Local Martial Arts Instructor Capitalizes on "Karate Kid" Craze

Atlanta Eagle Claw Kung Fu instructor (Sifu) Joel Rodriguez is a little bit miffed. "They're calling the new movie 'The Karate Kid', but Jackie Chan is Chinese, and he is teaching classic Kung Fu technique. Why couldn't they call it 'The Kung Fu Kid'?"

Still, he plans to capitalize on the popularity of the franchise, and he is setting up an informational booth at Atlantic Station during this weekend's showings of the movie - on June 11, 12 and 13th.

The Eagle Claw Kung Fu Center of Atlanta is one of Georgia’s premier Chinese Northern Style Kung Fu schools and is located in Atlanta’s growing West Midtown district, near Georgia Tech. In operation since 1999, the school is owned by Master Joel Rodriguez, who teaches traditional Ying Jow Pai Kung Fu and Wu Tai Chi Chuan. Master Rodriguez has practiced Kung Fu for over 25 years under Grand Master Leung Shum, the highest ranking Eagle Claw Kung Fu practitioner in the United States.

Says Rodriguez, "Our program is designed to give you the full Eagle Claw System, one of the oldest kung fu systems in existence. Kung Fu is the ancestor for all modern martial arts like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, or Jujitsu and by embracing our philosophy you will learn self-defense, inner strength, and physical fitness. Your growth will be rewarding as you become healthier in body, mind and spirit. In traditional form, each student progresses at their own pace and is taught on an individual basis - it’s not about what belt you have, it’s about your own battle to better yourself."

Rodriguez also believes in giving back, and dedicates all proceeds from his school's annual demonstration to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To interview Master Rodriguez, please contact him at 404-944-4103, or contact Lisa Torch of Direct Force Media at 404-729-2620.

To learn more, or view videos, visit www.eagleclawatl.com
phone: (404) 944-4103 | Address: 976 Jefferson Street, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318 | email: sifu@eagleclawatl.com

Spam-a-Lot

My inbox has become unmanageable. Between the Viagra spam and the email worm spam and the "make her scream with pleasure" spam (LOL), I simply dread logging in to my email every morning. 144 messages, only 3 or 4 that I want to read.

"Do you have your email address listed on your DFM website?" my friend asked, casually. "Um, yes, of course", I replied, not thinking. Suddenly I began to feel REALLY stupid. The good advice that I give my clients and friends - I was completely ignoring.

Suffice it to say, you must now click a link to email me from my website. The spiders and bots will have a tougher time trolling for my email address from this point on.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but if it foils even ONE spammer, I will have succeeded in my mission.

Happy Friday.

Social Media Marketing

Yes, it's the catchphrase of 2009. If you're an expert in Social Media Marketing, you're expected to be cutting-edge, hip and to know how to turn tweets into real dollars.

This article in yesterday's Miami Herald has some good resources for those who are still a little bit in the dark. (This is the article that made Mom say "Ok, I get it now".)

http://www.miamiherald.com/business_monday/story/1085751.html

Another good one:

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/social_media_for_business_who_is_doing_it.phpMore

In other news, we have an approximate moving date: August 1st.

Ciao babies.

Want to get in the best shape of your life?

There is nothing like a martial art to get you there. And, in my opinion, Eagle Claw Kung Fu is the way to go. There are only a select few masters certified to teach this art, and we are honored to have one right here in Atlanta. Master Joel Rodriguez is a disciple of Grand Master Leung Shum (one of the foremost authorities on Eagle Claw Kung Fu it the world) and has been training under him exclusively for over 25 years. Master Rodriguez is one of only 6 to receive ‘Master’ level certification from Grand Master Shum.

Eagle Claw Kung Fu will not only get you in great shape, but it will also provide you with an exceptional method of self-defense, increase your strength, sharpen your reflexes and improve your concentration. The school also has instruction in Tai Chi Chuan.

CONTACT INFO | Eagle Claw Kung Fu Center: phone: (404) 944-4103 | Address: 976 Jefferson Street, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318 | email: sifu@eagleclawatl.com

www.eagleclawatl.com

When in Atlanta....

Atlanta is, after 9 years, finally becoming "home" for me. While I certainly miss my Saturday walks up Columbus Avenue, the impromptu trips down to SOHO and the east Village to shop, and Joe's Pizza on Bleecker Street, I am feeling the stirring in my soul that I am now a Southerner. It's a strange feeling, to say the least.

Having gotten that out of the way, there are a number of immensely talented people here that you should probably pay attention to if you are ever in this neck o' the woods.

Makeup and Hair - James W.

James W. has done the hair and makeup of so many famous people, it's amazing he is not yet a household name. Not to mention, he is also a dear friend of mine. He has just started accepting private clients (read: you and me) in his Buckhead studio, and if you have a party or event that you MUST look perfect for, I suggest you give him a call. He splits his time between Atlanta, NYC and Paris, so call ahead to make sure you get in. He has also started a wonderful beauty blog, I highly recommend it. www.james-w.com

Jill Leslie Designs

For exquisite hand-forged 18K hoops, bangles and other delicate adornments, I love Jill Morton's understated elegance. Available at Etc. East in Vinings and Solomon Bros. in Buckhead. Currently to be seen on Paris Hilton (My New BFF: Dubai), Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, and Jessica Dauler of Jessica Shops Atlanta.



www.jilllesliedesigns.com