Congratulations to Angie Goncalves for earning her promotion to Hachi Kyu – Junior Orange Belt.

“It’s not what you say, but how you say it that turns the switch from ‘off’ to ‘on.'”   John Murphy

 “Stepping Up” by John Murphy Successful people across the world will relate that opportunity quietly surrounds you. Information and knowledge are within reach. Prosperity is silently knocking at the door. Victory mysteriously awaits. Subtle and elusive as it may seem, there is no scarcity of success. Ask: How do I see the world? How do I see myself in the world? Do I see the opportunity? Do I feel worthy and deserving of success? We need people to step up. We believe in them. We see the potential. We know they can do better. We want them to succeed. We just need to see them take charge and step up. Proactive people are advancing themselves without being asked or encouraged. They just do it!

To become successful one must: – Take ownership and responsibility for outcomes – Take a good, honest look in the mirror – Take time to reflect on one’s capabilities – Take measure of one’s current state—the good, the bad and the ugly! – Take advice from wise counsel – Take a chance – Take action – Take another look life and realized results – Take a knee and give thanks for what is had in life

 An excerpt from “Living a Five Star Life” by Betty Mahalik             I’ve watched the movie Chicken Run at least a half-dozen times. Just beneath the surface of its simplistic look and story line lie a number of wonderful messages told through the eyes of a bunch of Claymation chickens trying to break out of their chicken-wire world to escape their fate at the chopping block. Their freedom leader, a feisty little hen named Ginger, comments profoundly in one scene: “the fences are all in your mind.” She reminds her fellow chickens (and us), that a bigger obstacle than the physical fences they’re surrounded by are the mental fences that hold them captive.             Perhaps your mental fence is procrastination, a deadening habit that keeps you stuck. Maybe yours is related to self-doubt, and the on-going internal noise it produces that keeps you immobilized. Perhaps yours is the belief that you don’t deserve success, so you sabotage yourself to avoid having to find out how successful you could be. There are a million variations of the theme, but the result is still the same: we stay stuck like the chickens in the movie.             One of the key questions in the Best Year Yet® program is: “How do I limit myself and how can I stop?” Those limitations are never external. They always live inside us. The antidote to being trapped by our mental fences is to create a compelling enough vision that, like Ginger and her flock of chicken friends, we’re willing to resort to amazing measures to break out. The formula: VISION + CONSISTENT ACTION = FREEDOM             I challenge you to take some bold, even outrageous steps to break free of your mental fences. If it’s procrastination, declare a “freedom day” and take action on everything you’ve been putting off. If it’s self-doubt, sit down and write out everything you value and why it’s important. Then challenge yourself to eliminate anything that doesn’t absolutely reflect your values, or add something that is a profound statement of who you are. Freedom is just the other side of action.             Recognize that your mental fences can only keep you stuck as long as you’re looking at them. They can only contain you as long as you’re not taking actions consistent with your vision. Go ahead, take the action you’ve avoided and leap into a future filled with possibilities. And remember, the fences are all in your mind!

These are powerful questions that can be difficult to answer. They sometimes surface during major life transitions such as family strife, job loss, spiritual awakenings, or the death of a loved one.             Every person is unique. There is only one of you in the universe. You have many obvious gifts and other gifts still waiting to be discovered. One of the most important questions you can ask yourself in your journey to find your purpose is, “How can I serve others?”

           “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer

            “You have not lived a perfect day until you have done something for someone else who will never be able to repay you. Ruth Schmeltzer

            Each day strive to make the world in which we live better. Isshin-ryu Karate strives to unite the body, mind and soul. Use this training to be more than just physically strong. Strive to become mentally and emotionally strong. Help other in as many ways as is possible. What happens from that point is the individual helping will reap benefits far beyond what might be expected. Many authors from the ancient thinkers to current motivational coaches say similar things, the more one gives, the more one receives. Intrinsic rewards are far more rewarding than extrinsic gains.

 THE KICK-A-THON FOR ST. JUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IS OCTOBER 24 TO 29. FORMS WILL BE COMING SOON FOR SPONSORSHIPS.

 THERE ARE FLYERS BY THE ENTRANCE. PLEASE TAKE A FEW AND HELP POST THEM IN AREA STORES.

SEPTEMBER 2016

Congratulations to Miranda Cole for earning her promotion to San Kyu – Senior Brown Belt #3 and Aryan Motyala to Junior Green Belt #1.

Bull’s-Eye by Brian Tracy – – Hitting Your Target

We are living in the greatest time in all of human history. Despite short-term economic fluctuations, there have never been more opportunities for more people to achieve more of their goals than there are today. The fact is, you have more potential than you could use in a hundred lifetimes. And the more of your potential you use, the more potential becomes available to you. The more you learn, the more you can learn. There is no reason for you not to be earning twice as much as you are today, or even five or ten times as much. There are people all around you who are no more talented than you, and no better educated, who are already earning this much. And what others have done, you can do as well, if you just learn how.

Clarity, Focus, and Concentration

You have the ability right now to achieve more than you ever have before, as long as you incorporate three essential mental skills into your life: clarity, focus, and concentration. You must become absolutely clear about who you are and what you want. You must focus on your most important goals and activities. And finally, you must concentrate single-mindedly until you have completed your tasks and achieved your goals. These are the three essential requirements practiced by all successful people throughout history to accomplish extraordinary results and great achievements. Fortunately, each of these skills is learnable with practice and repetition. Just as you can develop your physical muscles through hard work and concentration, you can develop your mental muscles through continuous repetition. Your aim in life should be to achieve all of the wonderful things that are possible for you. You want to score big—to hit the bull’s-eye, the center of the target—in everything you do.

One’s aim in life should be to achieve all of the wonderful things that are possible! One’s potential is practically limitless, if one could just learn how to utilize it. Clarity, Focus, and Concentration: Three strong, simple attributes needed to hit the bull’s-eye. Just as you can strengthen your muscles through hard work and concentration, you can develop mental toughness through discipline and repetition. You have the ability RIGHT NOW to achieve more than you ever have. The discipline learned through the study of Isshin-ryu Karate gives each of us the ability to focus on the tasks at hand and succeed.

There is control  control over  destiny

• Become an active contributor rather than a passive observer

• Others look to you for leadership

• Create the reputation as a problem solver

• Enhance educational or career opportunities

• Enjoy the satisfaction that comes from getting things done…the power of positive doing

• Experience less anger, frustration and helplessness—all leading to better physical health – practice “letting go” of negative issues in life.

