The Full Armour of Martial Arts

      Martial arts will teach us many lessons. Some about physical situations in self defense and sparring, some about breaking material such as wood, or brick however the real  strength it gives comes from within.  The real “armor” of martial arts is in the understanding of universal laws we have been talking about, the Laws of Sowing and Reaping, Attraction, Abundance, Vibration, Polarity and Rhythm...through the understanding of these laws, we can protect ourselves from so much more than anything physical.

     Although we know the Universal Laws, it is not what we know but what we do with what we know...so there is also some armour that will help keep us mentally safe. When we use the following pieces of armour, we defend from the real and ongoing attack that each of us face, every day.  The attack on our confidence, ability and self-worth can be overwhelming sometimes.

Helmut of Salvation of the Higher Purpose we have
Breastplate of Courtesy and Righteousness
Belt of Integrity and Truth
Shoes of Perseverance and Peace
Shield of Self Control and Faith
Sword of Indomitable Spirit

When we get up each morning and meditate on these things, we activate the Universal Power (I call it God, you can choose something else) to help fight the good fight.  To help us overcome the inner demons (ego) that constantly say we are not good enough, you are too old, you do not even have a college degree, who's going to listen to a little kid? all sorts of negative things that we say to ourselves.  When we put on the amour of martial arts it will help us to seek and destroy the negative weeds in the garden of our mind.  Then clearing space to plant Goods seeds in our Good soil to produce a plentiful crop of 30, 60, or 100 times.


Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Universal Law

There are several great resources for understanding the Universal Laws, I read this great blog One Mind Energy, that does a very good job, and anyone who has traveled with me, knows I listen to Brian Tracy Universal Laws of Success as well, among others.  So here is a collaborated understanding of these four Universal Laws.

The Law Of Abundance can best be understood by looking at the continual growth and unlimited resources available within our Universe. It is continuously producing and multiplying effortlessly through the power of the Universal Laws, the abundance of which is determined only by our own self limiting beliefs.
 If it is to be…It is up to me!

The Law Of Vibration states that anything that exists in our universe, whether seen or unseen, broken down into and analysed in it's purest and most basic form, consists of pure energy.  And that pure energy is constantly moving (vibrating) at a certain frequency, and that it will resonate with others things at the same frequency...think of 2 pianos in a room, strike the “C” on one and the other pianos string will Vibrate along with it. So when we think certain thoughts, we begin to connect with certain people, the type of people is our choice.
Who Am I…I am a Champion!

The Law Of Polarity.  Do you ever wonder why in a world of untold Abundance, that we must sometimes go through events, conditions and circumstances that we perceive as unpleasant? When we becoming aware of and develop a deeper understanding concerning the Law Of Polarity we see that if there was nothing bad, we would never know if something was good, if there was no light we would not know dark, if there was no cold we would not know warmth, if there was no anger, we would not know Love.
 Things are neither good nor bad, but thinking makes them so

The Law of Rhythm simple states that everything has a season, and a time affixed to it.  We do not always know what that time frame is, we may not like it, but it is there.  The only thing we can state with certainty is that “This too shall pass”.  When you are going through a tough time with your goals, you are training but not seeing the results you want, and you feel discouraged...”This too shall pass”.  When you are struggling with your relationships, work, or there is a down turn in the economy...”This too shall pass”.
Everything has its tides

Respectfully, 

Mr. Chris Rowe

Universal Law of Attraction

Universal Law of Attraction

What we Think about we bring about...

As a man Thinketh in his heart so he is... 

Birds of a feather flock together...

    These are all ways of explaining the Universal Law of Attraction.  We have been talking about this for millennium, and yet we still do not understand it fully.  Like all God Laws (or Universal Laws) we can not break them...Try it with Gravity and see the impact, or rather feel it.  The easiest way to explain The Law of Attraction is that we (humans) attract what we think about, as long as there is an emotion attached to it. Whether it is good or bad, Fear is just as strong an emotion as Happiness, it a lower vibration and therefore easier to get to as it takes no energy.  However, most of the time we attract by “default” because we are often on auto pilot.  It is when we become conscious with our choice that the real Magic happens.  We Make A Greater Individual Commitment to your goals.

We Know what we want and Why!

We take Action

We Create Daily Habits towards our goals

We are Willing to Do What is Necessary

We have an Attitude of Gratitude

and We Enjoy the Journey!

