Goal Setting 101

We all have heard about goal setting.  The martial arts
belt system is based around the SMART goal principles.  
Take a larger goal and break it into smaller bite size
pieces that offer a reward system for accomplishing
milestones.  The first step into really goal setting is to...

Know what you Want - Know exactly what you want.
Be precise.  If you are unclear on a small portion,
you maybe surprised by what comes your way.
Like a sail boat on the seas without a rudder, you will
drift around life with no clear direction.

Take Action - It’s not what you know but what you do
with what you know.  Great ideas with out action,
is dreaming.  However, sometimes the action to take
is visualizing the end result.  Work Smarter not harder.

Have Daily Habits - Inch by Inch life is a cinch,
yard by yard its hard. Consistent daily steps towards
the worthwhile goal is the easiest way to get there.

Be Willing to do what is Necessary - Sometimes
we know what we have to do, but we don’t do it.  We
make excuses why it can not be done that way, or why
we can’t do it that way.

With the Attitude of Gratitude- This is one of those
areas where we can get stuck.  Negative thinking and
doubt can come easily into our mind if we are not careful.
We can think that our goals will never happen, if we
don’t have the grateful attitude towards ALL things that
come our way.  Even the struggles and challenges.
They come to make us stronger and appreciate the goal
that much more.

Enjoy the Journey - You have heard the saying Life is
not a race but a journey.  This is one universal truth.
We can only get out what we put in, so put everything
into living each day to the fullest!  Live Full, Die Empty!
Leave nothing to chance, and give everything to every
relationship you have.  What will your legacy be?

Respectfully
Mr. Rowe

Back to School (We Hope)

Hard to believe that it is already August, and in just three and a half short weeks the kids will be going back to school.  For the first time my daughter said "I am Bored" yesterday, followed by a suggestion of helping her brother weed the front by me and Boredom left her mind.

      Most parents are excited for the routine, but will miss the uncertainty that comes from the ability to go and do things with their kids whenever they want.  But the reality is kids need a routine, most kids will thrive when things are structured.  Why?  according to Dr. Luara Markham it is because kids are afraid of uncertainty.  They are cautious of new places and situation.even foods.  (Maybe just my kids)  

      But the reality is that through routine kids, and adults, gain confidence in themselves. they learn about what they can do and in small increments can be exposed to new things.  That is where martial arts fits in.  While most class structure is routine (mediation, warm-up, sport related activity, cool down/stretching)  it is the middle section of sport related activity where they can be challenged.  Our SKILLZ Program does just that!  It offers a safe environment for your kids and yourself to be encouraged and inspired to do more than they thought?

      Dr Markham goes on to state "Children, like the rest of us, handle change best if it is expected and occurs in the context of a familiar routine.   A predictable routine allows children to feel safe, and to develop a sense of mastery in handling their lives."  So why do so many parents stop routines during the summer vacation?  Well if your like my house WE, as the parents want a break from all of the rushing around.  While I agree parents do need a break, Raising Family Network states why routine is good for parents:

• They free up time for you to think about other things while you work.

• Regular and consistent routines can help you feel like you’re doing a good job as a parent.

• When things are hectic, routines can help you feel more organised, which lowers stress.

• A routine will help you complete your daily tasks efficiently.

• As children get better at following a routine by themselves, you can give fewer instructions and nag less.

• Routines free you from having to constantly resolve disputes and make decisions. If Sunday night is pizza night, no-one needs to argue about what’s for dinner.

So Lets get back to routine!  Start with getting your kids involved in the fall activities now!  Even if it is only for a couple of weeks prior to the return to school.  It will get them focused on what will be required as the begin the journey in education again.  And really won't it be better to practice before school starts rather than wait for 2 weeks into classes?  
One way that we help kids get back into routine is by offering a Kids Leadership Summit!  This is a 3 hour program that will walk kids through the steps of Goal Setting, Conflict Resolution, and Internet Safety!  Friday August 22nd 12-3 pm at Quest Martial Arts.  email chris.rowe@kelownamartialarts.com to register.  The fee for the course is a donation to the Kelowna Food Bank!