Something magical happens when we accept personal responsibility for our behavior and our results. But, it’s not easy, because it’s human nature to “pass the buck.” But as I’ve gotten older when things go wrong in my business, or my life, I find the culprit…in the mirror. In every instance, it always comes back to choices I’ve made in my life that put me exactly where I am today. Success is the intentional, premeditated use of choice and decision. Choose with certainty what is desired. The world is filled with opportunity. With conviction, commit to achieving success by being decisive. We are born with great capabilities, but our potential will not be met until we act. Rise to the occasion when it presents itself. Clearly defined goals allow progress toward another insight that represents the end of one experience and the transition to a new and better existence. The objective is to choose the right goals, and then to create the necessary causes—the effects will follow!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

August 2016

We are officially home from our vacation in Maine. It was a great week at Castle Island. Check my Facebook for pictures.  Thanks to all the brown and black belts who kept the dojo running .

Congratulations to the people who earned promotions during our July training sessions at our home.

Junior Yellow Belt – Angelica Concalves   – – Junior Orange Belt – Maddy Ridge, Dylan Schulze – – Junior Green Belt #1 – Daniel Tankel, Rachel Tankel, Kyle Coletta, Anthony Coletta, Mckayla Brown, Dakota Christiano – – Junior Green Belt #2 – Sammy Heinrich Alexis D’Ambly – – Junior Purple Belt #1 – Tristen Christiano – – Junior Purple Belt #2 – Abigail Brown – – Senior Brown Belt #3 – Ken Aten – – Senior Brown Belt #1 – Jake Brader – – First Degree Black Belt – Carolyn Kulick, Shailynn Race – – Second Degree Black Belt – Andrea Aten.

July 9 camp wrap-up: Though the weather threatened throughout the day, we managed to hold all sessions outside, including the post session cookout. As is evident in the listing of promotions earned above, where 90% were awarded the day of the camp, the camp was well attended. Many positive remarks have been received and they are appreciated. MY SINCERE THANKS TO ALL THE BLACK BELTS WHO WERE ABLE TO SHARE ALL OR A PART OF THE DAY WITH US. YOU ARE THE REASON THIS EVENT RAN AS WELL AS IT DID!

The Power of Perception…What Do You See? from Half-Full – by John J. Murphy I was born on Friday the 13th, my name is Murphy (Murphy’s Law) and I had two near-death experiences before the age of three. I grew up reciting an “I am not worthy” mantra through the church and had many dreams dashed without notice, giving credence to my programmed belief system. I never really understood we become what we dwell on. We attract what we are, what we think, and what we feel day after day. Given my circumstances, it was easy to fall into a victim consciousness from time to time, a perpetual state of powerlessness. One thing simply led to another. I struggled, and with every struggle, more struggle seemed to find me. I am not sure exactly when I “woke up.” It was more of a gradual stage for me than a sudden awakening. Nevertheless, I learned to take each of my life circumstances and play them accordingly—like a hand of cards. We have all heard “I will believe it when I see it.” Try turning this around: We see it when we believe it. We experience it when we live it in the now. We call to our existence exactly what we are thinking and feeling and believing in the moment. Contemplate this: What am I calling into my life right now? What conscious and subconscious programs am I running on right now? What mental and emotional baggage am I clinging to? Is my life half-empty, or half-full? More importantly, what is even “in the glass” and how long have I been holding on to it? What if I chose to find and embrace the silver linings, the life lessons in disguise?

Self-improvement is a journey, not a destination. With each new day, we have a chance to make better decisions, bigger strides, and more progress—personally and professionally. Isshin-ryu training helps each of us a bit more disciplined so we should be able to make the right choices. Once a commitment is made the end result becomes reality more easily than for those who have never trained.

Step 1: Handling Choice Overload – Excerpt from Dial It Down, Live It Up – by Jeff Davidson A typical U.S. supermarket carries at least 38,000 items, twice as many as decades ago. There are so many different products and brands that your choices can seem overwhelming. At work, how do you handle the endless options of vendors, systems, software, products, and service solutions? While manufacturers seek to differentiate their products and survive in a crowded marketplace, if we focus intently on what we want or need, the net result is more time, effort, and energy. Too many choices, as author Alvin Toffler told us more than forty years ago in his landmark book Future Shock, inhibit our ability to choose. We now face what he called “future shock,” meaning our ability to effectively decide shuts down. Whether it’s athletic shoes, cell phone options, bagels, bottled water, or tennis rackets, too many choices, like too much information, do not serve us. Simplicity, rather than complexity, should be your product preference among items that are otherwise equal in terms of cost, durability, expected life cycle, and warranty. If one item has dozens of features while another has only a handful (namely the ones you need), choose the latter and don’t fret about a possible upgrade later. Learn how to dial down the number of choices to make a wise selection. You’ve sprung yourself from a complexity trap and handled choice overload. Creating checklists can also help you avoid choice overload, providing an easy tool for evaluating a potential vendor, product, or service offering. Review everything from a product’s design, quality, and features to its cost considerations and whether quantity discounts are available. Ask yourself whether the product will fit within the location you plan to keep it, if there’s a guarantee, or if you would need to buy any other items to make it work. When you have to make a choice, often all you need is a good set of questions to guide you, save you time, maintain peace of mind, and come up smiling!

REMINDER: OUR KARTATE TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE AT OUR HOME – JULY 9. ADULTS SHOULD BE READY TO GO NO LATER THAN 9 AM AND CHILDREN BY 10:30 AM. FORMS ARE AT THE DOJO. PLEASE PREREGISTER BY THURSDAY, JULY 7.   PROMOTIONS WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO KNOW THE REQUIRED MATERIAL. TWO PEOPLE WILL BE FINALIZING THE NECESSARY MATERIAL FOR FIRST DEGREE BLACK BELT.

There is an Isshin-ryu tournament in Allentown, NJ August 20th. Some seminars will be conducted Friday evening, August 19th. Information is at the dojo. See Hanshi if you are interested.

                A sign-up sheet is available for Brown and Black Belts to help cover the dojo while Linda and I are on vacation. See Hanshi at your convenience.

There will be NO Brown and Black Belt session the 3rd Friday of July.

There will be NO Tuesday morning classes until September.

I read parts of a short book, “The Pebble in the Shoe”, “What Is Your Pebble?” by Jim Fannin.

