As a martial arts instructor, one of the most rewarding aspects of our job is seeing how children evolve—not just in their techniques on the mat, but in their confidence, discipline, and overall mindset. But there’s one thing we often noticed that directly impacts their success: the way their parental figures talk about themselves, particularly…
As martial arts instructors, we spend a lot of time teaching our students about discipline, respect, and confidence. But one lesson that often goes hand-in-hand with these values is gratitude. Gratitude – our November Lesson of the Month – is not just a nice thing to do, but a way of life, and a powerful…
As parents, one of the most important jobs you have is helping your children navigate the many and varied emotions they feel every day. Regardless of their age, managing those feelings can be overwhelming – this is true for us adults sometimes too! As martial arts instructors, we help navigate emotions all the time on…
As an instructor and as a lifelong martial artist, I’ve seen and experienced firsthand the incredible benefits martial arts can bring to children and teens, not just in terms of physical fitness, but also in building character, discipline, and focus. However, with the increasing demands of school, chores, travel sports, family commitments, and extracurricular endeavors…
As karate instructors at BMA, we have the privilege of teaching students of all ages, from those who are just learning how to make a proper fist, to retirees who are trying something new and stepping on the mat for the first time. Regardless of age, learning to fail and lose gracefully is essential, however…
When people talk about the old adage “It takes a village to raise a child,” they often envision a tight-knit community of neighbors, friends, grandparents, aunts and uncles working together. This is absolutely true and a wonderful thing! However, the “villages” of days past are not the same as they are today, with families more…
We have all experienced, from time to time, that uneasy feeling you get when something doesn’t seem right. Often, we can’t put our finger on it, but we know that we feel bothered. For children, that uneasy feeling may show up as grumpiness or irritability, which can interfere with learning. Serotonin is a significant chemical…
When it comes to applying to college, students often look for ways to stand out from the crowd to the admissions officers – and they’re right to do so! While strong academic performance, volunteer work, and SAT/ACT scores are important, extracurricular activities can play a crucial role in showcasing a well-rounded and dynamic individual. One…
Parents of even the biggest sport-loving, happy-natured kids know what it’s like to look in the rearview mirror and see a moody, pouting child or teenager in the backseat. Whether they strike out at the plate, didn’t medal at a tournament, or just overall performed poorly, it can make the drive home from a game…
Hey Parents! In the warm summer months, getting your child off their bikes or out of the pool for martial arts class can sometimes be a challenge. But fear not! Check out some mindful strategies to help you navigate those moments when your little ninja needs an extra nudge. 1. Set the Stage: Pay attention…