The Student Creed and You

 

Every class begins with us paying attention, giving respects (to ourselves, our instructors, our teammates), and saying the student creed. We do this to remind ourselves (and that goes for all of us, even Sifu and the other instructors) our goals for the class and in life. The student creed is like a moral compass for who we are trying to be. And it can also be a pretty useful reminder and tool for off the mat and in your homes. Today we wanted to look closer at the student creed, what it means to your Warrior, and how you can use it to your advantage.

I am a Warrior!

                We teach them that to say “I am” because even when we’re having a hard time this is the core of who we are and who we want to be. Saying it is a form of accountability. We are reminding ourselves and others that this is who we are. We don’t just get to pick and choose when we want to be a Warrior. It isn’t based purely on convenience, or when we feel like it, but rather it is always a part of us. This is important because it means they will be a Warrior at home too. Then we begin to teach them who a Warrior is. Using the examples of their heroes we talk about Warriors being helpers and protectors. Warriors are the medical team fighting against disease, the teachers fighting against illiteracy and the police officers fighting against bad guys. Warriors are found in a family unit looking out for each other. Warriors exist in the big and little things every day and in every capacity.

I will fight for what’s right!

                I just love the statement “I will”. It isn’t a halfhearted “I’ll try” but rather an all-committed promise. You don’t get to sort of be a warrior who protects and helps others. You must be all in. So as your Little Warrior’s understanding grows so does their knowledge of what they stand for and against. For your Little Warriors this means fighting for what’s right and this is a huge all encompassing ideal. To fight for what’s right is to remind your Little Warrior to – be a good friend, say no to bullying, tell the truth, work hard, be a good sport, and so, so much more. Re-iterate and nurture these sentiments at home. Recognize when they are “fighting for what’s right” and doing better than before. Re-iterating that language and mentality on and off the mat will only help to strengthen that mindset. 

I will be brave, honorable, and respectful!

                This one is important because it recognizes that doing the right thing and being a Warrior isn’t always easy. It acknowledges that sometimes your child won’t feel very brave, will consider doing the wrong thing, and acting out in ways that are less than respectful. We all have those moments of weakness and often consider responding in a less than optimal way throughout the day. Letting your growing Warrior know these feelings occur and can be acknowledged while still doing the right thing is a powerful lesson. Because even though they are afraid your Warrior will be brave. Even though they considered being dishonest they can and will be honorable. And even in moments of frustration and anger we can and will be respectful to others, even when we don’t like them.

                The Student Creed is something your kiddo uses in class to re-orient themselves to who we are and what we do. Those lessons don’t have to stop on the mat. Don’t hesitate to use these phrases as reminders of who they are and who they are working to become. Thank them for doing the right thing. Acknowledge that even though they were afraid they were also brave. And gently remind them that they are a Warrior when they start heading down a path of less than Warrior like behavior. After all, the mindset, courtesy, respect, and discipline are just as important as the self defense and physical health benefits. You’ve got this Warrior parents. And we’re here to help!

 #RaiseAWarrior 

                                       

Slowing Down Time

    We say “time flies” all the time. And boy does it seem to fly faster with every single passing day, especially as a parent. I’m not really sure what happened. We used the same clocks during B.C. (before children) years, but we seem stuck on fast forward now. And while we are not Dr. Strange or capable of messing with any of that time business there are ways to be more present and engaged, ways to savor and find joy in the moments. While that doesn’t stop or put a pause on these childhood milestones, it can make that time slow down and seem more meaningful. So here are some good ways to work some magic

Learn the stage and invest:

                When we were brand new parents we were obsessed with every single developmental stage and milestone our infant was going through and nearing. When did we stop treating childhood like that? Our children no matter their age are still learning and growing just as we are. Take time to learn about what stage they’re in and the hurdles they must overcome. Marvel at the magic of these moments again. It helps keep the focus on what really matters.

Do Less:

                We tend to feel a pressure to act and overbook ourselves. Our time off with our family is sacred time. And no one will respect it if we don’t prioritize it that way. Stop scheduling every single weekend and spare moment. Take time to enjoy spontaneity with your family. Create little rituals like “pajama day” (where the goal is to not put on real clothes all day), breakfast for dinner, or regular family game nights. And then guard those moments and prioritize them fiercely.

Be Present and Engage:

                We must be present for our kiddos both mentally, physically and emotionally. Meeting this might mean something as small as unplugging from our devices during certain hours of the day or by not multi-tasking. These two things are big hinders in our ability to focus and truly take moments to look and listen to our child for the cues they are giving us verbally or not. Find unique ways to engage. Get to know and spend time with them, their interests, their passions, and their friends.

Focus on the positive:

                Sometimes it is easy to feel like you’re losing your baby day by day. That sweet bundle you held in your arms that first day. The little one you watched take their first wobbling steps and ride their bike. Those thoughts can hurt your parents heart and steel the job of this moment by focusing on moments already gone. We tell our kids on the mat “keep your hands up” all the time. It is a mantra we repeat almost like a broken record. And the reason we say that instead of “Don’t drop your hands” is simple. We are reinforcing the positive. So don’t focus on the moments already gone or that you’ve let pass you bye. Remember them but focus on the present. Focus on the positive that you are preparing your child. Preparing your child to grow, to lead an amazing life, do great things, and raise a family of their own. And that is an amazing journey you have already begun.