Each of us has had a pebble in his or her shoe. It’s the small, nagging thoughts that at different times in life that eventually weigh us down. Some pebbles have been hidden, undetected for years. Others push, prod, and make their presence felt every day. Each pebble intrudes into the lives of the unsuspecting. Although they are small and mostly undetected, they represent many unresolved thoughts. Some pebbles have been hidden, undetected for years. Others push, prod, and make their presence felt every day. At different times in life the pebbles arrive. Although they are small and mostly undetected, they represent many unresolved thoughts, images and experiences. Some are pebbles of doubt. They form from a single thought that occurred years, months or weeks before. Some reside in your house slippers that you tuck under your bed. Some pebbles find their way into your golf shoes while others form in the shoes worn while you parent. Unfortunately, some pebbles travel in all your shoes regardless of where you walk or run. Some pebbles are of fear. Others are created from guilt, rejection or shame. Maybe not today, but they eventually arrive unannounced and usually at the most inappropriate time. What challenges do they present?

To run the marathon race of life at your most efficient speed, you must be free of embarrassment, overeating and gaining unhealthy weight. They destroy families and alienate friends. They thwart the potential of our children and physically snuff extra years from our life. These are the pebbles in the shoe.

The pebble can cause you to quit or perform with complete indifference. It can help instigate a fight or add disrespectful silence to an otherwise dynamic relationship. Even the desire for fame, fortune or power can turn into a pebble in your shoe if left undetected. Most pebbles stir up the past, cloud the future and keep the present to a blink of the eye. Like a garden that’s been freshly tilled, a pebble can reappear without warning or detection. Prevention and removal are your only options for simplicity, balance and abundance.

                There was always someone bigger, faster and stronger, but each individual must push forward to succeed. Succeeding in many cases is united with achieving and winning. Winning means something different to us all, but winning is not a moment but an attitude. Despite our hardships, we can all be winners in life so long as we try. Giving up or not trying at all: those are the times we fail. Isshin-ryu Karate teaches us this and much more. How many people work through the hard physical, mental and emotional trials found within traditional training. We do not promote with countless stripes and numerous belt colors every 4 to 6 weeks. Students who earn promotions often work for months and years to deserve the advancement in rank. We all have moments where we want to give up. The odds are against us, the task seems impossible, and we can’t summon the strength to go on. However, it’s not the desire to quit that defines us, it’s how we respond to it. In the face of adversity, do we throw up our hands and say, “never mind, it’s too hard?” Or do we steel ourselves and forge ahead? The person with true character and heart will press on – knowing that improvement is will happen as long as we – ‘keep on keepin’ on’.

                I am proud of each student that has taken the challenge to succeed and thus win . . . knowing everyone does not get an award until it is earned. No two people are the same and thus each person is evaluated based upon his or her physical, mental and emotional abilities. The ones who succeed credit daily discipline and appreciation for what they achieve. The true success or the ability to win is found in the desire to do more and then ask, “What’s else may or should be done?”

                A Japanese saying relates – if you are knocked down 7 times get up 8. The calligraphy for this statement hangs on the dojo wall.   Don’t make the mistake of giving up too easily. Change and improvement often come from those moments when we question our thoughts and abilities. 1 out of 100 students becomes a black belt. We have promoted more than 76 black belts during the history of our dojo. Currently, there are 27 active black belts within our dojo. Of that number 10 have been training in excess of 20 years. At times some of these take a short break because of family, work or other responsibilities, but they return with energy to continue training. There are 42 inactive first degree black belts and 7 inactive second degree black belts. What seems to be found within these numbers is that the higher the rank one attains, the less likely it is that the person will stop training.

            A number of years ago I attended a seminar conducted by Bob Proctor a famous motivational speaker and success coach. He stated, every morning, time gives us 86,400 seconds to use for whatever purpose chosen, with an average of 60,000 thoughts during that day . . . one at a time.

Within the presentation he stated: 1. Nobody can manage time. But you can manage those things that take up your time. 2. Time is expensive. As a matter of fact, 80 percent of our day is spent on those things or those people that only bring us two percent of our results. 3. Time is perishable and irreplaceable. It cannot be saved for later use. 4. Time is measurable. Everybody has the same amount of time. 5. Time is a priority. You have enough time for anything that you wish to do, so long as it ranks high enough among your priorities.

People tend to order their lives according to “conventional wisdom,” a generally accepted set of principles that may include centuries-old folk sayings or that may have arisen from contemporary experience. These sayings and beliefs have become so ingrained in the public mind that they are often referred to as “common sense,” which is usually the “safe” approach. Common sense is needed in our lives but, the people who make a remarkable difference in the world are typically those who examine conventional wisdom with a critical eye, using “uncommon sense.” In education during high school and college, teachers challenge students to have a critical mind and to think critically. This type of thought is not negative but one that challenges what is being related in the classroom and within textbooks. Many of the things that were taught years ago are not current today. I ask my students to find material that is peer-edited by knowledgeable individuals. It must also be Timely, Accurate, Truthful and Unbiased.               How do each of the key thoughts in this month’s newsletter relate to those reading them? Whether it is at work, school or the dojo each of us is confronted by Unresolved Thoughts, Doubt about our abilities and we all at times must Handle the Desire to Quit something. True success or the ability to win is found in the desire to do more and then ask, “What’s else may or should be done?” Time will either be our friend or enemy. Prioritize what must be accomplished daily, weekly and monthly if possible. Revisit the list regularly, because sometimes priorities change because of the influences of ‘life’ and time. Use learned knowledge and common sense but do not be afraid to develop Uncommon Sense and Think Outside the Box.

Isshin-ryu Karate was developed from two much older styles, Goju-ryu and Shorin-ryu. Tatsuo Shimabuku, a leading student of both styles, took the best elements of each to create his style, “The One Heart Way.” He developed the non-twisting punch, which is faster and stronger than the original punch. He made the style more direct and useful for real life defense situations. He balanced the use of both hands and feet, with close natural stances that are more applicable to athletic activities beyond the dojo.

JUNE 2016

As the school year draws close to another ending, it is the beginning of the summer months of fun and frolic. Remember to make time to continue to read. Schooling may end but learning never does. An example is below – a quotation I found during the past semester while reviewing for my classes. I share it with you because it ties together many concepts: Education, Principle(s) from our karate training, and a long view of Life with the continuing of a long – yet newly understood Vision.

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

J.R.R. TOLKIEN

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” —George Eliot

The college semester has been finished for a few weeks as I start to compose this month’s newsletter. This past semester had a number of very bright individuals that worked well within the classroom setting and made each session enjoyable. The last two weeks we focused on a project that I have used at the end of the semester for the past six years. The project originated as a result of a lengthy meeting with Bob Proctor (a leading success coach, mentor and philosopher) and a man who was the top money earner in a networking venture in which I had been involved. As a result of doing well in building a business, I earned two all expenses paid vouchers to the company’s world headquarters and award ceremony in Irvine, California and free access to the Disney attraction. While I was attending seminars and meetings, my son toured the area and had free access to Disney.

