Making mistakes

Mistakes, missteps, wrong decisions, errors in judgement, less than best practice….whatever you want to call it we have all made them. In fact we make them on a daily basis, it is part of being human.

Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone handles it the same. What are you doing with yours? Are they defining you, are the reminding you of what is important, are they forcing you to grow, are they pushing you to learn?

Today is the best day in your life to do something with your mistakes, to grow as a person, to redefine who you are by, who you want to become, not by who you were yesterday.

We cannot change the mistakes of yesterday, or foresee the challenges of tomorrow, but we can seize the opportunity of today with the lessons learned from our past and with the hope and vision we have for the future.

See you on the mat soon.
Joshua Page
www.hickorymartialarts.com

“Who you with?”

“success is a benefit of having the right friends, Failure is a consequence of having the wrong friends”

They say that one of the best ways for a recovering alcoholic, or drug addict to relapse is to go back to the same environment they were in before treatment. The same is true for someone who has been released from prison. It’s even true for someone who is trying to diet!

Your environment, what surrounds you, and more importantly WHO surrounds you is one of the biggest make or break factors in our success.

The people in your life, whether they know it or not, are pushing, molding, and guiding who you are every day. The people around us set the standard for how to look, act, speak, behave, and achieve.

Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are you the only person focused on improving yourself? Are you the most successful person in your group? Do you feel comfortable with where you are at when you are around your friends? Do they push you to get better? Do the reinforce the effort that you are making? Is there a synergy in the air when you are with your friends?

If you cannot say yes then YOU ARE WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE!

If we know our environment is one of the most important factors to our success, to our ability to make real and permanent change then why would you ever spend time with people who don’t push you to achieve, to want to see you grow, that are making the same sacrifices, putting in greater effort than you, giving you a standard of excellence to reach for?

How can you be the smartest, most succesful, most motivated, most dedicated person you know and ever hope to grow?

Find the people who challenge you, find the people who make you want to improve. Seek them out!!!! They most likely will not seek you out, they are probably too busy doing the same thing you should be doing.

There has never been a better day than today to get started! If you need some help, need some guidance, here are some places you can start from right behind your computer, ipad, iphone, etc. How much easier could it be right?

www.ted.com A site dedicated to sharing ideas from some of the most successful, and creative people in the world. Learn and be exposed to people who are living truly amazing and inspirational lives.

www.etthehiphoppreacher.com Site for Eric Thomas one of todays most dynamic and energetic motivational speakers.

Tradition of Excellence

Lot of debate right now about what the martial arts is and is not. Lots of debate about what makes you a martial artist, and about staying true to the tradition of martial arts. I hear so much talk about being traditional and keeping it the way it used to be, and I couldn’t agree more but….

What is traditional, what is the tradition we are trying to preserve? How far back are you going. If it’s just back to Japan, it seems like you are selling yourself short of the traditional experience. Why not go back further to China, or India, in fact let’s keep it real traditional and go back to the cave man days. That’s where the martial arts started right? Somebody tried to drag someone else’s cave women off and bam martial arts was born.

Really when you look at martial arts and it’s history the only constant tradition is change. That change in fact is martial arts greatest strength. It is an ever evolving, living breathing history of humanity and it’s struggle for self expression and improvement.

It is in every culture that has ever lived, and now with an ever shrinking world it has never been easier to see, learn, and experience so many different types of martial arts. If the founders of all the “traditional” arts were here today they would not be locked away in a mountain fortress they would be learning and changing. Even O’Sensei Funakoshi would be working on his ground game, or throwing a sick 540 kick.

The world is change, and martial arts is not immune to it. I think the only set in stone tradition we can hope to pass is that of excellence. It is our job to instill a sense of hard work, dedication, and competency in the art we choose to teach. Weather it is through strict 200 year old Japanese karate taught by a middle aged white guy in Nebraska, extreme martial arts at the XMA headquarters, UFC training at American Top Team, or military Krav Maga.

