Threats (To Your Kids) That We Didn't Grow Up With

     If we look at our childhood and the memories of growing up it is so drastically different from today that it seems a gross exaggeration. It is hard to comprehend just how much childhood norms have shifted in a matter of one or two generations. The fact of the matter is that there are issues and threats that affect our kids today that are a little different from what we had. True some problems like bullying, sibling rivalry, and homework battles stand the test of time, but some challengers emerge as things change in the world around us. And that we are trying to parent through these challenges with zero personal experience. So instead of hoping wisdom and instinct take over here's a look at some of those issues and how we can apply our parental instincts.

Delayed Gratification

    Remember how exciting it was to wait a whole week to see how the cliff hanger in your latest TV show turned out? I mean waiting to see it unfold in real time and knowing everyone else was also on the edge of their seats - that was something special. Today's kids don't know that. We don't have patience anymore for the things we consume. We can binge an entire season or series at once, our orders arrive in two days or less, missing someone has a quick fix - they're a button press away, and if you have a question you can access it almost instantly. Everything we need - stories, communication, contact, packages, answers and more is at our finger tips. And our children have been raised with that kind of access. 

    Your parental instincts are on track. Practice delayed gratification whenever possible. Don't let them binge watch shows for hours on end, don't re-arrange your families plans last minute because they changed their mind, make them save up money to buy those bigger items, make them earn fun excursions, set goals and track their progress towards rewards. There are lessons of self discipline, hard work and goal setting to be learned in delayed gratification so practice that whenever possible.

Instant Peer Input

    We used to have to wait until the start of school to show off our new car, outfit, or hair style. Now everything is an upload away. Kids today are living their lives in front of an audience. And even those who choose to abstain from the lure of social media don't have a say in whether their successes or most embarrassing moments are recorded and shared for the world to see. This has led to a generation who's first instances are to record, and validate everything online. And to wait on the edge of your seat for everyone else's opinion is to risk silencing their own inner voice. 

    So if your parental instincts are saying put off social media as long as possible they are on track. If you've already passed that decision than definitely limit their social media to one or two platforms you can easily monitor and make sure they only have access to these devices during certain hours of the day. More importantly give your child a strong foundation of their sense of self (their likes, dislikes, opinions and morals) before you introduce other people's viewpoints into the equation. Model good in person relationships in your home and without so your child sees the value in a true and reliable group of friends rather than the whims of the internet.

Over-Commitment

    The constant high lights reel of today's society really puts the pressure on today's families. And over achieving is a badge of honor that we all seem to strive for. The problem with enrolling in literally every program possible is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. So the only area parents seem to be lighten up on the kiddos is when it comes to responsibilities at home. But when we take away chores for the sake of another camp or another activity we are also robbing them of a huge skillset required for success and raising entitles kids to boot. Not doing chores wasn't even considered when we were younger. You played your sports, did your homework and your chores, and you did it quick if you wanted time for the fun to continue. My mom used to joke (or at least I think it was one) that she had kids to get the housework done. 

    So try to see the bigger picture. Yes you want them to pursue their passion and succeed in all the extracurricular activites and you have big dreams of them getting into the college of their choice. But there are lessons to be found in work and contributing to the family that are invaluable for life. So don't over commit. One less activity equals more time to invest in character and time at home and that isn't something we should willingly sacrifice.

Online Predators

    The "bad guys" of our age were the kidnappers who offered candy out of the big van. But today's criminal is much more sinister thanks to technology. There are so many kids games and kids apps that allow you to interact with other players from all over the internet. It's a great opportunity to hang with friends, but the danger of online predators is also very real even in something as seemingly harmless as Roblox (loved by most 6-9 year olds currently). 

    Your instincts are on tack. Set strict boundaries about who they can play with, keep the gaming systems in a public area, and constantly check in. Not everyone who says they are 8 are actually 8 and our children need to know that. It isn't a scare tactic but rather an empowering one. So teach your child internet safety and that no matter what, you have no secrets and they can talk to you about anything. Always

    So there you have it! 4 problems that we didn't face when we were kiddos, but that you should definitely have on your parenting radar right now. And don't forget! If you and your kiddo are struggling with something in particular we're on your team and here to help. 