 

These tips might not quite give you powers over time, but it just might make your time with your family a little richer. Until next time keep up the great work!

  #RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Miss Brianna

 

Ms. Bri IS AWESOME! 

She is one of our teens class students and while she hasn’t gotten her Black Belt she is a firecracker who will crush anything she sets her mind too. We love to see her light up the mat with her smile and share her time and skills with our students

 

Ms. Bri strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"The factors of being polite and kind to each other."

 

The kiddos love Ms. Bri because:

She is always smiling

She has an amazing energy that the kids absolutely love

She always has a joke to share or time to be silly with the kids

Her happiness is contagious

 

A few of Ms. Bri’s favorite things:

     Miss Bri is a big anime fan. She loves watching My Hero Academia and Demon slayer. She has the cutest pet hedgehog and loves to paint in her free time. Her mom is her hero because “I’ve been with her forever and always looked up to her.” She has the brightest, happiest personality, but don’t let it fool you. Miss Bri loves to spar and work on her boxing. And she isn’t afraid to give it as good as she’s got. We love her tenacity on the mat. She isn’t one to back down from a challenge and that optimism and confidence is something she shares with her students.

 #RaiseAWarrior 

 

 

 

 

How To Motivate Your Child

 

We’re getting closer to the middle of summer and there are two things we might notice around this time. It feels impossible to get our kids to do anything and we have lost all semblance of structure. This can be concerning as we look forward to the blessed but also dreaded transition back to school with all its routines and structure. This week we are diving into what truly motivates your child and how to make this work in your favor.

External vs Internal Motivators

                This isn’t a new concept by any means, but just in case we will briefly summarize. External motivators are things outside of you that encourage you to do the thing. This could include rules, rewards, consequences, praise, nagging, behavior charts, etc. And this “carrot and stick” approach may work for a time, but it doesn’t offer long term success. Intrinsic motivation on the other hand is doing something because you want to, and you enjoy it. Your child won’t always have that internal motivation, but you can help them internalize those behaviors and inspire them to more. Here’s how…

 

Stop trying to motivate them the traditional way

                All of your pushing often has the opposite effect you desire. I mean think about it. When someone is pushing and pressuring you to do something does it make you more inclined to do their bidding or do you want to dig your heels in? Your kids are the same way. It’s okay to recognize that they might not enjoy the activity or chore. We all are that way. Sometimes those things must be done and sometimes we just need to stop trying to push our dreams onto them.

Stop being controlling

                Being a controlling parent does not motivate our children. No amount of pressure or offered incentive can make an activity more enjoyable. Giving them a bit of autonomy and the freedom to take initiative might just be the thing they need. If martial arts is not their thing that is fine, BUT (and this is a big BUT as we see too many families fall into this trap) they have to be enrolled in one physically enriching activity. The choice shouldn’t be going to martial arts or staying home to play video games. A child is immature and will choose to play over work, growth, and development, almost every single time. I mean heck even we would do that if given the choice with no immediate consequences. That isn’t the choice you should offer but exploring their interests can be. Try giving your kiddos the reins a little bit and see where they want to go, within a confined boundary of course. They may try things and hate it, or try and fail, but falling is an inevitable part of learning to walk. And investing in the wrong activity for a few months won’t inevitably harm your child or their life’s trajectory.

Cultivate a growth mindset

                Our children are always learning from us. If we aren’t challenging ourselves or regularly looking for opportunities to grow why would our child? We must model the enjoyment of the journey and be lifelong learners. Learning new skills, constantly betting ourselves, mastering things we previously couldn’t dream of doing are good for us and good for our kids to see. Growing shouldn’t stop at any age so explore new interests and new subjects regularly as a family and as individuals. Help them understand that talent isn’t fixed, but malleable. Skills and mastery all depends on their willingness to practice and do the hard work.

Teach them to internalize the importance of tasks

                Some activities no matter how you look at it do not lend themselves well to enjoyment. Take chores for example. No matter how you look at it they aren’t something that necessarily spark joy (now if they do for you, please contact the front desk as my house could benefit from your joy), but they are important activities. Help your child grasp the meaning and worth of doing the things they don’t like. Hard work (no matter it’s form) is worthwhile. Practicing hard is a critical and necessary part of becoming good at anything. Chores are hardly anyone’s favorite thing, but they do give us a nice home and the space to lead the life we want to with each other. Work can be hard, but we know it has meaning. Help them internalize that lesson and they will be more willing to get on board with it and do what is needed. 

                The good thing about these lessons is they are great no matter the age of your family and worth revisiting. We could all use a bit of motivation and what better way to get that ball rolling than to work as a team with all the people you love the most. You’ve got this Warrior parents! We believe in you!

 #RaiseAWarrior