Let the Journey Begin

With December belt testing around the corner, it looks like the students at First Choice Martial Arts, have stepped up their training to a level necessary for that next-level promotion. The school is a buzz, and we are also looking forward to our upcoming Black Belt exams for some very deserving students at FCMA in the next couple of weeks.

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