#RaiseAWarrior 

Family Values: An Attitude of Gratitude

       Thanksgiving is one of those classic holidays loved by many and with good reason. It's a time to gather together, share a meal of abundance and give thanks for all the good in our lives, be it large or small. And it is also an amazing opportunity to teach our children what the holiday is all about: Gratitude. 

      Gratitude is one of those traits that is truly life changing. It allows us to step outside of our own self interest and helps us understand that the goodness in our lives is due in part to the people and circumstances around us. Especially as a kid, most of the good they experience in life wouldn't be possible without the love of the people in their lives. Those things are privileges that aren't always given or earned. 

     So if you're looking to foster a greater practice of gratitude in your homes this month we've got you covered. Studies have shown that full fledged gratitude occurs in four parts. And while your younger child may not be consistently hitting all of these marks we've got some advice on how to increase your child's awareness so they can start making a habit of gratitude. 

Noticing:

     The first step in any journey is awareness. You have to start recognizing the things you have to be grateful for before you can start being grateful. And this is true regardless of age. Maybe your child already see's the good in their lives but maybe this is still a work in progress. Parent's can lead by example and offer guided questions to foster increased awareness of the great things in their life outside of their power. Here are some examples to get you going -

• What do you have in your life that you are grateful for?
•  Are 'things/objects/gifts' the only thing you have to be grateful for?
• What gifts have you been given that you can't physically hold in your hand?
• Are you grateful for any of the people in your life? 
• Why are you grateful for him/her?

Questions like these help your child learn to recognize that there is so much more to be thankful for then just physical gifts. Helping them realize this early on will help them be less materialistic, selfish, and more self aware.

Thinking:

     Once your child or teen begins to start noticing unprompted all the people and things that help make their life great it's time to start teaching them to think about why have they been giving those things. Ask them questions like

• Why do you think you received this gift?
• Do you think you should do something in return?
• Do you think you earned this gift?
• Did the giver have to give you that gift?

As they start to realize they cannot do enough or be enough to earn all the kindness and love they are receiving they start to value those personalized gifts and effort even more than before. Now their gratitude for gifts, acts of service or love and the time people invest in them is starting to take wing.

Feeling:

     Gratitude is an emotional experience. It is so much more than a hurried thank you or a quick note of appreciation. And it can drastically impact your overall happiness and satisfaction in life. Isn't that what every parent wants. So start asking pointed questions to help them connect their positive feelings to the gifts they've received.

• How you feel when you received this gift?
• What about the gift makes you feel happy?
• How can you share your joy and excitement with them?
• Are there ways you can pass that joy and happiness on?

Doing:

     Gratitude is an experience that is meant to be shared and expressed. And there are so many fun ways to do that regardless of age. So whether you a family who writes thoughtful thank you(s), pays it forward, makes heartfelt gifts, does random acts of kindness, or shows your gratitude with some quality time and memories together, make sure you lead by example and teach your kiddos that the final part of gratitude is doing something about what you're feeling. After all the best feelings in life are meant to be shared and expressed. You've got this Warrior parents!

#RaiseAWarrior 

What Is Your Child Made Of?

     Wouldn't it be nice if our kids came with a manual? Or even some kind of label or packaging that let us know exactly what they were made of. I mean we've all heard that little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, but all parent's know this isn't quite the case. And the boys description of snips, snails and puppy dog tails definitely is missing the mark.

     So what if we took the time to truly analyze those key ingredients that makeup our child? By taking the time to get to know their personality traits, tendencies, strengths and weakness could we understand our child better? Would we approach parenting them differently if we took our own fears and traits out of the equation and instead focused on helping them capitalize and strengthen what they already innately have?

Ingredients By Age

     As parents we know that each stage of childhood is characterized by different traits. or challenges to overcome. Toddlers exert independence and test boundaries, tweens crave the approval of their peers and teenagers think we are completely disconnected from reality. Each stage paves the way for the next period of development. Recognizing what stage our child is in allows us to help them fulfill that learning need and progress onward.

