Summer Changes the Routine, Not the Goal.

With our first stripe test after June graduation now behind us, summer training is officially in full swing, and we’re really starting to see the energy creep back into the dojo!

Attendance has been strong, the kids are working hard, and as we move through the summer, students are becoming more focused and structured in class. It always takes a little time after graduation for everyone to reset, but now we’re seeing students settle into their new ranks, work on new material, and start pushing toward their next goals.

Summer can be a tricky time for routines; with vacations, camps, late nights and beautiful weather, schedules naturally become a little more relaxed, but that’s part of what summer is all about! But maintaining some structure is important for kids, and we want First Choice Martial Arts to be that place to stay active, focused and working toward something even when their regular school routine disappears.

We’ve also had some extra fun around the dojo with our summer draws, giving students another reason to stay involved and excited about training a little harder in class. It’s been great watching the kids participate, and we’ll have more opportunities to win as the summer continues.

Exciting news as well: all our graduations for the remainder of 2026 are now scheduled, which means our students can see exactly what they are working toward and when. Every class they attend, every stripe they earn and every technique they improve brings them another step closer to that Black Belt.

If you haven’t checked out our S.T.A.R.S. program, it isn’t too late to get started as July’s activity is due back this week, but now we’re kicking off our August Chore Chart Challenge and we hope you can start ASAP. This month, students are being challenged to build better daily habits at home by helping with tasks like making their bed, picking up toys, setting the table, doing the dishes, and reducing screen time. The real challenge is learning to take responsibility and complete those jobs as part of a routine, without always having to be asked.

So, enjoy the rest of the summer, have some fun, and keep dedicating time to train…and always remember, Summer may change the routine, but it doesn’t have to change the goal.

Sensei Chris