Respectfully, 

Chris Rowe

How to stay MOTIVATED

A friend of mine shared this from Facebook, and it struck home, so I had to share.  This is a young lady who is very motivated and dedicated to her craft.  She was a member of the Gold Medal winning Canadian Women’s Hockey team this year in Sochi Russia.  She is laser focused and motivated to be her best here are the tips if they work for her they can work for us.  The emphasis is mine.

Take it ONE DAY at a time - Inch by inch life is a cinch, yard by yard it’s hard.  Each day is a present to be enjoyed and lingered in.  Don't be in a rush to have it end.  Be in a rush to focus on the gift before you.

Surround yourself with POSITIVITY - You are what you continually do!  Positive people, positive books, videos, things that will help you grow and water your spirit.

CREATE a Vision Board - Our mind works better with pictures than words!  Go through your favorite websites and books cutting out images of things you wish to do, have or create!

Make S.M.A.R.T. Goals - Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and Time Orientated.

REWARD Yourself - Every step forward is a step closer!  Breaking the Larger goal in to smaller more manageable bites is the best way to make your goals become your reality.  But just like reaching the goal, make sure you reward yourself that you might not normally do.

BELIEVE in Yourself - or rely on a friends belief in you until yours kicks in!

ACKNOWLEDGE Your positive attributes - You were born for greatness!  You have gifts and talents that yours to share with others.

RECOGNIZE your progress - towards a worth while goal!  To quote Anthony Robins "Every Day I am getting stronger and stronger, better and better, or smarter and smarter!"

VISUALIZE accomplishing your goals - See it as if it has happened, then make it happen!  I remember attending a conference with Les Brown, and Anthony Robins and Andy Nulman.  Andy Nulman used this skill and talked about how he visualized the result he wanted then reverse goal set to sell his company for millions of dollars!

BE KIND to yourself - RESPECT Yourself and others!  We are often our own worst critic, sometimes we have to remember to coach ourselves as we would coach others.  You would never come right out and tell someone you cared about that they are "So Stupid!"  Yet don't we say that to ourselves sometimes?  Okay I guess just me.

DON’T COMPARE yourself to others - Do YOUR best...your absolute best every day, and the results will come.  You are not in competition with others in life, you are here to be the best YOU can be...never look to someone else to see what they have, look inside yourself to see what you need!

Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Quest 9 Affirmations

We seem to have lots of things we say to get ourselves ready for action.  We have talked about some before Who am I? ... I am a Champion!
 The reason we do this is because it becomes who we are, we fake it until we make it.  We convince our body that we are capable of anything by saying it over and over.  Aristotle said “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  The more we say these types of things, the more we believe in them, the more our faith and belief in ourselves grows.

Quest 9 Affirmations
1) Do it Now, Do it Right, Do it All.  We have said in the past that Procrastination is the Assassination of Motivation, Whatever you HAVE to do, do it whether you like it or not.  However, also think about the fact that your goals and dreams were given to you to share with others, if you don't share them they are lost forever.

2) Problems are Opportunities in disguise, often disguised in work clothes.  Very rarely do things “Just Happen” or are people just “Lucky”. Their good fortune is usually the result of planting many seeds, and being ready when the opportunity presents itself.

3) You are what you think you are! Information plus what you choose to focus on becomes your personal reality! (I + F = PR) The information we take in plus our own focus (positive or negative) will determine our personal reality.  If your life outside is not what you want, look at your life inside and begin to make changes there.

4) Set NO limitations for yourself.  You can have, be, or create anything you set your mind on.  What would you ask for if there were no limits and anything was possible?  Now make that happen!  We need your dreams!

5) You can only be walked on if you lay down…Your dreams and goals and vision are important.  You are important and what you have to share with others is valued.  Don't listen to the critics that will say you can't, it has never been done before!  There was a Bishop in a small town in Ohio that said if God wanted man to fly he would have given him wings!  His sons did not listen to the critic, the Wright Brothers flew!

6) You were born rich!  You are not here on earth, in one of the most beautiful cities, greatest provinces and spectacular countries in the world to be mediocre … you are here to be great.  You are abundantly wealthy in so many areas of life.  Live your life as you were meant to.  Share your wealth of knowledge, compassion, money, love, and time with all you come in contact with!

7) Settle for nothing less than what you want.  As previously mentioned you are here for greatness.  You are given ideas, goals and vision of a future that you want.  There is nothing wrong with wanting it.  Keep working towards your goals.  It will not be easy, but worth it.