This is why it is so important to write your goals down, and look at them everyday!  Visualize yourself achieving the goal and feeling how empowering it is!  And you need to repeat the steps always having faith that it will come.

Remember to use the seeds we talk about last month to attract what you want this month!

If it is to be it is up to me!

Do it Now! Do it Right! Do it All!

Problems are opportunities in disguise, often in work clothes.

F.E.A.R. - is just False Expectations Appearing Real.  

Who Am I?...I am a Champion!

Respectfully, 

Mr. Chris Rowe

The Universal Law of Sowing & Reaping

There are many ways to look at this Law but it is best explained in the story from the bible;

  “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or Thirty times what was sown.”

      From this store we can look at two aspects, The Seed, and The Soil.  The seeds of Tae Kwon Do are the tools (the Tenants) we as students are given to deal with day to day life. From stress and pressure at work, to relationships and school. But it could also be your thoughts, your time, and talents that you share with others.  Those seeds maybe be positive or negative but those are the seeds.  What seeds are you using on a daily basis.
   
    As beginners we can be forgiven for "not even knowing we don't know". But as we progress and once we hear the message we can not unlearn it. It becomes our job to dig deeper and gain better understanding of the knowledge, then take it and use it...because it is not what we know it is what we do with what we know that counts. What are you doing with the knowledge you have?


 
     Secondly the Soil, what type of soil are you, are you letting the pressures of life get in the way of you flourishing in TKD? Are you letting other distractions take your energy away from developing in the best person you can be? Or are you just dong TKD until the next fad comes along? I encourage you to become the good soil and not only hear the message but live the message and let TKD help you in all aspects of life.

   Finally we can look at this store as the Law of Averages, if you do anything long enough a ratio will appear.  In martial arts it is about 25%.  1 out of 4 people will achieve their black belt, so I have to ask will that be you?

Stay Motivated!

Staying Motivated

Keeping up our training throughout the summer can be hard if we don’t keep ourselves motivated. There are a lot of things vying for our attention. It’s ok to take a break in the summer for sure, but try and coordinate your breaks with the natural holidays of the academy.

Here are four ideas’ to keep in mind over the next couple of months.

1. Remember your goals
You need to figure out where your goals lie. What are you aiming at that will bring you success? Knowing your goals will help you stay motivated and help you attain them with ease. When ever you feel like quitting, remember why you started.

2. Maintain a positive attitude
Stay positive. It will help you in staying motivated to your goals. Sticking with your positive attitude will help you overcome many difficult situations and increase your productivity. You can also brighten up the moods of your colleagues and training partners with your optimism and enthusiasm.

3. Leave personal problems aside and stay focused on your task.
Don’t bring your problems to your training. Maintain a line between your professional, personal life and training life. It will help you stay focused and motivated to handle all issues better. Moreover, worrying about personal problems at work will not help in solving your personal issues. It will only distract your focus. Keep problems at bay and focus wholly on the task at hand.

4. Upgrade your knowledge and skills

To have an edge in life, you need to sharpen your skills and upgrade your knowledge. All this will help you gain self-confidence and help you perform better. This is a good motivational factor. Take advantage of all the extra seminars that go on at the academy throughout the year. 

Here is a great Motivational Speech from The Hip Hop Preacher Eric Thomas

Thoughts are Things

Thoughts are Things

     When we learn and commit to our memory “positive thought quotes” they surface into our conscious mind when we need them. An example would be when I don’t really feel like doing something I’ll say to myself “Do it now, Do it right, Do it all!” This reminds me instantly about my long term goal(s). Another quote that comes to mind is when I start to play the blame game and not take responsibility for my own happiness…I’ll say “If it is to be, it is up to me” it reminds me there are no excuses or denial of who is really in charge of my own life.

Definiteness of Purpose
This is much more than a goal. It is the difference of “wishing for something” and “being ready” to receive it. It is a purpose backed by faith that you will receive your goal.

