As each group approached the floor, we reminded our spectators to cheer loudly and proudly as it would further push our performers to give the intensity they needed in their demonstrations. The message was well received, and you could see the shift from class to the stage where each graduate found a way to give that little more and produce a better result.
It’s interesting to see when you give a little confidence in others, they have a little more confidence in themselves. I’m sure all the moms, dads, and grandparents were raving after grad and the impact will be felt long after that event on the 23rd.
So, as we begin another rotation and phased journey to Black Belt let’s see if we can keep that confidence high and use it to make better progress going forward. If Saturday was proof of what you are truly capable of then hold onto that memory and use it as a future reference for the next time you need to step up to the plate.
Although you may be back to that learning phase of curriculum training, remember you will be once again performing in the months to come. So, use that focus and determination as you delve into the new material and continue to approach it with a masterful mindset so you can continue to evolve as a better karate student.
Oh, and when the next graduation comes around again let’s remind our awesome parents of Matthew Jacobson’s famous quote, “Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first!”
Sensei Chris
]]>As a parent being aware of the changes in seasons and the effect on attitude can be useful information as we try to prevent or mitigate any negative energy. Understanding that it is par for the course can give you the ammunition you might need to fight off any change in attitude for the negative before it becomes a new habit. When you realize a blip in motivation might have more to do with a child being tired, cooped up, or unrested it is easier to navigate how you might handle that situation.
I’m sure most families are looking to enjoy next week’s March Break and if you are away, we wish you an amazing holiday. However, if you are in the area we want to remind you that classes are still running, and it is prudent that students stay focused on training as belt testing is nearing. With March 23rd around the corner now is the time to make up for any lost ground this past winter and make that goal become a reality.
So, fingers crossed we get some extra nice weather and when you look at next week’s forecast always remember, that hesitation can kill a good story but momentum is everything!
Sensei Chris
]]>
When we think of curriculum, we like to break it into three components: learn, perfect, and perform. As we learn our movements, we want to spend some time memorizing what technique goes where, which direction to travel, and how the movements work from one to the next. From here we will then move into our perfection phase, which is what we're trying to target next week. This means you are looking for a little more sharpness within the form, proper alignment, good posture, great stances, and cleaner technique.
As March approaches we will expect to then get to that performance level, which means we're looking for confidence and intensity as you perform. We want our students to be able to perform at 110%, give it their all and put on a display that impresses not only their audience but themselves as well. This will take lots of practice which means you will need to develop a discipline for repetition. Performing something repeatedly will give you the confidence to be able to do it better, with better technique and greater confidence.
This will also mean that you will need to be focused as sometimes repetition can break concentration if you're not 100% in the zone. Having a good perspective on why and how will ultimately get you where you want to go and give you the endurance you will need to be able to perform many repetitions many times. With that discipline in hand, you will find that your technique will not only improve but you will reach newer and greater heights and be a better student than you were before.
So, let’s take this week, continue to practice and remember we are open Family Day weekend on both Saturday and Sunday, so get those classes in. As well we encourage you to go online either to our YouTube page or through the website and review your curriculum so that you are in the best possible position for next week’s stripe test.
Good luck and we are cheering for you!
Sensei Chris
]]>When we look at problems or goals, facing us, it is so easy to become overwhelmed with the what-ifs that many people get discouraged when they begin to even think of it. Using the one-thing or one-action method is a great way to start any challenge as it puts you in the game rather than letting you sit on the sidelines. Sometimes our minds are wired so negatively that when we think of all the good that could come, we instantly go back to all the reasons as to why not to do something.
Just yesterday we had a student who got through the first class in an inspiring manner. He put himself in his game and was through the class before he knew it; yet just a day prior this same student decided to watch the class as it looked a little intimidating. However, with a little reassurance from his dad, the Sensei, and another Little Dragon Toro, this Dragon came back and knocked it out of the park. Had he decided to stay on the sidelines it would have taken another attempt to get the confidence to try, but now he and his classmates are further ahead. It looks like the road to many more successful lessons, gradings, and future Black Belt has begun.
The wheels are now set in motion, and it is clear getting into the game is going to have a profound effect. This is a metaphor for life as we must constantly do things that make us uncomfortable to grow and luckily karate provides that platform.
