Cross the Line

cross: (verb) 1. to move from one side to another 2. to pass over mediocrity

With everything, there's a line.

On one side of the line is a greater chance to make good things happen (better results, better relationships, more responsibility). This is where you'll find all those people you admire.

On the other side, there's less of a chance.

And with each line, there's a choice. You want to cross the line or you don't. You want the better chance at making good things happen (meaningful things) or you settle with the lesser chance.

Your choice.

It seems simple but...

Then there'll be those times - those times when in the short run it'll seem like you can't cross the line (no matter what you do). But then, those misses (those hurdles) in the short run will sometimes help you over the line in the long run (in a way you couldn't have seen). They'll serve as lessons, giving you more depth to your experience - making you stronger and better prepared for bigger and more important challenges you'll face in the future.

But you won't know that at the time. At the time, you'll just see that line. And it might seem like a wall. But it really is just a line (a line you want to cross). And it's yours to cross, but you have to decide (make that choice).

Volunteering with Children

By Kelly Palmatier, CompassionateKids.com

Volunteering with children is a great way to help them learn about giving back. Children learn valuable skills while "on the job." Homeschooled students, who may have more time available for volunteering, could also enjoy the additional socialization opportunities presented through volunteering. Another benefit of volunteering is children learn about the concerns of the organization and what need it fills in the community. Consequently, the children also have an opportunity to remember what they have to be thankful for.

Work Together

It's important to work side-by-side with your child, since leading by example has been shown to be the most effective form of teaching. Children who see their parents volunteering are much more likely to believe in the value of working to help others.

An additional benefit of working with your child as a volunteer is the bonding that occurs when people work together as a team. Also, when people are focused on a task, it sometimes fosters deep conversations that may not have occurred with more direct eye contact.

Consider the Right Opportunity

When choosing a volunteer opportunity, it's important to consider the following:

• Your Child's Interests
• Your Interests
• Your Child's Abilities
• Your Abilities
• Location, Frequency, & Duration
• Staff Attitude

Antioxidants: What you need to know

"Look and feel younger!" "Reverse the aging process!" "Boost your energy!" What could possibly do all that? -- antioxidants, devoted pill-poppers will tell you, despite the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited manufacturers from claiming that consuming their antioxidant products will reduce disease risk.

­ Each year, countless hopeful Americans shell out billions of dollars on antioxidant supplements (nearly $2 billion, in fact, just on beta carotene and vitamins C and E), believing they will dramatically lower their risk of cancer, heart disease, and memory loss. Most experts agree, however, that taking antioxidants is not a shortcut to good health or the answer to staying young. So, where does that leave us?

Our next Belt Presentations
will be held on a special split schedule;

Children: Lil Dragons & Goshin Juniors will be presented on Friday 28 October 2011

Adult Martial Arts & Jiu Jitsu testing will be held on Saturday 22 October 2011 and belt promotions will be awarded during "SUPER SATURDAY" after class on Saturday 29 October 2011.

ALL Adult students are invited to attend and participate in our celebratory open mat times following each promotion ceremony.

Please review the testing schedule, exam roster, and upcoming events to see how it may affect you by visiting our website @ http://www.americanblackbelt.org/student.html

OCTOBER BBC DATES !!

FRIDAY 7 OCT 11

FRIDAY 14 OCT 11

FRIDAY 21 OCT 11



DON'T MISS IT !!!

FRIDAY 7 OCT 11

FRIDAY 14 OCT 11

TUEDAY 18 OCT 11

FRIDAY 21 OCT 11

SUNDAY 23 OCT 11 -- Performance
** JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

Starting Thursday
6 OCT

we will be offering a
kids jiu jitsu class on Thursdays at 4:00pm for ages 7 and up.

Kids have a lot to gain from participating in a Jiu-Jitsu program. The value centered character development principles of our world class martial arts program are now available with the exciting technical skill of our reknown adult Jiu Jitsu class for kids!!!

Encouraging consitency, attendance, effort, and determination while teaching realistic Self-Defense gives your child unshakable Self-Confidence. Being Self-confident means - your child believes in himself / herself. Studies have shown that children who learn self-defense become more assertive and less aggressive. Children who know how to defend themselves usually don't have to, because they carry themselves in a more confident manner, and confidence alone is a deterrent to bullies.
With our kids Jiu-Jitsu program, your child can benefit mentally, socially and physically, and instill the character traits that will lead to success in all areas of life.

The Character Development Aspect of our program focuses on Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring -

Whether your child's goal is long term or short term, improvement in these areas can usually be seen within a short period of time, but longer programs enhance the degree of development. Many of the benefits are obtained indirectly, so the kids improve in a natural and graduated pace, which instills positive reinforcement.

The media has recently been highlighting how professional athletes throughout the U.S. are participating in martial arts during off season in order to keep them in shape and promote overall well being, to prepare them mentally for the season to come. This is not only encouraging for kids to see their athletc role models particiapting in the sport, but also for parents to see the true benefits martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu can provide for their children and their family. Jiu-Jitsu is becoming the new top martial art for children.
Jiu-Jitsu also covers several different aspects of martial arts that have made it one of the oldest and most effective martial arts in it's modern form, trying out the program is the best way to see this for yourself.

Bring in a friend
to enter & WIN our VIP referral contest

You are invited to participate in our VIP Referral Contest. Because we get our best quality people, like yourself, referred by other students at the Academy we'd like to show our appreciation with a chance to WIN PRIZES.

Over 80% of new students at the AMERICAN BLACK BELT ACADEMY come from your referrals!

Know someone who could benefit from the the healthy lifestyle and positive influence, both physical and mental, gained by the Martial Arts?

Your sponsored guest will receive a FREE Two Week Trial Membership in our Martial Arts program at Absolutely No Cost or an extended Trial Program in our Jiu Jitsu program at regular price! Special discounts will also be available to any sponsored guest who qualifies for entry into our regular program.

For every person you refer that completes the FREE Trial Program and Two Week Trial Membership you will receive an entry into our contest to win our monthly drawing for a $100 Gift Certificate; good for merchandise from our ProShop or toward Private Lessons.
If that person becomes a regular member you'll receive another chance to win and be entered in our grand prize drawing at the beginning of December for a FLAT SCREEN TV.

JOIN OUR TEAM!!

Here at the American Black Belt Academy we don't give up... WE TEAM UP! This month we are teaming up with the Collier family and over half a million others in the fight against Juvenile Diabetes.

Please help support this event and us by joining our team, making a donation on line / at the school, or spreading the word!

Thank you for helping us make a difference!!