What Does Martial Arts Replace In Modern Life?

Transcription

1 News For Students and Parents Enrolled In Frankfort Black Belt Academy March 2012 Issue What Does Martial Arts Replace In Modern Life? What do Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter have in common? Right, they re heroes : they left their comfortable lives, stepped up to bigger challenges, faced difficulties, fought their way through roadblocks and, in the end, became true leaders. Guess what? As a martial artist, you re doing the same thing. You re taking the same steps heroes over the ages have taken. Sure, it s a different path, but the steps are the same. You, too, are on an adventure. Here is what happens: 1.) The hero finds himself in a place they don t desire to be. 2.) The hero is told that there is something else out there. 3.) The hero crosses into a new world, leaving the old world behind. 4.) The hero goes into an adventure, meeting new people, learning new skills and overcoming obstacles. 5.) Having succeeded in the new world, returns to the old world, changed. A well-known author, Joseph Campbell, published a book called, The Hero of a Thousand Faces over 60 years ago, describing this exact formula. Dr. Campbell discovered that throughout A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. human history, the hero s journey story has been told by nearly every culture. You can find DVD sets of Dr. Campbell s book and many interviews in your local library or on the web. As we browsed through YouTube videos, we got hooked on the stories Dr. Campbell told. Stories of adventure, drama, facing tribulations, making choices and coming home stories told around a campfire for thousands of years in different tribes around the world. Dr. Campbell researched the common thread many legends and stories shared and he found a pattern, a blueprint of life s formula hearing the call to adventure, setting out on your journey, facing the trials of life, conquering and sharing the experience. We thought to ourselves, This sure sounds like our students and what they face at our academy. You heard the call to adventure and enrolled in our academy. You entered a new world of martial arts. You re now testing your resilience, confronting your physical and emotional limits, learning from mentors, performing and demonstrating a public execution of your new skills and eventually, you ll teach lower ranks the skills you ve learned. In this way, martial arts training replaces the rituals and initiations normally taught by elders and higher-ranking members of Master Kikoen & Ms Hoogheem Owners & Certified Instructors IN THIS ISSUE: Feature Article: What Does Martial Arts Replace in Modern Life? Mar 2012 Student of the Month: Sean Spicer! Calendar of Events Announcements Welcome to the Family! New students and upgrading members! Student Birthdays Martial Arts Mania! Referral Reward And much, much more! Through The Ranks is published monthly by: Frankfort Black Belt Academy W. Laraway Road Frankfort, IL For a complimentary subscription, please call (708) All content copyright 2011, Through The Ranks. No duplication without prior written consent. All rights reserved. Page 1