So, with this week's stripe test, let’s find new ways to implement the one-thing or one-action method so you can continue to strive for bigger and better results with your training. Oh yeah and if you happen to find yourself at a new chapter you haven’t been at before, please remember, there comes a time when you have to choose to turn the page or close the book!
Sensei Chris
]]>The good news is we can control our mental focus. What we focus on most we will receive in one way or another, whether that be negative or positive. In karate class, we discuss this constantly and remind students to focus on the positive outcome no matter what their immediate circumstances may be.
Picture a student in the middle of a belt exam getting caught up in a moment of emotion only to lose their ability to focus on delivering the best form possible. When this happens, it is important to reset, refocus, and maybe take a moment to pause, breathe, and then try again. This is a much better solution than becoming disheartened and delivering only half the effort.
With that said maybe it is time to think a little more about the good and a lot less about the bad. It's all about perspective and the perspective that you have is going to affect your mental state and attitude toward it. Now picture a dinner host, hosting a party only to have guests arrive an hour late. The host may have a slew of emotions from anger, frustration, or even worry but the fact is the circumstances are the same for all three. It's what the host focuses on the most that will determine how they feel about that situation. This proves that we do have the ability to control how we think about things and when we think a little more positively it puts us in a better mood with a better outlook.
So, let's look forward to this new year and hit the ground running once again with unstoppable confidence and an attitude that will make you a Master in the dojo. When you come to class it's on you to be in the best possible mental state and ready to get the most out of each karate class so that you can move one step closer to your Black Belt. Positively impacting those around you is also part of a martial artists duty and it is on us to try our best each day.
Remember attitudes are contagious and the question you must ask yourself is yours worth catching?
Sensei Chris
]]>Instead, what we saw was a unique competitiveness amongst the groups in a way that increased the intensity and performances alike. You could see each group would come up a little stronger than the previous as the ranks got higher and higher throughout the ceremony. It was what we call in class a positive peer pressure and it seemed to take hold on that evening of the 16th of December.
When it comes to pressure, it is fair to say that not all pressure is bad, and it is important to look for ways that uplift and move us towards the things that we feel are positive for us. In martial arts, being strong, confident, and focused is a great thing, and when we can use the synergy of a class to improve, it is a win-win for all those involved. Winning does matter, and it isn’t always measured on the scoreboard but rather the scoreboard of life. Looking for ways to get better and move towards your goal is a winning mentality and it is the only mentality we want to see in the class. That mental toughness is a muscle like any other and it is what will help propel each student to that goal of Black Belt Excellence.
So, as we propel into 2024, let’s hit the ground running and look for ways to continue sharpening our mental edge. That diamond-like sharpness has likely served you well these past few years and will set up a stronger and better 2024 if you continue to apply it. Remember a diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under tremendous pressure and stood with the patience of time.
So, what’s going to be for you, coal, or diamond?
Sensei Chris
]]>It’s easy to tell but when a student and parent finally see firsthand the power and potential of martial arts it will forever change the course of their destiny. Performing and watching yourself, that Black Belt, an instructor, or that super intense Little Dragon can set the wheels in motion and inspire what you can do next. The energy at Graduation is motivating and it can become infectious as it starts to follow you to that next class and on and on and on.
Your attitude and outlook are often not the same after graduation in a good way. It allows even the silliest students to re-evaluate what and why they are doing for the better and make the necessary changes to improve and be a better version of themselves. This is the perfect formula for what it means to have a Black Belt attitude and all it took was one event to alter the mindset of the student we like to call the dabbler. No more one toe in the water as this student has now seen what is possible and is ready to go all in from this moment on.
So, enjoy the process and do your best to be a part of the celebration next week as we look forward to seeing a new and improved version of you going forward. In the event you can’t make it take a moment to reflect and feel the progress you have made and recognize your achievement as a chance to further boost your confidence and self-esteem.
With another 365 days almost in the books we need to remember, 1% progress every day adds up to 365% progress at the end of the year!
Sensei Chris
]]>These students are a blend of both pre- and post-pandemic training and as a result, have shown some serious commitment and discipline over the past number of years. With that said you can see there is energy in the air as students start to dig into their karate routine performances for the upcoming December Graduation. The enthusiasm and intensity are on the floor, and you can see it in the kids’ faces as they demonstrate with reinvigorated power and precision.
