Puzzle Mats – Realistic Mats For Mixed Martial Arts Training

After years of training, I still prefer the firmer padding of interlocking martial arts jigsaw mat (also known as puzzle mats) to soft and squishy martial arts mats found in old school training centers.I have put puzzle mats to the test with hard-core mixed martial arts training. We have done everything from fitness kickboxing to full contact King of the Mat – grappling and sparring on them. Students of my long-term martial arts camps have experienced countless hours performing almost every type of martial arts skill on these easy to assemble martial arts mats and they have proven useful time and time again.Unlike other mats – puzzle mats are a bit harder and offer a more realistic training surface. It is important when training in realistic self-defense that the mat you train on is not too soft or unrealistic (which will lead to ankle and knee injuries).In our Personal Security Course (PSC) we teach students realistic self-defense. To do this we require that they also wear an outfit closer to what they might be wearing in daily life – such as jeans, shoes and a t-shirt or jacket. Since the students have on shoes, it is important to have a training surface that can hold up to taking a beating from shoes.It must be noted that if you do plan to allow shoes onto your mat that you ask your students to bring with them shoes that are for training only. Although the mat will survive most shoes, it is best to have them wear a shoe that is less damaging to foam while still being as realistic as possible. This means that you do not want women wearing high heels to class. In our camps we usually offer the lightweight tae kwon do type of shoe made by Adidas and Pine Tree. Though the Vibram Five Fingers is a great shoe for training on the mat too. The only challenge with these shoes is that it will not be as realistic as wearing typical sneakers. You could allow them to bring almost any sport or tennis shoe as long as it is only worn during class. Otherwise you will end up with a rather dirty mat. Although these puzzle mats can be tough, if you get dirt ground into them from jumping and twisting – they will be much tougher to clean.To see more information on Puzzle Mats and Mixed Martial Arts Gear, please visit the web site Pad-Up Martial Arts Equipment.

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Steps in Getting Home Health Care

Getting home health care for your elders is something that you might have to consider in the long run. After all, they would eventually need assistance with their daily needs. These days, it’s pretty easy to come across different options but you need to make sure that you are making the best decision.There are certain things that you need to keep in mind. First is that you should get referrals from people you know and within your own networks. This way you can consider their actual experience when it comes to getting home health care. The pros and cons they will share will benefit you.If you don’t have people in your circles, you can always do your own research and search for one on your own. The only thing you need to do is to log online and then the rest should be easy. The nice thing about doing your own research is that you can consider different sources.Make sure that you have a long list of options. The next thing that you should do would be to create your own shortlist. This is important, because through a shortlist you would be able to trim down your options and choose the best ones you would like to consider.As you create your shortlist, there are a few important things that you need to take note of as well. First is the location of the home health care center. You need to find one that suits you because of its proximity. This will also be an important factor in deciding the type of home health care you would get.Once you have considered the location of the care center, the next thing for you to decide on is the type of care that you would get. It might be helpful to try asking for your doctor’s opinion about this so you can get the care professional that would really suit the health needs of your elders.Of course, you shouldn’t forget asking about your elders’ opinion regarding the home health care professional. After all, you are going to get one for them. Make sure that they are totally okay with it before you make a final decision.Lastly, don’t forget to consider if your insurance can cover for the expense. This way you can also have this new benefit without it becoming a financial burden for you to consider.

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Current Issues That Kill Commercial Property Loans

Working on a commercial property loan? Below we discuss some of the most common issues that kill borrower’s commercial property loans and what you should watch out for. The last thing you want is to blow 4 months and $6,000 on third party reports only to have your bank “pass” on your loan request.ValueValue now tends to be one of the biggest issues with commercial property loans. As real estate values continue to decline in most sections of the county, and within all property types you should be very aware of what your property is now worth and what the maximum loan to value requirements are from the banks that you are considering working with. Loan to value is a ratio used to reflect how much equity you have in your property and how much equity you would lose if you walked from the building. For example, if your building is worth $1,000,000 and your existing loan amount is $700,000, your loan to value ratio is 70%. Obviously, banks want lower loan to value ratios as it lowers their risk. A more subtle issue here is if, or to what degree your bank will “tamper” with your appraisal report. It’s common that they will review the appraisal report and alter the value before it is reported to you (I am not implying there is anything illegal here). They will lend based on what they think it your property is worth. If your loan to value is high to begin with, you’ll need to know what their reputation is with this. You will only be able to find this out by working with experienced third party professional that have closed multiple transactions with the bank in question. The loan officer at the bank will not reveal this. A commercial mortgage broker will, as they get paid when your loan closes.Wrong Bank to Begin WithThis ties into above, but it’s never been more important to know how strong the bank really is and what their real appetite is for your commercial property loan.  Most banks are now on the “sidelines” and not funding commercial loans. Many of these banks simply don’t have any money to lend and others are being conservative and want to see the general economy turn around before they start to lend again. However loans are still closing loans. It is imperative that you deal with the banks that are still actively funding loan requests. For example, SBA loans and the participating lenders have weathered the storm fairly well, as they were down by only 30% in 2008 from 2007.  Compared to conventional or CMBS loans that have come to a screeching halt, this looks pretty good.   The best way to know which banks are really interested in your commercial property loan and which ones will have the highest chance of closing is to get an unbiased third party referral. Talk to your CPA, Attorney or an experienced commercial mortgage broker (like us). Make sure that whoever you talk to has recently worked with the lender they recommend. When working with a broker, make sure they are experienced and have recently closed a loan with the bank.  

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