Dear Parent,
I was explaining our courses to a mother of a five-year-old boy, and I was trying to emphasize the importance of the principles behind the courses. When we work with kids and we want to keep our eye on the ball, the ball being the child's well-being, growth and self-esteem. I felt that we had to design a course that allows for all of this to happen in a measured way. Here is what I explained to this mom: The initial course we offer is a basic introductory course. We use this course to teach the basics a student needs but it does not go beyond that. We use this course primarily to qualify students into the more advanced Peewee Black Belt Course, (which we call The Golden Dragon Course).
One of the principles that we teach is goal setting and of course we use setting and reaching the goal of becoming a black belt as the foundation. The principles can later be applied to other areas of the child's life, as he gets older. We also teach that commitment and responsibility and making the right choices are things that are important and are part of a healthy process of developing self-esteem. When students demonstrate that they are learning this we make sure that they are applauded and rewarded. The Golden Dragon patch and the red uniform pants are examples of the outer appearances, the tangible rewards of having made the decision to become a black belt. They are rewarded as a for doing a good job and making a good choice, even though the choice was obviously the parent's.
The golden Dragon Course, not unlike the leadership course we offer older students, is a goal oriented course, so the commitment is to become a black belt. It is a commitment that we all make knowing full well we are responsible for getting the student to black belt. Parents often ask about kids quitting and my reply is that kids never quit. Only parents are capable of quitting, because only parents are capable of making the commitment to begin with. So the question is not does a child quit the question is do we the adults allow them to quit, or better still, have created an environment where the completing the goal we set to achieve is a valuable enough to pursue. So no, kids never quit but adults do, parents too often do let their kids quit.
Here is another concept that is very useful to remember: children pay attention to what we say to each other, we the adults that is. So if I tell a parent that his child is doing remarkably well I always want to do it in front of the child, in front of the whole world actually. (Reprimanding by the way, we always do in private and then we include clear steps mapping out the possibility for success). A child forms his or her opinion of him or herself based on what he or she believes we think. If a child is getting rewards and is being recognized for effort than that is good. If the child is not being rewarded than there must be something wrong with…him.
Here is another important thing I learned from my young students: children I have observed know that difference between tangible and intangible value. Although they may not be able to articulate it they know if what they receive has value beyond the thing itself, and thus has intangible value. That is why we make sure that the recognition (belt, stars etc.) is always congruent with the effort.
The curriculum is vastly different between the two courses also. From the purely physical karate aspect what is added is sparring practice. That is when the students receive their sparring equipment and learn how to defend themselves, move around, and develop great eye hand coordination and other terrific skills.
From the character development aspect we have a whole curriculum that comes with the Black Belt Course that is comprehensive and includes in depth training in all the skills a parent would want for their child, things that by the way are not taught to children anywhere else. I am referring to goal setting, persistence, discipline and self-discipline, making good choices, honesty and a whole bunch more.
Most parents want their children to learn these things s early in life as possible because it gives them a huge head start, don't you agree?
One final point: this course is clearly not for all children. One thing I have learned is that children's self esteem is directly related to their perception of our opinion of them. If they think we believe in them then they will believe in themselves. That is why we have created an opportunity for children to excel and become black belts.
"His attitude change was noticed immediately.."
“Our family cannot say enough about the benefits that
having our son in Karate made. His attitude change was noticed immediately. He seemed more at ease and confident and even his school work improved.”
Jon and Sandi Manifold |
"...given my son, and so many others like him, the invaluable tools of self-esteem, self-discipline
and self-confidence..."
Miko Peled and Martial Arts America has given my son, and so many others like him, the invaluable tools of self-esteem, self-discipline and self-confidence. My son became stronger, more focused and more centered; he has grown to have a greater sense of respect for himself and for others. Sensei Miko provides an invaluable service to our community with his karate school.
Brad Willis |
Now,
you may be asking, how does all this work? And
why does karate manage to do a better job teaching it?
Again,
more than any other sport, Karate gives your child the chance
to explore her innate powers. She’ll marvel (as you will) as she increases in strength, flexibility endurance, balance, and harmony.Yet this is only the start.
In
fact, her physical skills act as a foundation for something much
more important: the development of her value skills, mental and
spiritual. And not cut off from her physical skills, but intimately
connected - even bonded-to them.
Like
this:
Courage:
Your child finds the courage to move outside of his comfort zone.
He wills himself to take on more difficult karate moves and skills.
As
he does so, he learns that whatever he sows, so he reaps. He learns
to take responsibility for his actions. He suddenly sees his life as a constant,
never-ending journey of life-giving improvement.
"Kids learn that their bodies and minds are strong, powerful, and worthy of respect..."