So, as we take the next couple of weeks in stride, please remember to practise at home and look for small ways to improve in any area that you can. It is also a busy time of year, so it is important to be organized and act sooner than later when it comes to class. Leaving that lesson till the end of the week may be a little convenient but it also creates a little extra pressure if something comes up that derails your attendance. If you find yourself with a little extra time and an open slot in the schedule you might want to get to the Dojo sooner than later to alleviate any unforeseen circumstances that might transpire as the week goes by.
It all comes down to a little planning and preparation and the more you are organized the more you can accomplish. Every time a student shows up, they are one step closer to Black Belt and it is this message we want to remind ourselves no matter what happens. I’m sure if you fall ill and miss a few classes it is easy to get discouraged. Likewise, if you take an extended vacation you can feel like progress is lost but know that all it takes is one action or one movement and things can be forever different.
So, continue to work hard in the weeks to come, and don’t let anything stand in your way of achieving Black Belt Excellence. If something comes up deal with it, move on, and look at the bigger picture of why you started out on this journey.
And in case you didn’t know, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step!
Sensei Chris
]]>As class starts it appears that things are not going well so Sensei Rupert takes an approach and gives a smile and a couple of high fives and what do you know a smile emerges. As the Dragon’s body posture changes you can see they have warmed up to the idea of getting back on the floor enthusiastically. What was once bothering them and preventing them from doing their best is now in the past and it seems like it is going to be a great class.
Anthony Robbins says Emotion is created by Motion and it’s true that if you move your body in an unenergetic way it is going to affect your mindset. Likewise, if you want to create a positive energy you need to get moving to be at your best. As adults, it’s always the workout, walk, run, or class that you don’t want to do that will change your day for the greater good once you get moving. Sometimes you can’t just jump in so you might ease in with a stretch or walk and that might be just enough to see you augment that to a 30-minute invigorating workout.
The point is you need to move first and get going to feel better and kids are no different. So, the next time your child is a little low on the energy perhaps hit the pavement get moving, and do something to change the way they are using their body. With a little motion, it is likely going to change their mood for the better and get them in a good spot before the next class.
And in case I forgot to mention, the only bad class is the one you didn’t do!
Sensei Chris
]]>I then followed up with another question, “If Black Belts are Black Belts all of the time are Karate students also Karate students all of the time?” You could see them thinking but without hesitation, they replied “Yes Sir!”
What this means is it would be very peculiar to see a Little Dragon giving 100% effort in the Dojo and not giving 100% at school. It would also be very odd to see them focused and respectful in the karate class only to see them as disrespectful and unfocused outside the karate class. You could tell the message was setting in and they understood that working hard, being focused, and being polite is not a part-time job when it comes to being a student.
So the next time you see your Little Dragon child not giving their best remind them about what it means to be a karate student. Pre-framing them and giving them a perspective, they may not have considered might be the solution to better effort and behaviour.
And if that doesn’t work, just tell them……Once a Karate Student, Always a Karate Student!
Sensei Chris
]]>It would’ve been easy for parents to sleep in and use this Saturday as a day off but instead, they have decided to use this time to hear the messages of discipline and respect through martial arts training at the dojo. Parents are chatting in the lobby and the parking lot is jamming but it is obvious days like this are creating long-lasting memories for many years to come.
Sensei Ryan has just finished his mat chat about the importance of effort and every 4-6-year-old is intently listening and has responded with a resounding yes sir, acknowledging their understanding of the message. They came to class this morning and were looking for fun with their kicks and punches but have just sat through a valuable portion of the lesson and are experiencing the power of martial arts. The correlation between kick and punch and the message of control, concentration, and confidence is impacting them this morning in the most powerful way and will hopefully have a lasting impact way beyond the realm of the dojo.
Now as class wraps up you can see every child is smiling with enthusiasm. It looks like this gloomy, dark Saturday is not going to affect the rest of the day for these students and parents who made the trip so early to FCMA.
One last conversation in the lobby as a parent crosses paths with another who is coming in for the next class. They put 2 and 2 together and now realize they are attending the same karate school, and it makes for one more positive interaction to start the day at 10:00 a.m.
