacher
7. Shinzen ni rei - the command to bow to the pictures of the past masters


Meditation - meditating at the beginning and end or practice has many benefits.  You are supposed to clear your mind of any concerns or problems so that you can concentrate on karate training.  It is not a religious practice, it is just designed to help you concentrate.  Some schools only meditate for a half minute, and some meditate for several minutes.


Safety tips
1.  Keep your fingernails and toenails short.
2. Pay close attention to the teacher's instructions.
3.  Do not fool around in class.
4.  Concentrate when you practice sparring drills with an opponent so that you do not accidentally make contact.
5.  Do not aim your punches, strikes, or kicks at your training partner's eyes, throat, groin, or knee joint.
6.  Time your blocks correctly to that you block against your opponent's wrist, not his or her elbow joint.