TRY

     As I was driving to the studio this week, I left my house in such a huff. I wanted to be a little earlier to refresh myself on the work that needed to be done for the week. Mr. C left the studio in my hands for a few weeks so he can recuperate from his knee surgery. I had a lot on my plate, and wanted to make sure classes started off without a hitch. I was under a lot of pressure at home, work, and school; my final essay is due for my English class and I had two days to finish it. 

Before I was ready to leave the house my dog did a number on the kitchen trash and I was terribly upset that I had to clean it up. The broom was missing, the dust buster was dead, and I was late for work. Kids left my kitchen a mess again which I had just cleaned up that morning. My laundry that was in the washer somehow made it all into the dryer (which I dislike very much, I prefer to air dry some things). My tee shirt that I adore is now toddler sized. I yelled at my kids, they became upset. “I was just trying to help”. Sure, I didn't buy it. The curriculum I was working for the week failed to upload to the studios iPad. It was Stripe Week – can I handle this? All these little small things collided once I actually got in the car. I was annoyed, a little angry. No, I was a lot angry.

Going to work for the first day as the Head Instructor was a big deal and I was blowing it.

I am fuming by now, the 2:30 train decided to make an early appearance. I am out of gas, the car is filthy inside and out. Every little thing is starting to stress me out! I really needed to cool off – what kind of attitude is this?

I decide to turn on the radio to block out the stress. Started to hum a tune that I had heard before. I knew it was from P!nk, but I could not remember the name of the song, but it was catchy. The lyrics went as follows:

"Where there is desire

There is gonna be a flame

Where there is a flame

Someone's bound to get burned

But just because it burns

Doesn't mean you're gonna die

You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try

Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

                                 You gotta get up and try, and try, and try"

Ok, I get it.

After hearing the chorus in my head the entire ride to work, I pull up to find a snow-covered sidewalk. Ok here it goes again, I am reciting this repeatedly now. Shovel. Salt. I really want this night of classes to go well.

"Where there is desire

There is gonna be a flame

Where there is a flame

Someone's bound to get burned

But just because it burns

Doesn't mean you're gonna die

You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try

Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

                                 You gotta get up and try, and try, and try"

Alright. Lets get this week rolling. Wait.

iPad is dead. Charge. Trash leaked all over the entryway. Clean it up. Studio is smoking hot. Hmmm… Mr. O will need to work on that one – that's righ: delegate. Office key broke, I have a spare.  Here we go, deep breaths, this night needs to go well, its my first one for weeks to come.

"Where there is desire

There is gonna be a flame

Where there is a flame

Someone's bound to get burned

But just because it burns

Doesn't mean you're gonna die

You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try

Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

                                 You gotta get up and try, and try, and try"

ASAH Sharks are piling in and they are in rare form. I think back to how Mr. C. handles this class, and I do everything I can to keep it under control. They crack me up. Tried a new technique to get their attention. It WORKS! Woah.

Ninjas are hysterical, I tried very hard to keep them focused. It is Monday, after all.

                                                                        

"Where there is desire

There is gonna be a flame

Where there is a flame

Someone's bound to get burned

But just because it burns

Doesn't mean you're gonna die

You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try

Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

                                 You gotta get up and try, and try, and try"

I can do this.

At the end of the night I realized how incredibly silly I was for blowing the entire process of getting to work out of proportion. Sometimes all you have to do is get through the job at hand and try your best to make it work. Work with what you have. Maybe try something new; if isn’t working, try something else. Try to breathe. Try to rely on the talent surrounding you to help you out when you need it. Try going to work, school, home with a clear head. Try not to let the little things get you down. Because they are very little; who needs a clean car or a perfectly fitted tee shirt? Is that really important? What was important was my attitude. If you have a great attitude and you truly are focused the job will get done. Sure, little things might happen along the way, but did you try your best? Everybody you meet, work with or come in contact with has no idea your dog ate the trash. Do they care? No, they care about the smile or the high-five you give. They way you say I’m AWESOME – how are you, thank you for asking! Turn the dog ate my trash into a lesson of the week, the Ninjas cracked up at that one. They said “Miss Anne, maybe she was just hungry?” I felt better about it too.

