Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Mindset for mastery in Tae Kwon-Do and Life.


      Everything that you are about to read and learn is based on timeless principles. Please know that I respect your intelligence to much too just tell you that these principles work and then just expect you to believe me. The only proof that they work will be the results you will receive if you use them.

     The first principle to understand is that the universe is an abundant place that works whether we are aware of these principles or not. These principles can be used for good if you become consciously aware of them or may work against you if you are ignorant of them. For example think of universal Ki energy like a river that flows continuously, you may use a boat to flow down the river to where you want to go very quickly and safely or you may just jump in and drown. The “river” doesn’t care if you are a positive person or a negative thinker if you ignore the rule of water and don’t float or swim you will go under. It just is… “It’s not what we know, but what we do with what we know” that counts.

     The second principle is that our own beliefs become our limitations. These principles work even if you think you are too young or to old, to thin or to fat, your religion or nationality holds you back or whether you are a male or a female. The principles are neutral and we direct them through our own minds…”If it is to be it is up to me.”

     The third principle is to know the difference of right thinking, positive thinking and negative thinking. Right thinking is based on truth and not illusion, positive and negative thinking is filtered through your belief system. Right thinking is being aware of the reality and truth of any situation.

     The forth principle is that the truth sets us free. It’s not a matter of being positive or negative, but of simply just being yourself. Which means you are allowing your higher self to reveal the truth in every situation that you are involved with to resolve it self perfectly. This may sound magical, but I can assure you that it is only the principle law of cause and effect in action.

     All of the great master’s since the beginning of time have tried to awaken us to the fact that we create our own reality. More importantly, that we are responsible for everything that happens in our lives. This includes the good, the bad and the ugly. When you understand that your outer world is a reproduction of your inner 
world it will cause you to look at yourself in new ways.

     Just know that no amount of determination, will power, inspiration or motivation will solve our problems if we look outside of our selves for the answer.

Monday, June 25, 2012

The Action Habit




The ability to master this one habit is greater than intelligence, talent, and abilities in determining your advancement through to the ranks of master in Tae Kwon-Do. The action habit is putting ideas into action now, and this is essential to get things done. These ideas will help you if you’re not already doing them.

      * Conditions will never be perfect – If you wait to start until conditions are perfect, you probably never will. There will always be something that isn’t quite right. We’ve heard the excuses before…it’s not the right time, there is too much competition or the economy isn’t very good at this moment. The economy is between your ears. (Meaning that what you think about you bring about). In the reality there is no perfect time to start. You have to take action and deal with challenges for your own growth as they arise.

      * Do it now- if you want to get to your next level in whatever you desire, practice doing things rather than just thinking about them, Do it today. The longer an idea sits in your head without being acted on, the weaker it becomes. After a few days the details get hazy. After a week it’s forgotten completely. When you do it now, do it right and do it all you’ll get more done and at the same time stimulate new ideas.

      *  Ideas alone don’t bring success- Of course they are important, but only after you have taken action! Just an average idea that’s been put into action is more effective than the big idea that you’re saving for “someday”. If you have an idea, then do something about it. Take action or it will perish in your mind. Someday is in the land of nowhere.

      * Action cures fear – Have you ever noticed that the most difficult part of competition (if you have ever competed) is waiting for your turn to compete? Even masters including myself have felt the pre-performance anxiety. But once you get started the fear disappears. Action is the best cure for fear. You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.


     Respectfully, 


                   Master Zaleski



Friday, June 1, 2012

Personal Self Mastery


Personal Self Mastery

       Practising the “Kaizen” of Personal Self Mastery means that you are committed to the continuous improvement of everything you do, in all areas of your life.

     Self-discipline, then, is not an act of controlling and punishing yourself, but is motivated by self-love. When we do what we know is best for us by choice we are using the tool of self discipline (also known as personal power) to create self mastery. The acronym C.A.N.I., made famous by Tony Robbins means Constant And Never-ending Improvement.

     Every one of us has a part within us that will guide us through our inborn higher faculties of our minds to create personal self mastery and a better life for ourselves as well as those around us. In Tae Kwon-Do we quickly realize that when we start to improve in one area, (our training for example) we have to improve our water intake and nutrition and/or stop eating and drinking certain things.

     The start of self mastery in TKD begins with faith. Meaning - believe in yourself, before you see the results you want.

     As your personal power grows, you naturally take the driver’s seat to your destiny. This includes assuming complete and full responsibility for the direction your life is headed. You realize that you can create anything you want, within your circle of influence, and according to your skills, talents and competence. Some say this takes self-discipline. I like the term personal power, and the willingness to make a choice. Real power comes from listening to the stirring of your higher self. To become who we are meant to be means living in harmony with the mysterious heartbeat of life itself. Unfolding your potential can not be made to happen from the level of ego, it can only be supported by creating the right mental conditions.

     In the end, Personal Mastery is the journey of tapping your full potential as a human being – through being the leader of your life, and by co-creating with the spirit that runs through us all. Enjoy the journey!

                                                                       Respectfully,
                                                                                Master Dan Zaleski

Tuesday, May 29, 2012



5 New Black Belts!


For 5 students at Quest Martial Arts Academy it was the realization of many years of hard work, dedication and self-discipline, they have achieved their First degree black belt in Tae Kwon-Do.  Catherine Johnson, Lisa Nishi, Pam Horton, TaeJin Sohn and Wendy Desrosiers all received their Black belts at Quest Martial Arts.  The 5 where joined by Loren Kuich 2008 & 2010 member of Canadian Team, and Donald Godon also a member of the 2010 Team Canada as the newest 2nd Dan black belts as well as Eric Koch member of the 2010 Team Canada, now a 3rd Dan Black belt.

