October 1, 2019

Message of the Month

Welcome Message from the Director

From the beginning of this great journey into the study of martial arts, we should take a moment to reflect and express gratitude to the Far East and to the many people who have carried their traditions forward through the centuries. One of these traditions requires that the use of your new found skills never be used with evil intentions and should only ever be used to protect. Always keep in mind that your responsibility as a martial artist is to develop yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. You will receive life long benefits from your martial arts training when it is incorporated into your daily life. You will also be more likely to achieve success in your goals.

There are seven keys which can unlock the success mechanisms in each of us. They are desire, certainty, visualization, strong self-image, relaxation, focused attention, and repetition. Martial arts training utilizes each of these keys to success every time we step into the dojo. The person who is willing to try, to do, and finally to accomplish, will be successful. The discipline, the control, the perseverance, and the hard work which are required to master the martial arts will result in satisfaction to the student for a job well done, to the best of his or her capabilities.

The martial arts is a demanding but rewarding taskmaster. It teaches us well and the results are gratifying, providing us with numerous positive life long benefits. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.

To Join the Black Belt Club or Not to Join the Black Belt Club?

That is the question facing many of our new Karate Parents. If you or your child just promoted to the Jr. Gold Belt or Orange Belt, you may have already received your letter in the mail asking you just that. Use the following information to help you make this important decision:

What is the Black Belt Club? The Black Belt Club is comprised of Black Belts and those qualified students who have made it their goal to become a Black Belt. To qualify, a student must be gold belt or higher and have their Instructor’s approval to join.

How do I get approval from my Instructor? Once a student qualifies to enroll in our school and begins classes, the Instructor begins evaluating the student in several areas including:

• Class attendance & making up absences
• Belt review test grades
• Maintaining at least a B average in all regular academics ~Displays a high interest in Karate
• Overall good attitude & conduct
• In the case of children: full support of parents and/or guardians

What are the benefits of the Black Belt Club? Among the many benefits of joining the Black Belt Club are:

• Positive reinforcement for maintaining good conduct & attitude
• Recognition as part of an elite group within the school
• Maximum discounts on tuition, supplies & activities
• Uniform patch & customized Black Belt Club Belt
• Demo Team Eligibility
• Special private training available when needed

Kids Corner

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

• Don’t eat unwrapped treats; that’s just gross! Throw them out!
• Don’t trick-or-treat alone. Go with a group of friends, an older sibling or with a parent. There is safety in numbers and more fun too!
• If you are alone at home on Halloween, don’t open the door, even for trick-or-treaters.
• Don’t walk barefoot in the dark, even if it looks better with your costume. You could hurt yourself and have to stop trick-or- treating early!
• Don’t eat all your candy in one day, unless your goal is to make yourself sick!
• Don’t wear a costume that would make it hard for you to run away from someone or defend yourself.
• Don’t trick-or-treat in neighborhoods that are dark and/or deserted. They won’t have any candy anyway!
• Make sure your costume has some light colors or put reflective tape on it, so that drivers can see you in the dark.