• Infancy: Infancy is all about learning to trust. This is because they are hugely dependent upon us to care for them and they have difficulty expressing exactly what they need. Fulfilling this needs requires dependability on the parents part in providing adequate care, love and nurturing.
  
  
• Toddlerhood: Toddlerhood is about seeking autonomy. They are on the move, striving to exert their independence and are truly ignorant and fearless of the dangers that might occur during their explorations. Successful completion of this stage leaves your child feeling secure and confident in their ability to act with intention, so long at it is within reason and safety limits.
  
  
• School Age: These children are now more in control of themselves and their environment. They are learning how things works and this new found knowledge leads to a sense of power and purpose. During this time they are also exposed to numerous new social and academic demands. As they being to master and cope with these changes they begins to develop feelings of competence and belief in their skills and abilities. Mostly what they require from us during this stage is guidance and encouragement that they are capable of succeeding and making you proud.

• Tweens, Teens and Beyond: In this stage your child is working on developing their sense of personal identity. It is a turbulent and experimental stage as they sort out who they are, and what they want to be. Children in this age need room to explore but within safe parameters. Communication becomes difficult as peers start to be more pivotal to their sense of worth and identity than the advice from the family unit.

Ingredients By Personality

     There are too many personality types for us to truly go into much detail, so we seek to offer some examples of different personality traits and how that might impact how they need to be parented. Because the truth is we can't truly change another person, even a child. They are naturally who they will be. It is up to us to guide and help those weak things become stronger and strengthen what your child already excels in.

• The Anxious Child: The anxious child needs concrete answers and limits. The world to them must be black and white. There is uncertainty and fear in the gray and unknown. So don't leave things unsaid. Clearly state your expectations and acknowledge how they're currently measuring up. Give them tools to manage and sooth their own anxieties and fears. And show how you manage your own anxieties.
  
  
• The Sensitive Child: The sensitive child needs a parent who is calm. Exploding in anger, withdrawing, name calling, yelling, withholding love, all of these will only injure your sweet sensitive soul. This isn't to say they need to be handled with care, they need boundaries and consequences just like every other child. We as parents should acknowledge they are already highly attuned to the reactions and emotions of others and help them learn how to not base their self worth and happiness on the reactions and perceived emotions of others. 
  
  
  
  
  
• The Impulsive Child: The impulsive child needs us to curb our own impulses and to demonstrate that self control and self discipline are required. How can we help them learn to think before they act or speak if we blurt out any consequence and ridicule that comes to mind at the slightest infraction or heated moment?

     Now this isn't to say we flaunt these personality traits and tendencies before our children. Because as most of us learned in middle school being categorized and labeled can be a very limiting and harmful lesson. This is just an exercise and tool that helps you more consciously and actively parent your uniquely individual child. Hope it helps! Happy parenting!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. Ashton

 

Mr. Ashton is AWESOME! 

He has been training with us since he was just a little guy and achieved his Junior Black Belt in 2018. Since then he has been focusing on school, his hobbies, and now helping raise the next generation of Little Warrior's

Mr. Ashton strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To be aware of you and build your confidence."

The kiddos love Mr. Ashton because:

      He seems quiet at first but is a lot of fun to work with and has an amazing attitude on the mat. Mr. Ashton really connects with our timid kids and brings out the best in them. We love to see them and him open up as they become more comfortable on the mat.

A few of Mr. Ashton's favorite things:

     Mr. Ashton is all about growth, self awareness, and constantly evolving into your best self. We love that his favorite part of working with us is seeing the kids grow and evolve on their own individual journey. One of Mr. Ashton's favorite pastimes is writing. He loves to write therapeutically whatever is on his mind. Sometimes it's his frustrations of the day, and other times it's his hopes, or things he's looking forward to our wanting to achieve. We love that tangible self awareness journey and that he is always working on and writing out his goals! What an awesome example for our kiddos!

A little bit more about Mr. Ashton:

     Mr. Ashton comes from a home of animals! His family has 4 dogs, an actual wolf, a bird, a python and a skink! How cool is that?! He says that Luna the wolf is super needy in an affectionate playful way. Who knew a wolf would need all the cuddles and attention? You've got to be an alpha fam to have an alpha pet like that!

