Success Martial Arts.......BlackBeltMinds.com

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2011-03-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

As you may notice this blog is not well used ...

Please check out the video on YOUtube ...

And friend us on Facebook ( it's the most current source of information)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000844824434

What if my child wants to skip class?

2010-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

That’s never a problem. Because we’ve never has a child quit on us. However, we have had parents give up on their children. We know that you want whats best for your family.

When you get started in our classes we promise to provide a safe learning opportunity and all of the benefits we have talked about so far. You as the parent make a promise to take care of the finances and transportation. Your child is making the promise to come to class and practice. Now just because your child may want to break his promise doesn’t mean you ought to break yours. What sort of example is that?

The way we usually handle it is as a teaching opportunity. If there is a concern; you keep your promise and bring your child here to talk with me about it. That way your child will learn to handle concerns responsibly instead of hiding at home or just being plain lazy. And I really do want to know if something isn’t perfect that we all can learn and make the school better. That makes sense doesn’t it?

Your child will follow your lead. When you take class seriously and treat it as important so will your child. If you are "iffy" your child will pick up on that as well and start "testing the waters". As long as it is up for discussion kids will keep bringing it up to see what they can or can not manipulate. They’re just being kids ... it’s natural.

As soon as you end the conversation and let your child know that class is a priority; this frequently helps your child to recommit to class and Black Belt Excellence.

Good attendance is essential. When a child misses a class for whatever reason make it up right away. After one class missed it is too easy to miss the next class and then the next. It’s not about the class itself it’s about habits.

None of us want your child to miss out on all Success Martial Arts has to offer.

Regrettable Situation

2010-07-16T13:09:00.001-07:00

I don’t generally like to “brag” but a circumstance has come up that forces me to share the valuable work we do and the long track record and reputation of contribution that Success Martial Arts has exhaustively earned ... in order to protect it.

As many of you are likely aware; I have been sharing lessons of confidence, self control, respect, focus, self defense and high personal standards with thousands of Magic Valley families for 15 years. We have provided Anti Abduction and Sex Offender education to over 6000 children in a FREE program I intend to offer at no charge to anyone who asks for it... indefinitely. In fact this program directly prevented at least one confirmed enticement attempt. Our Bully Buster program has helped over 1500 children learn how to handle school conflict non violently. We’ve also reached thousands of students throughout the valley with the “Focus is Power” school talk program. Not to mention our annual“Action Heroes” community service project with Salvation Army. Hundreds of women and girls have participated in our FREE “In the Zone” self defense clinics and the Agent SOS program for real estate professionals. Of course the unique work we do with our students every day speaks for itself.

An unfortunate series of events and the isolated actions of one individual have created the potential for some ugly rumors and misunderstandings to be spread about our school. This is definitely a case where “Lies can get half way around the world before the truth can get its boots on” is a risk that ought to be prevented.

Here are the facts:

Success Martial Arts is now and has always been and will continue to be a safe place for families.

Nothing happened in or around our school or any of our students. Nor was there ever any potential or risk of any questionable activity in or around the school or students. The safety of our students is the highest priority. We take every precaution to ensure the safety in our environment. The choices an adult makes away from the school are beyond my control.

This individual was removed from our school and has not been back. That action was taken in 2009 prior to any knowledge of the accusations that this individual currently faces.

Please share this message and your positive Success Martial Arts experiences with those you come in contact with as an antidote to the potential lies, rumors, and misunderstandings that may arise in the coming weeks and months so that this opportunity to make the Magic Valley a better place to live and support our families in living happy, healthy, fruitful, confident lives isn’t wrongfully blemished.

If you need to contact me for any reason please call me @ 733-8910 or e-mail Higginsc@aol.com. Or explore BlackBeltMinds.com

I wish for you all that you wish for yourselves.

New Intense Fitness Class @ YMCA

2010-05-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Cage Conditioning
Imagine a fitness experience that gets you in the best shape of your life, faster than you expected because it was harder than you thought you wanted ... and that’s why you love it.

Think about the kind of shape you'd be in, how you could look and feel with a program that uses: “Muscle Confusion” to beat the plateaus (Like P90X ), “Reverse Intervals” to get your calories burned to time spent ratio off the charts ( Like Insanity), Whole body unorthodox movement to keep you in proportion and give you fitness you can use ( Like Crossfit), while giving you all the details and personal refinement that a professional fighter gets as they get ready to rumble.

Brian Higgins (Senior Instructor Success Martial Arts) has coached a handful of national Kickboxing Champions as well as professional MMA fighters and Boxers. Coach Higgins has recently been certified as an MMA conditioning coach; No contact .. No one gets hit .. No one gets hurt .. Everyone gets a world class workout, under Kevin Kearns,one of the top trainers for UFC Fighters.

Coach Higgins has built this class for you. If you are ready to work hard and have fun. You will feel the results.

Sat AM @ 9:00 Elizabeth St YMCA

Starts June 12

Moms Train FREE – All Month Long

2010-04-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

Moms Train FREE – All Month Long
Twin Falls - To honor all Mother’s in the month of May, Success Martial Arts at 1300 Kimberly Rd in Twin Falls is hosting a special opportunity for All Mothers. Anybody who has ever answered to the call of Mom is invited to enjoy four weeks of self-defense and fitness at Success Martial Arts, in honor of Mothers Day.
Senior Instructor, Brian Higgins announced, “Moms are some hard working people and I hear so often how stressed they feel, I’d like to give each of them a mini-vacation, a little time for herself to feel better and hopefully increase her ability to handle every other area of her life a little more smoothly.”
“All any mother or grandmother or step-mother has to do is call us at 733-8910 to schedule her orientation and we’ll give her, her free month of training immediately.” Brian asserted
Coach Higgins has shared his lessons of confidence, respect, discipline and high personal standards with thousands of Magic Valley families over the past thirteen years.
For more information please call 733-8910

Teenage Girls Are the Most Frequent Victims of Sexual Assault!

2010-04-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Teenage Girls Are the Most Frequent Victims of Sexual Assault!

Scary Statistics:
• Two-thirds of imprisoned sexual assault offenders reported that their victims were younger than age 18.
• Sixty-one percent of all rape victims are younger than 18 years of age.
• Thirty-two percent of all rape victims are 11-17 years of age.
• The average victim of abduction and murder is an 11 year old girl described as a “low risk” “normal kid” from a stable family. Her initial contact with an abductor is within a quarter mile of her home.
• Violence against teens continues to be rampant as 1 in 5 teens will be victims of a violent crime this year.

FREE Personal Protection
For Moms and Daughters

Success Martial Arts Senior Instructor Brian Higgins has partnered with the Twin Falls YMCA to offer a special FREE session of In The Zone. This revolutionary approach to self-defense, is unique. Unlike run of the mill self-defense programs, this innovative approach teaches fear management and how to deal with your “fight or flight” response.
Coach Higgins calls it “From Eeeek to GRRRR”.

Higgins is uniquely suited to sharing this specific topic with teen-age girls. His career in juvenile detention dealing with underage victims and offenders helps him to relate to teens in a way that will educate them without turning them off.

When: Saturday, May 22nd ; 10:00– 12:00
Where: YMCA 1751 Elizabeth
How Much: FREE (This course is usually in the $100 range)
Who: You and any women and girls you care about.

April 2010 Newsletter

2010-03-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

COACHES CORNER

CONSISTENCY!
Which is easier...to do a big, difficult thing one time? Or to do a small easy thing every single day?
Would you be more likely to pick up your room and make your bed every single day?...or to do a major cleaning job on Saturday?
Some jobs can be delayed for a while; you can catch up later. For example, if you do the laundry every day, or wait and do it once per week, does it make much difference?
Some jobs are different, though! Would it matter if you:
1. Didn't brush your teeth all week, and then brushed them 10 times on Saturday?
2. Didn't feed your dog all week, and then took him to a restaurant for a really big meal on Saturday night?
3. Didn't water your plants for a month, and then gave them 90 gallons of water?
Many of the important things in your life are like the above examples. to be really successful, we must develop the ability to do simple things consistently! Often, the tasks themselves are not difficult. The challenge is
to do them every single day!

I would like to speak to you about Black Belt Excellence. You understand how it works, right?
You begin by setting high standards for yourself in the Martial Arts. You work hard, overcome obstacles, and reach your goals. And, in the process, you begin to see that you can apply these same standards of excellence in the other areas of your life...home, school, career, etc. You have achieved Black Belt Excellence when you hold high standards for yourself in ALL areas!
Committing to excellence in one area will impact other areas.

But here is a warning: It works the other way, too. Settling for mediocrity in ANY area of your life will impact all other areas! Let's say you are motivated to excel in Martial Arts. You have committed to excellence. But you have another area of your life that might not be so important to you, right now. Maybe academics, or personal relationships. And you let yourself be content with mediocrity in this area. You allow neglect to slip in.
You are in danger!
Mediocrity and neglect, once they are allowed to enter your life, will quickly move to those areas that ARE important to you...even if you have already committed to Excellence!
The lesson is this: Tolerate NO mediocrity; tolerate NO neglect. Dedicate yourself to Black Belt Excellence in every arena!

Do a Friend a Favor ...
Bring a Buddy to Class!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need the support of every student and family; to continue to provide excellent facilities and services.
Please keep current on your tuition.
Thank you.

REMEMBER
100% Attendance !

Parents... please plan to pick your youngsters up promptly before + after class.
Your children and the children in class deserve it.
Thank you.

Black Belt + Beyond
4 pm April 2

Blindfold Buddy Night
Monday + Tuesday ; April 5 + 6
During your regular classes

FREE
Mom + Daughter
Personal Protection
@ YMCA
10:00 - 12:00
Saturday, April 10

Special Sparring Success Clinic !!
Great way to get ready for the tournament

Some of you are anxious about sparring; either to earn that next promotion or because you don’t really like to spar very much...or both. This camp is for you!! We’ll spend the whole time on drills and skills to help you spar better and safer and with more fun than you ever have before.

