Step into September Strong, Stay Disciplined all Month Long
With the final week of summer upon us, September 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting month at First Choice Martial Arts. Our students are back in full training mode, practising their graduation demonstrations, sharpening their skills and preparing for upcoming belt testing.
Over the next couple of weeks, we want to remind all our students and families how important it is to keep attendance strong and build some momentum as we head into the back-to-school season. Getting into that routine early will not only help prepare students for the return to the classroom, but it will also help them continue working toward the goals they have trained so hard to achieve throughout the summer.
On another note, attendance was really strong throughout July and August, and it was great to see so many students using the structure of martial arts training to stay active, focused and motivated during the summer months. That commitment certainly paid off, as we saw many students reach some incredible milestones this summer, so now it’s time to build on that success.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will continue working hard on our graduation demonstrations, making them clean, sharp and powerful. We want our students to bring their very best energy to Graduation and put on an amazing performance for all the parents, grandparents and family members who supported them throughout their training. Graduation is about much more than receiving a new belt, as it represents the hard work, commitment and perseverance that went into earning it.
As you organize your calendars, you will want to mark down that belt testing will take place during regularly scheduled classes from Friday, September 11th through Thursday, September 17th and students will test during whichever regular class they attend during that period. If you are promoted, you will return for our Graduation Celebration(s) on Saturday, September 19!
We have also heard that the Red Hill Valley Parkway will be closed from Thursday September 17th – Monday September 21st, so please plan and allow yourself some extra travel time. Arriving early and relaxed will help students get settled, focused and ready to perform at their best.
Once again, congratulations to all our students on an amazing summer, your attendance, effort and commitment have been fantastic, and we are looking forward to carrying that momentum into an incredible fall!
Sensei Chris