Mr. Ashton's pet wolf LUNA!

Mr. Ashton you are an awesome leader and big brother. We look forward to seeing you achieve any goals you set your mind to. Thank you for choosing to help us raise Little Warrior's even during your busy school year.

Baby Mr. Ashton at age 6 or 7

Mr. Ashton with his awesome fam!

Mr. Ashton is seriously disciplined

Kicking butt and crushing goals!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. Ethan

 

Mr. Ethan is AWESOME! 

He has been training with us ever since he was a little guy! And although he took a break in middle school we are grateful to have this talented Warrior on our team helping lead the way for a new generation of Little Warriors!

Mr. Ethan strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To know when the good time to use martial arts is."

The kiddos love Mr. Ethan because:

      He is so patient and easy to work with. All those leadership reps as a Junior Black Belt assisting in classes has really made him an asset in helping our students learn and grow. He is also an exemplary martial artist so seeing him perform techniques helps them envision their goals and what it should look like. 

A few of Mr. Ethan's favorite things:

     Mr. Ethan's favorite movie is aptly the Karate Kid (original version of course). He also has a great love of archery and has been working on that and competing in archery tournaments for several years. Deadliness and skill aside, Mr. Ethan has a smile that is contagious and loves to laugh. When he steps onto the mat you know it's going to be an amazing fun and lighthearted day. 

A little bit more about Mr. Ethan:

     Mr. Ethan is very social and it definitely shows in his interactions with the kiddos. They love working with him and so do our staff. This kind and caring young man is a great friend and leader who isn't afraid to lead by example and stand up for what's right. We love the fact that his hero is his dad. He truly is an awesome example for our current Warrior's and we can't wait to see him continue to progress in our teens class while studying not 1, but 4 different styles of martial arts in the adult curriculum!

Mr. Ethan we have loved watching you grow up and can't wait to see all the incredible things you continue to do! Keep being an outstanding leader in everything you do

Baby Mr. Ethan at age 4-5ish in the Little Dragon's classes

Mr. Ethan at his Junior Black Belt Test August 2017

Mr. Ethan has always had great kicks!

Mr. Ethan with his awesome parents

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Miss Aubrianna

 

Miss Aurbianna is AWESOME! 

She has been training with us for several years and is preparing to take her Junior Black Belt Test in a few short weeks! We love her can do attitude and that her love of learning is infectious.

Miss Aubrianna strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To have confidence that you're your own person and nobody else should tell you who or what you are."

The kiddos love Miss Aubrianna because:

      She is super sassy and so fun to work with! She is high energy and never one to skimp on praise or a quick high five. She is genuinely interested in our student's and her favorite part of her job is seeing the kids get happy and excited to see her. That attitude is contagious and she is a spot of joyful light on the mat during class time.

A few of Miss Aubrianna's favorite things:

     Miss Aubrianna or Miss Aubri as our student's know her is a big fan of the Twilight movies. This 15 year old is a student at Rider High School and loved working us over the summer so much that she decided to continue helping during a very busy school year. She loves playing soccer and is looking forward to the start of another season later this semester. She also loves to learn and is so inquisitive. We love that her curious attitude is infectious and forces our students and other staff to think outside the box. Never lose that love of learning new things girly!

A little bit more about Miss Aubrianna:

     Miss Aubri loves animals (especially cute baby cows) and has two very fat boxers named Zeus and Rhea who she loves very much. She dreams of traveling the world and although she isn't sure what she wants to be when she grows up yet this hard working and kind hearted young lady has the power to succeed. Miss Aubri's hero is her grandpa. And we especially love that she says one of the most important lessons he taught her was the power of self worth. We can definitely see that in action when she's on the mat. Miss Aubri is every student's biggest cheerleader and she is always there to pump them up on those harder days.

Miss Aubrianna we can't wait to see how far you go and are so grateful to have you on our team! You're going to crush your upcoming Junior Black Belt Test and be a stronger leader for it.

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. Bryton

    

Mr. Bryton is AWESOME! 

