Self Discipline is a topic we have been talking about recently. Self discipline is doing what you need to do without being told. This is something we use in class all the time. We talk about the ways we use this in class, but more importantly we talk about ways we use this at home. There are a few very simple ways our students can use self discipline at home that would help their parents a lot. One thing we help remind the students to do is put their shoes away at home. Another simple thing is to make sure you throw your trash away and when your done eating put you plate in the sink, or whatever your mom and dad tell you to do with it. Maybe you put it in the dishwasher or if you are using a paper plate you would throw it out. Every family is different but there is always protocol. One other way I have mentioned in class is to CLOSE DOORS BEHIND YOU AND TURN OFF LIGHTS WHEN YOU DONE. I don't think I am the only parent who has to deal with that hahaha. But my job is to try and back up the parents by reinforcing these habits here in class.

An awesome speaker I recently discovered is a man by the name of Eric Thomas. I life a lot of his stories and motivational material. His story about the lion and the gazelle is fantastic. I have a video below for you to watch because I can not even do it justice with just typing. You have to hear it from him. These are the kind of lesson we teach our students at the moo sa black belt academy.

Recently we have been talking about having a "I Can Attitude". This is a important lesson our students learn during their training. We try to help students understand that they are capable of amazing things in life. It might not be easy at first. But nothing is easy at first. One very common thing that happens is I will be working with a student on trying to kick higher and ill say kick this target. They reply with I cant kick that high. So I help them stretch a little and get them super focused and they kick the pad. A few moments ago they thought they couldn't, but now they believe they can. So if they can keep that attitude in life they will be set for life.

Our program is a all year program. We have summer camps and regular classes at night during the summer. Summer is a time to relax a little and have fun. So try our Tae Kwon Do classes. They are a blast!  Who wouldn't want to learn how to do this?

Balance is something we practice in our training all the time. Keeping your eyes focused on your target will help you keep your balance. You have to find the right balance between speed and power otherwise you will.... well.... lose your balance haha. Keeping your back up straight while executing your techniques is important. I know that sounds easy but you would be surprised.

Now we get to talk about the mental side of balance. I have been encouraging the students to balance what they watch on tv. Cartoons and stuff like that is fine. But it is good to balance that out with some educational programs. That is just a great habbit to develop at a young age. Balancing the soda and juice with water or other healthy drinks. Eating candy is fine, but not all the time. We need to eat healthy snacks as well.

This is a important distinction to make. The belts we wear represent our character and how we act. Therefore a person should become a black belt in stead of earning one. Think about it like this. When someone starts their training they are given a white belt. You do not need any prior experience to get this. So everything we teach you at white belt is the " material for the next belt". Once you can show you instructor the you are proficient with that material then you are awarded with that belt. So when it comes to black belt you must show your instructor that you can block, punch, and kick like a black belt. Also at this level you conduct yourself with maturity, respect, and honor like a black belt. You should be kind and caring like a black belt. Your attitude should be one of strength and determination. Once you have achieved this then you are awarded the belt which reflects that. In this case you have "earned" or "become" a BLACK BELT.

This Saturday was our 10th annual Pilsung Championships! It was awesome to see all the energy and spirit the students brought with them. There was a lot of close divisions where 1st and 2nd place were only 1 point difference. I love seeing this kind of competition because it really brings out the best in everyone. Congratulations everyone and keep up the great work. Pilsung!!!

This Saturday is the big tournament everyone has been waiting for! Remember there are no classes this Saturday because we will all be at the tournament.

This friday is our parents night out. Make sure you sign up in the lobby. Buddies are welcome. We need their parents to fill out an event consent form. The party will be from 5:30 - 8:00. Its only $25 per person. We provide pizza and drinks for everyone. The night will be filled with games, races, team competitions and more. Don't miss this super fun night!