We've discussed how important it is to stay hydrated while working out, especially in the summer months when the heat can become problematic. Many athletes turn to sports drinks as their choice of rehydrating beverage during and after an intense workout.

Nearly 8,000 people attended the first ever CureFest in Humble, TX on Saturday, July 28th. 12 members from Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Atascocita whose ages ranged from 6 to 16 preformed during the event. During their 35 minute demo, the students performed the Ho-Am Form and showcased different traditional patterns as well.

Sugary drinks, such as pop or juice, may hurt more than just your teeth! Not only do drinks high in sugar add empty calories to your diet, but it also raises your blood sugar. This could lead to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes. It also may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

The photos tell it all – everyone had a blast at the World Championships! Enjoy these photos from different members around Tiger-Rock. If you would like to see more photos, please visit Tiger-Rock's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/tigerrockma) and if you haven't already, "Like" us while you're there!

The 2012 Tiger-Rock Martial Arts World Championships were a huge success with many people from around the United States attending to compete, watch, and attend a variety of trainings and seminars that were available. Just as it is important to eat healthy and exercise to prepare ourselves and improve our lives, it is also important to rest properly. There are many benefits associated with getting the proper amount of sleep, among those including improved memory, longer lifespan, spur creativity, and improve athletic performance.

When you are preparing to compete at the 2012 Tiger-Rock Martial Arts World Championships, don't forget to prepare for the 2012 Art Show as well! For the past 9 years, this Art Show has provided "an opportunity for martial artists to exhibit their art," said Al Hiroms, who has been involved with the Art Show since the beginning.

Cosette Pease recently made the cover of She Magazine, a popular magazine for women based out of Sioux Falls, SD. Pease, a 2nd Degree Level 4 Black Belt, is a student and trainer at Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Sioux Falls. In the featured article, Pease talks about her journey through Taekwondo and the benefits of participating in the sport.

Chelsea McMurtrie from Pflugerville, TX, was one of the many volunteers that helped raise over $175,000 for the Central Texas chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. To encourage contributions Chelsea volunteered to rappel 32 stories (or 372 feet!) down an Austin skyscraper.  Nothing shook McMurtrie's focus on the good that could be done with the funds she raised – not even her intense fear of heights or the fact she had never repelled before! She was in the top group of fundraisers, so over the edge she went.

For those of you who are trekking to the 2012 Tiger-Rock Martial Arts World Championship, it's important to have healthy snacks to-go rather than stopping and eating fast food or convenience store snacks.

Are YOU the next face of Tiger-Rock Martial Arts?

Tiger-Rock Martial Arts is looking for new faces to model Tiger-Rock gear in upcoming marketing campaigns. If you’re interested, send us your head shot and full body shot wearing Tiger-Rock gear. Tiger-Rock is looking for non-professional models between the ages of 7 and 32. Winners will be contacted by 724 Impact and more information will be provided.

It isn't every day you can look at a painting completed by a 10-year-old and be speechless, except in Hasitha Tatineni's case. She is a 2nd Degree Level 1 Junior Black Belt studying at Johnson's Taekwondo Academy in Cary, N.C., and was asked by Trainer Bryson Johnson if she would paint something for the school.

"My inspiration was the encouragement that Mr. Johnson gave me in order to work on the painting," she said. "If you hope for something you will never get it, but if you say you will then your dreams will come true," she added.

The helmets that Tiger-Rock Taekwondo students wear are now being worn outside of the world of martial arts. The Louisville basketball team is now incorporating the use of dip foam helmets during their practice sessions to help prevent concussions.

Last week we showed some great photos from the 2012 Tiger-Rock Spring National Tournament Circuit. Enjoy some more photos!

On April 27, 2011, an E-F 4 tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Ala., leaving a terrible trail of destruction in its wake. One of our own, Bailey's Tiger Rock Martial Arts Academy stood in the tornados path. The only thing to survive the damage was the original sign that stood outside, marking where the school was located. After months of training in a rental facility while the rebuilding process took place, the academy reopened in February, holding their first classes on the 11th.