And when I drove home that night, happy that the studio didn't implode, explode, nobody complained or was hurt and the classes went well, this song came on the radio again:

"Where there is desire

There is gonna be a flame

Where there is a flame

Someone's bound to get burned

But just because it burns

Doesn't mean you're gonna die

You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try

Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

                                 You gotta get up and try, and try, and try"

As I sat down I was talking to Mr. C, he asked how classes went for my first night. I replied AWESOME. I thought about how incredibly strong he is, I am sure these things happen to him also. He is going to have a tough road of recuperating ahead of him. But does he ever lay down and give up? Never. He is trying right now to walk. Trying to work through the pain. Trying to convince me he will be back in three days.  I know classes will be different without him there, but I am going to try my best to keep going. Never give up, never give in. ~ Miss Anne

Exercise Habits

Seven Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workouts

It’s that time again—new year, new goals. But do you find that you set the same “new goal” every year? Why do you start of strong on your way to your fitness goals, but by May stop seeing results? Even though you are working out, it could be the way you’re working out that limits the progress you see. Try the tips below to get the most out of your fitness routine this year.

1.     Choose workouts that use natural motions like walking, running, jumping, balancing, crawling, climbing, swimming, lifting, carrying, throwing, and catching. These movements usually work the whole body and also help you work on coordination. Not only that, but these are all movements you might use in your everyday life. Practicing them in your daily workout means less chance of injury when you have to lift a heavy couch, crawl under the table to retrieve a lost toy, or even play catch with your kids.

2.     Use short periods of intense exercise, rather than long periods of moderate exercise. Intense, plyometric exercises burn more calories than longer sustained workouts. Plus, I’m sure you could use a little more time in your day. You’ll see better results with 30 minutes of nonstop exercise than an hour of moderate exercise, and you’ll add an extra 30 minutes to your day!

3.     Minimize breaks and down time. We’ve all seen those people at the gym who seem like they are there to socialize instead of to work out. It’s not enough to go to the gym. You could stand around and talk in your backyard. When you workout, whether at the gym or at home, do so with a plan and a time frame. You only have so many minutes in the day to workout, you want to get the most out of each and every minute.

4.     Incorporate strength training. Many people think that cardio is the most important and most effective exercise. While cardio is important, you need a blend of cardio and strength training to get the best results. Straining gets your heart rate up, burns calories, and develops lean muscle mass. Building muscle means they are able to work all day, burning more calories even when you aren’t working out.

5.     Drink water. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout your day, especially when you’re working out. Avoid sports drinks that are full of sugar and empty calories. If you miss the boost that those drinks give you during your workout, try eating a healthy snack or small breakfast about 45 minutes before you work out.

6.     Incorporate a variety of exercises. If you’ve been jogging several times a week for years, running a few miles might be really easy for you, but then you pick up your toddler and pull a back muscle. You might lift weights at the gym every day, but can’t keep up with your dog when you take him out for a walk. Our bodies become accustomed to the movements we do all the time, so doing the same exercises every day becomes less effective over time. By mixing it up you force your body to work harder and therefore burn more calories. Not only that, it will keep things interesting so you don’t get bored with your workout.

7.     Workout with a partner. Not many people can motivate themselves to work their hardest each and every time. Working out with a friend will hold you accountable—you’ll have to show up at the gym when you say you’ll be there—and also makes you work harder, sometimes without realizing it. Who doesn’t love a healthy sense of competition?

8.     Contributed by Solomon Brenner head instructor for Action Karate and Zen fitness. Question please call 1-888-99-SHARK

Preparation

Everyone knows that your diet and exercise habits are what determine your physical fitness. If you want to lose weight by just exercising without changing an unhealthy diet, you’re probably not going to seem maximum results. Getting in shape is about 20 percent exercise and 80 percent nutrition.

Many people find it difficult to eat healthy because of a busy schedule. They don’t have time to prepare fresh foods for every meal or they find themselves stopping at a lot of fast food restaurants between obligations.  Yes, it’s difficult, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. They key to success for any nutrition plan is preparation. Below are some tips to help you prepare yourself for your new healthy lifestyle.

1. Pick a day in the week when you can have a lot of fresh ingredients prepared to use throughout the week (boil eggs, cook quinoa, chop vegetables, etc). Keep them in clear containers on the middles shelf of your fridge: you want the healthiest foods to be at eye level when you open your fridge, because those are the things you will reach for most often. This will help you avoid those convenient processed foods.

2. Use a slow cooker that you can leave on during the day so you have a hot meal ready for you when you get home.

3. When you do have time to cook, make more than you need and freeze half of it, that way you’ll have frozen meals ready to reheat whenever you need them.