8) Your body is the vehicle for your soul, treat it with respect.  If you had the most expensive car in the world wouldn't you take care of it daily?  Wash it, put only the best fuel in it, and take it in for regular maintenance? Yet you are in possession of a one of a kind vehicle whose value is unmeasurable, and we don't always treat it with the same mentality.  Watch what you put into your body physically with food, but also mentally with music, books, and media.

9) You are responsible for your happiness.  You are the only one who can make you happy or sad.  If it is to be it is up to me!  Wake up in the morning and live as if this was your last day on this great planet.  Tell the people around you how much they mean to you.  Enjoy moments with friends or the quiet.  Be Happy.  Why are you happy…Because you CHOOSE to be!
Use these 9 affirmations in statements every morning for 30 days and see the impact it will have on your life, and the life of those around you.  Some will think you have lost your mind, but the reality is you will have found it and are on the path to mastering it!  
                                                                           Respectfully,
                                                                              Mr. Chris Rowe

Facing the FEAR of Martial Arts

Many professionals who think about doing self-defense classes or taking martial arts classes don’t for many reasons.  First and foremost there is the thought that they don’t have time.  Our focus is often on our kids and their activities.  Business owners don’t think anything will happen to them, or that they could get out of the situation without having to come to physical defense.  Or maybe they are afraid to look foolish…do you know anyone that fits any of those descriptions?  Anyone you may know intimately? 

Be honest and get out of BED (Blame, Excuse, Denial) and begin to debunk the excuses you are making for yourself.

There are 168 hours in the week I ask that you take 2 hours/week to get involved in something that, from my personal experience, will change your life if you let it.  With 25-40 hours/week for sleep you still have 128 hours, or more, to get out and learn martial arts.  How much TV do you watch?  What if you got up just 30 minutes earlier each morning that would give you 3.5 hours more each week, you have lots of time.

Taking martial arts or self-defense classes will give you confidence to deal with certain situations.  If your profession is running a small business or a realtor whose job it is to meet people you have never met before in sometimes an unfamiliar place, you need to be prepared for many different situations.  The chances are small that anything will happen, but like most types of insurance you are glad you have it if you need it.

The defensive situations do not even have to involve physical defense from an unknown assailant.  The skills you learn to de-escalate a situation may help with dealing with confrontation in the work place.  It may allow you to understand how you deal with external stress and the over whelming adrenal response that happens.  When you have to deal with the overbearing personality in the office or you are trying to communicate clearly and effectively while maintaining every ones dignity, the skills taught in most martial arts schools will help you in everyday life.

For some it may have been years since you felt unsure of what you were doing in your day.  So beginning something that you have never done or becoming the student again can be energizing and scary at the same time.  I know first had that as a 4^th Degree black belt it was an amazing feeling to put on a white belt as I started to learn another style of martial art.  Step into the unknown by choice, and continue your learning, not just of an art but also of yourself.  What you are truly capable of.   

FEAR is False Expectations Appearing Real, and it is a story that our mind makes up to prevent us from reach our true potential.  Start writing a new chapter where you become a Black belt!  If you have obtained that rank in a martial art then get back in and continue the journey.  

Respectfully, 

Mr. Chris Rowe

www.kelownamartialarts.com

250-869-0111

The Higher Faculties of your mind!

Higher Faculties of the Mind 

The five senses sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste are our antennas or receptors for getting information that we perceive from our world. There are also other senses that masters’ use called higher faculties of the mind. The word “Education” comes from the Latin word “Educo” which means to educe, develop or to draw from within. An educated person is a person who has so developed the faculties of their mind that they can acquire anything they want or its equivalent without violating the rights of others they are as follow;

Perception- This gives us our point of view. It is conditioned by the way you have been taught in life and which you believe to be the truth. The incredible thing about perception is we can alter it by choice and our whole world can change for the better.

Reason- it is the power to use our conscious mind to choose what we believe. We become what we think about.

Will - willpower is the ability to hold on to one positive idea without becoming distracted by a negative thought or distraction. We use this to stay mentally focused on our goal regardless of our current circumstance or situation.

Memory- Have you ever heard or said “I have a bad memory?” I think most of us would admit having said or heard that at least once in our lives. The truth is that there are no bad memories just untrained ones. Work your memory like any other muscle. You use it or lose it.

