Life and Leadership TaeKwonDo

Congratulations Blue Belts!  You have two very unique opportunities available to you with this new rank.  First is learning nunchaku, the other is your T.E.A.M. leadership activity.

Nunchaku class!

Bruce Lee would seriously be envious of the weapon instruction you will be learning.  The nunchaku is a very versatile weapon, allowing you to gain greater dexterity, hand/eye coordination as well as developing new areas of your mind!  Didn’t know so much was packed into such a small thing, did you?   Just like kicking with both legs (as opposed to other sports that mainly use one side of the body, making it more dominant) using nunchaku and switching between hands will help you gain dexterity and better hand/eye coordination.

Your weapons class is on Thursdays at 7pm in the Briargate dojang.  Even if you’re a Northgate student, you are welcome to come to that class.  If you haven’t purchased your nunchaku yet, you can do so at our online store.  HAVE FUN!

The next opportunity for you is your T.E.A.M. activity.  If you remember when you first started, the portion of the team cheer we do at the end of class;  T.E.A.M. is an acronym for Together Everyone Achieves More.  It’s true.  When we do things by ourselves, we are easily hindered and not very powerful or effective.  When we do things together with others (friends, family, teammates) we are very effective and very powerful.  Much like a punch versus a finger poke.

On your leadership card, you will find a spot for your Team activity.  This is an activity that you take upon yourself to do each time you’re in the dojang.  Definitely age and opportunity appropriate; each student will find a task that will benefit the school or the students.

There is a plethora of activities to be adopted.  Small things like little cleaning jobs (windows, the front door, etc.) or helping filing things away or utilitizing more specific talents like administrative skills- almost anything is a possibility.

Please talk with Mr. Aaron, Ms. Chris or Master Kunkel about your specific activity.  We’ll all be happy to help you find the perfect fit.  Please  do it as soon as possible; you’ll get your card signed off each time you do it.  Soon, your card will be filled and you’ll be all ready for testing!

Hello Green Belts!  Congratulations on your move to the intermediate belts!  It’s a big step into a new realm of opportunities available to you.

First of all, you will need to purchase a hogu, arm guards and shin guards.  You’ll be using these in class soon in new drills you’ll be learning.  You’ve made the leap from non-contact everything to learning to kick with power and accuracy in a safe environment.

What new opportunities does this bring?

Self-Defense

Adults, we all know the feeling of auto-pilot when we drive, winding up somewhere and wondering, “how did I get here?” and realizing you just drove without really thinking about it;  it was some place you’d driven hundreds of times before and your body did it without a lot of thought.  It was automatic;  a reflex.

Just like driving in auto-pilot, one idea behind hogu drills is to get your responses to become more automatic.  Someone kicks to your front side, you back kick.  They kick to your back side, you paduchagi or cover punch.  (If you don’t know what those terms mean, don’t worry, you’ll learn it all in class, step-by-step)

This automatic response is invaluable in a self-defense situation.  Instead of thinking, “1. Get out of the way.  2.  Block.  3. Kick.”, you just respond.  Your movements become reflex and you are much safer.

Power & Accuracy

Using pads like our hogu and arm/shin guards along with the red bags provides a great level of comfort in learning how to kick as well as learning how to be kicked.  When you know your teammates are safe, you are more free to kick with power and accuracy.  Your movements become honed and not as wild and crazy as when you first started.

Learning proper technique in holding the bags is vitally important in your response to a self-defense situation.  I know;  you’re asking how on earth those two things could be related?  Glad you asked!

Here’s a scenario in class;  when my teammates are kicking me with a roundhouse, I turn the bag to my side, wanting to take the kick on the side, not in my stomach.  It would be easy to get the wind knocked out of me (and possible lunch) by taking a powerful kick square in the diaphragm.  By learning to turn to the side and hold the bag properly, I train my body to do the same in other situations.

In the end, not only am I learning to direct kicks where I want them but I’m also not going to be startled and frozen in fear if something is to hit me, whether by accident or design.  I’ll be better equipped if I fall, or lose my footing and need to react quickly.

It’s FUN!

Kicking bags, doing the hogu drills and self-defense with hogus on makes lots of noise!  Combined with your kihap and strong kicks, your teammates can’t help but get excited.  Imagine yourself on the next test day,  kicking hard, making lots of noise, deftly maneouvering your way around in drills as well as self-defense.  Imagine the look on your family’s faces as they see your new skills!

Enjoy green belt,  and enjoy your new curriculum opportunities as well.  As always, if you have questions or concerns, please ask your instructor before or after class.  We’re always there to help.  We want you to succeed!!

