Martial Arts Motivation
3 Things That Prevent Any Person From Achieving The Rank Of Black Belt

Here's an interesting statistic: For all those students who walk through the door, join up, buy the uniform and take classes, only about three out of every one- hundred students will ever achieve the rank of Black Belt.

Why? They are dedicated. They understand what they're getting in to, don't they? They apply themselves in the classroom like they mean business, too. So what happens to that 97%?

In most cases, there are only three things that prevent a person from earning a Black Belt. When I ask students what they think those three are, they usually don't have a clue. I get answers like, "Lack of dedication, sir!" Nope. "Lack of proper focus, sir!" Wrong again.

Some others I hear: Not trying hard enough. Not paying attention. Lack of will power. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

And the scary thing is, these same three barriers are the reason why you-me-all of us fail to complete almost anything we do.

Are you ready for the answer? The three things are: Money, Time, and Health.

And all three of those things are the outward evidence of your inward motivation.

Look-and if you're a student working toward your Black Belt, no matter what style or system-and this is important: When your instructor trains you to work hard physically, he or she intentionally pushes you to your limit, whether it be the number of pushups you can do, how fast you can kick, or how well you can follow instructions. It's all for your own good. You are pushed to your limit, then taught to overcome that limitation. Just one more pushup. Kick one more time, just a little bit faster. A little bit more effort and energy than you thought you had in you. That's how you advance, get better, improve.

Martial Arts is about more than just block-punch-kick- punch-"I win!"

It's about personal success and achievement. It's all about going as far as you're able, then, when you think you can't do any more or any better, find that place deep down inside yourself where you make yourself go just a little bit further, do a little bit better, succeed a little bit more. That's how tournaments are won and champions are made. That's how you become able to defend yourself on the street. That's how you succeed at anything.

Except getting your Black Belt? Amazingly, as willing as students are to be subjected to hard physical and mental workouts, they don't seem to understand that you must transfer that ability to overcoming barriers in other areas of your personal life!

Like money and time management. And injuries? Well, be reasonable. Be patient and let them heal. But as soon as they do, get back in the game.

I guarantee you that sometime between now and when you finally pass your Black Belt test, you are going to think you have to quit. Maybe you'll think of quitting for just for a little while, and then you'll get back into it when some issues are resolved. Unfortunately, most people never get back into it. Money, Time, and Health are almost always the reason why.

What can you do? Apply your Martial Arts training those areas of your life. Does it seem as though there's just no way to work out the budgeting issue? Talk with your instructor, you spouse, and even yourself. Are there possibilities other than those that seem obvious? Brainstorm. Talk it over with a trusted friend or counselor. How can you manage your time differently? We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day, and the same dollar signs in our budgets. Both money and time can be managed if you don't let them manage you.

Health is a little different. Usually, when people experience health related set-backs, they don't lose their motivation. That's a good thing, but be reasonable. Martial Arts practice should always improve, not harm your health.

You can overcome the barriers that Money, Time, and Health may present. When you're down on the floor sucking carpet dust and you don't think you can do another pushup, you find a way to do it anyway. If you believe your only option is a smelly carpet, you won't be inspired to succeed. But knowing you are not limited by what you are experiencing at the moment will put you in a frame of mind to see answers and possibilities you never realized were there.

Martial Arts Manners



You may be new to the martial arts or you may be a seasoned black belt-whatever your rank, it's always a good idea to practice your martial arts manners. If you are a parent of a student, reinforcing manners at home is key to growing the character of your children.
A popular reason for enrolling children in the martial arts is to develop "life skills." These skills include discipline, self-control, patience, confidence, and courage, among others. The idea with these skills and this motivation is to reinforce what is already being taught at home. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for helping to really drive home the points you make at home in a very real way.

Proper etiquette is a cornerstone of Martial Arts. While each martial arts school may vary in what is considered proper, there are certain rules that remain consistent throughout the worldwide martial arts community.
The atmosphere inside any martial arts school is one of courtesy and respect, which is often very different from the atmosphere outside the classroom. For example, inside the school students must address instructors with a respectful title, no matter the age of the instructor. However, outside the school, students are accustomed to calling people by their first names. So it is no surprise that those new to the martial arts often are confused by the etiquette of Martial Arts.

In our martial arts school, we strive to teach all students proper etiquette that always applies in the martial arts school and hopefully, everyday life; it is courtesy and respect that make true martial artists stand out in all aspects of their lives. And if there are situations for which there is no clear rule, it is always wise - whether wearing a uniform and belt or not - to strive always to be modest, courteous and respectful to all, in particular those who are senior to you.

Surviving Lunch on the Go

Four secrets to keeping that midday power- up from ruining an otherwise fit lifestyle

In the world of business, lunch is not simply afternoon nourishment. Dining out with a client can be the key to closing the deal and nabbing the next big account.
Breaking bread with your manager may help you win that primo assignment that puts your career on the fast track. And chowing with co-workers at a local restaurant could be the key to helping you survive offce politics. Sound like a recipe for a potbelly? It doesn't have to be. "Patients tell me all the time that the offce lunch sabotages their weight management," says D. Milton Stokes, R.D., a registered dietitian in Connecticut. "But with a little proactive planning, you can get through it." His advice:


1. ALWAYS GRAB BREAKFAST

Skipping your morning meal or mid-morning snack may seem like a way to offset extra calories at lunch, but in reality, it just leaves you so hungry that you're bound to overeat once you get a plate of food in front of you. Instead, opt for high-protein or high-fiber foods that will stick with you as long as possible-think things like eggs, peanut butter, oatmeal, and fresh berries.


2. STRATEGIZE YOUR MEAL

Ordering the "wrong" food at lunch is usually the result of being rushed and distracted. It can be hard to concentrate on a menu when you're trying to conduct business. The solution? Before going to lunch with a client or your boss, check out the restaurant's oderings online and make some decisions before you go. (If the menu isn't available online, most places will be happy to fax one over.)


3. START OFF WITH SOMETHING BULKY

Green salads or vegetable soups add bulk to your stomach, filling you up with a minimum of calories- and helping you eat less of your main entrée before you feel stuffed.


4. AVOID LIQUID CALORIES

Your brain has a harder time knowing how many calories you've taken in when you drink something compared to when you eat. That means a zero-calorie cup of water is just the same to your gut as a cup of pure sugar water. So stick with diet soda, unsweetened tea, and water. Don't forget to skip the sugar and reach for a low-cal sweetener when it's time for that post- lunch cup of coffee.


THE BOTTOM LINE: Remember, the offce lunch may be all about business, but it's really nobody's business what you eat. If you don't want a roll, just pass the bread basket along without comment. Besides, if you stick to talking business, you'll wind up with plenty of bread in the end.

Beginning this month, Belt Exams will be conducted on a different schedule;

Children: Lil Dragons & Goshin Juniors
will test on Friday 18 April 2008

Adult Martial Arts & Jiu Jitsu
will test on Saturday 19 April 2008

Please review the testing schedule, exam roster, and upcoming events to see how it may affect you by visiting our website
@ http://www.athensmartialarts.net and clicking on the "Student Corner" icon.