Imagination- As little children we used this all the time until one day some well meaning adult or significant teacher in our lives told us to stop daydreaming. It seems that the older we get the more we filter incoming words and ignore the 90% or more of unspoken communication. When you put creative thought to work in your mind and become an imaginary you can create your dream life in your mind. Hold on to that thought with willpower and manifest what you want into your material life.

Intuition - Is the connection to your God, your higher self whatever you choose to call it.  It is your gut feeling, and lets you know when things are good or bad. It is your connection to other peoples vibrational state.  It is what tells you when someone walking to the room whether they are in a good or bad mood.

By using these higher faculties you can impact your results and achieve whatever you set your mind to.  What we think about we bring about, we are what we repeatedly do.  Use every once of your mental and physical ability to be the person you were designed to be.

Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Self Defense - 101

     Self defense is a hot topic, often people will ask for one go to move.  The reality is, there is not, it depends on the situation and surroundings.  Is it self-defense from an unknown attacker or a fight that breaks out with someone you know?  When I teach self defense class we talk about three boundaries;

1) Gut Feeling - this is your own instinct that tells you when things are bad, or have that potential. It is at this stage that you need to remove yourself from the area.  Don't let your ego trick your mind in thinking that nothing bad will happen, or at least not to you.  Even if you have trained in martial arts or done a few classes, there are so many variables that can cause a situation to go bad.

2) Verbal Boundary - It is at this stage if you are really aware, and you listen to someone you may be able to de-escalate the situation and control it. If during a heated argument the other person says "Shut up or I am going to punch you in the face!"  What stands out from that comment?  For most people it "I am going to punch you in the face!"  and rightly so.  But that is just part of it.  That person has just told you what they want...for you to stop talking.  You have said something, intentionally or not that they can not process in any other way than to threaten you.

During this De-escalation phase - there are opportunities for you to be able to walk away without having to fight or defend yourself physically.  

     A) Get your ego out of the way, and accept that you said something that offended them and apologize.  

    B) Avoid threatening them.  Saying something like "Try it and I will kick your teeth in!" Is not going to allow you to walk away.

    C) Don't deny that they will carry their threat through "No you won't, you're chicken!"  Another way to start a fight.

     D) Allow them to leave with dignity  You have said everything you need to, to calm them down and instead of walking away, you say something like "I thought so!"  Yes, you had better be ready to defend yourself.

3) Physical boundary - This is the go stage, where you have tried to calm the other person down verbally and it does not work.  You have to be prepared to physically defend yourself.  This is where you need to get off the couch and practice!  There is NO class that you can do once and feel really safe.  You need to practice the skills over and over so that they become your habit.  The skills should involve gross motor skills, because under stress your fine motor skills will be less effective.  So we focus on elbows, knees, palm heal strikes and hammer fists.

If you have thought about getting involved and learning to defend yourself and your family or want information on our next class give us a call 250-869-0111!

Respectfully, 

Chris Rowe

Whats the S.C.O.R.E.?

S.C.O.R.E System This is a system of being in the ZONE in all arenas of your life originally learned from Mr. Jim Fannin. Whether it is being a spouse, brother, sister, mother, father, employee or any other arena you have. It is important to have vision for each arena and to work towards that vision you need to know the S.C.O.R.E.

Self-Discipline - Self-discipline means to take a thought from start to finish. Discipline is not a punishment it is a choice we make. Discipline is the bridge from goals to living your dreams and vision. It takes discipline to be an advancing person. Advancing people do more than what is expected of them whether at school, at your job, or at home. It also means giving more in value back to the person than they give you in dollar value.
Concentration - is the ability to focus our mental and physical energy on the task or tasks necessary to reach our goals and vision of our dream life. You must know what you want (meaning your goal and vision) first, before you can optimize your mental energy and the faculties of your mind

                           - Perception 

                           - Reason 

                           - Will Power 

                           - Memory 

                           - Intuition 

                           - Imagination 

 Optimism - it is expressed belief, expectancy, and confidence in ones self to achieve your goal(s). For optimism to work you must first have faith…which is believing before seeing results. Optimism helps you to push your mental and physical terror barriers (things our mind says we can not do) to open new opportunities that would other wise not happen if we did not try something new or uncomfortable.