Saturday, Apr 17th 1 - 2pm
Only $25.00

Educator Appreciation
Tuesday, April 20th
4:30
☺

19th Semi-Annual
In House Tournament

April 24th, 4:30 PM
Red Lion Hotel

There will be divisions by age, size and experience

☺ There will be trophies in each division.

❏ This is a participation oriented event, everyone is invited to enter.

❏ Great opportunity to invite friends and family to watch

$10 entry fee

Do You Have Your Gear?!?

Promotions
April 28 + 29

Black Belt + Beyond
4 pm April 30

3-21-10

2010-03-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

This Week :
Character "Words over emotion"
Safety "Ask for Help"

Promotions are this week.
Do you have your Intent to Promote?
Dont forget to bring your friends to watch you get promoted.
They are offcially invited every time.

We will be working on Kick-Punch skills all next month + preparing for the Tournament.
If you have your sparring gear remember "Shins and Gloves on - Headgear+Mouthpiece handy" every class.
If you don't have your gear yet;order ASAP!!

2010-03-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is Week 3 --
Do you have your Intent to Promote form?
Safety Lesson "Courage"
---
Character Lesson "Balance"
..
For those of you who want to help at the parade; be at the school @ 11:15 on Wednesday.

Bo Camp Video

2010-03-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjOqNBu3bbg
New Video from the Bo Staff Camp Graduation --- Check it out.

It's worth every minute:

2010-03-02T13:46:00.001-08:00

http://www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_the_opportunity_of_adversity.html

Video From Talk at Rotary

2010-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU3DZZGdq70 --- Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiXlHjOa628 --- Part 2

2-21-10

2010-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Week Four:

Promotions are Wed+ Thur this week.

Safety - Computer Safety Rule.

Character - Focus is Power.

This is the last week for "Bring a Buddy".
The drawing will be this weekend.
Bring in some buddies to watch you get promoted and participate in class.

2-14-10

2010-02-14T21:34:00.001-08:00

Week Three:
Do you have your "Intent to Promote" form?

Safety: Knock on the Door / Butt Floor

Character: Consistency

I still have a bunch of "Bully Buster" posters .. if you can think of a good place for one please help spread the word on this FREE community event.

FREE Anti-Bullying Program

2010-02-07T10:25:00.001-08:00

Local Martial Arts School Promotes Child Safety
With FREE Anti-Bullying Program

Twin Falls – Senior Instructor Brian Higgins, owner of Success Martial Arts (1300 Kimberly Rd) announced today that the school’s FREE Bully Buster Program, at 4:30 on Tuesday, February 23rd ; will help students understand the effects of bullying and provide instruction in personal protection and violence reduction strategies.
According to Senior Instructor Higgins, studies show that more than 5.7 million American children (almost 30%) are estimated to be a bully, a target of bullying or both. Although many adults may consider bullying a traditional part of a youth’s life experience, it may also be one of the precursors for the gun-based crimes perpetuated by youth during the high school years. Bullying over relatively petty issues becomes a rationale for revenge or extreme intolerance that festers from the elementary years through high school.
“What we are offering is a complete rounded approach to the issue of bully-ing. The ultimate goal is for every child to have the tools they need to attend school in both emotional and physical safety and with confidence. Children must have the ability to keep themselves out of harms way by learning how to avoid confrontations first and the martial arts techniques to fend off bullies when those confrontations become physical always as a last resort,” said Higgins. “Anti-bullying instruction also contributes to children’s confidence and self-esteem because they know what to do. It’s the uncertainty that causes a child to struggle within themselves.”
Higgins stated that martial arts training is not only a solution for those children more likely to be victims of bullying, but also for those children who are bullies. “It may not surprise anyone that studies show that bullies are generally physically aggressive, hot-tempered, easily angered, and impulsive, with a low tolerance for frustration, continued Higgins. “That is the kind of challenge my instructors and I relish, however, because martial arts training channels the bully’s aggressiveness and anger into healthful physical activity, discipline and a positive attitude.”
He said children and youth who are bullied are typically anxious, insecure, and cautious and suffer from low self-esteem, rarely defending themselves. Bullied students often have problems concentrating in school. The martial arts curriculum addresses those issues directly with the education and tools to transform victims of bullying into smart kids who now have the fortitude not ever to be victims again.
“I invite everyone in the community, to join us for our FREE Bully Buster clinic at our school, at 4:30 on Tuesday, February 23rd ... Let’s help every child start the school year without a cloud of tension and intimidation over their head.”
Coach Higgins has shared his lessons of confidence, respect, discipline and high personal standards with thousands of Magic Valley families over the past 15 years. Brian has co-authored a vocabulary and character building coloring / workbook for children and been featured in international magazines as well as the local media
For more information Please call 733-8910
and check out www.youtube.com/user/coachhiggins

1-31-10

2010-01-31T11:07:00.001-08:00

We are heading into week one.

When you get a chance; congratulate Stacey and Teron on their accomplishments over the weekend.

Let's remember "Shins and Gloves on .. .. .. Headgear + Mouthpiece Handy"

We're voting on T-shirts this week .. Don't dawdle.

#*#* FEBRUARY is BRING A BUDDY MONTH. *#*#

Community Connection Jan 20 -2010

2010-01-26T22:16:00.000-08:00

new video .. go take a look
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachhiggins#p/u/0/v71SsyX_SzA

This week 1-24-10

2010-01-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is week 4 .. promotions week.

Belt Candidates; (3 stripes) Do you have your Intent to Promote?

Monday is the first day for Bo Staff course 7:45.

Toastmasters Youth Leadership aka Vicious Teddy Bears 6:00 pm on Friday.

Saturday ... Black Belt Immersion and Testing 10 am.

Vicious Teddy-Bears ( aka Toastmasters Youth Leadership)

2010-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

FREE Toastmasters Communication / Leadership Course for Youth age 12 - 17

Starts Jan 29 @ 6 PM

Location: Success Martial Arts 1300 Kimberly Rd in Twin Falls

http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/SatellitePrograms/YouthLeadership.aspx

Internet safety info

2010-01-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.raisingrealwinners.com/cyberhoodwatch.mp3

January Curriculum Reminder

2010-01-06T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachhiggins#p/u/6/aFKtts30wDI

FREE personal protection clinic for moms + daughters

2010-01-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Teenage Girls Are the Most Frequent Victims of Sexual Assault!

Scary Statistics:
• Two-thirds of imprisoned sexual assault offenders reported that their victims were younger than age 18.
• Sixty-one percent of all rape victims are younger than 18 years of age.
• Thirty-two percent of all rape victims are 11-17 years of age.
• The average victim of abduction and murder is an 11 year old girl described as a “low risk” “normal kid” from a stable family. Her initial contact with an abductor is within a quarter mile of her home.
• Violence against teens continues to be rampant as 1 in 5 teens will be victims of a violent crime this year.

FREE Personal Protection
For Moms and Daughters

Success Martial Arts Senior Instructor Brian Higgins has partnered with the Twin Falls YMCA to offer a special FREE session of In The Zone. This revolutionary approach to self-defense, is unique. Unlike run of the mill self-defense programs, this innovative approach teaches fear management and how to deal with your “fight or flight” response.
Coach Higgins calls it “From Eeeek to GRRRR”.

Higgins is uniquely suited to sharing this specific topic with teen-age girls. His career in juvenile detention dealing with underage victims and offenders helps him to relate to teens in a way that will educate them without turning them off.

When: Saturday, Jan 23rd @ 11:00 - 1:00
Where: YMCA 1751 Elizabeth
How Much: FREE (This course is usually in the $100 range)
Who: You and any women and girls you care about.

Jan 2010 newsletter

2009-12-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

COACHES CORNER

What’s your New Years resolution? Did you pledge to lose weight, get in shape, quit smoking and / or drinking? Maybe dedicate yourself to work or family goals; perhaps better grades or a clean room are on your list? O.K. . . how are you going to make these things happen? What’s your plan? Here is where most of us fall short. The road to destruction is paved with good intentions. Now that we’ve committed ourselves to a goal we need to DO SOMETHING!
A New Years resolution is about making lasting changes. Change is hard. Once we’ve set a goal we usually need help, be it a nudge when we get lazy, a reminder when our mind strays, or guidance from someone who’s attained that same goal.
Here’s where SMA comes in. It’s hard to get off the couch to work out alone. It becomes much easier when you know people will miss you at class and you can expect that “where were you” post card from coach. Nicotine is addictive; when you feel the harm it’s doing two or three times a week it will become much less attractive in a hurry. SMA training will also give you something to do instead of smoking or eating or whatever when you’d be better served not to. The discipline and ability to focus you will gain during training crosses over into all areas of life, not only improving your odds of succeeding on your new years resolution, but improving your performance in anything you undertake.
Keep in mind how valuable your time in class is. Don’t let yourself down. In fact do a friend a favor . . . bring ‘em to class.

Do a Friend a Favor ... Bring a Buddy to Class!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need the support of every student and family; to continue to provide excellent facilities and services.
Please keep current on your tuition.
Thank you.

REMEMBER
100% Attendance !

Parents... please plan to pick your youngsters up promptly before + after class.
Your children and the children in class deserve it.
Thank you.

