by Carrie Spencer After-school doesn’t have to mean worksheets, screen time, or structured sports. For many kids, that 3 to 6 p.m. window is prime space for self-discovery, experimentation, and sideways growth — the kind of growth that school hours often suppress. Parents looking to feed that curiosity are finding fresh options far beyond piano lessons or soccer practice. Creative, nontraditional programs are reshaping what enrichment looks like. If you’ve ever wondered how t

With the New Year comes new goals. It is a tradition to set resolutions each year that will help you become a better person. The New Year has always been a time to reflect on the past and the changes you should make, and to find the resolve to follow through on those changes. Resolutions can be difficult, but you can overcome those challenges if you approach those goals with a Black Belt attitude.   Black Belts have the character to guide them in the right direction. They are

The busy holiday season is upon us, and while the items on our “To Do” list will certainly multiply, we shouldn't forget to take time to review and plan our personal goals. After all, this is the time of year to do that too, so let’s get started!   I find it easiest to create and manage goals by breaking down into categories the major aspects of my life. (Kids may start with personal and school goals.) Decide on two major categories and break them down further into as many ar

Everyone wants to be treated with respect. You and everyone in your life want to be accepted, considered individuals, treated politely,...

by Carrie Spencer Leadership doesn’t start with a title. It begins in the small, nearly invisible acts that shape how a child learns to...

Regardless of how old you are or what rank you have earned, most martial arts students share a common goal… to be the best they can be....

by Carrie Spencer Self-confidence doesn’t just sprout on its own. It grows in the space you create—one filled with warmth, patience,...

Martial arts training builds character. Self-confidence, esteem, and perseverance are benefits that are connected with learning the arts....

How you feel about yourself, or your self-esteem, has a huge effect on how you treat yourself and others, and the kinds of choices you...

As adults, we are responsible for our lifestyle choices and in many cases, our children’s lifestyle. Whether or not our children get...

You can act like a Black Belt, even though you are still working hard to earn that honor. Black Belts possess a very important...

Most people can be categorized as either leaders or followers. Leaders are often described as dreamers, self-starters, creators and...

If you subscribe to the belief that there is always room for improvement, you are probably one of the millions of people who establishes...

According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, nearly half of American adults report that they do not exercise at...

Did you know that you can improve your martial arts skill without breaking a sweat? All you need to do is practice with your mind. It’s...

You might think that kids want to learn martial arts because of the latest Jackie Chan movie they’ve seen. Or perhaps you saw them...

When you’re totally committed to your martial arts and your life, then you have the right attitude to be coached, accept responsibility...

In class, we tend to train with the mindset that as long as we perform the drill that our instructor teaches us, then we will become...

Today martial arts is more popular than ever and is enjoyed by men and women of all age groups. The propulsion behind martial arts’...

By Jennifer G. Galea MS RD Probably all of us would love to eat healthy home-cooked foods for every meal every day. But who has the time...