He is married to our lovely Mrs. Vashni and is now helping our family business raise the next generation of Warrior's. He is a regular student in our adult classes and loves sharing his passion for training and working out with our young students. 

Mr. Bryton strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"That confidence allows you to face things that are tough and awkward."

The kiddos love Mr. Bryton because:

      He is high energy, as hyper as the kiddos and always down to train. He connects so well with our ADD and ADHD students (having grown up learning how to cope with it himself) and is a huge asset to our team because of this. Our students love working with him and never know what to expect with his upbeat energy and shenanigans.

A few of Mr. Bryton's favorite things:

     Mr. Bryton loves to train and work out. He is so hard working that he always makes sure to get at least one of those two in no matter how busy life gets. He loves Anime shows (if you couldn't tell take a peek at his tattoos next time) and video games so there is always something for him to talk about with the kiddos. And he also really loves animals and has three doggos who he loves very much. Mr. Bryton also enjoys dabbling in making drink ware from horns.

A little bit more about Mr. Bryton:

     Mr. Bryton is about to be a dad! He and Mrs. Vashni are expecting a Little Warrior of their own next year and we can't wait to meet the little guy! One of the first 2nd generation Little Warrior's to be welcomed into our tribe!

Mr. Bryton thank you for being so willing to help and such an awesome energy on the mat. We're grateful for you!

#RaiseAWarrior 

A Parent's Role In Sibling Rivalry

     Siblings have such a big impact on childhood and development. They can be our first playmate and our oldest friend with the right nurturing. But some sibling relationships play out quite wildly. So if your home feels like the frontline of World War III with all this extra summer time we may need to look at our effect on sibling relationships. Because whether we intend for it to or not our parenting can greatly impact sibling rivalry. Luckily a few conscious parenting changes can go a long ways towards helping siblings learn social skills, improve their bonds, and learn about positive methods of conflict resolution.

Don't Compare Your Children

      We get it Warrior parents. Some kids are jut easier to raise than others. But although it can be tempted to get exasperated and say "Why can't you be more like (blank)" you MUST resist. Comparing your kiddos, especially in front of them is a surefire way to foster resentment and stoke the fires of sibling rivalry. And it changes nothing. It definitely isn't a positive parenting tactic and will not have the intended effect. So even if one child is a trouble maker and the other a people pleasure don't label them such or point it out. You want to foster a relationship where both children feel seen and acknowledged for what uniqueness and strengths they bring to the family unit. You can't achieve these kinds of positive goals with such a negative narrative. So if you are prone to comparing your children don't do it! 

Don't Reinforce Victim and Aggressor Roles

     We know that as parents we wear many hats throughout a sibling argument. We are the detective, the referee, the judge and the soother. The problem is when we step into the judge role we have to do so cautiously. After we have passed our judgement we tend to banish the "aggressor" to their room for punishment all while showering the "victim" with soothing attention and physical contact. This can be a slippery slope however as it sends a message that acting the weaker player in an argument (whether it is true or not) will garner parental attention and affection. This then sets the scene in motion for repeat outbursts with perhaps even more drama and manipulation. Neither of which is what we want. So discipline and console privately and separately. Our actions (conscious or not) send many messages to our growing child.

Teach Appreciation of Differences & The Importance of A Good Team Up

     Different temperaments and forms of play is a minefield of conflict opportunity. So teach your children to respect the differences in the others and to above all love each other. This in turn also helps set the stage for other positive social interactions and relationships with their peers. So give your children opportunities to play and work together on their own terms. Have them plan an activity, practice sharing or by taking turns. You can also have them team up to do chores. Teach them to play off of each other's strengths and make it a race to beat the adults. All of these tasks encourage your kiddos to work together to achieve a common goal while also giving them some room to figure it out and practice getting along on their own. There is some monitoring of course, but giving them room to see the power house a positive sibling bond can be only encourages them to continue nurturing it in the future.

