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December Kickin Newsletter – 2023

The Gift of Resilience

As a parent, we’d love to ensure that our kids have the safest experience possible. Unfortunately, we can’t change that they will face challenges throughout their lifetime. But what we can do is give them the skillset to capitalize on their experiences and rise above the challenges that they face.

The skill that we can instill from the beginning is resilience. It’s something that can help children and adults just the same. Resilience is the ability to bounce back, to face down adversity, and to overcome it. When children master resilience, they become stronger, more adaptable, braver, and more curious versions of themselves. They are more able to find and reach their potential in the outside world.

The good news is that resilience can be nurtured and developed. Here’s more on how.

Encourage And Foster Relationships

It’s not self-reliance or inner strength that fosters resilience, but the presence of supportive relationships. Children can develop coping skills with loving adults. Adults have the ability to help children properly cope with stress. This can help children protect themselves from the long-term effects of psychological changes due to stress. Children can receive these effects from parents, teachers, coaches, or any positive influence in their lives.

Increase Their Exposure To People That Care About Them

Along similar lines, children benefit when they see the grown-ups that provide social support for them. More positive relationships can give kids a stronger sense of optimism, motivation, and higher self-esteem. Parents can let the children know who is in their corner cheering them on, when they might not be aware by letting them know who’s asked about them, and who is wishing them positive thoughts.

The Power Of Regular Exercise

Exercise can strengthen the mind and make it more resilient to stress. It can increase neurochemicals that better equip the brain for handling stressful times. Things like throwing a ball, going for a walk, playing tag, or just running around can help children grow more resilient. Of course, there is the martial arts as well. But when kids enjoy the physical activity, they partake in, they’re bound to repeat it more and stay active.

Show Them What Resilience Looks Like

Children want to be just like their parents, and often model the behavior that they see. Next time that you face something adversarial in your life, it might be worth it to show your children how you cope with it. You can show your children that it’s acceptable to be sad, disappointed, or stuck. You can show them what it looks like to feel these emotions, and then bounce back.

Build Resilience Through The Martial Arts

Discipline and the willingness to try new experiences can help you build resilience. TM Martial Arts can help children and adults develop resiliency through the martial arts. If you’d like to explore self-improvement and resiliency through learning a new skill, contact us today!

Special Mention

Look Who Joined TM Martial Arts Academy!

Lee Quang, Russell Steiner, Christopher Alcantara, Jenni Alcantara, Zayan Hamad, Mason Rutayisire, Ella Cooper, Elliot Kroeger, Timothy “Junior” Conroy, Kevin Siliste, Ethan Shaw, Allan Monroy, Lucas Carnevale, Mariella Familara, Benjamin Arzuaga, Eston Angeloni, Mason Crocker, Ava Rodriguez, and Eliani Ortiz

Look Who Committed to Black Belt Training!

Lana Sartori, Emilia Brookman, Roman Firneno, Cameron Dreher, Balentina Lopez, Alejandro Lopez, Israel Betanzos, Zoe Betanzos, Alice Betanzos, and Adam Smith

 

Holiday Ninja Party

Hey Parents! Do you find yourself needing to do last-minute holiday shopping? We’ve got you covered! Drop your kids off at our Holiday Ninja Party, where they will enjoy pizza, games, crafts, a movie, and more! They will have a blast while you enjoy 3 1/2 hours to yourselves! SPACE IS LIMITED! Please register by December 2nd to reserve your spot. (815) 254-6141
DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023
TIME: 2:00PM-5:30PM
$35 Basic Members & Non-members (ages 5-12yrs)
$15 Black Belt Club/Leadership Club members

 

 

Sparring Seminar, featuring GM Jeff Smith

Calling all students! Don’t miss our upcoming Sparring Seminar, where we welcome special guest Grandmaster Jeff Smith from Sterling VA. We are so excited to learn sparring skills from a World Champion!
DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023*10:00-11:15 White Belts—High Green Belts
* 11:30-12:45 Purple Belts—High Brown Belts
* 1:30-2:45 Red Belts—Black Belts (Level 3 mandatory attendance, please bring your sparring equipment)
(Black Belts, please plan to stay until 3:15pm for an Exclusive Black Belt Session with GM Smith)
PRICE: $10 Basic Students
FREE Black Belt Club/Leadership Club Students
Registration forms are available at the front desk.

* Everyone who attends will go into a RAFFLE! You could win – Sparring gloves! Logo Gear Bag! Paddle Targets!

 

 

Belt Promotion & Black Belt Extravaganza

Come join the celebration! Our Black Belt Extravaganza is where we promote our color belt students to their next level. It’s also our bi-annual opportunity to celebrate our graduating black belts!
The TM Martial Art Academy Black Belt Extravaganza is a very special event where students will demonstrate what they have been learning, receive their next belt, and many will receive special awards.
Bring the whole family to cheer on your student!
DATE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023
WHERE: Crossroads Christian Church, 2312 Essington Rd, Joliet

TIME: 6pm (doors open at 5:30pm)

 

 

Winter Break Seminars

FREE WINTER BREAK SEMINARS
(Open to ALL students 5yrs and up; must register to attend; No regular classes on these days)
5:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday: Nunchuck Seminar
Thursday: Bo Staff Seminar
Friday: Escrima Sticks Seminar

 

 

Mark Your Calendar

December 9 – SCHOOL BLACK BELT TESTING

11:00am-1:30pm

December 9 – NINJA HOLIDAY PARTY!
2:00pm-5:30pm

December 9 – LEADERSHIP INSTRUCTOR TRAINING MEETING – Cancelled

December 11-21 –COLOR BELT TESTING
(By appointment only)

December 16 – SPARRING SEMINAR, featuring GM Jeff Smith
Every person who attends goes into a raffle to win: Boxing Gloves, Logo Bag, Paddle Targets, or a Set of Hand Targets
(Times Based on Belt Rank)

Friday, December 22 – NO CLASSES, as we will all be attending our Promotion Ceremony & Black Belt Extravaganza at 6:00pm. (Doors open at 5:30pm)

December 23 –NO CLASSES, Office is open 10am-1pm

December 25 – MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Studio Closed)

December 26 – (Studio Closed)

December 27-29– FREE WINTER BREAK SEMINARS (Open to ALL students 5yrs and up; must register to attend; No regular classes) 5:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday: Nunchuck Seminar
Thursday: Bo Staff Seminar
Friday: Escrima Sticks Seminar

December 30 –NO CLASSES, Office is open 10am-1pm

January 1 – HAPPY NEW YEAR! (Studio Closed)

January 2 – Classes Resume

 

Recommended Reading Corner…

7 Sure Ways to Build Strong and Successful Children, by Timothy S. Harrison

Grandmaster Harrison’s first published book is now available for purchase! In “7 Sure Ways to Build Strong and Successful Children,” he shares his expertise and insights to guide young readers on a path of self-improvement. Drawing from his extensive experience in various martial arts disciplines and teaching backgrounds, the book imparts valuable life lessons and essential 7 Sure Ways to Build Strong and Successful Kids for personal growth.

While martial arts is highlighted as a transformative activity, the book is not solely focused on promoting this discipline. It offers guidance and practical wisdom that can be applied to any area of life. Whether readers choose to pursue martial arts or engage in other physical activities, the lessons shared in this book will serve as a valuable resource to inspire personal growth, progress, and the pursuit of excellence.