You have to love weekends at the dojo!
Sensei Chris
]]>Commitment and action go hand in hand. When you commit and act regularly you begin to create the momentum needed to move towards your goals. Pursuing a Black Belt is the same, but if you get caught up in all the details and how hard it might be you can easily talk yourself out of anything. However, if you attend class, commit, and take the necessary actions each week you will find yourself in a position of being a Black Belt before you know it.
As instructors we often see a student who we think should surely make it to Black Belt, does not. We also regularly see another student who seems to have everything going against them make it all the way. How can this be? I’m sure there are a lot of variables to answer that question, but it comes down to commitment and acting. These students have found success with acting, and they know the result of their efforts and how it impacts them.
Attendance, in my opinion, is something that all students and parents should take very seriously. If your goal is to have fun and not be serious then this may not matter to you, but I’ve always seen a lot of pride and confidence built when our karate students succeed. Success breeds success and at all ages, it can matter and be the difference between a self-driven child with unstoppable confidence. However, if you are always playing catch-up because you are late or missed, you are going to see the exact opposite reaction. Now we see something positive become a chore and create unnecessary stress when all it took was a little organization and being a tiny bit more serious.
So, let’s continue to be on time, have our Gi ready, and make your classes so you can continue to evolve into the Superstar you are meant to be. It’s not going to be that hard and I’m sure if you get moving today you will see the benefits of your actions sooner rather than later as you trek your way to Black Belt.
Remember goals we set are goals we get!
Sensei Chris
]]>It's easy after coming off a testing cycle to be 100% focused on perfection early on and get caught up in every little detail of the form. Although this is a great mindset and will make for a detail-oriented student it can often delay progress as students get stuck on some of the smallest details before moving forward. Getting started and moving forward is always a good idea and even though it might not be a work of art at the beginning it is a necessary step in achieving that goal.
As Black Belts, we look for perfection in almost everything we do, and it is this mindset that often is our greatest asset but can also be our greatest weakness. When you're used to doing something well it can be a hard pill to swallow when you struggle with the new curriculum. So, let's keep the movement going forward as we work towards our October stripe test with an understanding that we just want to be able to get through our routines. If you're still thinking about it, a little shaky or unsure that's OK as it is the first important step in the learning process. We recognize the discipline that you are showing and want you to know that come another couple of months you will be in a much better position when it comes to execution.
With the Fall season upon us, Karate success is like the changing leaves – it requires patience, dedication, and the ability to adapt to every challenge that comes your way. Remember, leaves shed in the fall to let go of what no longer serves the tree and make room for new growth and possibilities.
What can you shed and let go of to foster new growth?
Sensei Chris
]]>With that many changes and disruptions, no one would blame any of these students if they lost their way to Black Belt. What held it together was a level of discipline that was beyond what anyone could’ve possibly imagined. I'm sure there were times when that virtual class was running, and it was easier to stay offline than go online but these two students decided it was important for them. Surely, they were motivated at times but there were other times when they needed that discipline to do what they knew was the right thing for them and see it through. Each step was a step forward and these kids knew they were doing it for a greater purpose and goal.
Yesterday during the exam there were times when the students were challenged beyond what they thought they could do but they ultimately succeeded using a little bit of perseverance, hard work, and determination. I am proud to say that these students were likely Black Belts long before the exam started and displayed the qualities of Black Belt excellence prior to the test.
It's easy to forget that they are young children so when they go above and beyond the call of duty it is very inspiring for us as instructors to know that what we're doing is positive and making for the greater good.
So, with that being said we want to again congratulate you on a job well done and look forward to the next leg of the journey as you continue your path to Black Belt Excellence.
One day you will thank yourself for never giving up!
Sensei Chris
]]>Adults:
Children:
With that in mind, we look forward to this fall season and can’t wait to see our karate students get stronger and more disciplined from another year of awesome training.
Remember, one who learns but does not think may see great danger!
Sensei Chris
]]>Confidence. Everything in life requires confidence to succeed. You can't get full results with half-only measures, and we teach the lessons of giving your all no matter how hard it might be. By starting slow and being disciplined with repetitions students slowly build their confidence with the lesson material being taught. Although it can be a little challenging for those new students starting out a little shy and quiet it is remarkable to see them only a few weeks later yelling out their 10 counts in the class. Life can be tough but it's always a little nicer when you have some confidence in your back pocket!