2 other cultures throughout history. In our modern world, this type of initiation is missing. Would you agree? Modern life gives us so many luxuries and conveniences, like music on the cloud, computers at your fingertips, instant messaging and so forth, however, life skills -- are best taught the old-fashioned way: from a mentor. In other words, it s how a person learns key lessons of life and re-learns those lessons until he or she can teach those lessons to the next generation. In the past, this was done by community elders - they taught key life lessons with story telling, ceremonies, rituals and symbols that would graduate a child to his next stage of life --adulthood. Many of you think, Are those really necessary? We ll let us rephrase the question, how do you begin to develop a mature, leader mindset? The Boy and the Masks Dr. Campbell shared a story about the rituals of initiation of young men in the very simple societies, where boys are brought up to fear ceremonial masks the men wear these masks represented powerful monsters that control the tribes failures and successes. When a young boy became unmanageable for his mother, it was time for a change. She called in the village elders and their monster masks. The men of the village would visit the boy at night, scare the living daylights out of him and force him to fight the monsters. Once the boy wins, he now owns the power behind the masks: Having fought the fearful power, the boy becomes a man in the eyes of his mother and elders. Rituals ease the transition from childhood to adulthood. Many of these rituals have been lost in our modern life. As a martial artist, we teach responsibility, courage, how to respond to authority and become a true leader. Modern life hasn t changed how human beings need guidance towards the right path in their development. Here s how martial arts training contributes to guiding you to the right path in your life. It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure. 1.) Initiation Through Trials A trail is a series of tests in your effort to gain something. In most cases, this can be very frustrating and can create grief. However, out of that frustration, lessons are learned. We test you regularly. We see if you have put in the hard work during your practice to learn your forms and moves. You get frustrated, yes, but do you get better at over-coming your frustrations? You do. Do you challenge yourself to get better with your training? Of course. Life is a series of tests: sometimes you celebrate your victories and other times you face defeat and learn from your mistakes. Just like the heroes we mentioned at the beginning of this article - these are merely trials testing your abilities. Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. 2.) Mentors Luke Skywalker had Obi Wan Kenobi as well as C3PO and R2D2 to help guide him. Harry Potter had Siegfried and his friends. All heroes need a teacher along the way to lead them through their adventure and guide them when they run into a challenge. Who do you emulate in the field of martial arts? Have you watched them perform and win? We mean, really watched them and seen their moves? Perhaps start with a higher belt in class and begin to ask questions, ask for guidance and see what they have to offer from their experience. Once you re comfortable, approach us and other black belts. We will never turn you away. Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging. 3.) Rituals What are our masks? What do you do when you first get to our school? How do you address the higher ranks around you? All these are part of the training of martial arts. The repetition of rituals connects us as individuals to the larger community, where we have a sense of belonging. In some cases, the demands of modern life force us to move away from family, childhood communities and what we practice as rituals. Our academy is an extension of that family and community. They will support you in your training for your goal of black belt and beyond. The experience bonds us as a family. The rituals of going through the repetition of training, over and over again, is part the consistency in learning our art. The testing ritual is the mark of the next stage of your training. The ease from one belt to the next is part of the ceremony of your growth as a Martial Artist. Love is a friendship set to music. 4.) Symbols Look at our logo, our crest, what you may wear on your uniform. Have you noticed the symbolism? Do you understand the meaning? Ask us and we ll tell you and see what it can do for you and in your training. Another symbol is your belt. It tells everyone your level of knowledge and skill. The younger ranks must acknowledge and respect your position of experience. Symbols helps us focus on our motto, our strengths and goals when the challenge seems too great for us to overcome. Dr. Campbell shared a concept called The Dynamic of Life, which refers to the struggles we face in our lives. Throughout history we ve turned the struggle and made it a dragon or a Page 2

3 serpent, something to be feared and killed. We re so against the struggle that we ve turned it into a demon. The struggle is part of life. We must relish in the trials to eventually become triumphant. Find your own personal symbol when you face your struggle. Envision an eagle that soars to the sky, which according to Dr. Campbell, you let go of your old self to grow and soar to higher levels of thought and feeling. Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy. 5.) Ceremony Do we need to say more? We suppose you can. Our belt ceremonies are a public demonstration of your hard work, practice and focus. You perform your forms and moves in front of the tribe albeit in a modern way your families, friends, colleagues and, particularly, your Teachers. These tribe members witness the results of your hard work. Their approval and acceptance of your hard work is part of your growth, your confidence and your sense of responsibility in learning what was expected and demonstrating the result. Period. No excuses, just results. Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls. Joseph Campbell So we ve listed ways how martial arts replaces important life lessons in our modern life. Remember you re the hero in your life s adventure and who you meet to guide you, teach you and lift you up when life gets tough depends on YOU, your friends and mentors. Bon voyage! Master Kikoen & Ms. Hoogheem What are YOU doing on your Spring Vacation? We know once you start your vacation, it s hard to get back on track. So what do you plan to do during your absence from your regular routine? What can you do to stay fit? What can you do to stay in your game? Answer these questions: 1.) How will I stay on tasks in meeting my training goals? 2.) Who can I ask for help? 3.) What am I working to improve/achieve? Welcome to the Family: New Students and Upgrades New Students: Josh Danielson Tiny Tiger Logan Healy Tiny Tiger Nicholas Angelini Tiny Tiger Brianna Danielson Junior Carson Webb Junior Dana Luquingan Junior Jonathan Luquingan Junior Andres Chavolla Junior Upgrading Students: Mikey Olsen Black Belt Club Carson Webb Black Belt Club Dana Luquingan Black Belt Club Jonathan Luquingan Black Belt Club Nicholas Angelini Black Belt Club For those just enrolling welcome to the family! For those upgrading congratulations on taking the next step in your martial arts journey! And for those who are eligible to upgrade what are you waiting for? See me to take your training to the next level! Page 3

