Learning a martial art comes with a huge variety of benefits, including increased self-confidence, improved physical health, and life-saving stress relief. From Taekwondo to Muay Thai to Tai chi, the various disciplines allow you to connect with the best choice for your needs. Residents of Houston looking to learn a martial art themselves or find classes for their kids are in luck because there are some amazing schools around the city. To get you started, these four martial arts schools in Houston have a lot to offer. Elite Mixed Martial Arts Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an extremely popular martial art that gained traction in the United States alongside the rise of Dana White's Ultimate Fighting Championship, in which MMA fighters face off in an octagon-shaped ring. If you want to learn the basics of MMA, Elite Mixed Martial Arts on Westheimer Road is an ideal place to start. The programs include options for men, women, and children targeted at levels ranging from beginner to advanced. You can also try your hand at Brazilian jiu-jitsu or kickboxing if you don't want to start with MMA lessons. Elite MMA was first launched in 1993 with a core underlying philosophy of teamwork. more Iron Dragon Martial Arts Offering Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Iron Dragon Martial Arts is a well-regarded school located on Maxey Road. Jason White, a three-time state and national Taekwondo champion, is the owner and chief instructor at Iron Dragon. His talented team of instructors provide a welcoming and beginner-friendly atmosphere that is ideal for learning a martial art. Bam Bam Martial Arts Houston Whether you want to learn a martial art for fun, to meet people, to get fit, or to defend yourself, Bam Bam Martial Arts takes care of your needs with some amazing programs for adults and kids. The instructors at Bam Bam specialize in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for adults. Kids can learn karate or jiu-jitsu, and the instructors at Bam Bam focus on equipping them with valuable life skills, including self-confidence, character development, and discipline. You can find this martial arts school on Bellaire Boulevard. Houston Samurai Karate Dojo Karate is a martial art that emerged in the Ryukyu Kingdom in what is now present-day Japan. It will make its debut as an Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so it's likely to experience a renewed surge in popularity. Dojo is a Japanese term for a formal gathering place where people practice judo or karate. Houston Samurai Karate Dojo has taught the fundamentals of karate to children and adults since 2001. You can also try your hand at judo or grappling at Houston Samurai. The chief instructor, Shihan Ehab Ahmed, is a sixth-degree black belt in karate, which guarantees you or your children will learn from someone who is highly skilled. Learning a martial art is one of the most valuable commitments to personal growth you'll ever make. Regardless of how old you are, you can find a range of top-notch martial art schools in Houston offering the program you need. Image via Pixabay by stevepb
With lots of sunshine and warm weather throughout the year, Houston, Texas, is the perfect place to explore the outdoors. Riding ATVs with other adventure lovers is a thrilling way to take in some of the natural beauty that this area has to offer. Here are the top ATV trails near Houston. General Sam's Offroad Park At General Sam's Offroad Park in Huntsville, there are 705 acres of land ready to be explored. Ride your ATV over creeks, through forests full of pine trees, and on more than 60 miles of trails created for off-road vehicles. There's even an ATV course with sand and mud drags and a huge bog for a fun challenge and plenty of messy excitement. This park also offers on-site camping so you can make a weekend of it. more Mudbuddys Park In Lavaca County, Mudbuddys Park is a recreational park loaded with opportunities for fun for all ages. A kid's area allows little adventurers to enjoy some messy riding in a safe place. With over 500 acres of land, you'll be sure to find plenty of challenges for your ATV. The Lavaca River passes through the property for some water-fording opportunities. Cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups are also available for anyone staying the night. Creekside Offroad Ranch Just a short drive up Interstate 69 from Houston is Creekside Offroad Ranch. This spot is a local favorite for challenging off-road courses full of mud, sand, and water over 350 acres of land. Open on the weekends, campsites surround the area for primitive camping or RV owners, plus there are public restrooms and showers to clean off after some serious mud riding. Visit their website to get on their mailing list so you never miss a fun event. Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach Along the San Jacinto River, Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach is a great spot to take the whole family. Several swimming areas are found in the area. Plan a weekend getaway for loads of outdoor fun like fishing, off-road driving, and hiking. Only primitive camping is available here, so be sure to bring a tent and supplies. ATVs are free to ride, while larger vehicles like Jeeps cost $10. Sam Houston National Forest In the Sam Houston National Forest, you'll find lots of great trails for all kinds of adventures. You'll find opportunities to navigate through mud, dirt, rocky terrain, and creek crossings. Visit any time of the year and enjoy hours of ATV riding. Over 160,000 acres of land make up this forest, so you'll have a lot of exploring to do. Keep an eye out for signs as you ride because some trails will close after heavy rain to protect the integrity of the trails. Houston is full of beautiful parks and undeveloped land. Don't sit inside and miss out on the natural beauty of the area, get out and explore. Next time you're ready to get out for some exciting ATV trail riding, check out one of these great trails near Houston, Texas. Some rights reserved by thigpen.robert
Camping in the great outdoors is an adventure worth experiencing. There is something extraordinary about sleeping under the stars and cooking over an open flame. The best camping trips are the ones that you have thoroughly planned. If you don't have a ton of camping experience, the planning process may seem a little daunting, but you will be glad you did once you are out in the wild. Here are some tips for planning a better camping trip this summer. Location There are lots of great camping locations in Houston, Texas. Though the Houston area brings up images of tall buildings and crowded freeways, it has dense woods, lazy bayous, and Gulf shores. All of these untouched areas beckon for you to come and enjoy the wild. There are multiple camping destinations you can explore, including Camp Wanderland, 5D Ranch, The Wilderness Campground, and Privet Spring Fed Creek, to name a few. These locations vary in price per night, so a little research will help you find the perfect destination for your next camping trip. more Supplies and Gear You will always want to pack the essentials when you plan on camping out in nature. You can simplify this process by writing up a camping checklist and budgeting for your trip in advance. Gear you will want to include is a tent, tarp, sleeping bag, utility knife, flashlight, rope, hatchet, folding saw, shovel, etc. You may not use all of these, but you will surely be glad you have them if you happen to need them. Your supplies should consist of a pot, dishes, a pan, utensils, waterproof matches, a lighter, or other means of starting a fire. You will also want to bring an excess of water, including gallon-sized jugs, to use for cooking and cleaning. Easily prepared foods and snacks that are energy-rich are highly recommended for camping. These can include ground beef, pasta, peanut butter, beans, trail mix, oatmeal, and chicken. A tight-closing cooler and ice to preserve your food is also a must. Your clothing should include enough of a selection that you would be able to have two to three layers for each day you are out in the wild. This is especially important for more temperate areas. You can't afford to be caught out in nature without being prepared to protect your body from the elements. You will also want to pack plenty of soap and hand sanitizer for personal hygiene and cleaning your supplies after making and consuming meals. Optional gear you could bring is lanterns, hiking or climbing equipment, fishing poles, and firearms (for protection from wild animals). Camping Tips A few camping quick tips include using dry clothes to keep your feet warm in your sleeping bag, lining your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag, keeping an extra pair of socks safe from moisture, packing a trailhead snack, using hand sanitizer as a fire starter, etc. Camping hacks and tips are from people just like you, so get creative when solving common issues related to camping. Remember to be responsible by cleaning up behind yourself, putting fires out, and staying aware of your surroundings. Camping in Houston, Texas, this summer will make for an excellent experience for you and your family. Image by chulmin park from Pixabay
