October is Anti-Bullying Month and we have been talking with the kids about bullying. After much discussion we asked the children to write or draw a story about bullying. This child's story was our winner. She has been training with us for the past 2 years.
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A black belt is automatically put into a leadership position upon donning the belt. We find this is a transition, that is shocking, without having first spent meaningful time practicing, and experiencing what it is like.
It will still be different upon becoming a black belt, but the practice will make it easier —less culture shock, if you will. It helps also in the passing on of the traditions, and techniques of martial arts is a skill in itself. And we believe that it is one of the resp
Simple. Right?
Not really. I believe it takes practice.
We try to teach with the little things, to try again, to boldly attempt, to have positive self talk, with learning how to get support, ask for help, determine who is on your team, to re-evaluate the approach. To start with the small things, the "turn the hips a bit more", to twist the foot a bit more, widen the stance. And the "getting up again" becomes a habit, a way of life. And the stakes get higher, as we get more advanced
A frequently asked question this week. Here is the answer in about 3 min.
You didn’t start your study of the martial arts to “go through the motions” of it all, did you? Of course you didn’t, but look around you in your next class and I’ll bet you spot a number of your classmates doing that very thing, going through the motions. It’s human nature to get distracted, to multi-task, and wander off course.
To deepen and strengthen your practice so that you stay on the mark and make reasonable progress, I offer you these 10 time-tested tips from Tom Callos:
1. As often as
Ariel Abad will make a wonderful black belt candidate. Ariel and I practically started at MIMA at the same time. Both of us have been partners throughout most of the classes at MIMA. We have always pushed and helped each other get better. Aside from practicing together, I have seen him help other students become better as well. As we’ve practiced together, I have seen Ariel improve after every class. I believe Ariel’s positive nature at MIMA is a clear reflection of how he is as a person as a wh
Thank you to all of you who helped during our kick-a-thon to raise money for the AED (automated external defibrillator) that we now have on site at MIMA! We have a trainer who will come on site on January 31 to certify staff and any additional member who is interested obtaining CPR and AED certification. This is great for teens who may babysit during the summer, and also for any adult who is interested in learning or updating these important skills. We will have 8 spots available for training
My first hero is my Dad. He has taught me so many things and doesn't even know it. He is selfless, kind, caring, friendly and all around great person. He retired early to help take care of his oldest grandchild and now he and my mom are taking care of 6 grandchildren while my brother, sister-in-law, wife and myself go to work. He takes care of everyone even while he is sick himself. You put him in a room of strangers and he'll make at least one new friend in the first 5 minutes. He taught
How about give someone an extraordinary experience with us?
Everyday we will put our uniforms on, we plan, we train, and ready ourselves in order to give everyone who comes in to our school, something extraordinary.
Sometimes that is being there to motivate to get on that mat again, to move, to kick, to try something new. And each day things get a little better, faster, more flexible, stronger. Becoming more confident. The kind of confidence that comes from actual achievement
In our bully prevention curriculum, we address how to be a person who takes action. http://youtu.be/EisZTB4ZQxY
The Washington Trial Association or WTA is a local organization which promotes hiking and protecting the wilderness areas which surround us here in the PNW. My family has supported the group for a long time with donations and taking part in the yearly Hike-A-Thon that takes place each August. For my black belt community service project, Rosie and I took part in one of the weekend work parties. The WTA has regular work parties that rebuild trails which are in need of repair or build out new trial
Seattle officially declares Oct. 3rd 'Bruce Lee Day', so I had to share Jido Merly's picture from a few months ago! Happy Bruce Lee Day, I think I'm going to have to watch some Enter the Dragon.
They say knowledge is power and that words are powerful...I had put down five goals in a previous post and one of them is to read a new book. I love working out and keeping physically fit, I also enjoy engaging my mind and imagination! Any book suggestions for October?
A couple years ago, Master Strongheart posted blog's called Five Words Friday. I loved it! It forced me to think about goals, write them out and then successfully complete them. I feel that putting opinion and goals out loud/ sharing them holds me accountable and upon completion makes me feel good. With that being said, what are your 5 goals for October?
My final two heroes are my Mom and my Dad. As routine as it may seem for a person to say that their parents are their heroes, I don't think there is anything average about my parents.I admire my Dad for his strong work ethic, his desire to help others, his teachings to me that all people are equal and that I should never 'judge a book by it's cover'. I admire him for turning his health around late in his life after a cancer diagnosis--for doing what most people never do and working hard to ch
Living Heroes
Mommo & Daddo:
My In-laws have welcomed me into their family with absolute love and joy. Their kindness, warmth, and support are such a blessing. They are such genuine, fun, and caring individuals. Having them as family really is a gift!
Papa & Pops:
I feel so lucky to have these two in my life! They are incredibly supportive, encouraging, and inspire me to follow my dreams.