Relaxation - means “Purposeful Calm”, being mentally and physically comfortable in the moment. Poor performance in the field (sports, school, business) happens when we do not relax on purpose; negative thoughts enter our minds and tighten us up. Your best actions take place when you naturally relax. Take a deep breath on purpose and be mindful while you do it.

Enjoyment - is satisfaction, passion, pleasure, excitement, enthusiasm in/or reaching for our goals or visions having an authentic, passionate, happy personality in everything you do.

                                                                                                               Respectfully, Mr. Chris Rowe

Motivational Questisms

Motivational Questisms
  As we work towards our goals, we often are hit with stumbling blocks whether it be our training levelled off and we no longer see the same gains, or we have run into some energy vampires and let them get to us.  Here are my top 4 Questisms, things that I have said to help myself overcome some sort of challenge in my life. When challenged with a situation that threatens to hold you back, say one of these that apply, and feel the energy surge! Whenever possible say them out loud and with authority as if you are demanding that it happen.  When you say things out loud you activate more than one sense that helps to energize your body, mind and spirit!

  Coach Flower – “Who am I?  I am a Champion!” Regardless of your station whether you compete in tournaments or in life you are a Champion!  You are not here on Earth to be mediocre, or to “just get by” You are here to flourish and be abundant!  Instead of asking “What do you want?” ask “What do I expect!”

  Master Zaleski – “Do it Now Do it Right Do it All!” Procrastination is the assassination of Motivation.  We all have things we do not want to do…Use this long standing Questism to keep you motivated to be disciplined doing what you HAVE to so you can do what you WANT to!

  Les Brown – “If you can look up you can get up!”  You will fall down during training for your black belt, and at other times as well.  It is not the fact that you fell down, but what you did when it happened!  If you can look up you can get up…it won't always be easy but it will always be possible!

  Grand Master C.K. Choi – “A warrior is always ready!”  For whatever maybe asked…Think about the belt testing, blue belts should know all the things from previous belts so that if asked you can demonstrate them for a junior.  If asked to perform your pattern you should be able to do so to the best of your ability!

Not only do these quotes apply to our martial arts training, but to any area of life.  You do not need to be a Champion Tae Kwon-Do player to be a Champion in other areas, and by “Warrior” I am referring to the fact that we are all still in a battle against negative thinking every day.  Sometimes from within!  Stay Positive and use these tools everyday!      

Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Being pulled in different directions?

Many people think of life's balance as a marble at the bottom of a bowl.  Actually, this is static equilibrium with no pressure being exerted on the marble from any direction.  The marble just sits there.

When you turn the bowl over and put the marble at the very top of the bowl, that's balance.  The marble could fall in any direction and any movement could cause the marble to fall.  That's a good picture of what balance is in your life.   Balance means balancing the tensions that come from the various areas of our life.

Everyone has tension in life:  What bills should I pay this week?  Should I spend the evening with the family or work on this report?  What am I going to do this weekend, go to the beach or to the office?

In order to handle this tension in your life you need to realize that it is a constant in life.  Your life is going to be pulled in different directions and your job is to try to keep them in balance.  Just as you would shift the bowl to keep the marble from falling off one side or the other, you need to shift your focus from one area to another to keep your life in balance.

The four areas to keep in balance in your life are social, physical, mental, and spiritual.  Physical needs are health and economic needs.  Social needs are relationships.  Mental needs are the stimulus to grow and prosper in your life.  Spiritual needs are those needs that every human being has to know themselves and where they come from.

Like the marble how will you stay balanced with tension?

What areas of your life do you feel you need to work

on to stay in balance?

Balancing Your Life

How can an out-of-balance view of life cause you

 to miss out on much of what life has to offer?

A young boy was walking through the park.  As he looked down he saw a penny shining up at him out of the grass.  He picked it up and was so excited and pleased with his find that every time he went out he would always look for money on the ground.

Over the years by keeping his eyes on the ground he found many pennies, nickels, quarters, and even a couple dollar bills.  The total he found over his life was $20.86.

Looking at the ground to find the money hadn't cost him anything, so he thought.  But in reality the true cost of this unbalanced way of looking at life had cost him plenty.  It cost him about 30,000 sunsets and 500 rainbows.  It cost him watching his children on the playground and other places as they grew up.  It cost him noticing the birds in the trees, the sun in the sky, and all kinds of beautiful things.  All because his look at life was so unfocused.