Black Belt + Beyond
Jan 8 @ 6:00

Sibling Buddy Night
Jan 11+12

Big Small Workout
Jan 18 + 19

Parents Night Out
Zorro
Jan 22 @ 6:00 - 8:30
Dinner included +
You'll get your own Zorro mask to keep.
$25 or
FREE
when you Bring a Buddy

Promotions
Jan 27 + 28

Toastmasters Youth Leadership
“Vicious Teddy-Bears”
Communication Course
1st meeting
Jan 29 -- -- 6:00 - 8:00

Black Belt Immersion + Testing
Jan 30
10:00 - 5:00

New vid .. go see

2009-12-18T17:53:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEW-Vs6OXlo

Lil Dragons stripes

2009-12-14T07:56:00.000-08:00

Red - Focus
Blue - Teamwork
Yellow - Balance
Purple - Fitness
Orange - Memory
Green - Control
Brown - Coordination
White - Discipline

12 - 14 - 09

2009-12-14T07:55:00.001-08:00

Promotions on Wed + Thur this week.

Holiday break starts next Monday the 21st.

Regular schedule will resume Jan 4th.

Leaders Immersion Jan 2 @ 10 am.

11-30-09

2009-11-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

Reminders for this week:
Banquet is on Wednesday. See you at Gertie's 6:30.

Friday is Black Belt + Beyond (You know who you are)

Also on Friday-Parade Team 5:30 at the school.

Saturday -Make Up Immersion for advanced students 10 -2.

DEMO TEAM -Festival of Trees Saturday 5:30 performance. We still need some practice so lets get some at 4:30 on Wednesday.

Dec 09 Newsletter

2009-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

COACHES CORNER

The Holiday Season is upon us filled with all it's stress and fun. I feel it's important to remind everyone what a calming affect stabilizing fixtures can have in ones life. Very often people feel too busy or pressured to make it to class. This can be a mistake. For kids coming to class consistently helps reduce anxiety and allows them to blow off excess steam. While the kids are in class Mom and Dad have bought themselves an hour of peace to relax or run errands.
For adults the stress relieving benefits of a good workout are immeasurable. Also as we all partake of the holiday meals and celebrations, we tend to add unwanted baggage. That hour you spend in class can offset an entire evening of indulgence. So instead of regretting and having to make up for having missed practices, discipline and dedication can be applied to reap the rewards of your valuable training time.
With the holidays all around us, and all the talk of good deeds; I feel compelled to make mention of how important it is to read with youngsters. I believe that we think in terms of language. If you think in Spanish you can speak in Spanish. If you think in German, you can speak in German, So the quality and organization of our thought is only as good as the quality of our use of language. Reading is the foundation for independent learning. No lesson is more important than how to team. Writing is the framework and method to organize ones mind. Please read with your kids and any other kids you can get a hold of. Read some to them. Encourage them to read to you. Allow them to struggle so that they may learn. Then get them to write, if only a little, about what they've read. Even ten minutes a day can make great improvements.
Invest true quality time in your kids. They’re worth it.

Do a Friend a Favor ...
Bring a Buddy to Class!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need the support of every student and family; to continue to provide excellent facilities and services.
Please keep current on your tuition.
Thank you.

REMEMBER
100% Attendance !

Parents... please plan to pick your youngsters up promptly before + after class.
Your children and the children in class deserve it.
Thank you.

Success Martial Arts
10th Annual Award Banquet

When: Wednesday, Dec 2nd ,6:30 PM
Where: Gertie’s Pizza
Who: YOU!!
Awards — Fun – Food
Door Prizes
Only $12 per person

Parade Helpers:
5:30 , Friday, Dec 4th

Advanced Students
Immersion
Sat Dec 5th
10:00 - 2:00

Promotions Dec 16 +17
You will need 6 classes
to be eligible

Holiday Break Begins Dec 21.
Regular Schedule Resumes
Jan 4.

Nov 23 09 Action Heroes / Tourney

2009-11-22T15:31:00.001-08:00

Notes for the upcoming week:
We'll start promotions on Tuesday.
No classes Thur Fri or Sat.
Action Heroes @ Salvation Army 10:30 On Friday.

Pics from the Tourney:

KMVT News segment - Halloween Safety Clinic '09

2009-11-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsCKNmLX0UI

Nov 09 Newsletter

2009-10-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

COACHES CORNER

At Success Martial Arts we pride ourselves on improving students character. There are many tools we can use to achieve this goal; one of which is sparring. Sparring is not only the most efficient way to improve physical attributes. It is also an invaluable tool for developing the character traits we all desire.

I like to think of sparring as both a test and a lesson. It shows what one has learned and indicates specifically where to focus for improvement. This sort of analysis of performance allows one to learn, and grow. When we test ourselves we find out what does and does not work for each individual (for example taller people trying to use reach as opposed to shorter people trying to stay close, however you never know which side of the coin you'll be on in any given situation). This sort of real-life simulation is the only true preparation for a real physical conflict. Sparring is not a real fight but the close simulation it provides, builds confidence to handle real situations appropriately.

A person who has dealt with physical conflict in a controlled setting is much less likely to get involved with real violence. Knowing that they can handle a problem is the foundation of the "I have nothing to prove (because I already have)", attitude that allows them to walk away from fights. Very often violence is portrayed in our society without clear consequences. Those who spar with live contact become familiar with the consequences of their actions and are likely to avoid a fight, knowing what the potential for harm is. However if one does not keep those skills sharp with sparring one loses confidence and that " I have nothing to prove" attitude. Which in turn might allow one to become involved in a foolish conflict.

Another facet in the value of sparring is the confidence people gain not only in their abilities, but in themselves. When someone can overcome and control their own anger, fear, and pain; they gain a tremendous belief in themselves. " I can do this .. .. I can do any thing!" The flip side of this benefit occurs when we as adults allow kids to give up/quit. Once the precedent is set (when things get tough; give up) it will flow over into other areas of life. If it's O.K. to give up in martial arts, it's ok to give up in school or work.

While sparring builds confidence it also instills a sense of humility. Few are likely to have an arrogant attitude after having been thoroughly challenged.

Sparring is part of a progressive training method. Games and drills are designed to prepare people to spar; to reduce the fear and anxiety that goes with being at risk; to understand the difference between fear, pain, and injury.

We all value the things we earn much more than the things we are given. Sparring is a great challenge; once overcome it provides great rewards, a person who refuses to give up in the face of hardship and can maintain a positive mind set not only comes to enjoy/appreciate sparring, but is prepared to take on life in general. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Do a Friend a Favor ...
Bring a Buddy to Class!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need the support of every student and family; to continue to provide excellent facilities and services.
Please keep current on your tuition.
Thank you.

REMEMBER
100% Attendance !

Parents... please plan to pick your youngsters up promptly before + after class.
Your children and the children in class deserve it.
Thank you.

Special Sparring Success Clinic !!
Great way to get ready for the tournament

Some of you are anxious about sparring; either to earn that next promotion or because you don’t really like to spar very much...or both. This camp is for you!! We’ll spend the whole time on drills and skills to help you spar better and safer and with more fun than you ever have before.
Saturday, Nov 7, 2PM
Only $25.00

Sumo Seminar
Parents Night Out
Friday, Nov 20, 6-8:30
Only $25 or
FREE when you Bring a Buddy

In House Tourney
Nov 21

Promotions Nov 24 + 25
7 classes this month

Action Heroes
Giving and Thanks project
Salvation Army
10:30
Nov 27th

October -09 newsletter

2009-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

COACHES CORNER

Developing Self-Discipline in Children

1. Always, always, do what you say you are going to do. Remember that your children learn from EVERY encounter with you...even if it's not what you want them to learn! If you tell a child that a certain behavior will cause them to be punished, you MUST follow through with the punishment. Each time you don't follow through, you teach your child, "Mom and Dad don't mean what they say." If a child, for example, is being disruptive, and you say, "Michael, please stop that," and then allow Michael to continue, you have effectively taught Michael to disobey! Additionally, children need the security that comes from knowing Mom and Dad are truly in charge. Any inconsistency in your approach robs them of that security!

2. Show your children the effects of self-discipline, and the effects of LACK of self-discipline. Be on the lookout for people who are becoming successful as a
result of their self-discipline. Families, athletes, famous people, even fictional characters can be great examples. In the same way, show your children the results of the lack of self-discipline. Discuss people who are in trouble, or people who don't get the results they want, and show your children how the breakdown in their
self-discipline led them to trouble!

3. Paint an exciting future for your children. Inspire them to dream big dreams, to think boldly about their future. Show them the opportunities that become
available to people who have great discipline!

Follow these tips, and your child will develop the important quality of Self-Discipline!

Do a Friend a Favor ...
Bring a Buddy to Class!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need the support of every student and family; to continue to provide excellent facilities and services.
Please keep current on your tuition.
Thank you.

REMEMBER
100% Attendance !

Parents... please plan to pick your youngsters up promptly before + after class.
Your children and the children in class deserve it.
Thank you.

Halloween Party
October 30th
From 6 -7 PM
Pot Luck Treats
Bring a Buddy
Wear your Costume

Promotions will be October 28 and 29 = 4 weeks - 8 classes

You will need your sparring gear for November. If you don't have it yet .. it's time to order.

FREE Halloween Safety Clinic
Tuesday 10 - 27 at 4:30

Board Breaking Confidence Practice
Friday 10-23, 6 - 7 PM
The time is a free service.
You'll need to supply your own boards.
(The easiest way is to pre-purchase them the school)

Parents Night Out
Pirate Night
Friday, Oct 16th
6:00 - 8:30
Only $25 or FREE when you bring a buddy
We'll even have dinner

Stick Fight Buddy Night
during your regular class
Oct 7+8

9-28-09

2009-09-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Promotions are this week.

Character: Go to the Source
Safety: Don't make it worse with my big darn mouth.

Bully Buster Clinic Tuesday.

If you haven't taken care of your Stick + Knife kit for next month yet ... it's time.

9 /21 /09

2009-09-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Notes for the week:
Character lesson : Be a Good Finder
Safety Lesson: Communicate with Confidence

Board Breaking Clinic on Friday

If you have three stripes be sure to get your intent to promote form this week.