During the meeting I was asked numerous times within an almost two hour session, what I needed and what I needed if I was going to be successful and happy. I answered numerous times the obvious answers to which Mr. Proctor said there is a more definitive response and we continued – on and on and on. When I finally realized the response it was so eye opening that I could not believe that I had struggled to come up with the answer.

NOW, the project (as my session with the men) started by a discussion about what is truly necessary to be happy and successful. The discussion lasted approximately thirty minutes and then the students were directed to make a list of as many personal, emotional, social and spiritual qualities and ideas as they could. After they were unable to think of more ideas, they were directed to talk to other students, friends and family members as possible prior to the next class. At the start of the next class I had the initial writing prompt projecting on the classroom screen. “True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” Lucius Annaeus Seneca As at the beginning of each class, students had fifteen minutes to consider the thought for the day and respond to it (in writing) in one fashion or another. Generally, the quotation has some connection to what will be covered in class. Following the writing I had students write their lists on the white board – not duplicating what another student had written. At the end of the process (and the class) I directed the students to make sure they had a complete list and select in order their top ten thoughts for the next class.

There was a second happiness and success quotation for the beginning of the class and students were then directed to put their top ten lists on the whiteboard. Eight students were eager and with a bit of coaxing others followed suit. Similar listings were eliminated, leaving about thirty-five thoughts. The student who’s list was being discussed spoke to clarify his or her thoughts. Students were again directed to prioritize the remaining list into their top ten. As class was soon to end, students were asked to vote on which one concept was the most important. We now had seven top responses. As the students were to leave, I directed them to select three other concepts from any of the lists we created so for the next class they would have ten again. An essay was also to be created as to why one was the most important and why the other three were selected. Many students left groaning about the fact that I had not told them what the correct answer to the project was.

The final session for this project started with Ruth Smeltzer’s quote, “You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” Following the time spent writing, I showed forty minutes of Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret”. Students were directed take notes saving anything from the video that they found important to understand the author’s message. When complete students put the most important

ideas on the whiteboard. I also projected my short list of ideas on the screen in the front of the room. With only thirty minutes remaining in class a number of students were concerned that they STILL did not know the answer for which I as looking. I said it would become evident to them before they left the room. As we continued with the discussion it became evident to the students that they already were in possession of most of the items on their lists, though some would be further developed throughout their lifetimes. I again stated that the did have or were working on most of the ideas on their lists and as they understood that, how did that make them feel? Student sat pondering and with five minutes left one young man got the biggest smile on his face and said, “If I had not seen the video and if YOU had not continually asked us what we truly needed, I would not have understood the answer. It is self-fulfillment.” With that many of the students asked if he was correct – which he was. Now with only the exam to complete, the students are writing the final essay to the project relating their beliefs about what they truly need for success and happiness and why.

Our happiness in many ways ties directly to our “inner voice” that forever asks the question, “Are you moving toward your dream?” If your answer is “yes,” then hope breeds contentment. However, if the answer is “no, it’s too late,” despair may fester within your subconscious. You might not even realize why your life lacks joy. . . . But it’s never too late to discover your purpose and live your dream! We’re very honored that best-selling author, John Maxwell, has written Own Your Dreams: Discovering Your Purpose in Life. – John C. Maxwell

As stated at the beginning of this month’s newsletter – Education, Principle(s) from our karate training, and a long view of Life with the continuing of a long – yet newly understood Vision all relate to a journey. It has been said that the journey or process is more important than the destination. At times it may be easy to stop, take a rest, thinking that it will be easy to restart or continue our walk. Anyone who has stopped attending church, a fitness center or any endeavor can relate that it is hard to restart. Make the decision and commitment to continue on . . . work through struggles . . . the end result will be more than worth the effort.

60th year Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Isshinryu Karate by Soke Tatsuo Shimabuku

Date: Friday and Saturday, June 10th & 11th of 2016

Location: Cecchini Family Health and Wellness Complex – 2020 East Main Street – North Canton, Ohio 44720-3336

O.I.K.K.A. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Saturday, August 20 at 9:00 AM – Stone Bridge Middle School

1252 Yardville Allentown Rd, Allentown, New Jersey 08501

I have forms if you are interested in going. See me ASAP.

I HAVE CREATED POSTERS TO INFORM PEOPLE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS. HELP US REACH MORE PEOPLE BY TAKING A FEW AND PUTTING THEM IN AREA STORES SO WE CAN INCREASE ENROLLMENT. THEY ARE LOCATED BY THE FRONT DOOR. THANKS!

SAVE THE DATE JULY 9, 2016. THIS IS THE DATE OF THE OUTDOOR TRAINING AT OUR HOME. TRAINING SESSIONS DURING THE DAY, PROMOTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE PREPARED, DEMONSTATIONS AND FOOD.

STUDENTS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PART OF THE NEW W.H.D. AFFILIATION CREATED TO KEEP THE TEACHINGS OF HANSHI DUESSEL ALIVE, SEE ME. I HAVE REGISTRATION FROMS. THE COST FOR A LIFE-TIME MEMBERSHIP IS $35.00.

May 2016

Our 31st Benefit Tournament, April 24th, though a smaller event than past years, was a success. We started on time and ended early, which gave a number of the people remaining time to meet us for pizza before driving home. Award winners are posted at the dojo, but everyone who attended is to be congratulated for supporting the event, the American Lung Association in memory of Hanshi Duessel and the high school’s sports program. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped. The event would not have run smoothly without all the people who pitched in.

“The Importance of Trust” – Nido R. Qubein Trust is the most valuable gift we can render to anyone. We trust people, not machines or corporations, and trust must be built one person at a time—in business, relationships, and life. An essential way to build trust is to stay in touch with people. So come up with a plan. Write or call three different people—a client, family member, or friend—at least once a day. That simple step lets them know they’re on your mind—and also that you are on their minds.

This thought by Nido is important in today’s world with the emphasis shifting from a friendly letter and phone call to a text message. Don’t lose site of the necessity for personal contact. Talk face to face as much as possible. Disagreements and misunderstandings enter any relationship, but don’t let such obstacles torpedo the trust you’ve built up. Focus on fixing the problem and forget about fixing the blame. One method to keep your relationships stable is to make a list of people with whom you’ve had a conflict. Once a year, approach these people and try to resolve the problem. Most people will respect you for doing that.

I have learned that in life the people who hold a grudge or wrongly judge people, are the people who suffer – not the person who has wronged us. LET GO AND MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE. The same goes for our life’s journey. The more people we know and the smoother our relations with them, the greater our chances of finding true happiness.

