This Sunday is the 9/11 Hero's Run.  I (Master Wells) is putting together a team to run with me at the 2015 9/11 Heroes Run on September 13, 2015. I will be doing the 5k you can run, walk, or jog it.     If you are interested in registering please click this link and register with the Mercer Island Martial Arts team you still have a chance.  …

We hope you had a fantastic summer, we certainly did, we had a blast with our summer campers!  Looking forward to a wonderful new school year and focusing on new kicking goals!  See you in…

We have recently had some questions about the sparring rules so I thought that I would quickly go over them. 

Here’s the basic rules:



 You can kick with any part of your foot below your ankle

 Only punching with a clenched fist and kicking are allowed in sparring.  No other techniques are allowed.  That means…

1. What are my goals upon having reached black belt for my future training and learning?

Well, as a black belt I will probably start focusing more on training the lower belts. However, I still hope to improve in technique and endurance, and learn the new forms and self defenses. If I pass, then I can also help the many deputy black belts reach their goals. In general, I will try and keep learning and helping others learn regardless of belt.

2. What kind of black belt…

We have had a lot of questions regarding our training for future camp counselors --- our Counselor In Training Program -- so thought we would pass on the info here.   If you are interested in finding out more, or to see if your "tween" or teen, is appropriate for the program please feel free to contact us.  

Each member of the Counselor In Training Program is…

I have had several students ask about the meanings of the belt, so here you go:

WHITE BELT...

Is the first belt, represents a beginning, a purity and a lack of knowledge of the Martial Arts

GOLD/YELLOW BELT...

Represents growth and exploration.  Now we see the need for more knowledge and dynamic techniques.

GREEN BELT...

Represents the trees, the roots are now firmly planted and we reach up into the sky for light and greater…

A black belt is automatically put into a leadership position upon donning the belt.   We find this is a transition, that is shocking, without having first spent meaningful time practicing, and experiencing what it is like.

 It will still be different upon becoming a black belt, but the practice will make it easier —less culture shock, if you will.  It helps also in the passing on of the traditions, and techniques of…

Simple.  Right?

Not really.   I believe it takes practice.  

We try to teach with the little things, to try again, to boldly attempt, to have positive self talk, with learning how to get support, ask for help, determine who is on your team, to re-evaluate the approach.   To start with the small things, the "turn the…

A frequently asked question this week.   Here is the answer in about 3 min.

 





You didn’t start your study of the martial arts to “go through the motions” of it all, did you? Of course you didn’t, but look around you in your next class and I’ll bet you spot a number of your classmates doing that very thing, going through the motions. It’s human nature to get distracted, to multi-task, and wander off course.



To deepen and strengthen your practice so that you stay on the…

Ariel Abad will make a wonderful black belt candidate. Ariel and I practically started at MIMA at the same time. Both of us have been partners throughout most of the classes at MIMA. We have always pushed and helped each other get better. Aside from practicing together, I have seen him help other students become better as well. As we’ve practiced together, I have seen Ariel improve after every class. I believe Ariel’s positive nature at MIMA is a clear reflection of how he is as a person as…

Thank you to all of you who helped during our kick-a-thon to raise money for the AED (automated external defibrillator) that we now have on site at MIMA!  We have a trainer who will come on site on January 31 to certify staff and any additional member who is interested obtaining CPR and AED certification.  This is…

My first hero is my Dad.  He has taught me so many things and doesn't even know it.  He is selfless, kind, caring, friendly and all around great person.  He retired early to help take care of his oldest grandchild and now he and my mom are taking care of 6 grandchildren while my brother, sister-in-law, wife and myself go to work.  He takes care of everyone even while he is sick himself.  You…

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In our bully prevention curriculum, we address how to be a person who takes action. http://youtu.be/EisZTB4ZQxY