The test, the cheering, loud kihaps and board breaks.  The view of new belts sticking out proudly on the waists of their students.  Aaaahh…the joys of belt testing at A.L.L. Taekwondo!

Now I know you’re all excited about starting the new curriculum quarter and learning new things.  Believe me, we have great things in store for you.  To help you get the most out of your time in class, here’s a little outline of the next quarter.

The next test is September 14-16.

Basics

You can always tell a student who has invested in basics weeks.   Their stances are sure, hands strong and kicks are sharp.   Its our opportunity to spend more time with students individually; sharpening skills at a higher level and learning new things.   You certainly don’t want to miss out on this opportunity for more specialized teaching.

Stripes

After the basics weeks, students begin earning curriculum stripes.  You are always welcome to get a jump-start on stripes with your terminology and community service!   Remember, if your instructor/helper doesn’t say you can earn your stripe in class, you can always ask them.  It shows great leadership to pursue your goals!

Leadership Log

One of the best parts of our curriculum is our leadership logs.  Leadership won’t come by osmosis;  it is taught.  A structured setting like the log helps you remember each week to do certain tasks.  Each time you do them, you wear that path a little deeper, making these things a great part of who you become.

Some belts have very particular things to be done, such as blue belt T.E.A.M. activity and Red belt’s helping in classes.  We’ll cover those in more detail in another post.

So remember, each week when you’re in for class, go through your leadership log and soon it’ll not only be finished and ready for testing, but you’ll have learned some amazing new things!

Celebrating our Parents & Grandparents!

Parents & Grandparents train free for May & June

Spring has sprung!  Now that we can spend time with our families outside without a parka (most of the time) we’re itching to let the kids run and play;  loving to hear their voices raised in joy and laughter.
How about a little more family time too?

With the martial arts, families get to train together in the same class;  kids with kids and adults with adults.   Each one accomplishing their own individual goals while having fun and learning so much more than just kicking and punching.

Gyms and youth sports are not able to give your family what they’re really looking forward to;  time together;  learning, growing and making family memories that will last a lifetime!

Parents and Grandparents train free during May & June at A.L.L. TKD.   It is a huge pleasure to teach families and watch the kids learn new skills and having a blast while developing stronger focus and confidence.  With their parents in class encouraging them, the lessons you teach them at home are reinforced and the whole family comes out stronger – and in great shape!

Billy, don’t forget to put your jacket away.
Billy, your jacket is still on the floor; is that where it belongs?
Billy, I asked you to put away your jacket!  You have till the count of three…
Sound familiar?  Fill in the blanks with whatever it happens to be with your fun-loving, not-a-care-in-the-world child.  There are those times where you just don’t think you’re speaking the same language, or worse, you feel like you’re berating them to get things done on a regular basis.
What if I told you there is a sure-fire way to get your kids on the same page as you?
Here are three steps we use in our schools to start speaking the same language!
1. Use a 1-10 system.  1 is the worst, 10 is the best.  You can substitute anything for the 1-10, (superhero characters, cartoon characters, etc.)  it just has to be something the kids understand as being their worst or their best.
2. Set the expectation.  Let them know in a particular activity or action, what being a 10 looks like.  ”If you put your shoes away when you come in like this (show them how to do it) then that’s  like a 10!”
3. Praise them!  When they do it like a 10, let them know you noticed.  Simply a “thank you for putting your shoes away like a 10″ or “Wow, that looks great!” goes a long way.
Kids want to please others and be accepted.  When they know in simple terms how to do things well and they receive your encouragement and affirmation, now you’re speaking the same language!

You know it’s coming…the music goes from happy & sunshiny to dark and sinister.  The person on the screen is alone and being approached by someone they don’t know (but we do…we’re watching the movie!)  This is where I break the cardinal rule of movie watching with others and start talking out loud.  Our second safety rule is what comes out of me in a very authoritative, child-like voice.  ”Don’t speak to a don’t-know unless your Safe Side Adult is with you!”

My movie-watching friends laugh at the break in the tension and yet again it’s proven.  So many bad parts in a movie starts with a kid talking to someone they don’t know without their Safe Side Adult present.

It can be innocent enough;  a passer-by saying hello or smiling as they go along.  As soon as someone a child doesn’t know starts talking to them, it’s time to go find their Safe Side Adult on the double!   If the newcomer needs help, the SSA can assist them.

Kids – when someone you don’t know asks where your parents are, that’s your cue to go run up to Mom or Dad and say “Right here!”    Your parents will be pleased every time and  I can go back to laughing with my friends at the movies!