Create organized plans

Once you have chosen a definite purpose of what it is that you want and backed the idea (thought) with your belief in yourself you can do it (faith) you must organize. Start by thinking of the obstacles (I like to call them stepping stones) that you will have to get over. Identify the people, groups and organizations that you’ll need to work with. Then spell out a plan of action. Then next comes…

Action
Let’s just say that your goal is – “to drink a nice cool glass of water” that is sitting on your table across the room. First you would have the thought – I want the water. Next you back that purpose by faith. – There it is I just need to go and get it. You look, and then notice you’ll probably have to go around a few obstacles to reach the water. Here’s the ACTION part. I can think about getting the water, I can write a goal down with a date on it to get the water, I can repeat all the positive things I want into my mind, but until I actually “take action” get off my rear end and reach out and pick up the water I will never get the benefit of drinking the thirst quenching nice cool water.
Respectfully,
                                                                                                     Sr. Master Dan Zaleski VIII
                                                                                                     www.tkdi.ca

The Four Steps to be a Master in Tae Kwon-Do

All achievement in Tae Kwon Do is a result of a definite purpose backed by your burning desire for it’s fulfillment in your own personal reality. That is step one. This means if you don’t have a goal to work towards, how can you ever know if you are progressing or not. In TKD we have the great colored belt system for progression feedback. What about our Black belts? What should they be doing? They must take full responsibility for their own growth and progression. Setting higher written SMART goals while finding out what they need to do to advance to their next degree. Without a goal there is no purpose, without purpose it becomes to hard to get past the second degree. Step two is having a definite plan, expressed through continuous action. This means taking out your day timer (in whatever form you use – I-pad, calendar, computer) and putting down what you need to do (whether you feel like doing it or not). Then through doing small daily habits you get to the next level or degree of Black belt. Step three is keeping your mind tightly closed against all discouraging influences. We must take personal responsibility for what we let enter our conscious minds. By what we watch on T.V. or listen to in the forms of music or gossip. The last step is to find a friendly alliance of one or more persons who will encourage you to follow through with your plan and purpose. This is what your instructor and training partners do for you. Enjoy the journey. Respectfully, Sr. Master Dan Zaleski VIII www.tkdi.ca

Your RPM for your goals!,

I am currently in a hotel in Lethbridge Alberta it is 33:35 am Kelowna time and I was woken up by thoughts. As I drove here yesterday a nice drive broken up by a 45 min delay for avalanch control, i got some news that was not the best. I teach my students that when things get tough to get around positive people. I had two travelling with me, one was asleep, and the other focused on a movie. So I turned to two great friends that are always there for me, Jesus and Tony Robins.

I usually have Tony Robins cds in my car at all times but especially on a long trip...it is NET time, meaning No Extra Time, I am driving anyway so I might as well learn while doing it. Tony, was talking about many things but one that stuck was RPM. Convenient since I was driving but also since I was spoke about goals and goal setting at a seminar the night before.

RPM stands for Rapid Planning Method, but Tony has created another name as well,
R- Results, what do you want...what do you really want. You have to get specific. The more detailed the better. I often say create the picture in your mind in High Def, with the addition of smellavision. Everything you can script in to the goal from who is there to what the smells like when you achieve the goal. The more detailed the more your mind believes it to be true, like the movie the Matrix.

P- Purpose, why do you want the goal? If your goal is to loose 10 lbs why? Do you want to earn $100000 a year why? Tony goes on to talk about the 6 basic human needs, they are listed here;

1 -Certainty/Comfort. We all want comfort. And much of this comfort comes from certainty. Of course there is no ABSOLUTE certainty, but we want certainty the car will start, the water will flow from the tap when we turn it on and the currency we use will hold its value.

2- Variety. At the same time we want certainty, we also crave variety. Paradoxically, there needs to be enough UNcertainty to provide spice and adventure in our lives.

3-Significance. Deep down, we all want to be important. We want our life to have meaning and significance. I can imagine no worse a death than to think my life didn't matter.

4-Connection/Love. It would be hard to argue against the need for love. We want to feel part of a community. We want to be cared for and cared about.

5-Growth. There could be some people who say they don't want to grow, but I think they're simply fearful of doing so—or perhaps NOT doing so. To become better, to improve our skills, to stretch and excel may be more evident in some than others, but it's there.

6-Contribution. The desire to contribute something of value—to help others, to make the world a better place than we found it is in all of us.
More information about his books and seminars is available on his website : TonyRobbins.com.

Through these 6 basic needs we derive our purpose for wanting what we want. And it is the purpose that will help you to create a;

M- MAP (Massive Action Plan) of what you need to do to accomplish the goal but also the desire to overcome the destractions, the stories you will tell yourself to avoid getting started. The map needs to detailed ideas of how you are going to accomplish the goal...want to lose 10 lbs, I will run 5 times a week. The map also includes contingency plans incase plan A is not working or can not work...bad back, knee, hip, ankle...not able to run, I will swim. No pool I will walk, use the elliptical machine whatever...have some alternatives and take action.