            Achieving your black belt is only something that a maybe 1 out of 100 people might do.  Many 

people  start the journey, but it is hard and lined with opportunity for personal growth, and not many people 

can take that type of action.  These 8 individuals have received something more important than a belt or a 

certificate, they have received the gift of knowing what they are capable of when they truly focus their mind.

Congratulations Everyone!

Respectfully,

Chris Rowe
Chief Instructor
Quest Martial Arts Inc.


Monday, May 28, 2012

Running Tips for Safety

    While the weather is finally getting warmer, I have seen alot of people out running and walking the Mission Park Greenway here in Kelowna.  As one of those people out running, it always suprises me how unaware some people seem to be.  At Quest Martial Arts we talk about the ABC's of self defence. 

A) There are no rules - use anything you have to defend yourself, car keys, rocks sticks...the normal rules that we live by go out the window when you are dealing with your own personal saftey.  Even going as far as through a rock through a car or house window.

B) Be aware of your suroundings and people who may be around. Your intuition can save your life if we listen to it.

C) Stay in shape, most self defence situations will last for 30 sec. to 1 minute, under adrenaline stress so.  Unlike just going for a 1 minute run, it is more like running full sprint with a bear chasing you...

Here is a top 10 list of things to be aware of while you are out enjoying the sunshine and nature we are so blessed to be living in;

1) Always be aware of the trail, and things that obscure your view.  Trees, corners and blind spots can all be great hiding places for someone to jump out at you.

2) Let someone kow where you are going and when you expect to return.  Sounds simple enough but most of us over look it.  Any kind of trouble whether it comes from an injury or something worse, you have a back up plan.

3) Stay alert while running avoid wearing both earbuds while running.  While it helps to distract the mind from discomfort of running, it also stop syou from hearing if someone is coming up from behind you.

4) Ladies with long hair should avoid having it in a ponytail that is accessable for someone to grab.  Have it tucked into your swaeter or shirt if possible. 

5) Keep your cell phone with you and easily accessable at all times.  In case you begin to get the feeling that something is not right, you can quickly make a phone call. 

6) If you are approached, remain as calm as possible.  More often than not the person approaching has no intention of doing anything they may just be asking a question.  That being said always be aware of their tone, body lanuage and movements. 

7) Communicate effectively - Be assertive with your tone and body langauge but do not come across as uncaring or errogant.  If asked for change, "No I am sorry I don't but have a great day." "Back off I don't want any trouble..."  Being loud not only alerts anyone else who maybe around that there is trouble, but it will also help with controlling your emotions.

8) Keep your open hands in front of your face to avoid being sucker punched.

9) Become offensive and attack.  Knees and elbows are the best techniques, highly effective and a larger margin for error.

10) At a bare minimum you should be taking a self defence class/seminar every couple of months so that you keep the movments fresh in your mind and body. 

Happy Running!

Chris Rowe

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Local Martial Artists Kick it Up

    Approximately 170 martial artists from BC and Alberta competed at the Tae Kwon-Do International Western Canadian Championships this past weekend. Fifty competitors from Kelowna’s own Quest Martial Arts Academy took home 40 medals including Jon Zaleski who captured the Grand Championship for sparring and patterns in the Black belt Division. Mr. Zaleski and several other members of Quest Martial Arts are training hard for the World Championships to be held in 2013 in England.


    “Although most of the competitors were Tae Kwon-Do, both WTF and ITF were represented, we were honored to have Chilliwack Central Karate Club which has been traveling to competing at our Okanagan events for the past 5 years.” says Mr. Chris Rowe Chief Instructor of Quest Martial Arts. Mr. Rowe went on to say that, “Next year we are planning a Canadian Championships to be held here in Kelowna which will not only bring some great competition but also will help to continue to grow the tourism in the Okanagan Valley.”

    This sentiment was echoed by Tae Kwon-Do International Canada President Master Dan Zaleksi 8th degree Black belt who was also in attendance to cheer on the players and continues to grow and spread the true spirit of Tae Kwon-Do, along with one of the Pioneers of Tae Kwon-Do Grand Master C.K. Choi 9th degree black belt and Master Zaleksi instructor for the past 35 years. “To watch these two high ranking Master and Grand Master walk around and interact with kids and adults taking pictures and signing autographs was amazing to see. The impact these simple gestures can have on people will stay with them for years. Quest Martial Arts would also like to thank the Ron Cannan MP For Kelwona, Lake Country for supporting the event, and offering words of encouragement and support to competitors and volunteers.



For further information on this please call Chris Rowe at 250-869-0111

Wednesday, May 2, 2012


Be Happy Now

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for the something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. All you have to do is know where you are going. The answers will come when you are ready to hear and learn them on their own accord. There is no way to happiness because being happy is the way.

We are never too old or to young to set new goals.

There are just these easy steps to follow:
Know what you want,
        Take action,
        Have daily habits towards your goal(s),
        Be willing to do what’s necessary
       With the attitude of gratitude and then
        Enjoy the journey because its going to appear in your life.

In Tae Kwon-Do we use the term intentional excellence. This is eliminating negative thinking on purpose by being aware, and focussing our thoughts by will power to choose positive thought. When you do this it produces more natural energy through your body to achieve goal setting results faster.

The development of true will power comes from the constant repetition of correct thought patterns. These thoughts are then accepted into our sub conscious minds and become our habits which are how we create stronger true will power.
It is important to remember that what the superior Tae Kwon-Do person seeks is within his or her  self. What the small person seeks is in others.

Respectfully,
                                                                                          Mr. Chris Rowe