Concentration. The ability to block out distractions requires superior concentration and mental toughness. This is a skill like any other where you must mentally discipline yourself to stay focused on the task at hand. It's easy to get distracted when you are tired, parents are watching, or you do your class after a long day but putting all of that aside and being able to focus on what you were doing allows for greater success. We have limited time in everything we do and being able to put aside those distractions and give your time your best undivided attention is a great skill to master in the martial arts.
Control. There are going to be times in life when things don't go your way and people are always not that nice. Using logic and controlling your emotions is an important skill to have. There are going to be times when we don't agree with others, we don't get our way and it is then when we need to have the control to be able to decide what is our next step. Looking at it from a logical angle will allow you to set the emotions aside and give us that much-needed motivation to move forward even when things seem bleak. Control in martial arts isn't just about kicking and punching and controlling your technique it's a life skill like any other.
So, with back-to-school coming up in a couple of weeks, we wish you continued success with your training and upcoming school year. With a little confidence, concentration, and control I’m sure there is nothing you can’t achieve.
Remember, confidence fuels your abilities, concentration sharpens your focus and control steers you toward success!
Sensei Chris
]]>Take the summer for instance, if you are like most you may find it a little challenging to get that daily workout in when the kids are home and vacation time kicks in. This is that 1 step forward, 1 step backwards pattern that is ultimately a guide to failure if you get caught in that trap. Failure doesn’t have to be some big defined event, but it can be a perfectly capable, disciplined, and motivated person falling short of their true potential.
We see this from time to time in karate when a highly successful karate student does so well during the school year only to have it impacted by the casualness of the summer. This happens usually for one reason and that is attendance and not being accountable to make up those missed classes. If they just put a little bit of pressure on themselves and used some discipline, they would find they would be right back to that feeling of unstoppable confidence in the dojo.
The great news is all it takes is one event, one class, one comment, one revelation and one idea to change your thinking and get back to that feeling of higher confidence. This is a constant in life that will make for great things to those that feel and operate this way, which is why we are so focused on developing the true potential in all our students. We love to watch students succeed, because when they succeed, we do too.
Now that we are in the middle of August it appears kids and parents are starting to get back into that much needed routine of success. This past Saturday and Sunday it was clear when kids were bringing greater energy to the dojo that they had in weeks prior. This is a great mental shift, and it looks like it couldn’t have come at a better time.
With that in mind lets conquer these last few weeks of summer and work towards greater progress as we target that next belt achievement this September.
Remember, goals we set are goals we get!
Sensei Chris
]]>The goal of being a Black Belt is also a difficult task, but the nice thing is people have done it before. If there is a way for students to see difficulties as different, it can alter how we see the challenge. Everything is difficult when you really think about it, no matter how small the task. If you think of the water that flows through your taps at your house and all the processes and pipes and cleaning it must go through to get to your tap, you might start to think about conserving as much water as possible. In life conserving or holding back is sometimes a route we take when we've come to expect things to be so easy.
I'm told that the smartphone that we have in our hands today is more powerful than the computer that Ronald Reagan used to run the United States back in the 1980s. Think about that at the tip of our fingertips we have access to endless resources and information and any questions we could possibly want the answer to. Our lives have become so simplified that we expect things almost instantly and when there is just the least bit of resistance people are willing to throw in the towel.
Committing to something longer term takes discipline and repetition and it is this skill that students must master in the martial arts to truly become a Black Belt from within. Every time you come to a class on that hot summer day and get that lesson in, it is building that discipline that you need to be successful outside the Dojo. Don't think of the task as too great or too big just think of the moment that you're in and take the action forward. You're either moving toward something or away and if you take even the slightest step forward you are still making progress but more importantly, you are building confidence in your abilities.
It's been a hot summer and we do need to take a moment to recognize that we have worked hard and give ourselves that much-needed pat on the back. So next time you're in the Dojo and things seem a little difficult tell yourself…… it's not difficult it's just different!
