MIMA Blog

Thank goodness learning never stops.  There is always something else to discover, some large concept to grasp, some better control to have, some tiny thing to master that makes a world of difference.  I hope to contribute more as a teacher, open up to more experiences as a student, learn more types of weapons work which I think is really fun. I would also like to learn more of the traditions behind what we do as well because I think that’s what elevates the whole experience from being a workout

Living Heroes

Michelle Powell - My Mom is the strongest and bravest person I know.  She has chosen her own path even though it’s been hard, faced loss with grace, stood back when I need to stand on my own and been beside me when I needed it.  She is an amazing parent and human. I hope I am a person she can always be proud of even on my worst days.

Kim Wheeler - Kim taught me that it’s never too late to decide what you really want in this life no matter what other people may expect from you or what

1.What are my goals upon having reached black belt for my future training and learning?

In the future, I hope to continue increasing my flexibility, confidence, and strength all of which martial arts has helped with but I always want to improve. I have always had problems with my flexibility, but I would like to get better at it. Confidence will come with age and experience and strength will come by doing more Martial Arts and other physical activities. I think the most honest answer for me is th

#5. Bill Nye

I remember as a kid always watching Bill Nye, “the science guy” and being fascinated by the show. I see now how corny it was, but that was not really the point. It got me interested in science and interesting things. As a kid

, I preferred to watch science shows over Cartoon Network.  Now that I am older, I appreciate a whole different side to him. These days he is focusing on helping the greater community and trying to educate the older generation about real problems in our world and

Leadership project.

For my hours as a community leader, I spent time working at the Rainier Valley Food Bank. My school, PSCS organized the project. Along with one teacher, we took a bus from the International District to the food bank. I spent most of the time unloading shipments of food that got delivered and putting everything away so it could be handed out later. The part that I really enjoyed was when I got to hand out the food (cans, produce etc.) to people. There is something really nice a

#4. Charlie Jabaley

Unlike the other three heroes I mentioned, Charlie is someone that I don't personally know but I still think he is an inspirational person. Charlie Jabaley spent most of his life pursuing his job and making money by creating a bus

iness in the music industry, but he was overweight. It started in high school until he reached his heaviest weight of 304 pounds. Charlie had a dream of becoming an athlete so at the age of 28, he quit his job and decided to become healthier. So far,

#1. Liana Green

Liana Green was my high school advisor for many years and I would consider her a good friend and mentor to me. Liana is passionate about things that she likes to do. Two of her passions are music and rock climbing. She led the 

music program at school and played several instruments professionally. I participated in a few of her music classes and her rock climbing classes. I think she made me a better person and she always challenged me to be better. Liana helped me become who I am

#2. Andy Smallman

Andy Smallman was the director of the school that I went to for high school and I can honestly say that he is one of the people that has helped shape me for the person I am today. I am grateful to get to know him and continue to know him. He also taught some of my favorite classes over the years like Band of Brothers and Developmental Theory. One reason I really liked his classes was because of the way he taught it. Band of Brothers is a TV show about the 101st airborne division

According to KidsHealth.org children 6 - 12 years of  age need physical activity to build strength, coordination,  confidence — and to lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle.

They're also gaining more control over how active they are.

School-age kids should have many chances to participate in a variety of activities, sports, and games that fit for their personality, ability, age, and interests. Brainstorm with your kids on activities that feel right. Most kids won't mind a daily dose of fitn

Today we worked with the kids with their mindfulness meditation and breathing meditation.  We keep it fairly simple, to sit, in good posture, and focus on breathing in silently through the nose, and exhaling a little more slowly.   And paying attention to slowing breath.  Keeping mind on the breathing.   Relaxing and softening muscles and the body.   

Hello everybody!  I wanted to share what the after school kids were working on, they are currently involved with a coloring contest.  Everyday there will be a new sheet, until 11/17!  The kids wanted to challenge each other and the adults and teens!  So ta da, here you go, have fun, be respectful and game on!

Living Heroes #5
Carl Pepple

Carl Pepple was born in the mid-1970s. He went to college, then became a scientist. Somewhere in there, he married Kathrine Pepple. He started doing martial arts and became a black belt in multiple versions of martial arts. He is testing for his black belt in one type of martial art in a few months, and it will be his third black belt or higher in three types of martial arts. He just recently had a baby, Vivian, and she looks up to me a lot. Carl is one of those peopl

Living Heros #3
Ansel Leveque
Mom

My Mom is very hardworking, intelligent, peaceful, and loving. She was born in California. She loved school from her first day. It might have been hard for her at times, but she pulled through. Her Mom, my Grandma, was very loving to her, and also very smart. There might have been times when she and her mom fought, but they always made up. Her mom got divorced from her Dad when she was three years old. She went to collage at Amherst along with my Dad. She first s

Persistence:  finish what you start.   Persevere!   Such an important trait to develop.   Here is the worksheet to get kids going with how it works.

PersevereCharachterLessonMIMA.pdf

MeLisa Turcott Strongheart is a Master Instructor and owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts.  She is a 6th Dan, and in the process of testing for her 7th Dan Master Instructor.  She also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling.   She brings these two areas of specialization to her work with fa

    Being a black belt has shown to me the difference between teaching and leading. When I first received the rank, the responsibilities of being a black belt seemed immense. I had this impression that as a leader in the group, I needed to know every form and every kick by heart. It took months of observing my senior black belts to understand that they too were still learning, and still had moments of difficulty. Being a black belt did mean that I had to step up and be a leader, one who solved p

My leadership project was done in conjunction with my volunteer effort with the local chapter of the Red Cross. I have been a Red Cross volunteer for almost five years and work in the DST group. This is the group which manages the IT and communication for the Red Cross. As one of the more technical members of the team, I was asked to lead an effort for building out a new communication system for the King/Snohomish county area. The DST leadership had put together a grant proposal two years ago fo

1. What are my goals upon having reached black belt for my future training and learning?

My goals are to learn the new forms and techniques for my belt level.  To continue improving on what I already have learned and continue learning new techniques.  To get stronger through practice.  Practice kicking higher, stronger and quicker.  Practice my punches to be quicker and harder.  Practice my blocks to be quicker and more accurate.

 2.  What kind of black belt will I be?

I will be an inspiring black bel

What I have achieved in life related to what I have learned in dojang?

When I first started Martial Arts, I had ailments that have affected the left side of my body, since I started working out and stretching, I find that I feel so much better, the pain is not as intense, I feel fantastic and motivated and excited to come and work out.  In addition to the physical triumph, I am in a unique situation where I work out and I also teach.  By getting to work with students, each day presents new goals

My Black Belt Goals

When I pass my test, my black belt goals are:

1.      Work hard on my technique, become more accurate and precise

2.      Learn more about the traditions of Tae Kwon Do so I can be more respectful to the sport

3.      Focus on getting my speed up, especially when it comes to spinning kicks

4.      Work harder to get better on my left side

5.      Be able to remember all the forms