4. Make a big salad on Sunday night and use it for lunches throughout the week so that you aren’t tempted by unhealthy takeout food at work. Add different proteins, nuts or fruit each day to add some variety. Avoid creamy dressings and opt instead for easy options like lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar.

5. Keep healthy snacks like nuts or fruit with you at work, so that when hunger strikes you’re not stuck with the unhealthy options the vending machine has to offer.

6. If you eat out a lot, plan ahead before you go. Check out the menu and decide ahead of time what you’re going to get so you can choose the healthiest options or know what modifications you need to ask for to a menu item to make it a healthy option. If it’s a large portion, ask for a to-go container when the food comes out, so that you can eat half and use the other half for another meal the next day.

7. Know which “fast food” restaurants around your work, home, and children’s school have healthy options like salads (just be mindful of dressing choice), clear (not creamy) soups, or grilled chicken. While some of these options will still be pretty high in sodium, it’s better than the alternative of a Big Mac with fries.

1.     Contributed by Solomon Brenner head instructor for Action Karate and Zen Fitness 1-888-99-SHARK

GET OUT OF YOUR WAY

Zig Ziglar once said, “Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.”  I was at a martial arts seminar one time when the moderator asked, “What is your biggest frustration as a teacher?”  I was fascinated by the various answers; some I agreed with, others not. My answer was, “being able to see greatness in people and not being able to help them see it.”

As a teacher there is nothing more frustrating than seeing unrealized potential and untapped greatness. Inevitably it is the student that quits on themselves that makes me obsess for weeks. What did I say, what didn’t I say, and what could I have said to better serve this person? My years of teaching experience tell me it is always people getting in their own way. It is their self doubt, fear of failure, or even fear of success.

That may sound like an odd thing to be afraid of: success. After all, isn’t that what we are all after, no matter what our pursuits might be? We all want success. Sometimes, however, the thought of actually achieving what you want can be more daunting than the work it took to get there. Sometimes the thought of what to do next after you have accomplished the thing you have poured all your energies into for so long can be so intimidating that we subconsciously self sabotage.

Recognizing our own potential is the first and most essential step towards living it. If you set a goal for yourself but don’t actually believe you can achieve it, you have already given up. Belief in yourself is the foundation upon which you must build all of your endeavors. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else is going to believe in you.

Trees grow toward the sky because that is what trees are meant to do. Storm clouds drop rain across the land because that is what clouds do. Ralph Marston said it best about people: “In short, you are destined to achieve. Get your excuses, fears and doubts out of the way and allow that destiny to fully unfold. ” Think of your end goal as reality; it is what you are meant to do. It is as natural as tress growing or rain falling. Don’t allow room for even the slightest doubt.

How can you help your children to realize their full potential? The best thing you can do for them is to be a source of encouragement and support. Encourage them to try new things, especially if they are outside of their comfort zone. When they fail (or at least perceive that they have failed) point out all of the great elements of their attempt and help them improve in the areas where they are weak. Most of all, help them to have a positive attitude and believe that success is a part of their reality.

For example, say your child is doing poorly in math. For weeks he studies hard, does all the homework, and pays attention in class. After the next test his grades still haven’t improved. He thinks, “I’ll never be good at math.” That attitude alone could be what is keeping him from achieving his full potential. He must think “I am good at math,” before he has the slightest chance of actually being so.

It can be hard at times, but we have to remember to stay out of our own way. Believe that success is a part of your destiny and it will come to you.

Contributed by Master Instructor of Action Karate and Author Solomon Brenner- Black Belt Parenting. To set up speaking engagement please call 215.355.5003

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!

It’s that magical time of the year again—back to school—and you know what that means: back to bedtimes, homework, school supplies, and hectic schedules. But this time of the year doesn’t have to be scary for parents or kids. All it takes is a little summer preparation to ensure that the road back to school is smooth sailing.

            First thing’s first: remember all those summer mailings you got from your children’s school about book lists, school supplies, activities fees, and health concerns? Pull them out of the drawer and get organized. Mark any important upcoming events, like parent-teacher nights, on the calendar now so you don’t forget about them as things get busier. Make sure school has the forms they need before your kids head back, that way you can concentrate on making sure they are adjusting rather than worry about all the red tape.