“No Surrender” – BJ Gallagher When you believe in yourself, in your personal potential, in your own future, you have no choice—surrender is not an option. There’s nothing to do but continue. Sometimes you want to give up, but you can’t—something deep inside you won’t let you. No white flags, no bailing out, no throwing in the towel for you. You have to keep going; you must carry on; you just take the next step…and the next…and the next…

A few days ago I had a few moments before teaching at Warren County College to look at a book, FINISH STRONG by Dan Green. Below are a few thought paraphrased from what I read.

Finish Strong – to me, two words that more clearly define a call to action than any other two words in the English language. I challenge you to find two words that more absolutely define a performance objective. The words “finish strong” are pervasively used in our culture, and they are a perfect example of how the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. When you combine “Finish” with “Strong” you create a powerful platform for action. It’s not uncommon for these words to flow from the mouths of athletes as they describe their goal in pre and post event interviews. The media uses these words to describe the performance of everything from the stock market to stock car racing. And lastly, for as long as man has documented history, the spirit of these words has existed. The words Finish Strong have become a driving force in my (his in the book) life. For more than ten years, they have been my personal mantra for achieving excellence in – life, sport, and business. I have personally embraced the finish strong mindset in all aspects of my life. And, when faced with a challenge or adversity, I remind myself… Regardless of what came before or of what has yet to come, what matters most right now is how I choose to respond to the challenge before me. Will I lie down or will I fight? The choice is mine and I choose to FINISH STRONG. From this attitude, I have created a personal level of accountability for everything I do. I don’t always get the result I want. But in the times that I have had to lean on my commitment, I always felt a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that I gave it all I had.

Each of the segments from the writings of others in this newsletter tie so well with our traditional karate training and the philosophy of the instructors within this dojo.

DOJO PHILOSOPHY

My goal is to instruct each student in the traditional art of Isshin-ryu Karate, keeping the spirit of True – Authentic – training alive, striving to be an example for the martial arts’ community. I aspire to motivate each student to strive to improve each day, by developing positive character values and A BEGINNER’S MIND.

As the student is guided through the levels of understanding, he or she will develop the strength physically and mentally to accept the challenges of karate and life, developing and demonstrating positive influences upon others by the character that will become a part of his or her daily life. Spiritual and emotional growth will become possible as the student develops the mental and physical tools to resist the adverse challenges of the world.

As we move forward in the 21st Century, I will strive to instill in each student the desire to keep the dreams of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku and Master William H. Duessel alive — that karate will again become the “One Heart Way”, working to make each student ONE with his or her body, mind, family, society and spirit.

In karate and in life we must work to develop trust in our abilities, develop trust that we are capable of improvement and then work to gain the trust of those around us. Then others will be better able to trust us. We must develop the attitude that in our practice and performance we must create the mindset where surrender or quitting is not an option. We must train with the intensity of purpose so that if we ever need to use our skills to protect ourselves or others, the capabilities will be ready for use. We cannot train in a manner that more effort will be needed, which will be discovered too late in a real confrontation. The challenge is made . . . now the decision to continue and improve is yours.

Congratulations to Neil Singh for promotion to Senior Yellow Belt.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

“It is and has always been an American zeal to be first in everything we do, and to win…” —Vince Lombardi Zeal and passion are emotions that move you. Coach Lombardi was once described by the late New York Giants owner, Wel Mara, as having “The zeal of a missionary.” And although the Packers held a special place in his heart, my father’s passion and enthusiasm extended into all corners of his life. He could get excited about dinner at a good restaurant, a sunset, Christmas with family, and especially, a game of golf. His passion overflowed. It was an enthusiasm that could be neither corralled nor fended off. “If you said ‘good morning’ to him the right way,” said a friend, “you could bring tears to his eyes.” His emotional ups and downs as an assistant coach with the Giants earned him the nickname “Mr. Hi–Lo.” A fellow coach once chided him for working up a lather over what seemed to be a minor football matter. Lombardi said in response, “If you can’t get emotional about what you believe in your heart, you’re in the wrong business.” My father laughed and he cried. He communicated with every emotional tool at his disposal. “I’ve got all the emotions in excess,” he said, “and a hair trigger controls them.” Spontaneity was the saving grace for this hair-trigger personality. My father could yell at a player and five minutes later honestly couldn’t remember who he yelled at or why. People understood this and forgave him the excesses of his passion. Coach Lombardi never allowed his passion—and here we’re talking about his anger—to become personal. Passion and enthusiasm are the seeds of achievement. Enthusiasm is like an ocean tide, there’s a certain inevitability about it. Zeal sweeps obstacles away. To motivate people, there must be a spark, some juice, desire, zeal, inspiration. It’s tough to be a leader if you can’t energize yourself, and then your people. They need to be able to tap into your emotional energy—and you need to be able to tap into theirs. It’s called passion today. In my father’s day, it was called “emotion.” No matter what you choose to call it, I doubt you could find someone who was as passionate—and this is important—as effective, as my father. Having a plan is important, but along with a plan there must be a hunger, and a zeal to achieve the vision.

Leading with Passion – By John Murphy

Light a match in a dark room and watch as the light instantly overcomes the darkness. Observe the power and grace of that single, solitary flame dancing with life. Now light several candles or kindle a fire and experience the added warmth and comfort extending from that first, vulnerable flame through others. This is the heart and soul of leadership—the essence of inspiring others. It is about courageously casting off fear, doubt and limiting beliefs and giving people a sense of hope, optimism and accomplishment. It is about bringing light into a world of uncertainty and inspiring others to do the same. This is what we call passion, the fire within. Passion is a heartfelt energy that flows through us, not from us. It fills our hearts when we allow it to and it inspires others when we share it. It is like sunlight flowing through a doorway that we have just opened. It was always there. It just needed to be accepted and embraced. Under the right conditions, this “flow” appears effortless, easy and graceful. It is doing what it is meant to do. It is reminding us that we are meant to be purposeful. We are meant to be positive. We are meant to be passionate. We feel this when we listen to and accept our calling in life. We feel it as inspiration when we open the door of resistance and let it in. Inspiration springs forth when we allow ourselves to be “in-spirit,” aligned with our true essence. Stop and think about it: When you feel truly passionate and inspired about someone or something, what frame of mind are you in? What are you willing to do? What kind of effort are you willing to put forth? How fearful are you? Chances are, you feel motivated to do whatever it takes, without fear or doubt, to turn your vision into reality. You grow in confidence. You believe you can do it. You are committed from the heart and soul.

