Weird headline I know but if you only knew how true that statement is for about 70% of the students that sign up for our martial arts  program.  Now this statement primarily applies to children under ten and is a much more telling sign of the changes in our social environment.  When I was a kid a summersault was just standard fun down any big hill or used in any potentially overly dramatic situation I just happen to be involved in at the time.  You know like ditching your bike to avoid that impending crash on the nice fluffy side of the yard.  In this moment of high adventure, you could show off your skills on the Captain Kirk Evasion roll or at the very least give your parents pause to wonder what was going on with you and your friends.  I bet your wondering how I am going to spin this back to martial arts right?  Well when children join our martial arts program its important for us to understand that the world has changed and what was and what is are two dramatically different things.  In fact physical skill level and socializing are done completely differently now and thats not a bad thing, it just is.  Rarely in my neighborhood do I see kids going down the block to a buddies house to play in the front yard.  Its rare to see people tossing a football or rough housing with a sibling.  I know that a lot of you are probably saying "see kids now a days............." and you would be wrong.  Kids now a days are evolving with the constructs they need to move forward and through life.  Thats neither right nor wrong it just is.  The focus given to a particular facet of these changes whether to little or to much is the issue.  Moderation in all things as the quote goes is key to balance in life.   Physical fitness and overall health is important to getting the most out of what your child will invest their time in over the rest of their life.  With all the distractions and things that via for you child's attention it is important to give them an outlet that gives them tools to navigate the real issues they will encounter in life.  Thats why martial arts can go hand in hand with the ever changing social aspect and technological advancements and still be relevant, cool and fun all while providing an individual a path to their own personal success.  Until next time take care, Master T

I think we have all heard or even (insert cringe) said those words "It's all about you" to somebody in our lifetime.  We take that statement to be a judgement against others for being selfish in their words or actions.  In fact you probably were right in your assessment of the situation but your delivery may have lacked a bit.  So how does this topic relate to everyone else in society that holds the door for others,  may be you let people cut in line at the buffet or even put your self out to avoid "one of those scenes" that makes you uncomfortable.  Well step right up!  I have some great news and a bit of insight to change how you perceive being selfish.  First off, I am going to take off the kid gloves and let you have the real truth.  It is all about you!  Yep, I said it and I am going to post it on the inter web for all to see.  It has to be about you in so many ways or you are doing the world a disservice by not being your best.  Remember when you met someone for the first time and they seemed interesting, well put together, funny, charming, maybe in great shape or had something really unique about them?  Thats what happens when you invest in yourself.  You not only become those things to the 10X degree but your physiology changes to match your focus.  Think about it.  If you put yourself first when it came to your health where would you be in 6 months?  If you read more books that excite you instead of watching television how would you feel?  If you wore that funky jacket that everybody hates but you love it, does that add to your sense of self?  None of these things is bad in and of themselves, they are only bad when the override or detract from your daily responsibilities.  So now it looks like I am back peddling, but I'm not.  Instead I am saying look through the spaces in the fence that keep you in your own backyard and limit you.  Look at those spaces as small bites of time that you can use of to make your life "All About You!  Finding the time for just you is unfathomably important and makes everyone around more appreciative of the person you are and not to mention how you will begin to perceive your own importance and unique gifts.  So give it a try, be selfish and have a bit of fun!

So this is going to be new to me too!  I love to write and communicate my love of all things family, friends and martial arts.  I am very blessed to have a life I always dreamt about.  Truly, 20 years ago I would drive past an area 3 blocks from our current location and dream about opening a martial arts school.  I think it was called Opportunity at the time and what do ya know it was!  So there you go, I made my thoughts a reality and continue to do so!  Until next week go have some fun!