Page 31 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 144

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #144 January 2025 31

By Brian Johnston By Max Ming
Continued from page 30 Continued from page 30 KARATE KOMMENTS

been in the range of 2.74 to 3.31 per cent. the pensions. The decision on when
There hasn’t been any major movement to start CPP and OAS is one of the
in fixed mortgage rates in the past couple biggest options to evaluate in your
of months, and we don’t expect to see that retirement plan. This means the By Jim Riddell,
change much within the first half of this year, difference has to be made up of your
unless something major happens that really own savings. How much? Well, that Seaway Karate Club
reassures markets. depends.
Interest in variable rates started to pick up Rising expenses (inflation),
in the summer as the central bank began longevity, and healthcare costs
slashing its benchmark rate. With variable are also important factors. To get Karate Kicking Shields
rates sitting slightly higher than fixed rates, he kicking shield is used today in almost every martial art dojo to
homeowners are starting to see that light at a clearer idea of how much you’ll Thelp develop power in kicks, punches, and strikes, and is also used for
the end of the tunnel and willing to deal with need, start by calculating your various drills. Striking shields were not invented by a martial artist but were
short-term pain of that slightly higher rate. expected expenses and factoring
A lot of customers are saying, let’s deal with in inflation—historically, Canada’s borrowed from another sport - football. Martin Gilman of Gilman Gear,
a slightly higher variable rate and slightly inflation rate averages around 2% per who was a pioneer in the development of football practice equipment, had
several US patents on blockers and shields dating back to 1939. Rumour has
higher payment for now. But give it another year … meaning that if you want to
three or four months, customers believe maintain a certain standard of living, it that these shields were used by some karate practitioners in the 1960’s.
they could be ahead. Many experts expect you’ll need to adjust your savings/ When Jhoon Rhee developed foam safety headgear, gloves, and kicks for
variable-rate mortgages to fall below fixed investments accordingly. martial artists in the early 1970’s, the manufacture of kicking shields for
rates in 2025. But fixed rates are still popular While the Canadian healthcare the industry soon followed. Shields come in many different shapes, sizes,
among mortgage holders. and thicknesses, but most are approx. two feet in length, twelve to eighteen
More bargaining power for 2025 renewers system provides universal coverage, inches in width and are four to eight inches in thickness. They can be either
Going into 2025, there are still around 40 per seniors may face significant out-of- curved or straight and have straps and handles on the back and/or sides and
cent of mortgages that are up for renewal. pocket expenses for prescription top. Some shields are better constructed than others, but as to which type
Many Canadians will be under financial drugs, dental care, and home support
pressure as they renew at higher rates. The services. The Financial Consumer is best, it seems to come down to the personal preference of the holder.
good news for those getting ready to renew Agency of Canada estimates that Proper holding of the shield (or any other pad) is a skill that is developed
over time and is one that is important for student safety. Training in the use
their mortgage is that there will be competition healthcare costs for seniors can
among banks and lenders to retain and attract range between $5,000 and $10,000 of shields, focus mitts, Muay Thai pads, and paddle pads are all included
customers, which could lead to better deals annually, so keep that in mind. in our instructor development/coaching program at Seaway Karate. The
for consumers. For anyone coming up for Ultimately, the key to retiring shield holder is responsible for inspecting the equipment before it is used,
renewal this year or so, you will definitely comfortably in Canada is planning making sure that there are no cracks, splits, or tears, and that all handles
be renewing at a higher rate with a higher and straps are secure. If there are any issues with the shield it must either be
payment. There is a bit of a relief now since ahead and staying informed. When repaired before using or replaced. There has to be a level of understanding
rates have been coming down. And because working with our financial planners, that the pad holder is in charge at all times. He/she is the coach and will
of the elimination of the stress test rate (for they’ll take time to review all areas determine the height, distance, and positioning for each strike. There are
those that are renewing), it definitely gives of retirement planning and educate
more options for Canadians to shop around you on the options available. many drills that require combinations that will involve two or more of
a bit more and have more bargaining power. Disclaimer: Equity Associates kicks, punches, knees, and/or elbows. This is where a good shield holder
can make a great workout, or a poor holder could ruin one. Holding the
But, there is a big caveat when it comes Inc. is registered as a Mutual Fund
to 2025 expectations. That’s economic Dealer & an EMD Dealer in selected shield provides senior students with opportunity to help develop their
uncertainty this year, particularly when it provinces. The opinions expressed in coaching skills. Being completely focused on the kicker they will pick
comes to incoming president Donald Trump’s this communication are those of the up on the little things that need to be worked on to improve. The shield
threat to levy tariffs on Canadian imports into writer and do not necessarily reflect can be held in a stationary position so that the same kick can be practiced
the United States, and the impact that may repetitively, or shifted for semi-moving drills. There are also line drills
have on the Canadian economy. Right now, those of Equity Associates Inc. where two shield holders are working together, one or both moving a few
the big question mark for every economist inches, subtly changing angles, and forcing the kicker to alter and adapt
is are these tariffs actually going to come By Mike VanderMeer their choice of techniques on the go. Using the kicking shield as a training
to fruition? If they do, we’re looking at a Continued from page 30 tool will provide a good cardio workout as well as improve power, balance,
very different scenario. All of a sudden, we in terms of renovating are, plus what
could be looking at a potential trade war, we renovations you should do, and which co-ordination, and judging distance. Martial artists can train all of their
could see inflation soar again, and that very renovations you should avoid. If you offensive techniques in a fun, safe, and challenging manner while getting
well likely could put the Bank of Canada in helpful feedback from the holder.
(a different) position… It’s certainly top of are thinking about flipping a home, Karate Quote: Learning to teach, teaches you to learn.
mind for anybody make sure to call a Realtor first.