Both articles presented in this month’s newsletter relate similar ideas concerning passion, enthusiasm, emotion and inspiration as found within our lives and how successful we become and how we are able to relate with others. From experience, the people who are able to motivate others to succeed were those people who contained and shared their passion, enthusiasm and desire to live life to its fullest. Enthusiasm and passion are more infectious in a positive way than a doubting, negative, attitude. Work to foster a positive outlook and reach out to help others. This enthusiasm is also found in the section about “How to Learn” in the dojo handbook. With this many similar insights, the people professing that the above ideas are what are needed in our lives must be on the right track. How to Learn

1. Understand that there is something to be learned – knowledge to be gained.
2. You must create the will to learn; intention to learn plus enthusiasm.
3. There is no substitute for continuous participation in class.
4. Allow yourself to be guided through this knowledge, and do not become concerned with how fast you learn but how well you learn. being concerned with how fast you learn will develop anxiety which will prevent you from learning.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EARNED PROMOTIONS SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER. Junior Yellow Belt – Nathan Pantuso, Ellie Aten – Senior Yellow Belt – Oscar Olivera – Senior Green Belt – Ken Aten

* Golden Rule Tournament – Sunday, February 28th at Warren Hills. Doors open at 9 – Event starts at 11.

 * BENEFIT SEMINAR HONORING MASTER TEMPLE’S CHARITY – “MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION” – FRIDAY, MARCH 18th.

FORMS FOR THE SEMINARS ARE IN THE DOJO – – –

 * OUR 31st BENEFIT TOURNAMENT AT HACKETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, SUNDAY, APRIL 24th

The Starting Point – Thomas Troward

 “It’s an old saying that “Order is Heaven’s First Law,” and like many other old sayings it contains a much deeper philosophy than appears immediately on the surface. Getting things into a better order is the great secret of progress, and we are now able to fly through the air, not because the laws of Nature have altered, but because we have learned to arrange things in the right order to produce this result—the things themselves had existed from the beginning of the world, but what was wanting was the introduction of a Personal Factor which, by an intelligent perception of the possibilities contained in the laws of Nature, should be able to bring into working reality ideas which previous generations would have laughed at as the absurd fancies of an unbalanced mind.

The lesson to be learned from the practical aviation of the present day is that of the triumph of principle over precedent, of the working out of an idea to its logical conclusions in spite of the accumulated testimony of all past experience to the contrary; and with such a notable example before us can we say that it is futile to inquire whether by the same method we may not unlock still more important secrets and gain some knowledge of the unseen causes which are at the back of external and visible conditions, and then by bringing these unseen causes into a better order make  practical working realities of possibilities which at present seem but fantastic dreams.”

The thoughts above relate that prior to anything being achieved, which has not been done previously, a person must have a vision or dream. This also relates to an idea I had that was the springboard to the banner and theme created for the 2007 World Championship event we hosted in Princeton.

A goal, a dream invisible to all in the world excerpt to the person who holds it, is responsible for perhaps every great advance of man. It is the prime cause of much of what we see in the world around us. Everything worthwhile, achieved by man, is a dream come true, a goal reached. What the mind can conceive and believe – it can achieve.

“The starting point of all achievement is desire”. Napoleon Hill

            As in Isshin-ryu Karate the quotation by Napoleon Hill relates to proper training. Most every class is started by stretching the body so the chance of injury is reduced. From that point students review basic techniques, then kata and self-defense skills relating to the moves in the kata and then one step drills and sparring. To advance and achieve success, each student must advance all the skills needed for advancement. With motivation and the desire to improve – success in the dojo and outside the dojo is possible. Time flies when one is having fun.

“A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward”. Harvey Mackay

            Our karate training, being intrinsic in nature, reinforces the concepts of striving to perfect one’s body and mind. The process begins within the first level (Arakezuri) by learning a foundation of primary skills that are done in almost every class, our basic exercises and kicks. One should always work to improve these learning blocks of our karate skills because they are found in every part of our training . . . Kata, Kumite and Kobudo. The new student is the craving to learn something new. Karate is not unlike other types of workout, based upon repetition carrying out a move more than a thousand times and still not mastering it until at least a thousand more repetitions are completed.

The second level (Nakakezuri) from our starting point is where the student begins to understand how the primary techniques may be used and applied during personal training, during kata and kumite and self-defense situations. With continued dedication the application of the skills will become advanced so the individual will be able to use the skills in all areas of training. The initial karateka would see the black belt as the pinnacle to their journey, although by the very nature of stage two, this would also evolve in the karateka’s mind in a later stage.

Level three (Hosokezur) is a time to continue to polish each individual technique and work to develop timing and use of combinations of techniques with Chinkuchi or with the power found in Sanchin kata and in the proper application of any technique. During this stage the development of body shape in the form of ‘muscles’ is greatly advanced.

Level four of the learning process (Shiage) relates to being finished or at the ultimate level of one’s training. This concept is misleading because it may require twenty (20) years to develop the proper delivery of a punch or kick, much less being able to do combinations with the same devastating effectiveness. In traditional training one understands that though at an advanced age, there is ALWAYS something to be learned or perfected. ONE SHOUL D NEVER BELIEVE THAT PERFECTION IS ACHIEVED – BECAUSE THAT MEANS LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT ARE AT AN END AND THE INDIVIDUAL HAS A CLOSED MIND.

FEBRUARY 2016

CONGRATULATIONS to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter. Rachel Tankel – Junior Orange Belt, Dylan Schulze – Junior Yellow Belt

It begins with your decision, selected thoughts from seven pages of notes from a seminar in 2001 with Bob Proctor.

There is a single mental move which may be made, in a millisecond, will solve enormous problems. It has the potential to improve almost any personal situation … and it could literally propel us down the path to incredible success. We have a name for this magic mental activity … it is called DECISION.

Decisions or the lack of them are responsible for the breaking or making a successful person. Individuals who have become very proficient at making decisions, without being influenced by the opinions of others, are the same people who succeed at whatever they do in life; because life is dominated by this power. The health of one’s mind and body, the well-being of your family, one’s social life, the type of relationships you develop … all are dependent upon the ability to make sound decisions. This far-reaching power should be taught in every school, but it is not. To compound the problem, not only is decision-making missing from the curriculum of our educational institutions, up until recently, it’s also been absent from most of the corporate training and human resource programs available. Armed with the proper information and by subjecting yourself to certain disciplines, you can become a very effective decision maker.   Decision-making brings order to the mind, and of course, this order is then reflected in the objective world … and ultimately the results.