It's time to order your Stick and knife combo for next month if you don't have it yet.

9 - 14 - 09

2009-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Quick update for the week

Character lesson is "Attitude of Gratitude".
Safety Lesson is "Be Calm Breathe".

Saturday -- Extra Credit / Make-Up Stripe Camp
Sept 19th — 1:00 - 4:00 Just $49 to catch up or get ahead one stripe.

Friday-- Samurai Seminar Parents Night Out Friday, Sept 18th – 6:00 - 8:30 includes dinner Just $25 or FREE when you Bring a Buddy.

9-6-09

2009-09-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Safety lesson: Stay away from stuff that could hurt me
Character lesson: Whatever it Takes

Remember the Anti-Abduction clinic on Tuesday.

Bring a Buddy Raffle starts NOW .. The new batch of prizes will be on display by your next class.

If you do "Show and tell" in your class .. I like to come and visit as your "Show and tell" item. Just let me know and we'll work out the details with your teacher.

Free Anti-Abduction Training for Children

2009-09-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Free Anti-Abduction Training for Children

Twin Falls - In response to the recent abduction attempt in our community, Success Martial Arts will be conducting a FREE forty five minute personal safety and anti-abduction seminar for children ages 6 -12 on Tuesday September 8th , 4:30 PM at Success Martial Arts, 1300 Kimberly Road.
Each year, there are more than 114,000 attempted abductions of children by non-family members. The U.S. Department of Justice further provides:
• 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day.
• 203,900 children were the victims of family abductions.
• 58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions.
• 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnaping – crimes which involve someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.

This training aims to give children a fighting chance against physically abusive adults, and sexual predators by increasing their awareness about potentially dangerous situations. The interactive session will feature role playing scenarios in which children learn the best responses to danger, including how to get away, how to keep an adult from taking you anywhere, and the best ways to get help. The class will also introduce children to some of the physical resistance techniques they can use to protect themselves in case of unavoidable danger.
Coach Higgins has shared his lessons of confidence, respect, discipline and high personal standards to thousands of magic valley families over the past thirteen years. Brian has co-authored a vocabulary and character building coloring / workbook for children and been featured in international magazines as well as the local media. For more information please call 733-8910.

Attempted Child Abduction . In Twin Falls

2009-09-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

There was an attempted child abduction at Perrine today. Please make contact with whoever may be in your circle of influence and help me to deliver our "Dangerous Grown-ups" clinic to every child in the Valley.

September 2009 Newsletter

2009-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Quick note ... if you aren't set up as a subscriber on the blog:http://successmartialarts.blogspot.com
or a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=success+martial+arts&init=quick#/pages/Twin-Falls-ID/Success-Martial-Arts-Brian-Higgins/110024026563?ref=search&sid=100000036955656.133679822..1

Go get that taken care of .. there are new developments and announcements more than once a week ...

COACHES CORNER

When it comes to the young people of our community we owe it to ourselves to offer them the very best at every opportunity. So do a friend a favor and Bring a Buddy to Class!

Every time one of you refers a friend, that is one less person that I have to go find. That frees my time up to better serve everyone. And with more people who are like you; I can gear more classes for your specific needs.

Our program is so valuable, the physical part is great and the leadership and life skills that we’ve built into the curriculum promise to build happy, healthy, confident young people.

Each and every one of you is a walking testimonial for these benefits. Please share your success stories with the people you come in contact with every day. If they aren’t interested... what have you lost? Nothing ... but when you keep quiet everyone loses. One of our challenges is getting this message out to others. If all of you as a group will be so kind and generous as to spread this message to the other parents and families you come in contact with:

“Success Martial Arts is an investment in your child’s future. The life long benefits far outweigh the minor inconveniences.”

You will be helping to ensure the future of our school which will provide more and greater opportunities for everyone. You’ll be helping a group of children to live better lives. A group of children who might not have had a chance to learn what we have to teach.

So do a friend a favor and Bring a Buddy to Class!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We need the support of every student and family; to continue to provide excellent facilities and services.
Please keep current on your tuition.
Thank you.

REMEMBER
100% Attendance !

Parents... please plan to pick your youngsters up promptly before + after class.
Your children and the children in class deserve it.
Thank you.

Bring a Buddy Contest

All you have to do is Introduce your friends to Success Martial Arts .. anyone you meet who might benefit from and / or enjoy martial arts class. Friends from school, or church, family, people at work, neighbors...

Then you’ll bring your buddies to class and you’ll get a ticket in the raffle to win a prize (you’ll see the prizes at the school) and a medal for your effort.
The Contest will be all through September

It’s just that simple!

So put on your thinking caps and hustle muscles
and earn your chances to win!!

Samurai Seminar Parents Night Out
Friday, Sept 18th – 6:00 - 8:30
includes dinner
Just $25 or FREE when you Bring a Buddy.

Extra Credit / Make-Up Stripe Camp
Saturday, Sept 19th — 1:00 - 4:00
Just $49 to catch up or get ahead one stripe.

Bring a Buddy Break a Board
Regular Classes Sept 21 + 22

FREE
Back to School Bully Buster
Community Event
Tuesday Sept 29th @ 4:30

Promotions will be Sept 30 + Oct 1

I wish for you all that you wish for yourself.

Brian Higgins
Senior Instructor
Success Martial Arts
www.BlackBeltMinds.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/coachhiggins

http://successmartialarts.blogspot.com

1300 Kimberly Rd
733-8910

Do a Friend a Favor ... Bring a Buddy to Class
Please forward this to anyone you feel may benefit ...Thanks

The highest compliment you pay to our instructors is when you recommend our school to others. Thank you for your trust.

Raffle Prizes

2009-08-24T21:05:00.001-07:00

We'll do the drawing for the "Super Summer Series" prizes on Wed afternoon. They'll be tagged and ready for class Wed night. You can still sneak in a buddy or two for those extra tickets.

Homework

2009-08-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Coach Higgins
Seven Simple Homework Solutions
(for Parents)

If I offered you a job where you had to work a full day with no chance of any raise or advancement and then I asked you to do 2 hours of additional work at home every night for no additional pay ... how long would it take you to quit that job.

It’s ironic that we are shocked that our children resist an arrangement that we would never cooperate with. It’s not “why won’t they do their homework” .. The real miracle is that they do any at all.

1. Your Kids Probably Don’t Like Homework. That doesn’t make them wrong... it makes them human. They’d rather do something else ..of course. Don’t expect happy cooperation .. You’ll only wind up disappointed and frustrated. Work for compliance and completion.

2 You Can Not “Make” Your Children Do Homework. You can make it worth their while. You can bribe, persuade and even threaten and punish but ultimately the kid has to pick up the pencil and direct their own mind. Don’t try to “control” just do your best to motivate.

3. It’s Not Your Homework. Eventually your child will grow up. They will then have the opportunity to lie in the beds they have made and learn from their own experience. Don’t let homework destroy the trust and respect between you and your child. Set the boundaries and then let your child choose. No judgement or stress just structure.

4. It’s easier when you have an absolute set in stone non negotiable routine. Your child will probably protest. But we are all creatures of habit. The same place at the same time every day.

5. Be Present. Especially with younger children. Sit with them be prepared to answer questions and praise progress. Don’t do it for them and don’t hover. Do some reading or paperwork of your own. Role modeling is always the best parenting tool. If you abandon them somewhere in the house and then go and watch tv .. Don’t expect great results.

6. Time Set expectations for time of focus not just time in front of the books. “You’ll spend X minutes working ... and then we’ll do something else.” You’ll have to adjust what that time is based on experience with your child.

7. Focus on “Why?” Work to find things for your child to work for and things for your child to work away from. Not “punish and reward” .. But more along the lines of a job. When x amount of work gets done ... here’s your payoff. And if the work doesn’t get done here’s what it will cost you. And make sure you are dealing with things that this child cares about .. Not what you care about.

Demo Team

2009-08-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Demo Team:
Practice is moved from 2 on Friday to 5 this Saturday. It'll be our last practice before the fair. We can still work in a few last minute performers, especially if you were on the demo team at the mall.

Fair 09

2009-08-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Fair Helpers:
The schedule is about 1/2 full so we can still use some help. If you're looking for an excuse to take a break at the fair it's nice to hide inside for a bit.

FYI; I have a set number of fair tickets that I give to helpers; first come first served.

As always, no pressure.

I appreciate any and all help we get.
I am always impressed with how generous all of you are with your time and energy. Thank you.

Earning your first belt

2009-08-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

What are those Four Things?
Be Still
Be Quiet
Look at Coach
Help Others

When do we get better? When we do out best.
When do we do our best? All the time.
How many times do we try? Until we get it right.
What's our goal? Black Belt Sir.

Which ones count? They all count

How do we know we did a good job? because we did it (hard, fast, right)

Week of 8-24-09

2009-08-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

This weeks lessons:
Character : Leadership ( A rising tide lifts all the ships)
Safety: No Secrets

This is week 3 .. Do you have your intent to promote?

Promotions are Wednesday and Thursday next week. You'll need 8 classes to be eligible for promotion.

Thanks for the Jugs

2009-08-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Thank You to everyone who has been bringing milk jugs and 2 +/or 3 liter bottles in for me to cut up for sword practice. My best guess is I'll need well over 1000 of them .. so just keep bringing them in.

Demo Team Free Stage at the Fair

2009-08-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Just got off the phone with the Fair ...our FREE stage Demo-Team show-times will be:
Friday September 4th @ 6:45 and
Monday September 7th @ Noon.

Pactice is @ 2:00 on Fridays until school starts and then we'll move it to 1:00 on Saturdays.

Anyone can be on the Demo Team but we need the practice.