There is a school of thought that is just thinking about what I want will bring it to me. I believe that is true 100% of the time. What the visualizing and meditating will do is bring people into your life that can help, guide even mentor you to reaching the goal. Being physically fit, earn your black belt, or running a marathon, getting the promotion at work. No amount of you thinking about it will bring you closer to those things. Some people are very in tune and can attract things into their lives. That is a gift I have yet to receive from God.

Happy Goal setting, have a great weekend.

The Art of Asking

Just watched an awesome TEDtalk video by Amanda Palmer on the art of asking.  And this really struck a cord with me.  Funny because Amanda is a musician and her talk struck a cord...do you get it? Anyway...

Amanda is a lady whose gives her music away and was able to generate 1.2 Million dollars?!?!  She simply asks for her fans to support her.  Watch the video and it will make more sense.  It is very powerful.

But it brings to a line I use Ask you shall...Receive.  The hard part fr me is the asking.  As Amanda said there is a sense of shame, of sense of it looks like you can not accomplish the job on your own, a sense of vulnerability.  Those statements are true, except the shame.  We can not accomplish the job on our own, and we are vulnerable.  The problem comes from saying those things like they are bad, or wrong.

There is nothing wrong with wanting others to help you or wanting help others.  In fact if you don't allow others to help you are blocking the circle of giving.

Last month I had to get some wood for the martial arts school for board breaking.  I didn't own a truck, so I had to ask for help.  This was and is probably one of the toughest things I had to do.  I have gotten wood 3 times, first time I went to a friend and was going to borrow his Nissan Pathfinder to load 400 board feet of wood into.  Not an easy task, he offered to come and help, I said "Sure that would be great"  meanwhile inside I felt shame for him "feeling" he had to help.  Second time I went to another friend who had a truck who was not using it, I felt better about asking because at least she did not help.  Third time I went to the ultimate source of displaying vulnerability Facebook.  This was huge for me, because what if I got no reply that would mean I was rejected.  Not just my request but me personally.  I know it sounds funny but that is the thought process for so many of us.  We script things in our mind.  Reality is I had lots of people offer help and one friend who said I could use his truck but that he was free and would love to help with loading.  It worked out great we had a great talk about his recent trip about where he came from, how he ended up here.  So in the simple act  of asking for help, and accepting the gift (use of the truck and the help) I was able to make a better connection with someone.

Too often we don't ask for help because we are afraid to make a deeper connection, afraid to show people we are vulnerable and the we need help in our life.  I hate to break it to you but you would not be where you are wherever you are with out help. Help from the doctor at birth, help from a friend during school, help from a coach, a teacher, co-worker, or help from your parents at some point during life, or help from God (you can call it the universe or infinite intelligence).  The point is it is okay to ask for help, it is okay to accept help, it is okay to have that closer connection to someone else.

I was having coffee with a friend, and texted him to ask if I could get anything for him so that it was there for him when he arrived.  I received a text (I thought it was from him) Saying I could use a truck I have to move a couch"  I thought that was weird, not at all what I expected.  I replied okay let me work on the truck can I get you a coffee or tea?  The person replied back "Is this not ....?"  I said "No".  Long story short this person texted the wrong number.  Rather than leave it as a mistake on their part.  I followed up with them to make sure they had indeed gotten a truck to move the couch, I even offered my friends truck to help.  

If we do not connect we can not really exist, or at least it is not nearly as much fun.  And life is about Enjoying the Journey.

Respectfully, 

Chris Rowe

Are you Deserving?

Out on my run this morning, I had a thought...1st one of the year (run outside that is).  It was really more of a question. Am I deserving?  Deserving of what?  All good things.

It started with me praying to God about strength and courage for things that occur in life.  I said "Although I am not deserving..." then it hit me.

Why did I say that?  Is that not planting the seed of doubt in my mind that I don't deserve good things?  Have you ever had a thought like that or heard it from someone you care about?  It caught me off guard but then I plucked the Weed Seed out of my mind and replaced it with I am deserving!