Demonstrate Healthy Conflict Resolution

     And last but not least teach your children that even people who love each other can disagree. It's a fact of life. How we handle those disagreements is what really matters. And our kiddos get the formula for conflict resolution by emulating and watching us. So be a household that says no to name calling, no to withholding affection and no to physical fighting. Set the standard that there are ways to listen to others and show respect even while we disagree. Be a family who is mindful of other's space and belongings and doesn't put down other's opinions. And then practice what you preach. Let your kiddos see you and others work through respectful conflict resolution. Arguing doesn't have to be a negative thing. It is a normal and healthy part of all relationships. We just have to teach our children how to handle those situations with respect and consideration for another's feelings. 

     Above all remember that sibling relationships are also a learning laboratory. Some days will be better than others, but this is a lifelong journey and friendship. Siblings are great for teaching us how to understand others and interacting positively with those around us. And these priceless skills begin in the home. You've got this!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Blending Different Discipline Styles

     Parenting has never been black and white. And with so many different approaches to parenting it is only natural for parents (no matter the dynamic) to not always see eye to eye on how to best discipline your child. This is expected because you are different people who will naturally approach parenting differently at times. Unfortunately when we disagree on parenting it can quickly make an already difficult situation worse. And to argue about discipline in front of your child undermines your authority and shifts the focus from where it should be - your child's unacceptable behavior.

      So no matter which side of the parenting fence you are on (gentler or more stern parenting methodologies) here are some reasons why it is essential to parent as a unified front and some basic rules for how to handle those sticky moments when you just don't agree on what to do next when parenting your child.

Why Consistent Parenting Is Key

• It Instills Good Moral Character And Is Easy To Follow: A lack of consistent discipline between parents causes uncertainty in children. It makes them unsure of the rules. Because they no longer know what matters, and what doesn't they cannot internalize the moral lesson that should be behind the discipline. This lack of understanding hinders growth and can also contribute to further behavioral issues in the future.
• It Prevents Your Child From Getting Out Of Consequences: Inconsistent parenting also teaches your child how to get around a parenting decision. Because when parents fight over discipline, the focus is no longer on the child or on their behavior. And kids are really smart. They see this as an opportunity to twist the situation in their favor. Either by playing on parent off the other, or by getting one of you to become their ally and take their side. In moments of confrontation the more unified argument typically wins so make sure the unified front is you two (or more) together as parents.

How To Blend Different Parenting Styles

• Have Each Other's Back: In front of your child you have to back each other up, even if you disagree about the methods or punishment. Focus on presenting yourselves as a unified team to your child to help improve your authority. You can always discuss alternate methods of handling things when you're more calm and out of earshot of your child.
• Explore Why You Disagree: The greatest influence on how we discipline is our own experience with our parents. Some of us seek to emulate their style and some of us want to do the exact opposite. So if you find a topic you are strongly disagreeing on consider where the other is coming from and whether that method of discipline was successful or if there is room to improve. Sometimes we can come up with a plan together through exploration and introspection. Other times we may need to increase our knowledge and seek outside opinions. 
• Agree On Consequences Before They Are Needed: It is easy to disagree when you are parenting on the fly, so coming up with house rules and consequences before they are needed are key. Sometimes you may encounter something you didn't necessarily plan for so having a signal only your partner understands can help you both reconvene and come up with a solution in private.

     Above all we understand each parenting dynamic is as unique as each individual family. Some house holds have more than two parents, multiple grandparents, and a vast array of parenting styles involved and that's okay. Keep the focus on where it should be; improving the child's behavior and raising strong moral character. You may all disagree, but to your child you will all be a unified front seeking to raise the best kid possible. You've got this Warrior parents. And we're here to help!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. Kory

   

Mr. Kory is AWESOME! 

He achieved his Junior Black Belt and continues our training in the teens program on our adult curriculum. Now he is sharing that knowledge and his awesome sense of humor with another generation of Little Warriors! 

Mr. Kory strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To work hard and get it done."

The kiddos love Mr. Kory because:

      He is high energy and always down to work on more sparring techniques! His excitement carries over into them and gets them so pumped to train. Mr. Kory knows that the hard drills is where those big leaps of growth happen and he isn't afraid of a bit of work to see his goals happen He actually earned his Junior Black Belt in less time than expected due to his can do attitude. We love the example of hard work he sets for them. Mr. Kory is also one of those awesome big brother figures who genuinely loves to catch up on what's new and deepen his relationships with those around him.

