Congratulations to our new Junior Black Belts, Cameron Halpenny and Lee Rockburne! These young men showed Sensei James, and Sempais Russell, Laurie, Kelley, Lindsay and Julie that they possessed the determination and perseverance to withstand what was, at times, a grueling 2 hour grading on June 27th. Family and friends were present for the final 20 minutes of testing and the presentation of their new belts. Well done gentlemen! We look forward to your next five years of training as you hone your skills even further and continue to set a fine example for the junior belts following in your path. Good luck as you step up to your "new beginning".
If you are away on holiday or just taking a break for the summer please keep in mind the following
IMPORTANT DATES TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDARS
| Saturday, July 15 - FUNDRAISER | |
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We are holding a Rummage and Bake Sale at the Dojo from 9:00am-3:00pm. Please donate your time (even a couple of hours), perennial plants from your garden, baked goods and gently used household items, or just a donation! Please have items at the dojo by 8:00am. If you are going to be away but still wish to donate items please see a senior at the club or call Laurie at 267-2975. |
| Monday, July 17- KATA and CAKE | |
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Family and friends are invited to come and watch the students train and perform their kata. We will do this at Stewart Park, weather permitting. Afterwards we invite you to come back to the dojo for cake and refreshments. We also look forward to seeing former students and getting reacquainted! |
| No classes on August 7th - Enjoy your Civic Holiday! | |
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| Wednesday, August 30 - ‘PAMPER-A-PARENT’ Night Social | |
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Parents are invited to attend their child’s class and be pampered to say thanks for a great summer and bringing them to karate class! Details later this month. |
HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAYS !!!!!!!!!
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INTERESTING...
One of my favourite daily diversions is to read author Robin Sharma’s blog. A recent report included
the following words. "Changes in routine and mindset are very beneficial. In selecting an activity, try to
find something totally engaging which requires deep concentration so that your mind is free from the
mundane but seemingly important aspects of your days. Many executives are becoming involved in the
martial arts for just this reason. If your mind wanders for even a split second, a harsh lesson is learned.
Pain is a great motivator and always will be."
GOAL SETTING
Recently in class we have been discussing the importance of setting goals. Students have been asked to
set at least 2 goals - one general goal in their day- to- day life and another goal that is karate oriented. A
few students have shared their goals in class already. Bravo! By setting your goals you are on the way to
making them come true and by sharing them with others you provide yourself with even more
motivation. Goals can be private as well if that is what you prefer - but PLEASE make that
commitment . You will be amazed at what you can accomplish when you put pen to paper and then act
on those ideas.
In his recent book "The Greatness Guide", Robin Sharma speaks about how you can elevate yourself and create more success in your life. He states, "Thoughts are the ancestors of actions." How true! Your goals that you set down in your journals will give rise to your future experiences - at school, at work, at the dojo, in your family and community. Powerful. "Elevate the quality of your beliefs, daily thoughts and what you focus on and you will automatically elevate the quality of your external experience." Give yourself both short-term and long-term goals to pursue. Achievement is also a great motivator, so allow the baby steps of success to build as you witness the positive changes in your life and lead you to creating more challenging and long term goals in the future. Don’t be afraid to review and see what is working or not working on a regular basis. The greatest lessons are in mistakes but also celebrate your successes.
Early in March there was an interesting article in "The Ottawa Citizen" newspaper. It was an editorial about
dying and leaving a legacy. Janice Kennedy wrote: "The only thing you do know about this strange
journey you’re on is that, every step of the way, you leave behind your gestures, your words, little bits of
yourself. Often (when you die) there is no warning - no time to polish up your memory… just hope that
you’ve left the best parts of yourself behind…your legacy … Will you be remembered for your kind
words, your generosity of time and your passionate interests or for your wealth, your clothes and your
sarcastic humour? Will people remember you fondly with a smile or a shrug of indifference?"
Young or not-so-young, we can all benefit from making goals for ourselves. Remembering that
thoughts are the ancestors of our actions, it makes sense then to create that legacy by setting those goals
now.
As Robin Sharma said, "Every action you have ever taken was preceded by a thought. And since your
actions have created the results of your life, (both great and not so great) it makes complete sense that
when your thinking changes, your actions will follow. And better actions must yield better results. Inner
greatness causes outer greatness. An inescapable truth."
Think of goal setting as a way to invest in yourself and prepare to be amazed.
DEAR SENSEI,
I often hear in class "Keep your hips and shoulders turned forward." Why do we have to do that
and is it important?
| Signed, Crooked Hips |
Dear Crooked Hips,
Good for you to hear those corrections. Your instructors tell you to keep your hips and shoulders
forward for a number of reasons and yes it is very important! Practicing any technique without proper
form will not allow you to improve. Turning our shoulders and hips in the direction of techniques gives
them proper focus and improved power. Power is generated from the hips… so if the hips are pointing
away from your target you will not be applying the technique-punches or kicks-to your full potential.
Incorrect positioning also puts stress on the joints, which over a period of time can be damaging. Being
centered in form also provides you with more options in the direction of your movements and in the
techniques that you deliver. Keep on practicing.
| Signed, SENSEI |