While not perfect I am walking the path that I believe I am called to walk.  While I may slip or stumble I am walking the path.  While I may get distracted or loose perspective I am walking the path.  That is the beauty about my God, he will use us even if we stumble and fall, even if we are not great speakers, or are not 100% fashionable.  He uses the weak, He uses those who many consider last, and makes them first.

The really interesting thing about the initial question is that it prompts the secondary question as well.  If you believe that you are the master of your universe and control everything then you are deserving of all the good and bad that comes into your life.  If you are a believer of the Power and Grace of God then you believe that His will be done. Whatever your school of thought is you have to know that you are deserving.  

One of my favorite verses from the bible are "Seek and you shall find, Ask and it shall be given, Knock and the door shall be open..." (my emphasis).  Whatever we are looking for we will find.  If we want to see lazy, uncaring people in world we will see that in everyone we meet.  If we want to see beauty and grace and mercy that is what we will see.

I was also thinking about my mom, and the sacrifices she made for us growing up.  As a single mom with 3 of us in the house and one just leaving it was a struggle for her but she did what she had to.  I never heard my mom complain about too much.  She just worked, maybe that was her way of expressing love.  I was blessed to have someone who showed what unconditional love was.  She is someone who will get upset, but will move past it with forgiveness.  But in the moment you might not recognize that fact.

So when you stop and look around you what do you see?  Do you see lack, do you feel like you are missing out on something better?  If so I would humbly suggest look inward at your thoughts and pluck the weeds from your mind and replace them with new seeds of your own choice.  If you choose to see negative things, it is your choice but rarely will your life get better if you focus on all things negative.

Respectfully,

Chris Rowe

Pub Afternoon for World Championships

Quest Martial Arts has teamed up with Carlos O'Bryan's for a 

Pub Afternoon & Silent Auction. The Silent Auction will 

be running from 1:30-3:30 pm with Partial Proceeds to go

towards Athletes traveling to the 2013 World Championships 

in England!  

Child care can also be scheduled at Quest Martial Arts

fees: $15/child 

For Advanced Tickets  or to arrange Child Care please call 

250-869-0111.

Tae Kwon Do Mastery is Self mastery By Master Dan Zaleski

     To become a master in TKD, we must first master ourselves. Through years of trial and errors (the hard way to learn, but effective) I know these four truths help achieve self mastery.

     A good start is to - observe your own beliefs. Your eye’s will only see what your mind believes.Self-mastery is about exercising complete control over your own self, especially your thoughts, emotions or behaviour. Mastering yourself – your body and mind – is a lifelong struggle. Besides maintaining control over what you think and believe, and how you feel, the pursuit of inner calm is an indispensable part of having mastery over self. When you aim to achieve absolute control of your own life, you need to have:

     Self-discipline, an essential element to achieve self-mastery or any goal. Cultivate self-discipline first before you attempt at gaining self-mastery. We all know what we want to have, be or do. But are we willing to evoke our self discipline. It’s necessary to choose…just do it! Every one of us has eaten junk food in the heat of the moment. No one has ever made us eat candy. The self-discipline I am talking about is the kind where you use your internal will power to choose something better for yourself. It is where you cognitively decide that you are going to work towards a goal and achieve that goal without being sidetracked by “instant” distractions. The self-discipline I am speaking of is all about developing a mentality where you can fix your mind on something and achieve it.

     To have control over your life, you have to accept that you are responsible for everything that happens to you. If you are a successful person, it seems easy to know you are responsible and accept the full responsibility of your action and behaviour. If you are not, it’s easy to believe and blame fate causes and controls all events that happen to you, so you cannot change or control the way things happen. Acceptance of personal responsibility begins with feeling strongly that you are responsible for all areas of your life.

     Values are principles or beliefs which you choose about what is right and wrong. They govern your personal behavior. You are guided by your moral values to be a person of principle with correct behavior and attitudes. Not accept a situation or a particular type of behavior which is contrary to your values.

So what are your values? What values do you believe in? Only you decide what values you believe in. If you believe in the values of integrity, gratitude, self-reliance, generosity, empathy, and perhaps more, then you are a person of those values. Your values and beliefs form your distinctive character. The ability to know your values enables you to know who you are. When you know who you are on the inside, you can decide what you want on the outside. You feel in control of your life, because you are.

Master thought: Our true character is revealed under pressure. Only orange juice comes from an orange…it’s what’s inside that counts.

Kelowna to Host Canadian Open Championships

Saturday, April 27, 2013 Kelowna British Columbia.
    