Sensei Chris
]]>The Summer Passport is a great chance for kids to stay on track and not lose focus this summer as it gives them something task related to do. Having goals and things to do is always mentally and physically healthy, giving kids purpose and meaning. Completing tasks and goals further bolsters self-esteem and sets the wheel in motion to do bigger and better things.
It is easy to use the excuse of holidays to reason why one falls short when falling short of a goal, but the truth is there is always a way to make even the slightest progress and move forward when you are truly committed.
If you haven’t had the chance to get on board with our Summer Passport Challenge, be sure to visit the website and see if there is a way for you to use it as an opportunity for further growth. Even if you are on holiday, you can email it to us, and we will make sure that your child is entered into the Challenge draw.
The goal is to have kids go above and beyond when most kids and families put it on autopilot during the summer and having that mental edge and staying sharp is what Martial Arts training is all about. We are not only training the body but giving the mind the strength, it will need to succeed in life, and having a Black Belt mindset is going to improve everything in your life by 10X.
So, the call to action has been summoned and we hope you can keep that momentum going as we continue to work towards being the best version of ourselves.
And remember the best way to get something done is to begin!
Sensei Chris
]]>Fortunately, as First Choice Martial Arts students, we get the privilege of training inside in a comfortable climate-controlled environment. There really is no excuse to not get out and enjoy the character-building traits that karate provides to oneself. In the past 21 years other than COVID, there has been a handful of closures from the odd snowstorm, pipe burst, and one power outage, at night, where we had to close a little bit early. I am proud of that track record and look forward to seeing our students progress this summer as they will not have to worry about the outdoor air quality.
This summer, we are excited to bring Summerfest back to First Choice Martial Arts. If you're not familiar with the concept, what will happen is each week throughout the summer we will be focusing on various curriculums from weapons training to various Black Belt combos for our students followed by random draws for some cool prizes. Summerfest is a great motivation for students and with the extra time on students’ hands, it is an excellent opportunity to excel.
FCMA will award tickets to students, that will go into a summer ballot box, and the more tickets you earn the greater your chances of winning the random prizes. Students will earn tickets from attendance, effort, superior attitude, and giving 100%. Having said that we will continue to work on our regular curriculum so as not to take our eyes off the September graduation.
So, let’s continue to develop as mature martial artists and set the bar even higher as we strive towards that next level. We’ve had a good run throughout the school year but now is not the time to regress and lose that momentum. Take a breath, focus, act, and achieve as summer 2023 is one of the most memorable stepping stones to an even better school year in the fall.
Always remember, fresh air breed success, stale air stalls progress!
Sensei Chris
]]>A few weeks back we had Black Belt testing and part of the exam requirements was to perform various exercises on each student's own. When these students were awarded, their Black Belts at the end of the exam it was obvious that these students were Black Belts well before the exam had even begun. You can't pull off a final exam like that whether it be a karate, school, job interview or an important event without preparation.
The work that goes into final preparation isn't often witnessed by the spectators. Only that individual knows how hard they prepared and what they did with their time leading up to that important event. Many of these kids, some at just the young age of 10 years old, had written training logs to track their progress. Talk about discipline and motivation as these students were tracking their journeys and recording history leading up to this important milestone.
These are skills that they've acquired from their great upbringings as well as a discipline that they've acquired along the way. This is going to have a huge impact, not only at the Dojo, for their success but it will also inspire a future generation of new Black Belts as their drive becomes contagious. Furthermore, the impact on their future self is going to be big in a profound way.
Building in the dark isn't as glamorous as being in the spotlight, but it is the one important element that any successful person must have in their life to succeed. We as instructors recognize the effort that our students put forth not just in the Dojo but in those personal moments and hope that you can continue to impact those around you in such a positive way.
Continue to track your journeys and remember, champions are made when no one is watching!
Sensei Chris
]]>What really stood out to me was the smile on the kids’ faces when they were done performing in front of a large audience. It takes a lot to perform in front of a large group; when you can get through it, it really boosts one’s self-esteem. Even the Tigers at age 3 years old had the courage to perform with 100s of people watching and didn’t bat an eye.