James Allen may have been thinking of decisions when he wrote, “We think in secret and it comes to pass. Environment is but our looking glass.” No one can see you making decisions but they will almost always see the results of your decisions. The person who fails to develop the ability to make decisions is doomed because indecision sets up internal conflicts which can, without warming, escalate into all out mental and emotional wars. Psychiatrists have a name to describe these internal wars, it is ambivalence. It is obvious that anyone who finds himself in such a mental state is not living; at best, they are merely existing. A decision or a series of decisions would change everything.

A very basic law of the universe is “create or disintegrate”. Indecision causes disintegration. How often have you heard a person say, “I don’t know what to do.” How often have you heard yourself say, “What should I do?” Think about some of the indecisive feelings you and virtually everyone on this planet experience from time to time.

LOVE THEM – LEAVE THEM

QUIT – STAY

DO IT – DON’T DO IT

GO BANKRUPT – NO DON’T

GO TO WORK – WATCH TV

BUY IT – DON’T BUY IT

SAY IT – DON’T SAY IT

TELL THEM – DON’T TELL THEM

Everyone, on occasion, has experienced these feelings of ambivalence. If it happens frequently, decide right now to stop it. Indecision is a cause of ambivalence, however it is a secondary cause, it is not the primary cause. People who are able to make decisions have a very strong self image, a high degree of self-esteem and they certainly possess confidence. Decision makers are not afraid of making an error. If and when they make an error in their decision, or fail at something, they have the ability to shrug it off. They learn from the experience but they will never submit to the failure.

Every decision maker was either fortunate enough to have been raised in an environment where decision making was a part of their upbringing, or they developed the ability themselves at a later date. They are aware of something that everyone, who hopes to live a full life, must understand: Decision making is something you cannot avoid. That is the cardinal principle of decision making. DECIDE RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE WITH WHATEVER YOU’VE GOT. This is precisely why most people never master this important aspect of life. They permit their resources to dictate if and when a decision will or can be made. When John Kennedy asked Werner Von Braun what it would take to build a rocket that would carry a man to the moon and return him safely to earth, his answer was simple and direct. “The will to do it.” President Kennedy never asked if it was possible. He never asked if they could afford it or any one of a thousand other questions, all of which would have … at that time … been valid questions. President Kennedy made a decision … he said, we will put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth before the end of the decade. The fact that it had never been done before in all the hundreds of thousands of years of human history was not even a consideration. He DECIDED where he was with what he had. The objective was accomplished in his mind the second he made the decision. It was only a matter of time … which is governed by natural law before the goal was manifested in form for the whole world to see.

Thinking is very important. Decision makers are great thinkers. How much consideration is given to daily thoughts … how they affect the various aspects of daily life? Although this should be one of our most serious considerations, for many people it is not. There is a very small select few who make any attempt to control or govern their thoughts.

The great thinkers in history, the great decision makers, the achievers of history, will know they very rarely agreed on anything when it came to the study of human life. However, there was one point on which they were in complete and unanimous agreement and that was, “We become what we think about.” What do you think about? You and I must realize that our thoughts ultimately control every decision we make. You are the sum total of your thoughts and we have around 60,000 thoughts a day. By taking charge this very minute, you can guarantee yourself a good day. Refuse to let unhappy, negative people or circumstances affect you.

The greatest stumbling block to be encountered when making important decisions in life is circumstance. We let circumstance get us off the hook when we should be giving it everything we’ve got. More dreams are shattered and goals lost because of circumstance than any other single factor. How often have you caught yourself saying, “I would like to do or have this but I can’t because …” Whatever follows “because” is the circumstance. Circumstances may cause a detour in your life but you should never permit them to stop you from making important decisions.

Many misguided individuals try something once or twice and if they do not hit the bull’s-eye, they feel they are a failure. Failing does not make anyone a failure, but quitting most certainly does and quitting is a decision. By following that form of reasoning, you would have to say when you make a decision to quit, you make a decision to fail.

Every day in America, you hear about a baseball player signing a contract which will pay him a few million dollars a year. You should try to keep in mind … that same player misses the ball more often than he hits it when he steps up to the plate. Everyone remembers Babe Ruth for the 714 home runs he hit and they rarely mention that he struck out 1,330 times.

Charles F. Kettering said, and I quote, “When you’re inventing , if you flunk 999 times and succeed once, you’re in.”That is true of just about any activity you can name, but the world will soon forget your failures in light of your achievements. Don’t worry about failing, it will toughen you up and get you ready for your big win. Winning is a decision.

Many years ago Helen Keller was asked if she thought there was anything worse than being blind. She quickly replied that there was something much worse. She said, “The most pathetic person in the world is a person who has their sight but no vision.” I agree with Helen Keller. When a person has no vision of a better way of life, he automatically shuts himself in a prison; limited to a life without hope. This frequently happens when a person has seriously tried, on a number of occasions, to win, only to meet with failure time after time. Repeated failures can damage a person’s self-image and cause them to lose sight of one’s potential.

Take the first step in predicting your own prosperous future. Build a mental picture of exactly how you would like to live. Make a firm decision to hold on to that vision and positive ways to improve everything will begin to flow into your mind. Many people get a beautiful vision of how they would like to live but because they cannot see how they are going to make it all happen, they let the vision go. If they knew how they were going to get it or do it, they would have a plan not a vision. There is no inspiration in a plan but there sure is in a vision. ” When you get the vision, freeze frame it with a decision and don’t worry about how you will do it or where the resources will come from. Charge your decision with enthusiasm … that is important. Refuse to worry about how it will happen”.

We make advanced bookings when we fly somewhere, that is quite common. We make advanced reservations to eliminate any confusion or problems when the time arrives for the journey. We do the same with renting a car, for the same reason. Think of the problems you will eliminate by making many of the decisions you must make … well in advance. The exact same concept works with a person when they are on a diet to release weight. Their decisions are made in advance. If they are offered a big slice of chocolate cake, they don’t have to say, “Gee, that looks good … I wonder if I should.” The decision is made in advance.

I made a decision a long time ago that I would not participate in discussions of why something cannot be done.   The only compensation you will ever receive for participating in or giving energy to that type of discussion, is something you do not want. I always find it amazing at the number of seemingly intelligent people who persist in dragging you into these negative brainstorming sessions. In one breath these people tell you they seriously want to accomplish a particular objective. And, in the next breath, they begin talking about why they can’t. Think of how much more of life they would enjoy by making a decision that they will no longer participate in that type of negative energy.

