MIMA Blog

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.

Dear Master Strongheart & Master Wells,

I am writing on behalf of black belt candidate Gail Cribbs. She will be an incredible black belt! Her focus, persistence, and determination is infectious. She always comes in with a smile on her face and a welcoming, joyful spirit. Her commitment and leadership is inspiring, and will continue to inspire students to come.

Respectfully, 

Jessica Merly

I have thought a long time about my journey to obtain my black belt and what it means to me now and in the future.  Several times on my journey I came at a crossroads, due to injuries.  Each time I faced the decision, do I hang it up or do I work through it, adjust and continue on. 

It has been a journey!  I look at obtaining my black belt not as the end of the journey but a checkpoint, recognition of the work both mentally and physically and of the growth and achievements. 

I look back at where I

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

Thomas Edison

One of my first ever hero's was Thomas Edison. I can remember in grade school finding every book available in the library about him and reading them all multiple times. Edison is known for creating the first practical light bulb, but most people don't know he actually invented hundreds of other things over his lifetime.  (personally he held more than a thousand patients) Beside the lightbulb, he also invented what we know as a power companies today, motion pictures and multiple tech

                                                                                  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.

My Black Belt Journey

When I first started martial arts I had no idea how much I was going to love it, and what an amazing impact it would have on my life. It is so incredible to be a part of a community in which we learn and grow both physically and mentally. I learn something new every day and I am so excited to continue my learning. I can’t wait to start learning black belt material and to learn more about instruction.

I was pretty athletic in my youth; dance, volleyball, basketball, ultimate f

5 Living Heroes
Avery Smith

Bill Harris: At Islander Middle School, Bill could be found walking through the halls picking up trash and making sure no one ran too fast. Bill also worked with the busses so that everyone could get to school on time. He was always nice and would ask how our days went and how the school year was going. His kindness to everyone that he met makes him an everyday hero.

Bill Nye: Bill Nye the Science Guy doesn’t just do shows for young kids, he explains how science can

My third hero is my sister in law Janeel. She had been the primary caregiver for my brother, keeping him home doing everything for him until last year. In reality the sacrifices she made personally to keep him at home were above and beyond. Her love and dedication and strength are amazing, and a true tribute to the strength of love.

My final hero is a group of people that I look at and realize have common traits. These people are: Jan E, Linda w and Jane C. These women have all lost their partners, the love of their life to a horrible disease cancer. The grace, strength and resolve that all three of these women had during the illness' leaves me in awe. The strength to continue with life after losing their partners is something that I look to as a source of strength and inspiration and something that let's me put life strugg

One of my favorite hero's is my son Steve. Steve was one of those kids that seemed to fight growing up, you know the kind, bright, but bored, he was always testing the limits and did not seem to get the messages.

Today he is one of the most focused, driven, responsible and generous people I know. He is so very patient with his children and step children (which he has 3), is always there to help a friend and/or family. I look at all that he takes on his shoulders and the strength and focus that

I sat recently at a small group at work for a focused discussion on the practice of mindfulness.

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way
-on purpose
-in the present moment
-nonjudgementally
-as if your life depended on it.”

I realize that martial arts is one of my 'mindfulness practices'. When I am working on forms, learning new techniques, or kicking boards, my mind is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and with no judgements to myself or others. It's one of

Focus and TKD

I am always being asked how I got started with TKD and each time I have to laugh when explaining it. You see, I never in a million years thought it was something I would like or even try. If my son had not applied the magical little boy peer pressure, I would proba

bly never had taken that first class. But one day I found myself out on the mat during a family class and when it was over, I realized I had enjoyed myself.

But the reason I have kept with it is the more interesting point.

With back to school coming up quickly, I believe it is a great time to refresh or address safety tips and plans with the kids.  So, I am going to post about several of the things I try to cover with the kids I teach each year.   

"In 2010, one-fifth (19%) of all children 5-9 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians."  Source:  Traffic safety facts:  Pedestrians, NHTSA 2012

Here are some ideas, and please chime in with more.   Do the walk to the bus, or school with your kid at least

Our After School Program is a intentionally designed, experiential learning program focused on:

1.  Athletics/fitness:   More than the valuable skills of Korean martial arts --   we teach yoga, flexibility, parkour, tricking, and build all round speed, agility, and strength through our classes, games, and activities.   

2.  Scholarship:   We build a positive system to reinforce the importance of education, life long education.   In addition to teaching homework and study skills, we encourage a