If we live our lives out of balance we can become like the little boy.  We will have a view of the world that misses the full panorama that the world offers us.  Balance your life. 

 Don't settle for the change on the ground.

6 Human Needs

Anyone who has travelled with me in a car knows I love listening to self-help cds. It is one way that I invest in myself, as well as utilize my time to the fullest. Rather than listen to negative media, or bad music all the time I listen to various speakers, Les Brown, Brian Tracey, Craig Grochel and probably my all-time favorite Anthony Robbins. Anthony Robbins talks 6 essentials of what we as humans need. Sometimes they conflict with each other and sometimes they can cause both pain and pleasure. But if we dig down through everything we will discover these 6 basic needs.  Once we understand these 6 basic needs, we can use this knowledge to help to change our habits. Here are Anthony Robbins 6 Human Needs

1. Certainty: assurance you can avoid pain and gain pleasure.  If I want certainty, I replay the same song or movie because I know what to expect. There are no surprises. The past does not equal the future.

2. Uncertainty/Variety: the need for the unknown, change, new stimuli. There is uncertainty in everyday and what we do with that uncertainty that shows our character. The only certain thing in life is that there is uncertainty.

3. Significance: feeling unique, important, special or needed. We all want to be important or standout, and have a purpose.  We can heal ourselves from so many things by holding onto our purpose.

4. Connection/Love: a strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something. The thought that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves will drive us to want to connect with people.  If I help enough other people get what they want I will always get what I want and deserve.

5. Growth: an expansion of capacity, capability or understanding.  Constant and never ending improvement towards a worthwhile goal it is the foundation of the daily habits we need to create for ourselves.  What are you doing today to help you overcome what you could not do yesterday?  Step in to the unknown by choice!

6. Contribution: a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to and supporting others.  Understanding that you do not climb the high mountain alone and if you want to get to the top of the mountain then you have to help others get there before you.  Live full Die Empty

Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Uncommon Success

I watched a video from one of my favorite authors and a mentor
Robin Sharma and here are some key highlights...
Know your ONE thing – Do not try and be all things to all
people…if you own your own business what is your one thing
that will be your game changer? That one thing, that will have
the greatest impact on your business. Maybe it is focussing on
your gift or talent. Know your one thing.
Three Key Habits – These are not goals, these are fundamental
changes that you NEED to make to get that uncommon success.
Those keys steps, that will be a part of your greater action plan,
things that will allow you to really get the most out of each day.
Here are some examples.
           a. Get up earlier so that you have time to read
           b. Journal Each day
           c. After work, take a few minutes before you go
                inside your house to set your mind clear on
                loving your family
           d. Training 2-3 times/week
Remember that you have to do something for 66 days before it
replaces old thinking.
Delete Energy Vampires – those people that when you are
around, they are complaining about…everything. How is your
day? And they unload all the bad things that have happened.
You tell them your dream or vision of your awesome future and
they try to sabotage it, by telling you how dumb it is, or that it is
stupid. Politely let them go, so that you can surround yourself
with people who will encourage, support, and drive you to
succeed.
Invest in Personal Development – Invest in seminars, books, in
audio books, anything where you can hear or read a great
message, or meet great people. It will come back at least 30
times to you. Every time you go to an event you just have to get
one good idea, lead, or confirmation to make it worthwhile.
(Personally I have many CD's of Anthony Robins, Brian Tracey,
audio books of Les Brown, Books by Robin Sharma, Steven
Covey, Paulo Cohen that I just keep listening to, or reading) Try
to go to one seminar or event each year. (Leadership Summit –
here in Kelowna in October is a great one!)
Seek out BIG Joy- First get joyful, happy, find peace and that will
lead to success. Once you get into those states you boost your
dopamine, become more energized, and have more focus. Do
those things you want to, don't wait for that promotion, for
some future event to give yourself permission to seek out BIG
joy…Do it now Do it Right Do it All applies everywhere not just
during tasks we do not want to do.
Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

