MIMA Blog

There are simple reasons, and more complex reasons, why etiquette is
still strictly enforced in traditional martial arts schools. Since I
keep getting asked about it, I thought I'd summarize the major reasons
why, in my experience, etiquette is so important in the martial arts.

1. SAFETY. I can't overstate this. So much of etiquette revolves around
providing a safe and challenging training atmosphere. Don't talk while
the Sa Bum Nim is talking, or you might miss something crucial, which
could l

Okay everyone,

The adult workout has started... Tuesdays at noon. Come join us we had a blast!

Today Amy and I worked on sparring techniques, Chong te and Nook te.... Getting ready for the next belt test in October... And what a great workout!

Our annual homework party and food drive is a great way for children to get in the habit of doing their homework, it's ton's of fun and it's for a great cause. The Mayor of Mercer Island along with other eastside communities has made this month the "Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry."  We will be taking food donations the day of the party, on October 29, 2011, and you are welcome to bring food in prior to the party we will have boxes ready for donation. 

http://www.eastsideforum.org/foo

Mercer Island Martial Arts

Annual Homework Challenge!
Objective:  To motivate students to develop a habit of getting their homework from school done, and to positively reinforce those who choose to pursue academic excellence. Good leaders are always learning, and building their knowledge base. Education is a lifetime pursuit.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Parents and their kids can register for the homework challenge by phone, email, or in person. Parents every time your child does his/her homework without

I hope all is well in Mercer Island. Things have gone well up here in Alaska. The season ended for us June 24th with a first round play-off loss, but i took away a lot of great things. I have since got a job at one of the local high schools as a counselor for minority students as well as an assistant football coach. I really do hope this post finds every one at MIMA doing well.

I am hoping to be making a visit back to the area during the holidays, and while I'm home hopefully I can get into the d

By MEGAN MANAGAN
Mercer Island Reporter Sports Reporter
Aug 18 2011

There are a wide variety of martial arts and here on Mercer Island, there are a variety of places to go to practice whichever variety suits you.

At Mercer Island Martial Arts, located at 2630 77th Ave SE, Suite 106-108 in the 77 Central Building, the focus is on helping kids be active and learn while they have fun.

MeLisa Strongheart, a master instructor and co-owner, said they will be offering summer day camps until school sta

"Yes, a black belt should be able to execute precise, effective, beautiful, and technically proficient martial arts techniques, whatever the style. But just as importantly, a black belt should be able to execute precise and beautiful ideas, equal to or better than their physical techniques. A black belt should have an attitude equal in it's brilliance to his or her physical skills."

A great quotation from an admired martial artist, Tom Callos.

I came upon a list of sparring tips on line, and thought it would be good to make one for us. 

Size up your opponent before you engage. If he strikes first then you know he is an OFFENSIVE fighter. If he waits for your attack then you know he is a DEFENSIVE fighter.

Try to get your opponent to attack first, either by a fake or taunt. You will quickly learn what technique your opponent relies on, (every fighter has their favorite technique) then plan a counter for that attack.

Do not telegraph

Please come and join us while we march in the Summer Celebration Parade, and we are announced as this years Hometown Heroes for our work in the community on Violence Prevention, Bully Prevention, and youth drug and alcohol abuse prevention.  We are hoping as many student who can will march with us, along with family members.  We are so proud of this honor.

We will meet at the sculpture park (behind the dojang) at 9:30am.   

Greetings everyone, its been a couple of weeks since I wrote here. Been a little busy with work and life and such. 

 I wanted to say that I have enjoyed training a lot lately. I am working hard on moving forward with my training, and still feel very motivated. Thank you so much to SBN Strongheart for the things you shared with me tonight, that was very helpful. I will put that to good use.

I enjoyed tonight's class. I have been having a great deal of fun at class the last couple of months. I can h

Dear MeLisa,

Hello and Congratulations!

 You have been selected to represent your community as a “Hometown Hero” in the 2011 Summer Celebration Parade on July 9^th, 2011. Because of your hard work and dedication to serving your community as a great advocate for youth and violence prevention, your anti-bullying curriculum available for free to schools and other organizations on the Island, and your participation on  the CTC board, we’d like to honor you!

Because Mercer Island Martial Arts is alrea

1 My Mom and Dad
My Mom and Dad have been my biggest heroes ever. They adopted me when I needed a family and they were and are the perfect family. They are super supportive of my activities. I remember Dad asking me “What would you like to do?” and I said “karate”. He found me Mercer Island Martial Arts and my parents helped me get to where I am now. Testing for my black belt.
2 The Masters

When I first started I was a white belt of course and I was a rascally one. I have been told that I climb

My  Living Heroes.

1. My first living hero is KSN Ulityonok. He is my hero because he was and is a very respectful man. Another reason why he is my hero because he trained me harder than I imagine and many life skills.
2. One hero I’m also ever grateful for is Forest because I followed his leadership and gained access to many other skills. My second reason I chose Forest is he was a true friend not like a friend who just leaves you hanging.
3. Another hero who is my family is my brother George. The reas

Dear Master Strongheart, Master Wells and the family/community of Mercer Island Martial Arts:

Since the beginning of my journey at MIMA in 2009 I have learned many things about myself and the art of Tae Kwon Do. At first, I looked at the Dojang as a place to get my weekly exercise and see new friends; but, as time has moved forward, I now see the Dojang as a sacred place for my self-cultivation to be a better person, friend, co-worker, community member and family member of MIMA and also to pract

The following story, called "The Parable of the Black Belt," is excerpted from Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras.

"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," says the sensei.

"I am ready," responds the

Sorting through all the health information available, and knowing the best actions to take can be challenging.  What we do know is the #1 Killer in the US is heart disease.  The self defense moves to protect oneself from this deadly threat?  Simply, exercise, and a healthy diet. 

This graphic made by GE is a great myth-buster.  What do you think?

This post is amazing.   I really love it, and have shared it here with permission.  Breathe, and enjoy.

Post written by Leo Babauta.

Breathe.

Breathing can transform your life.

If you feel stressed out and overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.

If you are discouraged and have forgotten your purpose in life, breathe. It will re