A few of Mr. Kory's favorite things:

     Mr. Kory loves to train and is constantly learning and growing along with the Little Warriors. Because he's only been with us for a few years he still easily gets excited with new material and by seeing the kiddos succeed. He has a great sense of humor and is unapologetically himself. In fact he is the first one to make redhead jokes (which his fellow redheads loves) and even came to martial arts class dressed like a leprechaun for an epic Halloween class last year. Mr. Kory is a busy bee. He is usually thinking about food and complaining about his mountains of homework. In fact of if he were to have any super power in the world he wished for the ability to freeze time as it would allow him to get all the homework done and still have time for fun and mischief before dinner. 

A little bit more about Mr. Kory:

     Mr. Kory's life currently revolves around his family, school and martial arts. In his free time Mr. Kory loves Anime! His current favorite shows are K-on and Saiki K. The other instructors have recently just got him hooked on a new one called Cowboy Bebop who's martial arts style is actually based off of the Jeet Kune Do which we study in the children's martial arts classes. We love that his training bleeds into his other interests. Mr. Kory isn't quite sure what he wants to be when he grows up but he dreams of going to the plot of land he owns in Scotland that makes him officially "Lord Kory." No matter what this young man sets his heart to we know Mr. Kory can achieve it! He's demonstrated his dedication, self discipline, and hard work goal setting formula in his training and beyond.

Mr. Kory we love seeing your confidence grow in this new role! Your skills are helping future generations of Warriors achieve their goal of Junior Black Belt. We love that you are so willing to help and be a leader.

Here's bonus pictures of Mr. Kory testing for Junior Black Belt!

Mr. Kory's awesome family and support system

Mr. Kory is always smiling

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. Luka

  

Mr. Luka is AWESOME! 

He has been in our Little Warrior's program for over 9 years and is now using his Junior Black Belt Leadership skills to help show future Little Warrior's the Warrior's Way! 

Mr. Luka strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"That thinking outside the box is a useful skill."

The kiddos love Mr. Luka because:

      He is a bit of a nerd and has similar interests to them. Don't even get him started on Yu Gi oh or you'll get an education. He is also amazing during day camps because he loves to get on their level, play the games, and create epic k'nex weapons for them to battle with. He really is a big kid with an amazing heart who wants to help them have the most fun possible while still learning and crushing their goals.

A few of Mr. Luka's favorite things:

     In addition to a deep love Yu Gi Oh Mr. Luka loves other games and can often be found playing cards with his friends during his off time. He is also a budding artist, creator, and a bit of a tinkerer. His favorite show of all time is "How It's Made." This young man is always creating and learning. Mr. Luka used to astound us with his creations as Little Warrior and continues to do so today. His goal is to one day build his very own robot! No surprise to us since his favorite movie of all time, Pacific Rim, has epic robotic fighters in it. We expect Mr. Luka's robot to be just as amazing and can't wait to see how far this creative and hard working young man can go!

A little bit more about Mr. Luka:

     Mr. Luka Bearswitch as our staff endearingly calls him has been with us since he was just a little tyke (so small he couldn't say his last name correctly and he forever earned the nickname Bearswitch or Bear). He has always been light hearted, funny and kind and we love that he now gets to share that with future generations of Warrior's. He continues his training and is currently loving working on weaponry like stick and dagger in the teens class. And although he can be a bit of a prankster, Mr. Luka tries to emphasize the importance of empathy and honesty in all interactions and we think this is a true strength both on and off the mat. He looks up to his dad as his hero because "he's achieved a lot, and we're very similar." We know that no matter what Mr. Luka puts his heart to he will achieve because he is willing to do the work and have fun along the way.

Mr. Luka you bring such a fun energy to our classes! You are always ready to lend a helping hand and try something new. Your go for it attitude makes our team stronger. We can't wait to see how far you can go! 

Here's some Little Warrior pictures of Mr. Luka at his Junior Black Belt Test in 2015 just for fun

Serious Warriors Only

Working hard

Junior Black Belt Achieved!

#RaiseAWarrior