The humanistic psychologist, Dr. Abraham Maslow who devoted his life to studying self actualized people, stated very clearly that we should follow our inner guide and not be swayed by the opinion of others or outside circumstances. Maslow’s research showed that the decision makers in life had a number of things in common; most importantly, they did work they felt was worthwhile and important. They found work a pleasure, and there was little distinction between work and play. Dr. Maslow said, to be self actualized you must not only be doing work you consider to be important, you must do it well and enjoy it. Dr. Maslow recorded that these superior performers had values, those qualities in their personalities they considered to be worthwhile and important. Their values were not imposed by society, parents or other people in their lives. They did make their own decisions. Like their work, they chose and developed their values themselves.

Life is important and, at its best, life is short. You have the potential to do anything you choose, and to do it well. But, you must make decisions and when the time for a decision arrives, you must make your decision where you are with what you’ve got.

Years later, Thomas Edison said, and I quote, “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” By making a simple decision, the greatest minds of the past are available to you. You can literally learn how to turn your wildest dreams into reality.

Put this valuable information to use and recognize the greatness which exists within you. You have limitless resources of potential and ability waiting to be developed. Start today – there’s never any time better than the present. Be all that you are capable of being.

                OUR ISSHIN-RYU TRAINING CREATES OPPORTUNITIES EVERY DAY TO USE THE IDEAS RELATED IN THE NOTES TAKEN DURING THE SEMINARS WITH BOB PROCTOR, A WORLD RENOUN SUCCESS COACH AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER. DO I PRACTICE TODAY OR WATCH TV OR PLAY GAMES? WHAT EFFORT AND THOUGHT DO I PUT FORTH DURING TRAINING AT HOME OR IN THE DOJO. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITLESS. AS IN THE QUOTATION BELOW, CHOOSE TO BE “THE LIGHT” , “THE DECISION MAKER” , THE MAKER OF “POSITIVE MOTIVATIONS FOR OTHERS”

Our Deepest Fear – by Marianne Williamson – from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO STAND OUT, BE THE BEST AND STRIVE TO SET THE EXAMPLE FOR GREATNESS.  TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE SATISFIED BEING AVERAGE.  THIS DOES NOT DO ANYTHING TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE REFLECTION OF THE PEOPLE WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE.

During a recent children’s class I was asked to talk to the students about bullying and being bullied. As the discussion progressed it became known that the individual who was picked on by an older child had acted childishly and made fun of the older individual. This is what caused the incident. At times the person being bullied has not done anything to warrant the abuse. From previous experience (45 years of teaching experience) most cases of this nature are created by the person being bullied when the child acts immaturely or when the child taunts another individual. Our karate training does not guarantee that each encounter will be handled successfully. As an individual each person has the right and obligation to defend himself or herself from any attack. If a friend is being bullied often a comment from a friend may be enough to end the situation. If action is needed act in the best interest of oneself and the friend being picked on.

IN THE CASE OF BAD WEATHER – WE WILL GET SNOW AND ICE THIS WINTER – LISTEN TO WRNJ RADIO 1510 AM, 92.7 AND 104.7 FM AFTER 2 PM OR LOOK AT THE DOJO WEBSITE – www.isshin-ryu.com. Closings will be posted and classes may be made up at your convenience.

What gives a man or woman the right to lead? – John Maxwell It certainly isn’t gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank, or degrees doesn’t qualify anyone to lead other people. And the ability doesn’t come automatically from age or experience, either. No, it would be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead. The right to lead can only be earned. And that takes time.

The Kind of Leader Others Want to Follow

The key to becoming an effective leader is not to focus on making other people follow, but on making yourself the kind of person they want to follow. You must become someone others can trust to take them where they want to go. As you prepare yourself to become a better leader, use the following guidelines to help you grow:

1) Let go of your ego.

The truly great leaders are not in leadership for personal gain. They lead in order to serve other people. Perhaps that is why Lawrence D. Bell remarked, “Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I’ll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things.”

2) Become a good follower first.

Rare is the effective leader who didn’t learn to become a good follower first. That is why a leadership institution such as the United States Military Academy teaches its officers to become effective followers first—and why West Point has produced more leaders than the Harvard Business School.

3) Build positive relationships.

Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. That means it is by nature relational. Today’s generation of leaders seem particularly aware of this because title and position mean so little to them. They know intuitively that people go along with people they get along with.

4) Work with excellence.

No one respects and follows mediocrity. Leaders who earn the right to lead give their all to what they do. They bring into play not only their skills and talents, but also great passion and hard work. They perform on the highest level of which they are capable.

5) Rely on discipline, not emotion.

Leadership is often easy during the good times. It’s when everything seems to be against you—when you’re out of energy, and you don’t want to lead—that you earn your place as a leader. During every season of life, leaders face crucial moments when they must choose between gearing up or giving up. To make it through those times, rely on the rock of discipline, not the shifting sand of emotion.

6) Make adding value your goal.

When you look at the leaders whose names are revered long after they have finished leading, you find that they were men and women who helped people to live better lives and reach their potential. That is the highest calling of leadership—and its highest value.

7) Give your power away.

One of the ironies of leadership is that you become a better leader by sharing whatever power you have, not by saving it all for yourself. You’re meant to be a river, not a reservoir. If you use your power to empower others, your leadership will extend far beyond your grasp. In The Right to Lead, you will hear from and read about people who have done these same things and earned the right to lead others. Because of the courage they found and the character they displayed, other people recognized their admirable qualities and felt compelled to follow them. The followers who looked to these leaders learned from them, and so can we. As you explore their worlds and words, remember that it takes time to become worthy of followers. Leadership isn’t learned or earned in a moment.

One of the benefits of Isshin-ryu Karate training is developing the abilities mentioned in John Maxwell’s article. We learn to take responsibility for our actions. We learn that we are responsible to train diligently if success is to be achieved. We learn to work individually and as a part of a group.

 DOJO FEES WILL REMAIN THE SAME FOR 2016 AS PER THE FEBRUARY 2013 FEE SCHEDULE

Please pay the beginning of each month

PER WEEK                  1 STUDENT        2 STUDENTS         3 STUDENTS

1 CLASS                        $55.00                 $100.00                    $130.00

2 CLASSES                    $80.00                $145.00                    $220.00

3 CLASSES                    $90.00                $170.00                    $250.00

3 MONTHS (1X)    $140.00              $265.00                     $370.00

3 MONTHS (2X)    $210.00              $385.00                    $560.00

If paying monthly with more than one std. per family – additional student is a $10 reduction / month.

 CONGRATULATIONS to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter. Arianna DiPaola – Junior Yellow Belt, Max DiPaola – Junior Orange Belt,   Ken Aten – Senior Yellow Belt.