So many, more eloquently than I will, are writing upon the death of Maya Angelou.   For me, she has been a role model, a lighthouse, a trusted advisor -- an inspiration.  She has kept me company through the darkest of days, and taught me how to hold my head, and stand up, and to celebrate.   How to honor my ancestors, believe in the possibilities of today, and…

May 16  --6pm-9pm --

  movie, games, art, parkour, martial arts -- FUN.   

Register online at …

How exciting is it for us to be able to watch, participate, and support in the development of these martial artists.  The students in the picture range in age from 9 to 58 years old. Ranks represented are from red belt through 5th degree black belt.  Most are from Mercer Island, but some come from Seattle, Bellevue, Newcastle, Shoreline, Kent, and Everett.…

I found this article interesting.   Here is a quotation from the article:

 "When you do Taekwondo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society. This is how in Taekwondo the principle of physical movements, the principle…

Just in case you weren't aware -- we do bully prevention training.   

We have done hundreds of hours of free training at schools, and for groups, and with our own students, as well as 1:1 work with kids and youth who are being bullied, or have been bullies themselves.   Most of all though we spend time teaching kids, the majority of whom, will be and are bystanders as the bully cycle plays out in front of them.  We teach…

You can register online by clicking here.

Below is a blog post put up by a colleague and mentor Master Tom Callos, who is actually also a member on this web page as well.  And to the left is a picture of his son who started his training at 5 years old.  Keenan is now a BJJ champion.  

" I was 9 years old when I was given my first martial arts lesson, in 1969. This photo shows…

  I think these episodes are just getting better and better, and that these kids are remarkable.   They are filming, editing, and creating the content for these videos.   This one, showcases an informational interview with our chamber of commerce representative.   Bravo to the kids, and especially to Instructor Vlcek and Jido Merly for the guidance and support you are giving them.…

A couple weeks ago, a colleague and fellow school owner we know, had a house fire.  Thankfully, his family was safe, even the dog, but the house burnt to the ground.  I was reminded by this as well as other fires recently our commitment to training folks regarding escaping and fire safety.   

It is easy to forget the importance of prevention, and put off…

"To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."  Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

Graphic by WebpageFX

This article with a guide about the apps can be helpful in understanding and using them safely.   Click Here for the article and guide.

click here to watch Issac's  video of his gratitude project.

 We could use some help with the food drive.   Would you be able to take a collection box, like the one in the picture to your work, school, community activity?   Would you invite kids to the awesome party (there are invitations at the school) -- for a fun day of bouncy house, costumes, demonstrations, cotton candy, and candy,  and did I mention candy??   It is the 26th ---…

We are holding try out for the 2013-2014 Demonstration Team on Thursday Sept 19th at 5:30pm.

Try out to have the opportunity to be part of a small group of dedicated, like minded, motivated students.

Demo teams build high levels of confidence because students are taught how to perform in public. There’s an awesome rush that comes from performing for your community and getting accolades!

Team members will have…

With back to school coming up quickly, I believe it is a great time to refresh or address safety tips and plans with the kids.  So, I am going to post about several of the things I try to cover with the kids I teach each year.   

"In 2010, one-fifth (19%) of all children 5-9 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians."  Source:  Traffic safety facts:…

 

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These five points have helped hundreds of people JUST LIKE YOU Discover issues with starting a After School that they NEVER would have considered – issues to be Excited about, WARY about, and everything in between!…