4 March 2012 Calendar of Special Events Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Board Breaking Frankfort Chamber Expo Lincolnway East 9 am to 2 pm Sparring 7 8 Mock Testing No regular classes this day Sparring Due to tourney Black Belt Class Champaign IL Tournament Board Breaking Sparring 28 Leadership Class 29 No classes Testing Tiny Tigers 4:45 White Blue 6:00 pm 30 Testing Brown Black belts 6:00 pm 31 FBBA Announcements Please Read! CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS TOURNAMENT MARH 17 TH, 2012 WHERE: CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER 1102 WEST GREGORY DRIVE URBANA, IL :30 Black Belt meeting (12 & up) 8:00 Combat Weapon competition (9 & older) 9:15 Opening Ceremonies & Demo 10:00 All Tiny Tigers & XMA/Creative forms & weapons Black belts 17 and under immediately following XMA/Creative 10:45 White Yellow 11 & under 11:15 Camo Red/Black 11 & under 12:00 Color belts yrs. 1:00 Color Belt Adults 18 & older SPECIAL GUEST CHIEF MASTER PHILIP MINTON 8 th Degree Black Belt Friday evening March 16 th Seminar on How to use the hidden techniques in your form. Sign up now!!! Page 4

5 March 2012 Special Offer: Family Members Get Seven Full s of Martial Arts for Just $99 Are you a family member of an existing student here at our school? If so, this is your chance to get in on the action! This month (and this month only) you get seven full weeks of martial arts for just $99 and we ll even throw in a free uniform to boot! Get Off The Sidelines and Into The Action! If you ve ever thought to yourself: Hmm. I wonder if I can do martial arts, too? well this is your opportunity to find out! This special offer only applies to members who are not currently in classes and is only for new signups. And you gotta jump on this cause this exclusive offer ends promptly on April 1st, You may never see an offer this generous again, so don t miss the boat! See us now to get started! We ll be happy to answer any questions you have and hand you a fresh, new crisp uniform! (And, yes, we ll even show you how to tie your belt!). So walk over to us right now and say, I d like to get more info about the family special! Page 5

6 SEAN SPICER! A Student-Hero and Martial Artist! If you ever had any doubts as to what a hero looks like in practice, our Student of the Month for March 2012, Sean Spicer, is a shining example. He is currently a Red Belt at our academy and started back in May, One of the things that has impressed us over the time he s been here is his loyalty, dedication and commitment to our school. Here are some reasons we chose Sean Spicer for Student of the Month and how he stands out when it comes to loyalty and commitment: 1.) Sean is very consistent in his training, he attends class regularly 2.) Sean is very active in the tournament scene. He attends all Regional tournaments. 3.) Sean works very hard, and even sometimes has struggled to learn his forms. That is why we commend Sean this month, He is indeed a student hero. Here are some other interesting facts about Sean that you might not know: a.) Sean is 11 years old, and attends Chelsea School. Some of Sean s interests are swimming, biking, and playing golf. He has even earned an award for Most Improved Golfer. Outside of class Sean enjoys drawing, singing, and video games. b.) Sean and his family are very active in our school. c.) We are very fortunate to have Sean as one of our Students. We are very proud of him, and his dedication to TKD. SEAN SPICER March 2012 Student of the Month Let s all congratulate Sean on being chosen as Student of the Month for March 2012 he s a great example of what loyalty, dedication and commitment look like in a student! Student Birthdays Here at FBBA A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU! Madison Santerelli 3-11 Sadie Santerelli 3-16 Jodi Schmidt 3-16 Carter Kane 3-17 Nathan Grah 3-18 Ms Hoogheem 3-18 Page 6

