This video shows exactly why I teach, rather we teach, Bully prevention at MIMA -- We have literally taught hundreds of hours, mostly unpaid to kids from all over the greater Seattle area. We teach not only the target, but also the kids who bully about tolerance and respect for others and self, and perhaps most importantly, we teach bystanders how to handle it.
We teach kids, that they have power, and how to use it. And sometimes that means getting help, the thing that often requires th
About the Author:
MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility, self-defense, as well as to create a milieu which engenders physiological growth, respect, courage, and community activism and leadership.
MIMA has programs for families to practice side by side, as well as adult, teen,
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
We are getting ready for the 2014-2015 school year, so I was reviewing some of the literature I have stored up to use in our curriculum. And came across information on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I haven't quite figured out how to use this with the kids directly, but thought a blog post was in order. Such an interesting and powerful document. In the wake of abducted girls, and public executions I thought this was particularly poignant to review.
So many, more eloquently than I will, are writing upon the death of Maya Angelou. For me, she has been a role model, a lighthouse, a trusted advisor -- an inspiration. She has kept me company through the darkest of days, and taught me how to hold my head, and stand up, and to celebrate. How to honor my ancestors, believe in the possibilities of today, and to invest in future generations. She has taught me how to keep my feet on the ground, and to continue to rise. I am so grateful for
May 16 --6pm-9pm --
movie, games, art, parkour, martial arts -- FUN.
Register online at http://mastdnts.com/?EV--bXbM or call us at 206 230-9050 to hold your space.
When I walked into the Mercer Island Thrift Shop for the first time I was ready to tackle my volunteer shift head-on. I got to go into the back of the shop, which was bigger than I first thought. There were stacks of books, boxes of electronics, people carrying in new donations every now and then. It was a really cool place, and everybody was really nice and helpful. On my first two shifts, I got to test the donated electronics to see if they worked correctly. I got to test a lot of things, from