August Buddy Day

2009-08-16T21:50:00.001-07:00

Monday and Tuesday this week are the last "Buddy Days" before the Super Summer prize drawing. You might want to get some last minute Back to School buddies in to improve your odds.

Coach Higgins .. Open House visits

2009-08-16T21:46:00.001-07:00

Reminder ... I am making myself available for Open House visits ... please get on the schedule right away.. it could turn out to be a very busy night for Coach.

Swords for September

2009-08-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

The first bunch of swords are in for Sept. If you want one of the nice ones (instead of a noodle ) please get that ordered asap. The prices have recently dropped and they are frequently on back order.

New News Segment ..check it out

2009-08-10T22:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV76pY_nrjY&feature=channel_page

August Parents Night Out

2009-08-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Aug 14th
Parents Night out
6:00 - 8:30

We'l play some Martial Arts Games and have dinner.

$25 or FREE when you Bring a Buddy.

Pics from MAIA Supershow in Vegas

2009-08-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Becoming Mastery ( 3 months in )

2009-08-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

I did my month end accountability for my Becoming Mastery / Masters Quest yesterday.

I noticed a pattern ... those of you who know me well will probably see this as pretty obvious ... I haven't really looked at the Total Goals or the final numbers much since I created them. I spend much more attention on how each check-in can be better than the last.

So what?

Here's the rub: even though in some areas I may be getting things done at twice the pace (or more) than I need, to hit the final goal; I tend to score myself in the context of "Did I do more this time than last time?" or "What percentage of the possible have I completed?"

Not to say that this is a bad thing .. I'll hit all of the final goals pretty cleanly, but something of a reminder that to not hit my personal evaluation tendencies is not the same as not hitting the objective pre-set goal.

I'm leaner and my flexibility is coming up ... feeling really good ..high energy level .. I'm appreciating every bit of the progress in my previously iffy ankle and elbow .. feeling good about my skills progress in each of the areas.

Also appreciating my teachers and mentors in this project .. the orphan is learning the value of these resources.

August Newsletter "Coach's Corner"

2009-07-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

August 24th is the first day of school this year. It seems to come so fast. Back to school is a busy time for all of us. The discipline and character we have developed and displayed this summer will serve us well as we prepare for and return to school. This time of year reminds me how valuable SMA is as an ongoing positive influence in a youngsters development. SMA doesn't come and go with the seasons. We're always here.
Parents have the task of getting everything together so their kids can return to school with the supplies and paperwork they need, in order. It does feel good to know you're doing something important and valuable for your kids, be it at school, home or SMA. The return of school also means the return of routine. We don't have the hectic " What can we do?" question to answer as often.
Of course "back to school" can be stressful and exciting for children. New classmates, teachers and situations can be intimidating. Take that "can do" attitude with you to school. The focus and maturity you gain everyday will show, when you perform well at school.
On my end "back to school" means an influx of new students and parents seeking to gain what we have to offer. More students make more and better programs available. Like school, S4MA can be a hard thing to start. Please do your best to help new team members feel comfortable, and begin to enjoy the benefits of martial arts.
“Back to school" means new friends and classmates. Do a friend a favor; bring 'em to class. It gives you a chance to show folks what you have learned; helps provide training partners, and can be more convenient for parents to "car pool".
I have the highest expectations for each of you. Maintain 100% attendance and focus to take advantage of all that is offered to you.

Facebook

2009-07-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

As I further expand my explorations into areas in which I am clueless ... I'm on Facebook

FREE Anti-Abduction Clinic

2009-04-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

Free Anti-Abduction Training for Children
Twin Falls - In an effort to make children in the Magic Valley safer, Success Martial Arts will be conducting a FREE forty five minute personal safety and anti-abduction seminar for children ages 6 -12 on Tuesday May 19th at 4:30 PM at Success Martial Arts, 1300 Kimberly Road.
Each year, there are more than 114,000 attempted abductions of children by non-family members. The U.S. Department of Justice further provides:
• 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day.
• 203,900 children were the victims of family abductions.
• 58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions.
• 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnaping – crimes which involve someone the child does not know or someone of slight acquaintance, who holds the child overnight, transports the child 50 miles or more, kills the child, demands ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.
This training aims to give children a fighting chance against physically abusive adults, and sexual predators by increasing their awareness about potentially dangerous situations. The interactive session will feature role playing scenarios in which children learn the best responses to danger, including how to get away, how to keep an adult from taking you anywhere, and the best ways to get help. The class will also introduce children to some of the physical resistance techniques they can use to protect themselves in case of unavoidable danger.
“Kids will be out and about for much of the day, with little to no adult supervision, in many cases, all summer long.” senior instructor Brian Higgins commented “There are dangerous adults in our community who would like to do our children great harm, given the chance. I don’t want them to have that chance. I want every child in the Magic Valley to have the very best tools available, to keep themselves out of harms way this summer.”

My Masters Quest

2009-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

After 15 years as on orphan Black Belt I'm finally going to consolidate and get formal recognition for a decade and a half of progress. I have coordinated with Master Dana Abbott (7th Dan, in the sword art of Goshindo), Sensei Vince Salvatore (5th Dan Aikikai) and Kyoshi Dave Kovar (7th degree Kenpo, 7th degree Black Belt Degerberg Blend, 4th degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do 2nd Degree Okinawan Kobudo, #1 Teacher (black belt equivalent) Kosho Ryu, Level Two Instructor (black belt equivalent) Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Black Belt in Serrado/Escrima Black Belt in Iaido (Sword Drawing), Black Belt in Doce Pares (Filipino Weaponry), Certified Teacher (Black Belt equivalent) Tai Chi (Quang Ping), Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) to create a Masters Quest, inspired by Tom Callos's UBBT ( http://ultimateblackbelttest.wordpress.com/ )

Here is the current evolution of the plan:

Coach Higgins 6th degree Masters Quest /– – – May 2009- December 2010
(20 mos) (80 weeks) (440 training days)

Daily: (Mon - Sat)
200 abdominal something ( 88,000)
200 squats ( 88,000)
10 minutes meditation (73 hours)
45 minutes cardio (330 hours)(canyon preferred)may be concurrent with MA training
kata three times (1320 repetitions)
one act of marketing 440 acts of marketing
10 minutes reading (74 hours reading)
[Record of all books read / listened to + education -- attended (toastmasters etc)]
goal cards any amount in that direction (ahimsa)
stretch any amount in that direction (ahimsa)

Weekly:
weights four times (320 workouts)
boxing 2.5 hours (200 hours)( 3:00-5:30 Saturday afternoon)
Dr Eckman METT + SETT 20 min/wk (26 hrs)

Monthly:
One success challenge (20)

Quarterly
complete mastery checklist five times
(1/ quarter .. Roughly)(13,500 Technique repetitions)

Total:
empathy days: one blind, one deaf, one wheelchair

Aikido Black Belt (stretch goal)or 2nd Kyu (conservative goal)

Kovar Satori Black Belt (Dec 2010)
Test with Kovar Satori regular testing group + final demonstration of every thing covered on this Quest

Tachi-Iai (Japanese Military Sword) Black Belt

BJJ Blue Belt ( conservative goal) Purple Belt ( stretch goal)

Action Heroes Green Landscape Project with CSR
Action Heroes Salvation Army x2 ( Holiday food boxes)

Ropes Course Facilitator (a weekend date to be announced, or something better to be determined)

Memorize Leaders Chevron Check List

Remove cheesecake + french onion soup from diet .. Replace w / broccoli
No Pizza @ toastmasters –Salad instead
Greens to go / protein / zipp fizz

Moms Train FREE – All Month Long

2009-04-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Moms Train FREE – All Month Long

To honor all Mother’s in the month of May, Success Martial Arts at 1300 Kimberly Rd in Twin Falls is hosting a special opportunity for All Mothers. Anybody who has ever answered to the call of Mom is invited to enjoy four weeks of self-defense and fitness at Success Martial Arts, in honor of Mothers Day.

Senior Instructor, Brian Higgins announced, “Moms are some hard working people and I hear so often how stressed they feel, I’d like to give each of them a mini-vacation, a little time for herself to feel better and hopefully increase her ability to handle every other area of her life a little more smoothly.”

“All any mother or grandmother or step-mother has to do is call us at 733-8910 to schedule her orientation and we’ll give her, her free month of training immediately.” Brian asserted

Coach Higgins has shared his lessons of confidence, respect, discipline and high personal standards with thousands of Magic Valley families over the past thirteen years.

For more information please call 733-8910

SUCCESS MARTIAL ARTS
Your Success is Our Priority!!
1300 Kimberly Road www.BlackBeltMinds.com 733-8910

FREE Summer Safety Personal Protection

2009-04-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Teenage Girls Are the Most Frequent Victims of Sexual Assault!
Summer is the Most Dangerous Time!!

Scary Statistics:
• Two-thirds of imprisoned sexual assault offenders reported that their victims were younger than age 18.

• Sixty-one percent of all rape victims are younger than 18 years of age.

• Thirty-two percent of all rape victims are 11-17 years of age.

• The average victim of abduction and murder is an 11 year old girl described as a “low risk” “normal kid” from a stable family. Her initial contact with an abductor is within a quarter mile of her home.

Violence against teens continues to be rampant as 1 in 5 teens will be victims of a violent crime this year.

FREE Summer Safety Personal Protection
For Moms and Daughters

Success Martial Arts Senior Instructor Brian Higgins has partnered with the Twin Falls YMCA to offer a special FREE session of In The Zone. This revolutionary approach to self-defense, is unique. Unlike run of the mill self-defense programs, this innovative approach teaches fear management and how to deal with your “fight or flight” response.

Coach Higgins calls it “From Eeeek to GRRRR”.

Higgins is uniquely suited to sharing this specific topic with teen-age girls. His career in juvenile detention dealing with underage victims and offenders helps him to relate to teens in a way that will educate them without turning them off.