At one point, we did the Father’s Day Essay draw and pulled Anthony’s essay out for the winning prize. When he came up to collect, I put the microphone in front of him and asked him, why is your dad the best? Unscripted in a 5-word response, he answered quietly, because he gave me life. The audience you could see was moved and his parents were moved with emotion. The fact that a 7yrs old had the wisdom and gratitude to answer the way he did is a true testament to the amazing family values that our FCMA students come from.
So, at this point, I’d again like to congratulate you on the hard work you have put in and although it was great to celebrate it is time to hit the ground running as we work towards that next mountain peak. The summer is going to be one of the most exciting summers ever at FCMA, from our weekly weapons curriculum, camps, summer fest draws, and theme days that we can’t wait to see our students have a winning edge when it is time to return to school in September. You’ve earned it but now it is time to refocus and rethink how you can hit that next peak.
Congratulations and remember, the hardest mountain to climb is the one within.
Sensei Chris
]]>It is inspiring to see children recognize the value of seeing something in the long term. I'm sure there were times when motivation was high and there were also likely times when motivation was lower. Sure, it's easy to give 100% when you're in a highly motivated state but sometimes life isn't always like that. There would have been times when these students would have gone on vacation, gotten sick, gone through virtual training, and the list goes on and on and on.
How did these students get through these periods of uncertainty when motivation can falter? The answer is simple, discipline and these students have discipline, and they use it consistently all the time. We saw this last Saturday as there were times when the students breezed through the exam and then there were also times when they were starting to question whether they could finish. What pulled them through was their level of discipline and interesting enough, there was one student that got pneumonia two days before the last exam back in April. Had he not had the superior self-discipline that he exercised he wouldn't have been at the test last Saturday.
We are super proud of your hard work and accomplishments, and it was amazing to see such a valiant effort from such a strong group of students. Continue to impact those around you, be disciplined in your efforts and you will succeed over and over again beyond the realm of the Dojo.
Discipline will not only determine your success, but it will also determine your length of success too!
Sensei Chris
]]>With that said there were some obvious messages of my mom buying me stuff and my mom giving me food however there were also a lot of messages of selflessness and how mom puts everyone else first. This caught my eye, and it was great to see that kids do recognize great role models and it is apparent that we truly have amazing families at FCMA.
One student stood out in my mind as this student could not fit all the wonderful things, she had to say about her mom on just one page. It was as if she took the template from the karate website and shrunk the font so she could squeeze in as many wonderful things as possible. After reading this essay line by line it was obvious that this student had such good things to say but what was more interesting is that the kind things, she had to say are often the same things we as instructors had to say about her. She is obviously a true reflection of her upbringing and her parents have left a positive impression that is impacting things outside of her household.
So once again I want to congratulate you on a job well done but more importantly on the recognition you gave. Keep up the great effort, stay humble, and continue to succeed in all that you do.
Sensei Chris
]]>If I look at some of the kids that get out to class on Sundays, I will often see them again on Mondays, the very next day, in class. This got me thinking about the correlation between the Sunday and Monday mindset and how the previous day can fuel the next day for some. Some, look at the progress they achieved a day earlier and are motivated to make it happen again and again. For others, they may use the day earlier as a nothing/chill-out day and it gets to the point where Monday becomes that dreaded first day of the week.
Motivation is a funny thing as it can come and go easily in the blink of an eye. The great thing is it can come back just as quickly as it went out which is useful to know. To know is to have power and that power can wield great leverage in the way you shape the beginning of your week and how it will progress from there on out. The term motivation is derived from the Latin word movere, meaning to move. Motivation is a combination of motive and action thus it is your purpose that will sustain the drive you need to become a top-notch Black Belt in the Dojo and in life.
Although you may not be a karate student, you may be a karate parent so is important to understand what your motive is for your children at karate. If it is just to have some fun and experience activity at the dojo, you may be setting up a different mindset for your future child’s Black Belt. If, however, your goal is to see your child develop the necessary life skills to succeed in life and the Dojo then your outcome will be completely different.
So, with that being said let’s take this beautiful Monday as an opportunity to do more than yesterday and see to it that we are using our purpose to guide us to better things. If we can instill a little extra motivation every Monday going forward it will be interesting to see how our lives and children’s lives unfold in the weeks to come.
Stop waiting for Friday and be awesome today.
Happy Monday!