7 Student Name According to the main article: QUESTION #1: A hero is someone who a.) Steps up to bigger challenges b.) Faces difficulties c.) Fights their way through roadblocks d.) All of the above e. ) None of the above QUESTION #2: Dr. Campbell found that a.) Boys are haunted by monsters. b.) Many legends and stories share a common pattern c.) The hero ignores the call to adventure d.) Martial artists like to play video games. QUESTION #3: What is the best way to learn life skills? a.) From YouTube b.) A smart phone c.) A mentor d.) Your best friend e.) None of the above QUESTION #4: Martial arts helps you in your hero s journey by offering you a.) Classes, a gi, friends and learning new moves b.) Testing, running, routine and gifts c.) Testing, Teaching, chanting and falling d.) Testing, Teaching, Rituals, Symbols and Ceremony QUESTION #5: Belt ceremonies are a public demonstration of a.) Your style b.) Your Teacher c.) Your gi d.) Your hard work Don t forget! Any student who answers all the questions correctly (without help from an adult) wins a $5 Karate Dollar towards their next testing, something from the pro shop or tuition! (Note: one Karate dollar per purchase, please). Three Easy Ways to Win 50% Off A Month of Tuition! Want to win 50% Off a month tuition? Then read on. Because there are now THREE easy ways to do so and it only takes a few moments of your time. Here they are: Method #1: Write a Review! First, you can write a review of our academy. Go to Google Local, Yahoo Local or Yelp! and get your thoughts about our academy out there. Other people will see your review and when they do it could influence or motivate them to join up! For every person who mentions that they were motivated to join because of YOUR review (and this happens all the time) you ll get 50% Off a month of tuition. Takes only five minutes or so and we d really appreciate it. That s the first way. Method #2: Link to Our Website! Chances are, you have a public Facebook page, a personal website, a company website, blog or other permanent presence on the web. If so, link to our academy with the words martial arts (see me for our web address and other details). When you do this, it boosts us in Google, Bing and Yahoo AND may be seen by somebody who s searching for martial arts in our area. For every person who finds us and signs up because they saw your link, you get 50% Off a month of tuition. You never know who might see your link and sign up due to your influence! Finally Method #3: Refer Your Friends How? Simple: Hand this newsletter to friends and relatives. You get 50% Off a month for every person who inquires about classes and signs up as a direct result of your referral. Nothing could be easier. All you have to do is tell them to see us or call us at (708) and we ll set a time for a free intro class. And we assure you, we ll take the very best care of any friends or family that you refer our way! For more information about any of these three options in our new referral reward program, see me. It s a great program where, as our way of saying thanks we give you 50% Off a month of tuition as a token of our appreciation for recommending us! Page 7

8 March 2012 Special Offer! Family Members Get $99 For Seven s of Martial Arts! March 2012 Special Offer! Just $99 Gets You a Full Seven s of Martial Arts! If you have a family member currently enrolled in our academy, this offer is for YOU. It s your chance to try our academy and get in class! With this special certificate, you are entitled to seven full weeks of martial arts for just $99! And even better this includes a free uniform! This offer is only good until April 1st, so don t delay! Once this deadline passes, you may never see this special offer again! See us NOW or call to get started! Save money, learn some new skills, meet new friends, and start down the path of great health, self-defense and bulletproof confidence! Step Into Your Confident, New Self Today! March 2012 Special Offer! Family Members Get $99 For Seven s of Martial Arts! Frankfort Black Belt Academy W. Laraway Road Frankfort, IL (708) Page 8