Safety Rule #1

Memory Action:  Hand over eyes like a visor

“I will keep my Safe Side Adult in visual sight”

This means I will keep my Safe Side Adult where they can see my whole body and I theirs.   I won’t run down another aisle,  hide in the clothes racks at the store or play where I can’t be seen at the park.

Safety Rule #2

Memory Action: Hands crossed in front of your mouth (but not covering it!)

“Don’t speak to a don’t-know unless your Safe Side Adult is with you”

This means I won’t speak to someone I don’t know unless my SSA is with me.  They will introduce me to people I need to know and keep me safe.

Failing to plan is planning to fail!

We all have big dreams;  to become successful in our business, to be financially secure or just to have more vacation time per year.  No matter your goal, everyone can put in to practice these six rules to success.

1. Know what you want

You wouldn’t drive your car blindfolded would you?  Neither should your plans be without a purpose or goal.

2. Have a plan

Big success comes in small packages of measurable goals.    You put one foot in front of the other and head down the path, steady and secure.

3.  Have a Coach

You will get so much further in reaching your goals with someone by your side.  This may be a friend, family member or even a professional like an instructor or athletic coach.  Choose someone who can help you be accountable to your small goals and help you reach your big goals.

4.  Take Continuous Action

Every day’s worth of action toward your goal is like a small present you give yourself.  Sometimes it’ll be hard and the road at times may be rough but continuing with your plans and taking daily action will ensure your success!

5.  Review Your Goals

Together with your Coach, periodically go over your goals.  Are you where you expected to be in the journey?  Are you ahead of schedule?  Should your goals be higher reaching?

6.  Renew Your Plan

Often upon reflection you will find that your plans need adjusting.  After reviewing your goals with your coach, it may be wise to alter your plan.  You may find that your goals were not high reaching enough.  Maybe you were scared when you first set your goals and you’re blowing them out of the water.  Time to aim higher and go through the cycle again.

Remember:  Big success comes in small packages of measurable goals!

Welcome to the new Family Taekwondo blog site. We will use this blog to keep our taekwondo community informed on upcoming events or just to share some good news.

In society we are taught to be seen and not heard; to be quiet and respectful.  Who knew that advice could put your life in danger?

Attackers are looking for a quick, convenient target that won’t put up a fight.  A victim, not a fighter.  Here are four ways to fight back!

1. Cause a scene.   Get people to look at you!  A would-be attacker is much less likely to attack when there are witnesses.

2. Become a siren.   “Hey, what are you doing?” in the loudest, deepest, most able-to-be-heard-from-a-long-distance voice you can muster will definitely gain you much needed attention from passers-by.

3. Fight like mad!   Do everything in your power to make a scene, yell, scream, holler, throw things, hit, punch, scratch, kick, poke…you get the idea.

4. Become a student of self-defense.  Taking a self-defense class or joining a martial arts school is an awesome idea, but don’t overlook the basics of  becoming a student of self-defense.  Learn how to keep yourself and those around you safe and consistently practice those habits.

To take part in our free self-defense class, or learn more about our comprehensive Taekwondo program, Visit our website!  www.alltkd.com

“Keep your head down to avoid trouble” as the saying goes.  How do you go about gaining favor and standing out from the crowd?

Our society today is taught to not make waves and keep your head down.  We answer with grunts and nods.  We call our instructors by first names and think it archaic to say “Yes Sir.”  In this type of society, how does an individual stay in this culture  make themselves stand out from the crowd?

Why make waves like this?  What’s the use?  Glad you asked.  In a world full of people going about their business and barely taking notice of those around them (think the floating chair people in the movie Wall-E) when something or someone different comes along, it attracts quite a bit of attention.  When that someone is sincerely courteous, even just a gesture of kindness is noticed and remembered.

What if we did more than just the random sprinklings of kind acts and gave those a base of sincerity, courteousness and respect for others?  What would the world look like if even just a few;  just the few people reading this blog made a choice to be different;  to be opposite of those around them?  Well, I venture to say the world would stand up and take notice, and for a good reason.

Five positive ways to be contrary:

1. Greet your teachers and elders.   Talk to them a little;  ask how their day is going and listen to their response.

2. Use respectful titles.  Giving someone a title, even as small as Ms. or Mr. in front of their first name shows respect.

3. Have a confident handshake.  Your handshake speaks volumes!

4. Look people in the eye….and smile.  Take a moment to look someone in the eye as you pass and smile at them.  Count the number of people who smile back a big, genuine smile.  That’s one more for brightening someone’s day!

5. Speak your mind.  When you see something good, strong or beautiful about a friend (or <gasp> a stranger) say it!  You never know who needed to hear an encouraging word.  Yours could just be the apples of silver in settings of gold.

Go make a difference!