     Kelowna’s own Chris Rowe owner of Quest Academy has been chosen as director of this year’s Canadian  Open TKD Championship.  This is a sanctioned Championship supported by 
TKDI Canada academies and all TKD schools across Canada are invited. This is a precursor for the "World Championships held in England, July 13-15, 2013

      TKDI members in Dallas Texas and England have both committed to send players to this 
prestigious event as international guests. Also in attendance will be one of the most senior 
Grand masters in the world C.K. Choi. He holds the rank of 9^th Degree, the highest black belt 
rank possible in TKD.


      Jonathan Zaleski a former world champion in Italy. Silver medalist at the European Open Championships held in Krakow Poland this past fall will be representing Canada as the current 
Canadian heavy weight champion.   He is a Kelowna product through TKDI Canada. 

      For more information about this event, please contact Chris Rowe of Quest Martial Arts.
 Spectator Admission is $5.

About Tae Kwon Do International Canada Founded in 1995, Tae Kwon Do International Canada is the organization for professional and amateur academies across Canada.[Tae Kwon Do International Canada currently serves over 500 members. TKDI Canada is the Canadian arm of TKD International that has 65 member countries. For more information about Tae Kwon Do International Canada, visit its website at www.tkdi.ca.

MARTIAL ARTS ETIQUETTE by Sr. Master Instructor Dan Zaleski

All of us who call ourselves martial artists from the new student to Grand Master must at all time observe a high degree of etiquette. This not only applies in our training hall but outside in our daily lives as well.  As martial arts practitioners we must know and have the proper respect and expected behaviour for each other. This applies to any and all styles of martial arts.  When meeting other martial artists especially Black belts, Masters and Grandmasters correct and proper salutation must be used. All instructors, masters and Grandmasters should be addressed as Mr. Ms. or by their respective titles. E.g.: Hello Master Smith.  All though your teacher may not want to use these basics at his or her academy, (which is their decision of course) we should if we call our self a martial artist be aware of these universal signs of respect and courtesy.

        Let’s start with the most well know sign of etiquette the bow. It means that we have respect and humility. This Asian custom is comparable to our western handshake.  Stand with your hands to the side and your feet together. Bend at your waist 30-45 degrees while keeping your back straight. Some traditions tell us not to look up as we bow as this shows a lack of trust. Let your senior rise from the bow first.
        Your uniform should be clean, ironed if possible and fresh smelling at all times.
Students should always arrive to class on time. If you are late for a reason beyond your control it is good etiquette to wait before joining into the class in session by bowing to the instructor when he or she acknowledges you. If you are late just because of a negative habit, it’s just rude as you are disturbing your Instructor and fellow students.
It’s considered poor taste to tie your belt or fixing your uniform while facing another student or instructor.
       While your teacher is explaining and your listening it is considered disrespectful to have your arms crossed or on your hips. If instructors do this while teaching it shows a lack of respect to the student as the body language communicates boredom
Students, no free sparring is allowed without an instructor present. Not only for your safety, but to also make sure you do not develop bad habits that become your metal and physical habit tracks, therefore become very hard to fix.
        We must always take it upon ourselves to help and encourage others. Be courteous and respect people’s time, space (do not walk in front of someone doing their pattern) and art, that they may practice or even might have mastered. Most etiquette is really just common sense like don’t attend class if you have the flu or are sick as germs spread very quickly in a humid atmosphere.
Keep your emotions under control. Leave the training hall better than you found it, clean and in order.  
        Ask appropriate and respectful questions, most can be answered after class. Teaching without clear permission of your instructor is not allowed as you may be showing something that may injure a junior or be teaching something incorrectly.
         No jewelry besides a medical bracelet or a wedding ring should be worn during class.
Competing in tournaments locally, nationally or internationally- emphasis should be on playing your best and meeting new martial artists. After a tournament, or high ranking grading you may be invited to a dinner or social gathering. Allow your seniors to begin before you. Behave respectfully. (Remember the Canadian Championships in Kelowna April 27th!!!)
       While visiting another academy or club never show your martial arts unless you are invited to do so.
       Do not take any photographs in any training hall unless you have the instructor’s permission. Others may not want their picture taken even if they are in the background.

        True Masters have dedicated decades of their lives to share what they love. If you learn with the attitude of gratitude you to shall be a master of your thoughts, emotions, actions and your own gratitude you to shall be a master of your thoughts, emotions, actions and your own results in life.

