THE KICKSTARTER!
August, 2019
|
|
We’re all saying it; “How can it be the middle of August already? The summer is flying by.”
The truth is, time really doesn’t wait for anyone. It continues on its path, whether we’re ready or not. Being prepared to meet new challenges, while sticking to current goals, is something we all strive to find a balance in. Whether we’re working toward business or school related goals, better fitness and health, learning something new, or even just kicking back and relaxing, it takes thought and commitment to get where we want to be. There are always plenty of excuses for why we aren’t ready to do the work required; there always will be, but since time doesn’t stand still, we either step up, or we step back.
The problem with failing to acknowledge that time moves on with or without us, is that we can be blindsided by obstacles. How many of us have known someone whose time ran out before they could do something they always meant to do? How many people never get the chance to tell someone they loved what they meant to them, before it’s too late? How many times do we tell ourselves that we’ll do something today, tomorrow, next week, or next year, when we really should be setting plans and action into motion in order to do what we can to ensure that the something actually comes to fruition? We tell ourselves we have time; that most precious and valuable of commodities. Usually, we do, but sometimes the time we thought we had passes, and we lose important opportunities.
During the summer months it’s easy to find reasons not to commit to health and fitness goals, or any goals for that matter. If we’re smart, we’ve been integrating our goals into fun new areas of outdoor activity. We’ve gotten away on vacation to explore new places, or we’ve continued to keep healthy eating and lifestyle in line, even if it’s in a more relaxed schedule.
On the flip side, because time doesn’t stand still, it also means we don’t have to remain stuck in current patterns, relationships, jobs, or whatever is bogging us down. If we haven’t done some of the things we want or need to do, each new sunrise brings with it an opportunity to pick up the ball and start running with it. When life gets hard, or things slide sideways, at the end of the day, we can remind ourselves to take a deep breath, give thanks for the things and people that are good in our life, and look forward to a better tomorrow.
So this month sees us beginning to wind down the summer over the next few weeks, and kids and parents start gearing up for back-to-school, while trying to make the most of every warm summer day we have left. At Modern Martial Arts, we’re doing the same. Once again we’ve had a fabulous Summer Day Camp at MMA, complete with plenty of fun, laughter, games, and adventures for the kids who attended. We’ve also been thrilled to welcome so many new YMCA Summer Special students to our main studio here at Glenora Drive. Many of these students and their parents weren’t even aware that we are here year round to help them continue their martial arts journey above and beyond the YMCA classes they’ve been enjoying. Of course as we prepare to move into the cooler Fall months, we’re working hard behind the scenes to organize the upcoming black belt grading in September. While it’s a tremendous amount of work for Melanie, it’s always well worth it, and something we’re looking forward to.
|
|
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS IN AUGUST!
|
Kaarthik Soman Benjamin Belz
Jessica White George Vilos
Molly Bernier Daniel Carwana
Amelia Earhart Luke Van Damme
Isabelle Vanheule Janelle Coolman
Anthony Mutton Bennett Dries
David Ouellette Andrew Sedlacek
Jason Spurgeon Robert Petersen
Kevin Pond Emmanuel Agustince
Aaden Campbell Sawyer Hammond
Parker Carnegie Susan Theriault
Anisa Matan Blaine Stewart
Jaygur Ahmed Tiffany Cain
Brendan Pinto Georgia Sisco
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hey, did you know that birthday parties at MMA are open to the public, NOT just members? For more information, or to book your child's next birthday party, contact Melanie at
[email protected]
, or call 519-438-5425 today!
|
|
Keep an eye out for details on the up-coming fundraiser we’ll be having for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario at our black belt grading September 27
th
-29
th
at the Double Tree by Hilton in London! This an incredible, worthwhile community project that we’re honoured to be a part of, so we’ll be posting updates on our social media sites as we get them. For those planning to attend the black belt grading, we’ll have staff on-site to collect donations from those wishing to contribute, or contact Melanie at 519-438-5425 for details on how to donate at any time.
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS!
to Grand Master Steve Stewart and Grand Master Ken Smith for being awarded their 10
th
degree black belt by Grand Master George Dillman!
In addition, Grand Master Steve was awarded his 5th Dan in Shito Ryu by the head of the European Karate Counsel, as he was the first to visit Hungary in 2006 and breakdown their katas and implement Kyusho-Jitsu, which has changed traditional martial arts in that region!
|
|
CHILDREN'S GRADINGS FOR AUGUST, 2019
Saturday, August 10
th
, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Tiger/Dragon/Beginners/Intermediate/Adv I, II, III
Saturday, August 24
th
, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Tiger/Dragon/Beginners/Intermediate/Adv I, II, III
ADULT GRADINGS FOR AUGUST, 2019
Wednesday, August 21
st
, 2019 @ 8:00 pm
MENTORING MEETING: SUMMER OFF!
SPARRING WEEK:
August 12
th
– 17
th
NBBC Class Schedule
August 3 Self Defense Techniques Sensei Nathan
August 10 Traditional Forms Sensei Jaygur
August 17 Sparring Tips Sensei Tony
August 24 Finger Locks Sensei Steve
NOTE: We will be CLOSED August 26th – September 1st
Re-open Tuesday, September 3rd
SENSEI SAYS
I’m a true believer in living life on your own terms. Whether for business or personal, I tend to make a plan and commit to the follow-through to achieve the goals and milestones I set for myself. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of Bon Jovi, and like he says in his song, “It’s My Life”, it’s now or never. After all, it’s up to each individual to make the most of this life we’ve been given, and give it our all. That’s what drives me, and what I encourage others to do. Whatever your hopes, dreams, aspirations, and passions are, follow those. Don't put things off for a better time, or when you think you'll be more prepared. Work hard for them today. In the end, whether you do everything you wanted to or not, at the very least you’ll have done your best, and that’s no small accomplishment.
“
Make it so
.” Sensei Steve
|
|
|
|
Steve Stewart
Owner/Sensei
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
