March 2004 Newsletter

Today’s world finds a growing emphasis being placed on the family. People want a moral upbringing for their children. People should be able to stand on their own two feet and be proud of themselves, their actions and their country. In short, people wish to ‘become more’ trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Each of these qualities is emphasized at home, in “scouting,” in religious organizations, and in the good traditional martial arts schools. In our world we look up to parents and people we see as famous. Some are good role models and some are not because of their actions, which speak louder than words or an endorsement by a famous franchise that pays them a great deal of money to say good things. slate and thoughtfully design the next year the way we truly desire it to be.

I frequently talk about one of my childhood heroes, “The Lone Ranger” and his ‘side kick, “Tonto.” NO, I AM NOT HAVING FLASHBACKS OR “SENIOR MOMENTS” WHEN I DO. Most of the children today and young adults do not know who these figures are or what they stand for. A more modern cowboy style hero is John Wayne, who appeared in many movies. As fate has it, recently, an e-mail was sent to me by a friend that addressed the need for cowboys. So, here’s your brief history lesson about the “good ol’ days” when men were men & so were the women!

What were common attributes of these legendary cowboys? They were never looking for trouble, but when trouble came, they faced it with courage. They were always on the side of right. They defended good people against bad people. They had high morals and they had good manners. They were honest. They spoke their minds and they spoke the truth, regardless of what people thought or "political correctness," which no one had ever heard of back then. They were a beacon of integrity in the wild, wild West. They were respected. When they walked into a saloon (where they usually drank only sarsaparilla), the place became quiet, and the bad guys kept their distance. If in a gunfight, they could out draw anyone. If in a fist fight, they could beat up anyone. They always won. They always got their man. In victory, they rode off into the sunset.

So, where does the talk of heroes, cowboys and the “good ol’ days” bring us? Back to the beginning, centuries ago. The arts were taught originally as a physical release from the stresses and work of the day in the monasteries or fields. These men taught other men and cultivated moral men (and later women) who stood for good and what was correct in their society. Some became warriors (hence the warrior spirit). Some were common men, who become larger than life figures in the early years of each respective art. They took on a responsibility to their feudal lord or instructor, knowing that the study of the “do” in karatedo meant ‘a way of life’ . . . that lasted for life. Masters were not young men looking for praise, they were old men who dedicated their lives to the perfection of the “self” thought the art. Think of your life and what you wish it to become and then dedicate yourself to it and create it. This is one time where the intention to do something should cut straight to the sincere commitment to do the thing. No hedging, no excuses, no ‘I’ll do it tomorrow - - Commit to yourself today.

Congratulations to Thomas Healy, Kyle Wheeler, Jeff Rothe and John Manrique for participating in the Golden Rule Karate School’s Sparring Night. Each of the students participated in NUMEROUS sparring matches with students from the Oxford, Newton and Mine Hill karate schools. Everyone survived and did extremely well. Thanks to the parents for getting them there.

Sparring Tournament - - Sunday, March 14th - - Newton High School - - Registration 9:00 A. M. Information is on the Information Bulletin Board.

Our benefit tournament at HACKETTSTOWN High School is Sunday, April 25th . Information is available at the dojo. Everyone’s help will be needed for getting the mailings ready to be sent, helping with registration and score keeping, and much more during the event . . . WE TRAIN ALL INTERESTED PARTIES . . . and it is quite enjoyable. There are generally at least 30 different martial arts’ schools in attendance.

Congratulations to the students who earned promotions since our last newsletter. Junior Yellow Belt - Kelvin Lee, Ashley Hunt, Ashley Tordillos, Olivia Lewin, Alex Garcia. Senior Yellow Belt - Trey Kuchkin. Junior Orange Belt - Julia Mychak. Hassan White. Junior Purple Belt #1 - Philip Greiner.

Parental Involvement Key in Physical Development NewsRx.com February, 2004 - 5 Pillats.com

Physical education programs can introduce children to a variety of exercises and healthful activities, but an expert at the University of Arkansas warns that all could be for naught if kids come home and plop down in front of TV or video games.

"Parental involvement is key not only in a child's academic development, but in their physical development as well," Kern said. "In fact, children who engage in regular physical activity are better able to focus on their academic work. Physically active children demonstrate increased alertness and attention spans, which can lead to improved academic performance."

He suggested five things parents can do to get their children away from the television and video games and involved in healthy activity:

• Move with them! Taking a family walk or bike ride is an excellent way to spend some family time and stay active at the same time. Don't let hot weather get in your way - wait until the evening when the sun starts to go down. If your kids see that you don't mind sweating a bit, they won't mind either.

• Encourage your children to sign up for an activity. Experiment with soccer, swimming, karate, etc. Maybe you'll hit one that they really enjoy, or they may simply enjoy the social interaction benefits that go along with a variety of activities.

• Contact your friends who have children and get them together on a regular basis. Kids are more likely to be sedentary when they are alone or in the confines of their own home, so get them out of the house.

• Check out the many parks and recreation facilities in the area. Many have hiking trails, bike paths, and lakes for canoeing or swimming. Time spent out of the house is more likely to be active time.

• Ask them regularly what type of activities they are doing in their school physical education classes. Encourage them to practice the skills they have learned at school, and better yet, practice with them.

How T To o Develop Persistence - from Bob Proctor’s seminar - It’s from Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich.

“There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of PERSISTENCE. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and but little time or effort. The necessary steps are:

• A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.

• A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

• A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.

• A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage you to follow through with both plan and purpose.

These four steps are essential for success in all walks of life.”