When: Saturday, May 9th @ 10:00 AM

Where: Elizabeth St YMCA

How Much: FREE (This course is usually in the $100 range)
Who: You and any women and girls you care about.

FREE Anti-Bullying Program

2009-01-26T11:49:00.001-08:00

FREE Anti-Bullying Program

Senior Instructor Brian Higgins, owner of Success Martial Arts (1300 Kimberly Rd) announced today that the school’s FREE Bully Buster Program, at 4:30 on Tuesday, February 24th, will help students understand the effects of bullying and provide instruction in personal protection and violence reduction strategies.

According to Senior Instructor Higgins, studies show that more than 5.7 million American children (almost 30%) are estimated to be a bully, a target of bullying or both. Although many adults may consider bullying a traditional part of a youth’s life experience, it may also be one of the precursors for the gun-based crimes perpetuated by youth during the high school years. Bullying over relatively petty issues becomes a rationale for revenge or extreme intolerance that festers from the elementary years through high school.

“What we are offering is a complete rounded approach to the issue of bully-ing. The ultimate goal is for every child to have the tools they need to attend school in both emotional and physical safety and with confidence. Children must have the ability to keep themselves out of harms way by learning how to avoid confrontations first and the martial arts techniques to fend off bullies when those confrontations become physical always as a last resort,” said Higgins. “Anti-bullying instruction also contributes to children’s confidence and self-esteem because they know what to do. It’s the uncertainty that causes a child to struggle within themselves.”

Higgins stated that martial arts training is not only a solution for those children more likely to be victims of bullying, but also for those children who are bullies. “It may not surprise anyone that studies show that bullies are generally physically aggressive, hot-tempered, easily angered, and impulsive, with a low tolerance for frustration, continued Higgins. “That is the kind of challenge my instructors and I relish, however, because martial arts training channels the bully’s aggressiveness and anger into healthful physical activity, discipline and a positive attitude.”

He said children and youth who are bullied are typically anxious, insecure, and cautious and suffer from low self-esteem, rarely defending themselves. Bullied students often have problems concentrating in school. The martial arts curriculum addresses those issues directly with the education and tools to transform victims of bullying into smart kids who now have the fortitude not ever to be victims again.

“I invite everyone in the community, to join us for our FREE Bully Buster clinic at our school, at 4:30 on Tuesday, February 24th ... Let’s help every child start he school year without a cloud of tension and intimidation over their head.”

FREE community service ..holiday course --- In The Zone --- Reality-Based --- Personal Safey

2008-12-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

In The Zone
Reality-Based --- Personal Safey

When: Saturday, Dec. 20th from 9 - 11
Where: Success Martial Arts, 1300 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls
Who: YOU!!

FREE community service ..holiday course
Call Coach Higgins at 733-8910 Right Away.
Space Is Extremely Limited.

In the Zone requires minimal physical fitness and is effective for everyone. The course teaches that you do have choices. Truly the most important skill you will develop is the ability to control your own mind set.

You Can Protect Yourself!
In The Zone is a highly specialized self-defense program that will teach you to successfully defend yourself and your family against an assailant of any size. In all of our programs, you'll work with instructors who are highly trained in dealing with the physical and emotional process of an escalating confrontation.; who will create safe, yet powerful scenarios and role plays designed to help you experience the realism of self-defense without the danger.

You Are Worthy of Defending!
You will learn simple, effective self-defense and prevention skills, that any person, regardless of age or fitness level, can do. You will practice in a safe environment. The instructor teaches and demonstrates all the skills and coaches students while they practice.

What Will I Learn?
This is more than a self defense course. In The Zone is unlike any other experience most people have had. It teaches you to become more aware of yourself, the world around you and your place in it.

Many graduates tell us the benefits go way beyond self defense:

º Less intimidated by people or situations
º Increased assertiveness
º Greater confidence
º Improved leadership skills
º Improved communication skills
º Increased problem solving abilities
º Increased focus at work
º Calm clearheaded thinking under stress

FREE community service ..holiday course
Call Coach Higgins at 733-8910 Right Away.
Space Is Extremely Limited.

New Years Sleep Over

2008-12-03T08:21:00.001-08:00

New Years Eve
Parents Night Out
(kids sleep over)

We will be making the grand sacrifice ☺ so all the loyal parents of our students can have a grown up new years eve together.
We’ll be ready for the kids at 7 PM on December 31st and the kids will be ready for you to pick them up at 10 AM on January 1st. And don’t worry . . . the kids will have fun ringing in the new year with:

✺ Movies
✺ Pizza
✺ Games
✺ Bounce House

Only $49 per child; for a whole night of fun for the kids and freedom for you.
(Minimum 15 kids .. Be sure to pre-register by 12/19 so we can be sure it’s a go.)

December "Coach's Corner"

2008-11-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Season is upon us filled with all it's stress and fun. I feel it's important to remind everyone what a calming affect stabilizing fixtures can have in ones life. Very often people feel too busy or pressured to make it to class.

This can be a mistake. For kids coming to class consistently helps reduce anxiety and allows them to blow off excess steam. While the kids are in class Mom and Dad have bought themselves an hour of peace to relax or run errands. For adults the stress relieving benefits of a good workout are immeasurable. Also as we all partake of the holiday meals and celebrations, we tend to add unwanted baggage. That hour you spend in class can offset an entire evening of indulgence. So instead of regretting and having to make up for having missed practices, discipline and dedication can be applied to reap the rewards of your valuable training time.

With the holidays all around us, and all the talk of good deeds; I feel compelled to make mention of how important it is to read with youngsters. I believe that we think in terms of language. If you think in Spanish you can speak in Spanish. If you think in German, you can speak in German,

So the quality and organization of our thought is only as good as the quality of our use of language. Reading is the foundation for independent learning. No lesson is more important than how to learn. Writing is the framework and method to organize ones mind.

Please read with your kids and any other kids you can get a hold of. Read some to them. Encourage them to read to you. Allow them to struggle so that they may learn. Then get them to write, if only a little, about what they've read. Even ten minutes a day can make great improvements.
Invest true quality time in your kids. They’re worth it.

Action Heroes -- Giving and Thanks Project

2008-11-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

Be a Real Life
ACTION HERO

Not some phony from a movie or a “sports hero” with poor character ...
A Real Life HERO ...through your own ACTIONS

Salvation Army November 28th from 10 - 12. We'll be helping them "shift gears" from Thanksgiving meals to Christmas care packages. Everyone is invited to help pitch in.

In House Tournament / Attitude of Gratitude Pot Luck

2008-11-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sat, Nov 22 @ 10:30 am
Boys + Girls Club
$10 registration for the tournament
(We’ll do potluck right after we award the trophies)
Even if you’re not competing this time... come watch and learn and enjoy the potluck.

I'm a big "Thanksgiving" fan ... but I don't think it's about food and football .. I think it's about Giving and Thanks ... and I'd love for everyone to come and share that with us following the tournament.

Complaint Free Martial Arts ?

2008-10-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Complaint Free Martial Arts ? — Complaint Free Magic Valley

Twin Falls, ID – Inspired by the simple elegance of the “Complaint Free World” concept; Senior Instructor Brian Higgins, of Success Martial Arts, is implementing the “Complaint Free Kids” curriculum in his school.

Every student will receive a purple “martial artist” wrist band to help them develop a more positive attitude. How? Each time a student or parent catches themselves griping they move the band to the other wrist. “In 21 days we hope to build new positive attitudes after we cancel the complaining.” asserts Higgins.

Higgins has personally delivered the “Complaint Free Kids” curriculum to local elementary principals and is offering to provide the wrist bands free of charge to any school that puts this plan into action.

Higgins jokes “With an election under way... we can all use a little less complaining.”

Coach Higgins has shared his lessons of confidence, respect, discipline and high personal standards with thousands of Magic Valley families over the past thirteen years. Brian has co-authored a vocabulary and character building coloring / workbook for children and been featured in international magazines as well as the local media. For more information please call 733-8910.

FREE Halloween Safety / Anti-Abduction class for Children + Parents

2008-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Senior Instructor Brian Higgins of Success Martial Arts will be presenting his fun, non-threatening safety tips for children to the community as a part of his ongoing FREE service project.

This event will last approximately 30 minutes and will begin at 4:30 on Tuesday, October 21st @ Success Martial Arts 1300 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls... Tips for parents, children and homeowners will be covered.

“ There is more than a little potential for something to go wrong on Halloween.” Higgins explained, “ Kids are out. They are excited, Really excited and then they stop thinking. And then someone gets hurt. I’d much rather take steps to keep them a little safer before than see something awful happen later.”

Demo Freex

2008-09-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the Demo Freex update ... on The Demo Freex Blog .. http://twinfallsdemofreex.blogspot.com/

Casual Experiment

2008-09-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am here in the San Diego airport. Going through e-mail and the Times News online ... and thought I'd see how the WiFi here does in posting to the blog ... just to see how it turns out.

Spent two days in Sacramento with Mister Kovar at his Satori Academy and was reminded and supported in building our school.

Spent two days in San Diego for my grandmothers 90th birthday. I got to visit with my aunt who I haven't seen in 25 years and my grandmother who I haven't seen in three or four.

So ... let's remember ... take care of your friends and take care of your family and ... take care of you.

Use "things"... love persons... not the other way around.

I wish for you all that you wish for yourself.

Now is the BEST TIME to get your whole Family on the Black Belt Path.

2008-09-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

RIGHT NOW is a great time to get the whole family started on the Black Belt Path !!

The Kids are back in school ...The fair is over and it’s time to get back into the routine.

