The following story, called "The Parable of the Black Belt," is excerpted from Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras.

Sorting through all the health information available, and knowing the best actions to take can be challenging.  What we do know is the #1 Killer in the US is heart disease.  The self defense moves to protect oneself from this deadly threat?  Simply, exercise, and a healthy diet. 

This graphic made by GE is a great myth-buster.  What do you think?…

This post is amazing.   I really love it, and have shared it here with permission.  Breathe, and enjoy.

Post written by Leo Babauta.

Breathe.

Breathing can transform your life.

If you feel stressed out and overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

If you are…

It’s this simple:  Children defend themselves with their heads. It’s knowledge that protects children in today’s world. Knowledge about safety, about what to avoid, about what to do, where to go, and how to stay out of harm’s way.



We are a part of a remarkable association of martial arts teachers, really forward thinking and action-oriented instructors, who come…

This week was a goo d one for me.  I feel that I am making progress toward being a teacher of martial arts and a leader. I still have a ways to go, but I am confident that I am on the path.

My fitness is still not where I would like. It is not horrible, but its in need of improvement, as well as my flexibility. I still long to do the splits, but not…

Hello Students and Parents,

The Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Food Bank is low on cereal and they have asked us to assist. 

We will have an area at the front counter where you can…

http://flavors.me/martialartssummercamps

It is commonly held, and research has confirmed, that sports performance can be improved with visualization, or imagery.  We practice this often with students here in order to improve technique, execution, or mastery of a complex move. 

Recent research has concluded that the same types of imagery can enhance "exercise…

What do these 35 businesses have in common?  They have all qualified and are part of the Mercer Island Green Business Program.

Mercer Island Martial Arts, Auto Spa, Bennetts Pure Food Bistro, Blue Sky Cleaners, Chick's Shoes, Christian Science Reading Room, City of Mercer Island, Corry's Cleaners

French American School, Island Books, Stroum …

Wow last week was an eye opener. I have started using Goji Berry juice to help with my overall health and well being. It seems to be working, I am pretty excited about that. I had so much fun in class last week. Thank you KSN Olbando for coming and working out. I hope to see you more. 

 I rode my mountain bike this week end out at Tiger Mtn. to have fun and gauge where my fitness is for the season. I did very well, better than expected really. That makes me really motivated for the…

 …

I'm really excited about about the NEW Mommy and Me classes starting this week.

A great opportunity to have fun with your young one.  

Come check it out.  

      So over my time practicing Marttial Arts I've known a few people to get really stressed about belt tests.  Myself included.  Understandably so, it's stressful.  Of course you want to make progress and be rewarded for it, but then there's always the doubting voice in the back of your head. 

    There are numerous ways to cope with stressors, too many to talk…

     So lately there have been a few projects for the younger students that focus on their future goals...such as making Black Belt.  Also, talking to people that are getting close to that goal has been kinda ramping me up for my next step.  Sometimes it's still surreal for to look down and see that black belt tied on my waist.  Its been almost 2years, but the novelty of…

I am p articipating in the American Cancer Society-Relay For Life in memory of Mike Wellings, Dick Lundquist, David Cribbs and my mother who was a 20 year…