This academy is a proud member of Tae Kwon-Do International Canada©

Taking Charge of Your Life

How do we get ourselves motivated after an unexpected challenge has suddenly entered and disrupted our life? It could be an injury while training, or to a loved one, or someone close to you passes away. It just seems unfair and it takes our energy away and knocks us off our path.
Realize positive thinking alone is not enough to get you back and turn your life around. Here are some strategies for changing your thoughts to use every single day.
First thing first… believe that it is possible to change. The saying the past does not equal the future is true. When you get sick and tired of being sick and tired, have faith, and that just means to believe it, before you see it!
Next realize that no problem, no matter how big it seems at this moment is permanent for you. “This too shall pass”. Start with small actions. Use continuous positive daily habits towards what you want. While you keep self control of your mind and off of negative thoughts.
Realize that everyone has problems, challenges and losses in their lives. Your job is to know that it’s not the problem that’s the problem, but what you do with the problem that’s the problem. Know that what ever you have tried and did not succeed at does not mean that you give up. You must use persistence and faith to enjoy the journey.
Which brings me to the next topic; there are no mistakes only lessons. It’s easy to say “ I've tried that and it doesn't work” Success in your life is the result of good judgement  Good judgement is the result of experience. Experience is often the result of bad judgement.
So what ever it is that you want, from feeling better to feeling great. Getting to your next level in Tae Kwon-Do. Realize we learn something every time from our mistakes. (Sometimes called action signals, which just tells us to try a different way)
To really empower ourselves we must realize that questions are the answer. What you ask yourself does change your life. Understanding to look for the good within every challenge we have will sooner then later teach us that there is a positive or greater advantage with every challenge you are given on this journey. Here are samples of questions that change your state to be more positive and abundant. Ask yourself:
What am I grateful for in my life? Do I live in a free country? Who loves me and who do I love? Who are my true friends? Finally no matter what you’re facing ask: What’s good about this? Or what could be good about this?
Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe
This academy is a proud member of Tae Kwon-Do International Canada©

Blank Canvas

Today is the blank canvas you have been waiting for.  The clean slate, the blank page, the first snow fall the New Birth and breath of life.  What will you do with it?  How will you spend you 168 hrs/week, or 1440 minutes/day?  Will you fill them with Fears, Worries and Anxieties? Or will you allow the power that flows through you to come out so you and truly embrace the person you were created to be?  You were not created to be mediocre, but rather to be GREAT!  You were not created to accumulate stuff or things, but to impact lives and help others realize their potential. But before you can really help someone else you must first make sure you are on the path, not the right path just the path.  Because who’s to say what is right? 

But one of the biggest single lessons we will all have is that waiting for things to be perfect is allowing the idea, the goal, vision, or the dream to fade into obscurity.  Don't wait, take chances fall down, feel the bumps and bruises of learning and growing.  Get out of your comfort zone, and just make things happen. 

            

            Happy Goal Setting Day! 

Doug Weibe spoke at Willow Park Church this past weekend and said that he was NOT going to make Resolutions this year. I could not agree more, making a resolution is a waste of time.  There is not real energy or life breathed into a resolution…”This year I will eat better!”  What does that mean?  Look like, feel like, when do you want to do that and for how long?  Have you ever tried just changing something, maybe you were more successful than I was but it never turned out.  But once you identify that you must change and you develop your MAP (Massive Action Plan), and you get a taste of what that vision, dream, GOAL looks like and it becomes your passion.  It gives you a rush of energy, enthusiasm, and the ability to overcome so many little things that will come along to try and stop you from reaching your goals. 

            

           So again Happy Goal Setting Day, three main goals Health, Financial and Relationships.  Drill down and get specific who do you want a relationship with?  Start with you, get to know yourself and do not be afraid to sit in silence and just listen. Something will speak or flash words pictures or memories in your mind.  I call it God you can call it whatever you want, but that voice will let you know what to do in so many situations.  We just have to listen, and if it aligns with our core values then it is a great thing for you to do.

           

          So what are you core values?  That is another topic for another New Day.

Happy New Year, may your Year be filled with Blessings of abundance and joy, May you be fill Blessed with everything you need in life, the eyes to see the things around you, and the mind to understand the importance of those events, whether they be seen as Good or Bad.