By Sensei Serge Sognonvi and Carmen Sognonvi
Originally published at http://www.urbandojo.com/blog

Here’s a round-up of the best martial arts-related news stories and blog posts that we came across this week.

4 Tips for Preventing Illness at the Dojo
Since many martial arts styles call for close contact with your training partners, it can be easy to pick up cold or flu bugs. In this post, jiu-jitsu instructor Lori O’Connell offers some ways you can avoid getting sick.

“Body Type Karate” And Why It Doesn’t Exist
Many people believe you should choose the kata you practice based on whether you’re stocky, thin, fat, strong, tall, or slim. Karate blogger Jesse Enkamp disagrees and explains why he thinks this misses the whole point of karate training.

Kids Self Defense: When is it ok to fight back?
Many martial arts instructors tell their students that karate is not to be used at school. But does that mean a child shouldn’t fight back if he’s being physically bullied? In this post, Australian martial arts school owner Matt Klein explains when it is and isn’t ok for kids to fight back.

The real meaning of Black Belt
Martial arts schools put so much emphasis on the goal of achieving one’s black belt, that sometimes students may think that once they earn their black belt, that’s all there is to it. In this post, martial arts school owner Kevin McGeary explains that “reaching black belt isn’t the end of a journey, it’s the beginning of a deeper and more meaningful one.”

Mirror, Mirror on the Dojo Wall
When you think of martial arts training tools, what comes to mind? Probably items like kick targets and WaveMasters. But what about mirrors? In this post, martial arts student and blogger Michele points out that mirrors are an indispensable tool for martial arts training, for both the student and the instructor.

Surviving a Home Invasion
If you were the target of a home intrusion, would your martial arts training help you? It’s hard to say, but martial arts blogger John Vesia points us to 10 self-defense tips from a woman who survived being robbed at home. First on the list: always keep your head up so it’s clear that you’re paying attention to your surroundings.