“In martial arts classes, participants are constantly challenged then praised for doing their best. That builds confidence…. Kids learn that their bodies and minds are strong, powerful, and worthy of respect. Once a child learns this, his whole attitude shifts. He carries himself with an ease and assurance that tells bullies to move on.”
Robyn Silverman, PhD (Child Development specialist and
Director Of Character Development at EEMA Fitness in MA |
Staying
power:
At Martial Arts America we will help your child set positive goals. It is important for each child to learn to set short term, intermediate and long term goals. Here every child's goal is the Black Belt. A Black Belt is a symbol of excellence in Martial Arts. It is an important tool for instructors and parents to use in developing desire, perseverance and loyalty as well as teaching the importance of following through in any activity we pursue.
As your child's training progresses, your child finds joy in improving her physical stamina. She can
walk farther, run longer, practice skills until she gets them
right.
In
turn, she develops perseverance. She sticks things out. With the
help of her teachers, she strives harder, longer to reach her
goals.
“Where performance is measured, performance improves.”
Yet, your child has to first accept where he stands now. That
means measuring current strengths.
Above all, he learns that to succeed, he needs to know himself.
This results in a keener focus. He learns to make eye contact
with his teacher (and not just in karate.) He pays greater attention
to what each teacher says.
" ...They help pre-schoolers develop social skills and improve their attention spans;.."
"Martial arts offer something for all ages; They help pre-schoolers develop social skills and improve their attention spans; they give grade-schoolers and teenagers a confidence boost while teaching self-control; and they leave parents with greater stamina, improved edurance, and a trimmer toned body"
MSN Health & Fitness Section 1/30/07
by Jeanette Moninger of Prevention Magazine |
These
are just three of the powerful, energizing values your child will
get from the Martial Arts America in Coronado program. In short, you can look
forward to your child developing:
-
Powerful
Self Control: She’ll refuse to give in to negative peer
pressure. She’ll have deeper respect for rules.
-
Improved
Focus: She’ll learn what’s needed, along with the skill
to“zero in” on critical tasks at hand. Normal, yet time-wasting,
childhood distractions won’t get in her way.
-
Fearless
Self Confidence: Watch as your child finds the courage
to open any door life has to offer.
" ...they learn to focus, clear their minds of distractions, and take control of their body movements.."
“In martial arts classes, they learn to focus, clear their minds of distractions, and take control of their body movements…. in martial arts, they aren’t graded or criticized…. They’re simply encouraged to give their best effort.”
Richard B. Coolman, MD, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician at
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CA. |
Academic Excellence:
Martial Arts America promotes academic excellence in your child. All young people in the program are required to demonstrate that they are doing their best at school prior to receiving their belts. Achieving a Black Belt demonstrates important character traits such as self-discipline and persistence. Students who achieve their Black Belt make sure to mention in on their college applications.
Towering
Role-Model Teachers:
As you might guess, all of this couldn’t have happened unless
I had the very best teachers. To make sure I have the very best
each of them have years of experience in my system and have been
thoroughly trained in teaching skills. Today, they are all martial
arts experts - advanced Black Belts, in fact. You can meet them here.
"...Karate is all about discipline and respect."
“Adults stop in their tracks when my daughter informs them that karate is all about discipline and respect.”
Irene Nuzzo |
"Our son Austin is proof that Sensei Miko and his team of instructors
really are an asset to our community..."
Our son Austin is proof that Sensei Miko and his team of instructors
really are an asset to our community and that a black belt is a white
belt that never gave up. Austin started karate at the age of 6 1/2...more
Chris and Jim O'Brien |
At Martial Arts America in Coronado are committed to teaching the martial art tradition of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do.
We believe that the experience gained through practice of Goju-Ryu-Karate-Do gives people the tools to lead a full and happy life and will enable people to positively affect their family, community and environment.
We are reminded that The way of karate is the way of virtue and that - winning has no value unless it is winning through virtue.
We teach Goju-Ryu Karate as a form of human development and personal empowerment by effectively combining the tradition of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate with modern teaching techniques.
We have realized that the experience of training in Goju-Ryu karate is rare and priceless and we have created an environment where this experience is made available to people of practially all ages and all walks of life.
We believe that excellence in the martial arts is defined as follows:
HANDS of a Black Belt - Achieving great physical strength and mastering martial skills which empower us mentally and physically.
HEAD of a Black Belt - Pursuing knowledge and an analytical capacity which lead to self-discipline and good judgement.
HEART of a Black Belt - Cultivating an indomitable spirit, a sense of justice and compassion, which allow us to understand ourselves and our environment.
Our goal in teaching Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate is to be a means by which to:
CREATE a desire to pursue knowledge and learning
ENCOURAGE people of all ages to pursue a spiritual path.
SEEK and find mental and physical balance
SHOW people of all ages that they are capable with significant things to offer.
ENCOURAGE people to exercise good judgement, self discipline and
responsibility.