The Benefits of Age Specific training in Martial arts

Most martial arts schools will have classes spread over a couple of different ages groups.  As with any business it is dependent on the number of kids in the program.  For most schools you would want to see about 5-1, or 6-1 depending on the age range of the kids, and their ability.  At Quest we have implemented a new SKILLZ program that targets a very specific age range with a small ratio of kids to instructors, and here is why…

3-4 year olds love physical activity and anything involving play. They have a rich imagination and strong desire to be less dependent on their usual caregivers. The problem we discovered is that many children this age have a hard time with structure in a group environment like what is commonly found in most Martial Arts schools. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that keeps them entertained while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said, a structured program introducing early skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

5-6 year olds are the most enthusiastic students. They love creativity and problem solving, which makes them ideal students in the Martial Arts. The problem we discovered is they are so progressive in following tasks, some teachers tend to treat them like their older peers. This is a problem because they still do not have

the basic skills necessary to keep up with children ages 7 and up. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that adapts to their social and intellectual curiosity while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing basic skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

7-9 year olds are what most people consider "the golden age." They are proficient in their vocabulary and problem-solving skills, yet they are not at the age where they want complete independence from adults. This makes the teacher-student relationship stronger than ever. The problem we discovered is they still lack core skills, and although they are highly intelligent, they struggle to keep up with students ages 10 and up. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that adapts to their adventurous attitude and youthful nature while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing core skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

10-14 year olds are the smartest students in the school. Yes, they are smarter than most adults! They are also physically competent and can excel in most physical challenges that are presented to them. The problem we discovered is they are so focused on what is socially acceptable that they have a hard time keeping themselves emotionally driven to the task at hand. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that nurtures their social and emotional instability while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing extreme skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

As a parent it is important for you to know what your child is learning and who it is impacting them.   Make sure you stay and watch your child play and compete in martial arts class so that they can show you how they are doing, and you can encourage them at the same time.  

We think of it as martial arts skills but lessons for life.

Goal Setting for 2014

Every year at this time we tend to set New Year Resolutions,
most of which are dreams, or a vision of a Utopia that is not obtainable.
The difference between goal setting and dreaming and vision comes
from the simple act of writing it down. Only about 5% of people will set
(write down) their goals. Then even fewer take continued steps to
achieve their goals. Here are some basic steps from author and coach
Brian Tracy to remember as getting ready to make 2014 your best year
ever!

Goal setting - be SMART. Every morning take some time to review
your goals, re-write them in the presence tense as if it has happened
already. That way you begin to imbed them deep into your super
conscious. Visualize either just with your mind or use a vision board,
and get excited about the reality you are creating. It will open your mind
to the potential of the day, and you will begin to have the LUCK you
were waiting for. Really there is no such thing as luck, just your good
fortune masked in the form of your hard work.

Planning and Organizing - if you fail to plan you are planning to fail.
Plan your next move for the following day. Before bed utilize the aspect
of journaling to release any challenges that occurred that day as well
as set your super conscious mind in motion for what it will need to
work on threw out the night. Just ask the question and let the Universe
work it out. It is important to plan on paper, it helps with keeping the
goals in the front of your mind instead of hidden under the day.

Concentration on your High Value Activities - Do it Now, Do it Right,
Do it All! Do not let yourself get distracted by "tasks". Things that
could get done either by someone else or at a later time. What is the
one or two things that will bring the biggest bang for your buck!
Exercise and Proper Nutrition - Garbage in Garbage out! Your health
is more important than anything else. By disciplining yourself to
exercise regularly and to eat carefully, you will promote the highest
possible levels of health and fitness throughout your life. As well
when you FEEL physically strong you will be mentally strong.

Learning and Growth - Learners are Earners! Your mind is like a
muscle. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Continuous learning and
personal growth is the minimum requirement for success in any field.
Time for Important People in Your Life - Self, Family, Business. It all
begins with you...it is not selfish to take time for you to do something
that inspires you. Maybe that is coming to Quest to train, maybe sit and
meditate or read. Then remember that without your friends and family
any success you have will feel hollow. Be sure that in climbing the
ladder of success, you do not find it leaning against the wrong building.
Build time for your relationships into every day, no matter how busy
you get.

Finally it all comes down to Action! It is not what you know but what
you do with what you know! The best laid plans or of no use unless
you take the steps to make it happen. Watching the most motivational
videos, or read books does nothing if you don't do something with it.


Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe