When someone wants to argue or fight or make you struggle, just tap out. It’s a lot better than getting hurt or causing someone else pain. Tap out and don’t worry, you’ll be able to come back soon…

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Source:Reusable Bags

WE did it!   what a great team effort, a whole lot of fun, for a good cause.  We gathered over 750 pounds of food for the food drive this year.   And we still have donations coming in!  Click this link for more pictures.

I watched this video upon the recommendation of an amazing friend, and teacher.  Had to share it here.  We have done, and will continue to do gratitude raising projects, and do so for many reasons. 

One being the mounting evidenced based research on the roots, and traits of those who are psychologically more resilient. And this video brings so clearly to another reason:  the personal pleasure, and happiness, a more highly cultivated sense of gratitude brings to one's…

There are simple reasons, and more complex reasons, why etiquette is

still strictly enforced in traditional martial arts schools. Since I

keep getting asked about it, I thought I'd summarize the major reasons

why, in my experience, etiquette is so important in the martial arts.

1. SAFETY. I can't overstate this. So much of etiquette revolves around…

Mercer Island Martial Arts

Annual Homework Challenge!

Objective:  To motivate students to develop a habit of getting their homework from school done, and to positively reinforce those who choose to pursue academic excellence. Good leaders are always learning, and…

"Yes, a black belt should be able to execute precise, effective, beautiful, and technically proficient martial arts techniques, whatever the style. But just as importantly, a black belt should be able to execute precise and beautiful ideas, equal to or better…

I came upon a list of sparring tips on line, and thought it would be good to make one for us. 



Size up your opponent before you engage. If he strikes first then you know he is an OFFENSIVE fighter. If he waits for your attack then you know he is a DEFENSIVE fighter.

Try to get your opponent to attack first, either by a fake or taunt. You will quickly…

Please come and join us while we march in the Summer Celebration Parade, and we are announced as this years Hometown Heroes for our work in the community on Violence Prevention, Bully Prevention, and youth drug and alcohol abuse prevention.  We are hoping as many student who can will march with us, along with family members.  We are so proud of this honor.

We will meet at the sculpture park (behind the dojang) at 9:30am.   

 …

Dear MeLisa,

Hello and Congratulations!

 You have been selected to represent your community as a “Hometown Hero” in the 2011 Summer Celebration Parade on July 9^th, 2011. Because of your hard work and dedication to serving your community as a great advocate for youth and violence prevention, your anti-bullying curriculum available for free to schools and other organizations on the Island, and your participation on  the CTC board, we’d like to honor you!

Because…

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.