“OK -- I Might Be Interested… What Do I Do Next?”
I’d like to make it possible for you to see, first hand, and with your own child (and, at my own personal expense), exactly how we make good on all of these stunning claims. Now, here comes the good part. We’ve made it incredibly easy. Here’s how:
Take Advantage of our Special Internet Offer - register below and receive a FREE Introductory Program: (A $99.00 value.) I’m offering you two Karate lessons (just your child and the teacher) -- for FREE and with absolutely no strings attached. See for yourself if, in fact, I can give your child the powerful benefits promised in this letter.
To schedule your child’s free classes, simply call:
619-435-8223
FREE Karate Uniform (A $59.00 value). If you’re among the first 25 to call, I’ll even give your child a genuine Karate uniform. It’s his to keep, even if you decide the our Martial Arts America program is not what you are looking for.
Remember, call 619-435-8223
Or, simply fill in your name and email below!
Would you like to receive a report on
"HOW TO BUILD UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE
IN YOUR CHILD!" emailed directly to you?
Martial Arts America
1005 "C"Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-8223
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|
FREE
Student-Parent Conference Before or during the introductory
program we will meet one on one to discuss your child’s needs
and your child’s progress. We will explain the benefits of our program
and share the developmental process for your child in our program.
We will give you tips on how to reinforce your child’s development
and share with you his progress.
Here’s
how it works:
Watch
with your own eyes as your child gets coached by a top karate
teacher. . .
Class
one at the karate school. Your child begins by learning the
profound influence of the martial arts “bow.” The watch as he:
-
Warms
to the idea of emotional respect, for both himself and others.
-
Gains
power from the ability to be confident yet respectful.”
-
Connects
with the “Three Skills of Listening.”
Then
glow as you hear him recite the first principle of the Student
Creed: “I intend to develop myself in a positive manner, and avoid
anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.”
Class
Two at the karate school. More bows. Then watch as your child:
Believe
me. In two short private lessons, your child will come away with
her self-confidence
greatly improved. Not just in how she feels. She’ll actually end
up with real “Life Skills.” Skills that she can put to powerful
use right now, today.
All
while enjoying the fun and excitement of an upbeat martial arts
program
To
register for the free introductory program
Pick up the phone and call.
619-435-8223
Would you like to receive a report on
"HOW TO BUILD UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE
IN YOUR CHILD!" emailed directly to you?
Martial Arts America
1005 "C"Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-8223
|
|
We'll answer
any additional questions that you may have and schedule a special
time with our head instructor to work with you and your child.
Please
act quickly because these classes fill up fast - and, we are committed
to maintaining a small student-teacher ratio in our beginner’s
classes.
Whatever
you do, I urge you to register today.
Believe
me,
“Karate
is the best thing you can do for your child!.”
BUT BE WARNED. Remember, I’m inviting you to check out one of
the most successful martial arts programs in the country! Call
as soon as possible. Our programs FILL-UP FAST! Register Early
and insure your spot.
Don’t worry! It is consistently stressed to all students that
karate skills require them never to be abusive or offensive and
are only for use defensively. After a short period of time students
become markedly less aggressive while maintaining confidence and
high personal self-esteem.
Thank
you for your time and I hope to meet you at my school.
Sincerely,
Miko Peled
6th Degree Black Belt
Chief Instructor
sensei@coronadokarate.com
P.S. Don't forget - Martial Arts America lessons for your child increases their confidence, energy and spirit. Taking Martial Arts America lessons helps your child as he/she develops towards greater academic achievement and higher self respect.
They will learn to increase their strength and fitness levels both in mind and body. Martial Arts America teaches your child the values and discipline needed to persevere. They learn that fighting is less about fighting others but more about fighting what is inside themselves. Self doubts and innermost fears.
The disciplines learned in karate helps them learn how to conquer those fears and self-doubts and gives them the ability to transfer those skills to other areas of life.
P.S.S. All this talk of values may have misled you. Be assured, I do
teach karate as everyone likes to think of it. Your child will
end up knowing how to protect herself. She’ll know how to avoid
danger, how to use conflict resolution techniques - but without
once throwing a kick, block or punch!
Finally,
pick up the phone, call:
619-435-8223
right now to schedule your private introductory time. There is absolutely NO OBLIGATION or charge for this introductory
program!. If you choose not to continue
with us - we’ll even give you alternative ideas for your child
- and, even recommend our competitors - if there is a program
more appropriate for your needs. Obviously, I think you’ll find
our program very valuable and interesting but - you have no risk
and no obligation - and, NOTHING to lose and everything to gain
by trying our program.
Would you like to receive news about our school via email?
Would you like to receive a report on
"HOW TO BUILD UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE
IN YOUR CHILD!" emailed directly to you?
Martial Arts America
1005 "C"Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-8223
|
|
|