            Schedules can get pretty hectic once school starts up again, so take advantage of the relaxed summer schedule while you still can to make any doctor or dentist appointments your child may need. You’ll want to make sure you find out any health issues sooner rather than later. Also, alert the school office as well as your child’s individual teachers about any health concerns, like asthma or food allergies, that could crop up while your child is in school.

            Start your school shopping early, that way if you aren’t able to conquer the entire school supply list at once—especially if you have multiple children—you give yourself enough time to get everything over a few weeks.  Some teachers require specific supplies, so save your receipts in case you need to return anything.

            Start getting your kids back into school habits about a week before school begins. This may mean going to bed and waking up earlier than they have been all summer. Get them in the habit of eating breakfast every morning if they don’t already; they will need that fuel to kick start their day once classes are back in session. Also consider limiting the amount of time they spend in front of the TV during certain hours in exchange for reading, puzzles, or games and activities that get their minds working, so that all those hours spent in class won’t be such a shock to the system.

If your child is starting at a new school this year, or maybe even just a new building, it is not a bad idea to let them know ahead of time of what they’ll be facing on the first day of school. Call the school and see if you are allowed to visit before term starts. You can help your child find his classroom, the lunchroom, his locker, the gym, the nurse’s office, and any other important landmarks he should know about.

If your child is really nervous about school it might even be a good idea to see if you can arrange a meeting with the teacher before classes begin, that way there will be at least one friendly face on the first day of school.

If your children, like most, aren’t too excited about the prospect of hitting the books again, there are a few small things you can do to motivate them. Avoid talking about homework or tests, and instead ask about the friends they’ll be seeing for the first time since June, or point out different things about them that their friends will notice, like a new haircut or how much they’ve grown. Even something as simple as a new backpack with their favorite cartoon character on it can make them excited to return to school.

Contributed by Solomon Brenner Author Black Belt Parenting "The Art of Raising Your Child for Success"

PAY IT FORWARD

Miss Anne's Blog for the April Shark Bites Newsletter at Action Karate Newtown 215-820-1082 www.actionnewtown.com

As part of our Black Belt test, each candidate is asked to do a Linked-In Project. The goal of this project is to have each candidate “Pay it Forward” by organizing a personal project to help promote the benefits of Martial Arts training to others. Martial Arts Black Belts have for centuries, passed down their knowledge to beginners as a way to extend the chain of Martial Artists.

Our Black Belt candidates are the FIRST ever from Action Karate Newtown. We are very excited and proud of all they have accomplished in the last three years. Our Junior candidates have learned nine self defense moves and seven katas. Our Adults have learned a whopping 81 moves, and 10 katas. Not to mention all the front kicks, spin kicks, side kicks, chicken kicks, tornado kicks, ax kicks, wheel kicks, roundhouse kicks, crescent kicks, rear kicks, and jump switch front kicks that they all have done. Oh, and the punches and blocks. Millions upon millions. And not only have they learned the art of Kenpo Karate, but they have also demonstrated Determination to make it this far. Focus to learn all the techniques and forms. Self-Discipline to put up with Mr. C’s tough workouts. And Respect for the martial arts and for others. That is a lot of information to “Pay it Forward”. 

Miss Julia has so far raised over $600.00 to sponsor a special needs student to take class here at Action Karate. Miss Jenna has had her Girl Scout troop here for class, and they had a blast! I am writing articles and blogs about my journey to Black Belt. The Howie family is spreading the word about us by attending events around the area. Miss Hope had Mr. C. teach her gym class at her school, Our Lady of Grace. Mr. Brian is having Mr. C teach gym class at his school, Quarry Hill Elementary. Miss Emily is writing an article to the local Mom’s Club Newsletter. Mr. Daniel is having the Demo Team perform at his school’s Hoop-Dee-Do. Mr. Larry is filming a commercial for a local television station. 

Now, I just need to say, that is totally AWESOME. I am so proud of the white belts that walked into our studio when we had blue carpet and gym equipment to move out of the way before class every night. The timid, shy and scared students who now perform in public, work hard and have an amazing amount of respect. Those same white belts work community events , visit nursing homes, help out in the younger classes as Leaders in Training or S.W.A.T. members, work birthday parties, sweep the floor, empty the trash cans, and make copies for us. Amazing families and even more amazing students. We would not be where we are today without hard work and dedication from these first Black Belt Candidates. 

Good luck to all on April 9th.... persistence is key, keep up the AWESOME work both at Action and at home, school, and work.