Let’s Talk About Focus!

It’s Back-to-School season! And that means students are back in the classroom and expected to focus on their teachers. Here at TM Martial Arts Academy, we teach our students some strategies for focusing better.

The 4 Laws of Concentration are an excellent way to prime your body for listening, and show respect for the instructor, teacher, or person of authority that you are trying to learn from.

Focus Your Eyes

To truly learn what someone is trying to teach you, your eyes should be focused on them. You are setting the stage for being able to better absorb the lesson. Think about it this way – If you rode in a car blindfolded you wouldn’t be able to remember the way to where you were going. Your eyes should be focused on the person conveying the lesson.

Focus Your Ears

To truly take in what’s happening in class, you need to be able to hear the instructor speaking. From here, you need to listen to what is being said and be able to absorb that information. Your ears are where listening and comprehension begin.

Focus Your Mind

Think about all the things we’ve done in life where we were physically present, but not necessarily mentally paying attention. We see this from our martial arts students at times, too. The best way to take a martial arts course is to not allow your mind to wander as the instructor is speaking. It’s also important to focus on what the instructor is saying and not on what those around you might be saying or doing.

Focus Your Body

Body posture serves as a signal to the brain that it is time to focus. If you are sitting or standing with great posture and a straight back, you are sending the signals to your mind that you are ready to learn. If you are hunched over or slouched, your brain won’t be able to concentrate as fully.

We wish everyone a strong start to the new school year! And we look forward to supporting your learning right here in martial arts class.

Special Mention

Look Who Joined TM Martial Arts Academy!

Cameron Dreher, Kaleb Handy, Mason Stallworth, David Mereacre, London Jenkins, Chelsie Williams, Rory Young, Joe Nguyen, Violeta Villalvazo, Cameron Merrick, Mark Uram, Andrew Uram, Nick Uram, Elias Alvarez, Emilia Brookman, and Emily Gluchman

Look Who Committed to Black Belt Training!

Roberto Ruvalcaba, Olivia Larson, Nathan Acheampong, Tristan Martinez, Solomon Standfield, and Phillip Lee Sr.

Wear Your Full Uniform!

Hey students! Now that summertime is coming to an end, we will require students to wear FULL UNIFORM to every class, beginning September 1st. We look forward to training with our sharp students this fall!!

Board Breaking Seminar

Hey students! Don’t miss our Breaking Through Barriers – Board Breaking Seminar!

4th Annual TM Martial Arts Tournament

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023

August 31 – BLACK BELT PREP PARENT MEETING
Required parent info meeting for all students who will be School Black Belt-2nd gup and School Black Belt-3rd gup after August 26th. We will discuss the training plan and requirements to prepare for November Black Belt Testing.

September 2 – STUDIO CLOSES AT NOON

September 4 – CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY

September 9 – BOARD BREAKING SEMINAR, featuring GM Smith
Hey students! Don’t miss our Breaking Through Barriers – Board Breaking Seminar! (NOTE: DETAILS HAVE BEEN EDITED!)
We welcome special guest Grandmaster Jeff Smith from Sterling, VA. He will teach us the skills World Champions use to break through barriers of all kinds!
TM Martial Arts Academy: 3480 Caton Farm Rd, Joliet 60431
* 9:30am-10:45am – Basic Level White belt through Hi Yellow belt
* 11:00am-12:15pm – Basic Level Jr. Orange & up/Level 1
* 12:30pm-1:45pm – Level 2, Level 3, School Black Belt, Black Belt, Combat Hapkido
***Registration includes 3 boards
$20 Basic Level
$10 Black Belt Club
FREE Leadership Club
Registration forms are available at the front desk.

October 7 – 4TH ANNUAL TM MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT
TM Martial Arts Academy: 3480 Caton Farm Rd, Joliet 60431
**Categories include Forms, Board Breaking and Weapons Demonstration
**Registration packets are available at the front desk and must be submitted along with payment to hold your spot in the tournament

October 7 – 2ND ANNUAL SMI HOMETOWN ALLSTAR GAME
HEY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!!! You’re invited to join us Saturday, October 7th @6:05pm to watch Grandmaster Harrison play in the 2nd Annual Hometown Celebrity Allstar Game presented by St. Mary Immaculate Parish School!!! Please sign up at the front desk to reserve tickets to watch Master Harrison at bat, representing TM Martial Arts Academy. But HURRY! These complimentary tickets are limited.

October 14 – LEADERSHIP INSTRUCTOR TRAINING MEETING
Monthly meeting to sharpen your Leadership Skills! 1:30pm-2:30pm

October 16-21, 23-26 – TESTING WEEK
(By appointment only, please schedule a testing time with you instructor)

October 28 – COLOR BELT PROMOTION CEREMONIES
(Times based on class level; TBA)