Sensei Chris
]]>On May 18th via Facebook LIVE we will draw 4 lucky winners that will win a Family Fireworks package just in time for Victoria Day weekend. Tickets will be earned via attendance and doing something that truly stands out in the karate class. We really believe in the philosophy that showing up, with a great attitude, is 90% of the effort needed to succeed. The other 10% of going way above the norm is what will make you truly great in all aspects of martial arts training and in life.
We hope you use this opportunity to take everything you are doing now to a whole new level. As well we want to remind you that if you don’t win the prize that the effort and results will be greater than any prize you could ever receive. What you put into this is exactly what you will get out of this. There are no shortcuts in life and there are no shortcuts to Black Belt Excellence.
Good luck with this endeavor and always remember that success in anything comes down to two things, focus and effort.
The great thing is you control both!
Sensei Chris
]]>Firstly, changes can teach children resilience and adaptability. When children experience changes, such as moving to a new school or city, they must learn to adjust and cope with new situations. In karate it could be a child moving to a different class or beginning to spar, these are chances to help them develop important life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and flexibility. As they grow older, they will be better equipped to handle future changes and challenges that come their way.
Additionally, changes can expose children to new people and experiences, broadening their perspectives and helping them develop better patience and understanding. If kids get only one perspective, it limits their ability to make informed decisions that are right for them. Just last week, I had a student that was a little nervous to try the Teen class and after one quick lesson was hooked more than ever. This was a new perspective to him that he wouldn’t have experienced had he not been open to a little change.
Finally, changes can also help children develop self-awareness and a sense of identity. When kids are faced with changes, they may need to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and priorities to navigate the newfound situation. This can help them develop a stronger sense of self and a clearer understanding of who they are and what they want in life. When students decide for themselves to give their all the result is far greater as the effort comes from within.
Sure, change can be a little scary at first but I’m sure if you look for the deeper benefit you will find it only makes you stronger in the longer term. I’m sure many of you are now experiencing the change of a new class, form, or tempo that you didn’t know existed before. This is the change that will make for greater things to come on your quest for Black Belt Excellence.
Remember, “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Sensei Chris
]]>Every year during the time when the weather begins to change for the better, attitudes typically shift in a positive direction. However, from time to time we can see the opposite happen as kids start to see their friends playing outside in the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood. At First Choice Martial Arts, we called this condition Slump-a-titis. Defined in layman’s terms, kids feel like they might miss out if they leave the neighbourhood for five minutes and as a result are a little more resistant when asked to do their schoolwork, chores, or attend their activities.
As a parent being aware of the changes in seasons and the effect on attitude can be useful information as we try to prevent or mitigate any negative energy. Understanding that it is par for the course can give us the ammunition we need to fight off our children becoming lazier as we try to pull them away from their screens. Pulling back is usually not the best option as it only further escalates in nature, but watching your child succeed and improve is an empowering experience that we should seek again and again. As a parent when we hit these speed bumps in the road it is important to look for ways to not further enhance the problem. The encouraging part is if treated quickly, Slump-a-titis, can go as fast as it came!
A simple suggestion might be creating a regular routine so kids can predict their weekly duties, activities, and chores. Perhaps when a child puts up a little bit of fuss about doing something whether it be extra homework or chores it may be time to get down to their level and work with them to get going. Showing you are invested helps keep them invested and inspires them every step of the way. I am sure every little dragon would love to practice that new self-defense on their parents as well as score a soccer goal with mom or dad in the net. Being part of it builds gives them the building blocks of self-esteem and only further re-enforces the positive behaviour.
So when you look at this week’s forecast always remember, hesitation can kill a good story but momentum is everything!
Sensei Chris
]]>We wish you luck in this challenging endeavor. On a personal note, I finally got my son to try some much-needed newer foods this past year!
…….sure it took 18 years and a University meal plan, but it is better late than never!
Sensei Chris
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We want to wish you the best of luck whether this is your first or one of many exams as you work your way to Black Belt Excellence. Preparing for your belt test is a comprehensive process that requires physical, mental, and theoretical preparation. Follow these tips to ensure you perform your best and achieve success in your upcoming exam.
Remember, consistent practice, dedication, and commitment are the key to success!
Sensei Chris
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