It really makes my work worthwhile to know how much the benefits that we provide are appreciated. Benefits like:

☺ Improved Discipline and Self-Control to excel at all we attempt
☺ Greater Confidence and Self-Esteem to have the courage to make the attempt.
☺ Stronger Character and Success Skills to be the best each and every one of us can be.
☺ Better “People Skills” to enrich our relationships with family and friends...without which the rest is empty.

Now I know that you know all of this already; that’s why you’re involved in the first place, right? Here’s my question:

Why in the world would you provide this huge opportunity to one member of your family and not the others? Does it make sense to imply to our children “Do as I say and not as I do.” when we’re not participating? ( You’ll enjoy the fun, social and fitness benefits, while you role model for your children)

Bottom line: You get a better value for your money with our family discounts, you increase the value of your investment by making it a cooperative family project; multiplying benefits exponentially and synergistically!! It only makes sense to get your whole family up off of the couch and participating in this positive experience together.

Here’s a quick tuition breakdown for you ... Most families have a base tuition of $129 (although some are “grand fathered”on older rates) That puts the 2 family member price at $245 ... but three Family Members is only $300 and after that each additional family member only needs to cover gear and uniform.

For most families you can all come to class together to save time and trips.

Get the whole family up and moving ... you’ll be glad you did.

Seven Simple Homework Solutions

2008-08-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

If I offered you a job where you had to work a full day with no chance of any raise or advancement and then I asked you to do 2 hours of additional work at home every night for no additional pay ... how long would it take you to quit that job.

It’s ironic that we are shocked that our children resist an arrangement that we would never cooperate with. It’s not “why won’t they do their homework” .. The real miracle is that they do any at all.

1. Your Kids Probably Don’t Like Homework. That doesn’t make them wrong... it makes them human. They’d rather do something else ..of course. Don’t expect happy cooperation .. You’ll only wind up disappointed and frustrated. Work for compliance and completion.

2 You Can Not “Make” Your Children Do Homework. You can make it worth their while. You can bribe, persuade and even threaten and punish but ultimately the kid has to pick up the pencil and direct their own mind. Don’t try to “control” just do your best to motivate.

3. It’s Not Your Homework. Eventually your child will grow up. They will then have the opportunity to lie in the beds they have made and learn from their own experience. Don’t let homework destroy the trust and respect between you and your child. Set the boundaries and then let your child choose. No judgement or stress just structure.

4. It’s easier when you have an absolute set in stone non negotiable routine. Your child will probably protest. But we are all creatures of habit. The same place at the same time every day.

5. Be Present. Especially with younger children. Sit with them be prepared to answer questions and praise progress. Don’t do it for them and don’t hover. Do some reading or paperwork of your own. Role modeling is always the best parenting tool. If you abandon them somewhere in the house and then go and watch tv .. Don’t expect great results.

6. Time Set expectations for time of focus not just time in front of the books. “You’ll spend X minutes working ... and then we’ll do something else.” You’ll have to adjust what that time is based on experience with your child.

7. Focus on “Why?” Work to find things for your child to work for and things for your child to work away from. Not “punish and reward” .. But more along the lines of a job. When x amount of work gets done ... here’s your payoff. And if the work doesn’t get done here’s what it will cost you.
Make sure you are dealing with things that this child cares about .. Not what you care about.

Fall Semester Tai Chi

2008-08-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Fall Semester Tai-Chi
at Success Martial Arts

☞ Emory University concluded, that through the practice of Tai-Chi, Seniors improved their balance by 47.5%

☞ The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that Tai Chi contributed significantly to balance and these seniors also experienced strength gain, particularly in the legs. In fact they found that seniors who participated in Tai Chi suffered 48% fewer falls than the general population of the same age.

☞ Studies show that when you do proper exercise three times a week you may reduce your chance of having a heart attack by 50% or more.

☞ 8 out of 10 illnesses are stress related and Tai-Chi is one of the best ways for all ages to reduce the damaging affects of stress.

Tai Chi is for Everyone, regardless of fitness level!

Tai Chi is Fun, Safe, and Easy ... You will enjoy all the benefits mentioned and so much more, we can’t even begin to explain it all right now. You will restore, repair, and enhance your whole self ... body and mind. You’ll be feeling fit and sharp.
When : Sept. 23rd - Nov. 20th
Tues + Thursday at 10 am
Where: Success Martial Arts
1300 Kimberly Rd
How much: $149.00 For the whole semester

Please pre-register right away. We only have so much space and we have no idea how much interest there may be.

733-8910 www.BlackBeltMinds.com

Back To School - - Dealing With Bullies

2008-08-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dealing with Bullies

There can be no bully without a victim and no victim without a bully. They are both poor choices in getting needs met and part of a very persistent disruptive cycle.

Is your child a bully? Or maybe just bossy?
Are problems in your home handled with intimidation and aggression or reason?

Bully-ing is learned behavior and will usually fill the void when a child isn’t given better tools for getting their needs met (social skills and a safe environment for starters). If a parents bully children those children will tend to bully others. And intimidating or threatening is a type of bully-ing. We all do it sometimes. Less is generally better. When parents handle children with respect they will tend to treat others in much the same way. Are siblings allowed to bully one another?

Important distinction .. Once someone fights back it’s not bullying anymore. Fighting is one thing .. Intimidation and threat, either overt or implied, is very different. In my opinion fighting as long as it isn’t brutal can be a point of pride; the logic being ...I did my best and stood up for myself ...even if I didn’t win .. . Allowing oneself to be manipulated by fear is a much more destructive pattern.

If you are concerned that your child is overly aggressive. Use a very basic teaching model ... help them understand what they are trying to get; be it an object or a feeling, and then show them how to get it more smoothly with a more socially acceptable method. Asking or negotiating for example.

Is your child a “victim” or just kind of a wimp?

Does your child get “picked on”?

Step one
Assess your child’s posture, carriage and bearing.

Use the example of superman ... when He is Superman he stands tall, rolls his shoulders back, puts his hands on his hips, and looks everyone in the eyes.

Does anyone Bully Superman?

But wait ... When he is Clark Kent he stoops his shoulders and looks at the ground and everyone mistreats him ...he is still the same person but they way he acts drives the way other people treat him. Help your child communicate confidence through posture, eye contact and vocal quality.

Step Two
Help your child to avoid problems before they start. Stay away from trouble makers and people they don’t get along with. Not out of fear but for their own convenience ... who wants the aggravation .. Let them bother someone else.

Step Three
Walk away ... very often just walking away can de-escalate a situation ..

Important distinction... School is a unique place .. Very different from the grown up world. If you as an adult have a problem with someone being aggressive you just leave and no one makes you go back .. And for the most part you are dealing with others who have indirectly agreed to civil behavior. Those who haven’t are generally broke and/or in jail and you don’t interact with them very often...as a rule. Your children on the other hand have no real choice as to which school, which class, or even which seat they occupy and who else attends that school .. And many of those children have no interest in civil behavior.. And when there is a problem ... most often .. Your child will encounter these people again and soon. So Walk away is not the last step .. Your child needs more tools.

Step Four
Ask for help

At School
I teach children to walk up to a teacher and say “ Mrs. (Teacher).... (bully) and I are having a problem and I’m afraid it might get physical ...will you please help?” while keeping direct eye contact.
Even if your child doesn’t fully understand this phrase... the teacher does ... it implies that someone is going to get hit and she has been informed ..whether or not any action is taken is up to her but your child has done their part to help maintain order. It is a vast improvement over “(bully) is picking on me” whined at the top of a child’s voice

From You
I suggest you remember all the things children did to one another when you were a kid and then tell your child how you want them to handle each of those problems. These are complex and subtle choices that are too much to expect a small child to handle well under stress in the heat of the moment.

If we’ve done the first four steps and it hasn’t solved the problem ... or if the situation happens too quickly to get help ..in a bathroom for example.

Step five
Be Assertive

Teach your child to stand tall with feet apart in an athletic position (I call it rhino feet to help children get a visual)

place one hand directly in front of themself hand open palm facing the bully about chest high.( I call it force field hand )

Direct eye contact (laser beam eyes)

and firmly with some volume .. State “NO ... I don’t want a problem!) And just keep repeating it until the bully backs off or help arrives.

Step Six
defend yourself.

This is a personal choice to be made within each family. We each have our own standards and you must communicate them to your child clearly.

Help your child understand that even though they may get in trouble at school they won’t be in trouble at home if they follow all of the other steps and then defend themselves in the cases you have told them to.. This is one rare instance where they’ll be in trouble at school but not at home. I have seen this clarity alone give a child the confidence to keep bullies away with no other changes.

Practice
You can “role play” this with your child ..explanation is not enough .. They’ll need to go through the motions several times on several occasions before they have a chance at doing it for real.

I also suggest involving your child in a quality martial arts program.. Do your homework and find a fit for your family. All schools are not created equal. Yes even for the aggressive child .. A top notch program can help that child build more real self-respect and as a result they’ll require less aggression to get their needs met.

FREE Bully Prevention Class in September

2008-08-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

FREE Bully Prevention Class

Success Martial Arts (1300 Kimberly Rd) announced today that the school’s FREE Bully Buster Program, at 4:30 on Tuesday, September 30th will help students understand the effects of bullying and provide instruction in personal protection and violence reduction strategies.

More than 5.7 million American children (almost 30%) are estimated to be a bully, a target of bullying or both. Although many adults may consider bullying a traditional part of a youth’s life experience, it may also be one of the precursors for the gun-based crimes perpetuated by youth during the high school years. Bullying over relatively petty issues becomes a rationale for revenge or extreme intolerance that festers from the elementary years through high school.

What we are offering is a complete rounded approach to the issue of bully-ing. The ultimate goal is for every child to have the tools they need to attend school in both emotional and physical safety and with confidence. Children must have the ability to keep themselves out of harms way by learning how to avoid confrontations first and the martial arts techniques to fend off bullies when those confrontations become physical always as a last resort.

