KICKIN' IT! BLOG

2023 Summer Fun: What’s it all about!

Dear AFMA Students,

As the temperature rises and the school year winds down, we at Aurora Family Martial Arts are thrilled to announce our “Summer Fun” program! This exciting program runs from May 1st to August 31st and is designed to keep you motivated, engaged, and on track with your training throughout the summer.

WAKO Nationals Update

Dear Clubs,

We are excited to announce that over 500 registrations have come in for the 2022 National Championship!  We are also incredibly proud to acknowledge that athletes, coaches and clubs coming from 8 provinces and 2 territories making this the largest and a truly nation-wide combative championship!

Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership High School Credit Courses for females.

The town of Aurora is excited to launch registration for our summer Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership High School Credit Course for females.

There is a need for more females in leadership positions in sports including coaches, officials and administrators.  Through the work of the Sport Plan, Town of Aurora is committed to supporting more females to step into those roles and are excited to launch our Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership high school credit course.  In collaboration with ASK Online Canada, Town of Aurora will be delivering a female-only hybrid (face-to-face and online) leadership course where students can obtain a grade 12 credit towards their high school diploma.  

Be patient with yourself. Enjoy the process.

Have you ever been told to “just be patient”? It can be frustrating to hear, especially when you’re eager for something to happen. But the truth is, patience is much more than simply waiting. It’s how you behave while you’re waiting that really matters.

In karate, patience is a critical component of mastering new techniques. Perfecting your movements takes time and practice, and rushing through the process can lead to mistakes and injuries. Patience allows you to focus on each step of the technique, making small improvements along the way until you’ve mastered it.

When will things get better/Be open to change

Karate is a discipline that requires mental toughness, physical agility, and the ability to adapt and change. As a martial artist, you know that being open to change is crucial to your growth and development, both in the dojo and in life.

Being open to change means being willing to embrace new ideas, methods, and ways of thinking. It means being open-minded, flexible and having the courage to step outside your comfort zone. In karate, this can mean trying new techniques, exploring different styles, and adapting to new opponents. Outside the dojo, it can mean facing new challenges and navigating changes in your personal or professional life.

Embracing Belonging: A Wave’s Lesson for Karate Students

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? I think we all feel that at one point or another.

I want to share a touching story that reminds us of the power of belonging and our positive impact on the world. We all experience moments when we feel like we don’t quite fit in, but this story of a tiny wave will show us that our presence and contributions matter more than we may realize.

Find your tribe

I heard a story last week and it couldn’t but help remind me of how important it is to find your tribe. Without a tribe, you’re untethered and alone and that’s tough.

Once there was a yellow flower in a field of red flowers. Because the flower was the only yellow flower in a field of red, it felt really lonely. Sometimes when you’re special, or unique, you can feel lonely. Nobody understands your experiences and how you can feel when you’re a group of one.

Respect others’ views & opinions.

In the ebb and flow of life, unexpected encounters often reveal profound lessons. A recent experience led me to connect the twists of life with the essential principles of Karate—specifically, the art of embracing diverse perspectives.

Our interaction began with typical pleasantries but took an unexpected turn due to a seemingly inconsequential comment. By the end, I was convinced our paths wouldn’t cross again. Life, however, surprised me. A few days later, a reconnection occurred, and the tone had shifted dramatically from standoffish to warm and friendly.

Embrace the Journey: Change Begins with Acceptance

The video is a story about how accepting others’ differences can promote change.

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Making progress. What’s the key?

We’re thrilled to have you all on this incredible journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Today, we want to discuss an essential concept at the heart of your karate training:

“Progress is progress, no matter how small.”

The Power of Small Steps: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become fixated on grand achievements and overlook the beauty of the small victories along the way. But here’s a secret: the accumulation of those tiny triumphs ultimately leads to significant progress. Whether refining a technique, increasing flexibility, or mastering a kata, every small step brings you closer to your goals.