The Karate Studio

Dojo birthdays are the best and the birthday boy worked everyone hard during the warm-up last night. Happy birthday Waylin!!

What did you do yesterday? Stop by and say hello and try out a free class!

It's been a busy week at The Karate Studio. We had one new student enroll and three potential students waiting patiently this morning to try out a free class!
If you have ever wondered if Karate is for you, come give us a try! We are now enrolling students ages 5-105!
We can't wait to see you on the floor!

As kids are heading back to school this week, it is a great time to remember lessons that are learned in the dojo. Not just punching and kicking and blocking--but those unannounced lessons: Patience, discipline, respect, motivation.

At The Karate Studio, our vision is to instill traditional values of respect, discipline, self-control, and motivation in students of all ages, as we strive for perfection in the practice of martial arts.

Respect—
In martial arts, respect for ourselves and others is seen as a basic strength. Respect is a feeling of admiration for someone or something. It expresses our regard for positive and valuable accomplishments.
Respect for each other, for all humans, is valuable and worthwhile. To show this respect, we bow to each other—before class, during class, and after class. “Onegaishimasu.” Please teach me, work with me, allow me to learn from you. Working together helps to reinforce our respect for each other as individuals.
Showing respect for our instructors and seniors as well as our dojo and the style we practice is another way we practice respect. We watch as seniors explain and demonstrate. We ask questions if we don’t understand, and we work to try and follow instructions to the best of our ability, even if they aren’t watching us at that time. Our dojo is a special place and we work hard to keep it clean and follow the traditions that have been handed down from instructor to instructor throughout the history of our style.
Respect for excellence is another celebration; individually as well as through the dojo. Belt systems to rank students are used. To attain the next rank, students must perform in front of their dojo brothers and sisters as well as family members and friends who come and watch. This pressure to perform in front of those who love us adds to our respect for the rank that we attain and the hard work that we put in to get there. We learn and practice self-discipline, self-control, and patience. Every class we participate in allows us to strengthen our understanding of what respect is, how it works, and why it matters.

Broadway Family Karate: “3 Ways Martial Arts Teaches Respect”

Five Reasons to Begin Karate

1. It’s a fun way to work out and get into shape.
We hear this all the time: “I’ll start, but I need to get in shape first.” Or, “I’ll start when I’m in better shape.”
Here’s the truth—you don’t have to get in shape before you start karate. Karate is one of the ways you get in shape!
And you don’t have to do it alone. According to Village Gym, 50% of people say they find it difficult to work out on their own. Let us help you get moving, get stronger, and have fun while you do it!

2. Mental health is important!
Karate can be a great way to relieve stress in today’s fast-paced world. It combines physical activity, mindfulness, and discipline to help you slow down, focus, and take a break from the demands of everyday life.

3. Again… mental health is important!
Karate can help develop mindfulness, focus, self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. It can also provide a positive outlet for managing stress and frustration.
And the best part? You’re working on your mind while you’re working on your body.

4. One more time… mental health is important!
Karate isn’t just about punches, kicks, and learning how to defend yourself. It’s also about people.
You’ll meet new friends, become part of a community, and build relationships with people who are working toward their own goals right alongside you.

5. Karate is just FUN!
Seriously. Come see for yourself! Try a FREE class and discover what karate can do for you. Now enrolling ages 5–105!
Come join us at The Karate Studio!

Behind the Scenes

A mysterious place, rarely seen. Especially in the dojo.

Students come to class, learn and practice, and then they leave. The sensei will lead the workout and will show techniques in a way that students can learn. But the students rarely get to see the sensei working out, practicing kata, working through bunkai. They don't see the countless hours the sensei spends researching and practicing techniques. They don't get to see the sensei learning----participating as a student in class.

“A teacher can never truly teach unless he is still learning himself.” --Rabindranath Tagore

We had a fantastic time today at our second summer seminar! We worked kumite (sparring drills) and then went outside to practice our punches....with water balloons!!
Thanks to all those who came out to participate in our seminar and a special thanks to our parents who stayed and helped out with the end activities!

It doesnt get much better than celebrating your birthday, dojo style!!
Happy 10th birthday Ian!

Happy Independence Day! TKS celebrated America's 250th birthday with fun and games, and, of course, the traditional red white and blue!
Stay safe and have a great day with family and friends!

Pride
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines pride as pleasure that comes from some relationship, association, achievement, or possession that is seen as a source of honor, respect, etc.

Pride, for me, comes from watching students grow—from the youngest white belt to the most experienced black belt. These students put their hearts into their training, and it showed today.

Pride, for me, is helping students learn and truly understand the art they have chosen to study.

Pride, for me, is hearing a parent share that their child was so excited about a two-hour karate workshop that he woke her up at 6 a.m.—even though the workshop didn’t start until 9 a.m.

Pride, for me, is seeing the resilience students show when faced with challenges—watching them push through and master difficult techniques.

Pride, for me, is the students who want to do one last thing before they leave--show me their latest matchbox car--tell me about their upcoming trip or about family coming to visit--discuss their work or their loved ones--anything to keep themselves in the dojo just a little bit longer.

Pride, for me, is our dojo--our family of karateka.

It takes a village....even for adults.

The wise warriors welcomed a young lady tonight who is moving off to the big city this weekend. Mom and dad asked if we could give her some helpful tips before she left, so we had an impromptu self defense and empowerment class. Everyone had a fantastic time and worked hard!

Best of luck in Boston!