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Martial arts is a statistically very safe sport to practice, for both youngsters and adults.  One of the dangers however, (which you have to be aware of when selecting a martial arts studio for yourself or children) is hygiene.  Martial arts mats are vigorously used and are in contact with feet, sweat and the occasional blood (from little cuts on fingers, toes, elbows etc., just like any other sport).  That in combination with skin contact can be a hazard.

That is why it is extremely important to clean the mats thoroughly and disinfect them.  At Define Defense, we clean the mats every day with a biodegradable disinfectant.  This does not only kill 99.99% off all possible bacteria (staph, MRSA, impetigo etc.), viruses (warts) and fungi (ringworm) but it is also safe since it is a ‘green’ product, not a chemically engineered product which is unhealthy as well.  Every few weeks, we also steam clean the mats with a machine.  This is a procedure which guarantees a very thorough cleaning.

Martial arts is not any more hazardous than any other sport, think about the equipment you sweat in doing football or soccer; or the materials you are in contact with when doing weight lifting or gymnastics. Simply think about how many people use a regular gym or rec center every day.  If you are careful and train at a responsible facility, the risk is minimal!  

A few other things we do:

• We offer 2 private showers for our clients to use after their workout
• We sell long sleeve Define Defense rash guards for more protection
• The weight lifting and cardio equipment is disinfected frequently
• We encourage everyone to wear clean and freshly washed gear

In our facility, we have had no issues whatsoever and strive to keep it that way by keeping the studio spotless and disinfected (while using responsible products instead of chemicals)!

By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer ofDefine Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.

Ecotech Institute’s first group of graduates crossed the stage on June 21, 2012 and dozens of graduates are already working in the cleantech industry. Three companies have hired a combined 20 graduates, five additional companies have hired one or two graduates, and several students have offers pending.  The companies range in size and specialty, with renewable energy graduates receiving jobs in six different states.

In addition to demand from hiring organizations and job placements across the country, positive feedback from new employers about the graduates has been tremendous.

“Hiring managers across the board have been extremely complimentary about the quality of our graduates and their job readiness,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “One company even said that Ecotech graduates are the best new hires he has ever worked with. Another company actually created a new position to better utilize the skills and knowledge of an Ecotech graduate. We are thrilled to see our alumni already experiencing great success and making an impact in the workplace.”

Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in clean technology and careers in sustainability. At the school’s first-ever graduation, forty-one students received their associate’s degrees in the following areas: Wind Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technologyand Electrical Engineering Technology.

Former Governor Bill Ritter, who currently serves as the Director of the Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy, delivered the commencement speech. He offered perspectives from his position as governor, discussed Colorado’s aggressive role in the new energy economy, and applauded the promising future of the cleantech and clean energy industries.

“We were in the worst recession since the Great Depression and the only part of the private sector that grew during that was the cleantech/clean energy [sector],” said Ritter. “For your purposes, you chose right. You chose well. You chose the thing that grew, it has the potential to grow and grow and grow.”

The Ecotech curriculum is focused on the development of soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), and math and science basics and technology skills, but the educational emphasis is on hands-on, practical training. Ecotech’s national board of advisors, who all work in cleantech industries, helped design the school’s curriculum, providing coursework that reflects what students will experience upon graduation.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers five highly practical associate’s degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energyemployers. Ecotech’s second commencement will be in September.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.comor call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in October and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.