Anti-bullying instruction also contributes to children’s confidence and self-esteem because they know what to do. It’s the uncertainty that causes a child to struggle within themselves.

Success Martial Arts training is not only a solution for those children more likely to be victims of bullying, but also for those children who are bullies. It may not surprise anyone that studies show that bullies are generally physically aggressive, hot-tempered, easily angered, and impulsive, with a low tolerance for frustration ... success martial arts training channels the bully’s aggressiveness and anger into healthful physical activity, discipline and a positive attitude.

Children and youth who are bullied are typically anxious, insecure, and cautious and suffer from low self-esteem, rarely defending themselves. Bullied students often have problems concentrating in school. The success martial arts curriculum addresses those issues directly with the education and tools to transform victims of bullying into smart kids who now have the fortitude not ever to be victims again.

FREE Bully Prevention Class
Success Martial Arts, at 4:30 on Tuesday, September 20th

Let’s help every child start the school year
without a cloud of tension and intimidation over their head.

Success Martial Arts
Your Success is Our Priority
1300 Kimberly Rd
733-8910
BlackBeltMinds.com

Teenage Girls at Highest Risk ...

2008-07-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

Off to School Self-Defense for Mothers and Daughters at YMCA

Teenage Girls at Highest Risk!!

Twin Falls - In response to the recent scare around sexual assault against women in Twin Falls and to help prepare young women heading off to school (This information will be particularly timely as girls return to school and many travel away from home for the first time unsupervised and “socializing” many parents are uncomfortable with this pattern and would like some tools to keep their daughters safe) ; Success Martial Arts Senior Instructor Brian Higgins has partnered with the Twin Falls YMCA to offer a special reduced tuition (it is usually a $100 program; this special opportunity is only $25) session of In The Zone at the Canyon Rim YMCA Facility at 10am on Saturday, August 23rd.

“In The Zone” is unique. Unlike run of the mill self-defense programs, this innovative approach teaches fear management techniques and how to deal with the instinctive “fight or flight” response. Coach Higgins call it "From Eeeeeeeek to Grrrrrrrrrrr"

One big benefit of the course is its short duration high impact format. Course clients also wear casual or active– not martial arts– attire. The course covers the psychological aspects of “adrenaline stress,” the common characteristic that accompanies emotionally charged experiences. Clients learn, first and foremost, how to avoid and prevent a confrontation; effective conflict de-escalation approaches; and when all else fails, how to defend themselves against an all out assault.

A few statistics :
Teenage Girls are the most frequent victims of sexual assault.
Two-thirds of imprisoned sexual assault offenders reported that their victims were younger than age 18.
Sixty-one percent of all rape victims are younger than 18 years of age.
Thirty-two percent of all rape victims are 11-17 years of age. The average victim of abduction and murder is an 11 year old girl described as a “low risk” “normal kid” from a stable family. Her initial contact with an abductor is within a quarter mile of her home.

In The Zone is a personal safety and protection program that is intended to fight these frightening statistics.

While violent crime is at an all time low, violence against teens continues to be rampant as 1 in 5 teens will be victims of a violent crime this year. How are parents protecting their teen children against assault.

Higgins is uniquely suited to sharing this specific topic with teen-age girls as a product of his extensive martial arts experience and, his career in juvenile detention dealing with underage victims and offenders on a daily basis for over six years. In that environment one learns to relate to youth in a way that will educate them without turning them off or preaching

For more information Call ☎733-8910 ☎

New Belts

2008-07-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

As we do each new set of Black Belt and Jr Black Belt Tests I get the chance to refine and improve what we do and how we do it to make it work better. One of the challenges we've come across is that not everyone develops at the same rate.

Some students are more physically talented and others have great focus. Some take a little longer to mature emotionally and some are pretty little to begin with. These differences have been handled well in our first three years. So well in fact we hardly notice them until you start your Black Belt Prep Cycle. At that transition some students really struggle.

Of course it's supposed to be a challenge ... but for some students it may be a bit more than they are ready for.

The solution I have in mind is to add a few belts in the Green / Blue / Purple range ... to give everyone a little more time to get ready for their Black Belt Prep Cycle.

It won't hurt those who would've handled Black Belt Prep well in the first place (They'll just be that much more solid for Black Belt and Beyond) and it'll give younger and older and those who just need the time a better opportunity to take on the Black Belt Prep Challenge with confidence.

Of course I appreciate your thoughts ..

I wish for you all that you wish for yourself.

Video Editing ...

2008-06-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

The time has come for us to create new curriculum practice videos. To help keep everyone on the same page and as a reference when we have those momentary memory challenges as we practice at home.

I have shot enough raw footage to have that part under control. And I have posted a few things to YouTube .. so I think I can handle that part. ( That's right ... This time around everyone will have access to the videos whenever they want them. FREE ... If I understand correctly ...you'll even be able to download them and take them with you ... how cool.)

The current snag is ... I have no clue where to begin with the editing phase of the operation.

If you have the skills and enthusiasm to edit 24, 5 - 7 minute clips ... or at least walk me through until I can do it on my own. You'll be contributing to every student ... now and in the foreseeable future.

As always; I appreciate your contributions and support ... I can't do it without everybody.

From here to Black Belt

2008-06-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

In your First Year ... you'll be learning your Level 1 Curriculum for the first time .. gaining a basic understanding and ability .. increasing fitness and confidence ... and cultivating disciplined student habits. ( of course age + maturity influence these areas profoundly)

In Your Second Year ... you'll review and build on your Level 1 Curriculum ... expectations for speed and control as well as application will be higher than the first time around.

( These "Years" are approximate .. based on attendance and occasional curriculum adjustments ..individual progress can and does vary)

In Your Third year .. You'll add to and refine your Level 1 Curriculum with the addition of the level 2 material which flows from what you already know. You will be expected to be very competent in your Level 1 techniques and pick up the Level 2 moves quickly ..After all you're a Green Belt by now.

Your Forth Year is your Black Belt Prep Cycle ... You're a Red Belt Now ... You'll review all your Level 1 + 2 Curriculum ... You'll complete three empathy days ( 1 blind, 1 deaf, and one on crutches or in a wheel chair), you'll complete a Success Challenge every month, You'll complete at least three Mastery Checklists that etch your technique based muscle memory, and at least three Black Belt Prep Immersions (full day sessions to really lock in your skills and fitness)

Once you've moved through all that we'll set your "test" date (really your Black Belt Test started when you earned your White Belt .. and got more focused when you earned your Red Belt) ..

The key principle behind your Black Belt / Jr Black Belt test is to push you further than you've gone before ..further than you thought you could .. in physical and emotional control and endurance ... It's a right of passage ... something to be proud of the rest of your life.

"What's a Jr Black Belt ... ?"

Good question
A Jr Black Belt has completed all the requirements to an age adjusted level .. obviously a ten year old ... a teen .. and an adult require different challanges to pass their limits .. Jr Black Belt recognizes the accomplishment of a youngster while still preserving the high standard of Black Belt.

Once a students earns their Jr Black Belt ...they move on to new curriculum and work towards their "degrees". When they have matured enough they can test for Black Belt ...When they pass that test they'll take their "degrees" with them. So a 3rd Degree Jr Black Belt would become a 3rd degree Black Belt after passing their Black Belt Test.

Sounds Like a Lot!!

Always remember and keep in mind...

Your best will always be good enough ... when you give me your best I will help you the rest of the way.

When you don't give me your best ..you tie my hands .. all I can do is ask for your best ... until you give it .. and then I can help you again.

Your Best is always good enough ... less than your best never is !!

Your Gear ...

2008-06-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

July's Curriculum will be built around a "kick - punch" combination ...

Let's get in the habit of wearing shin pads and finger gloves each time we come to class ... Not just this month ... from now on... just consider them part of your uniform ... and keep your head gear handy.

That way we won't have to break the flow of class to put safety gear on ... We'll already be prepared.

If you don't have your gear yet ... the new equipment is posted .. and I think it's pretty cool stuff.

As always .. any questions? ... I'm easy to find Higginsc@aol.com

Black Belt Club v.?

2008-06-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd get this line of thought documented.

The Black Belt Club has been extremely convenient and fun. With the extra weapons training being between regular classes; it saves trips. The downside has been that it seems to lead to some bursts of disorder, as we transition, that interfere with both Black Belt Club and the following class. This disorder also eats into the BBC time itself, so the 10 minutes on the schedule is sometimes 6 minutes. We Can do Better than that!

I've already spoken to most of our Black Belt Club Students about adjusting the schedule to move Black Belt Club Class to 5:00 on Friday ... every Friday. This will more than double the available Black Belt Club class time and allow us to more thoroughly cover that material. Even if you make one BBC class per month; you'll be getting more time than we are currently using.

For those families who are certain they won't be making any Fridays ... we'll set up extra private lessons to make sure you are taken care of.

The next natural question is ....
"When ?"

I do have a few families to check in with before the adjustment is official ... but ... preliminarily ... it looks like the week following the July promotion cycle... will be the first week of the new schedule.

You can expect a hard copy of the new schedule to be handed out, at class, a few weeks prior to the change ... and it will be in the newsletter and this week as well.

any questions ? ... feel free to e-mail me @ Higginsc@aol.com

A new beginning

2008-06-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am on a technical exploration mission at present.
Search youtube for Brian Higgins Martial Arts Twin Falls ...

and you'll find my latest news appearances from KMVT.
I now own a webcam (scary stuff).
Both of which were much easier than I expected.
And the BlackBeltMinds.com website is still very much in place (although in sore need of an update)
So the next natural step ... "THE BLOG" ...

My intent at present is to explore this media .. and see how this piece fits into the communication / education puzzle ... and so there and take that.