Should a martial artist be able to defend themselves, absolutely. Should they be physically and mentally tough, absolutely. Should they hold themselves to a strict moral and ethical code, absolutely.

Should they do it the same way that it was done hundreds of years ago? I think deep down we all know that is absurd. Unless of course you arrived by horse, refuse to use electricity, abstain from modern medicine, catch, prepare, and eat only what you kill…you know all those other traditions we have changed and evolved over the course of time!

There has to be a balance to what we do. Just for fun My “white gi” guys, take that 80 ounce kimono off sometimes and be bold, throw a technique that a farmer didn’t invent. “Trickers” put on a kimono for once and actually bow, and work on a few moves that would work off the set of Star Wars. “Point Fighters” that thing you keep bouncing on is the floor, get on it and learn an arm bar!
You might learn another cornerstone of martial arts….respect. Respect for how hard the other guy is working and maybe you will understand that our only real tradition worth keeping forever is the pursuit of excellence in an ever changing world.

“If you are in a hole….”

Are you one of the millions and millions of people who desperately want to change something about themselves? Is it your job, you appearance, your actions (or inactions). Maybe it’s your diet, the way you eat, and what you eat. It could even be your very physical health has been affected by how you are living. Just look at the number one killers of men and women in America, it’s not drive by shooting and falling piano’s. They are things that we have a degree of control over like high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and stress.

No matter what it is we are trying to change they is a common problem/excuse that is blocking our progress. Most of us feel trapped, like we are too far gone to make real and permanent change. That drastic measures must be taken in order to get us back on the path we want to be on. There is no shortage of plastic surgeons, two-minute ab videos, and diet pills to support that idea.

I was reminded of some good advice this morning that I think we forget sometimes. To me it is the most simple and best advice we ignore on a daily basis.

“If you are in a hole…Stop Digging.” 

Get out of your own way. Stop hijacking your own progress, your happiness, and your health. Don’t look for the easy solution, like the pill that burns fat so you can still eat the pink slime from McDonald’s! Get off the crash diet cycle, off the exercise hard for a month and then quit cycle.

The holes we have dug ourselves in are not impossible to get out of, but we have to stop digging and start climbing. Not in a mad scramble, but slowly, consistently, and not with just making it out as the goal, but making the smart choices to keep you out once you get there!

As always we invite anyone who is in a hole to come by the dojo. We don’t have any shovels, but we do have the tool for you to make your own ladder!

Joshua Page

www.hickorymartialarts.com

Pain, Pride, and Quitting

There are so many quotes, and catchphrases about pain, pride, and quitting and with good reason. They are the three concepts that are most closely related, to our success or failure.

The one common factor that all successful people share is that they went through pain to get to where they are at. Pain in terms of effort, consistent daily effort beyond what many consider comfortable or reasonable. Pain in terms of sacrifice, what the give up to chase a goal or a dream. Giving up the comfort and vices that most would consider a necessity.

Successful or not we all have experience with quitting. Everyone quits!

The key is what it is you are quitting. Do you choose to quit on your goals, and dreams (quitting on yourself), or do you choose to quit making excuses, quit taking no for an answer, quit accepting what is comfortable and easy. I have heard that a win or a loss only last for 24 hours (assuming that you put everything into what you were doing). That you should take the lessons learned from each and continue towards your goal. I think this is a great way at keeping your progress in perspective, and to avoid quitting every time you go through some adversity, because quitting lasts forever. Those dreams and goals that you quit on are the things that will always de a source of pain, and disappointment.

Everyone experiences pain and quitting, but what some never make it to is the third concept pride. Pride to me is how you feel about who you are, what you do, and what you believe. Your pride is shaped by how you handle pain, how you overcome quitting, and how you come to know who you are through the process. In the martial arts world you might have pride in your awards, or in your stripes on your belt, but I hope your ultimately you derive your pride from the work you have done and more importantly the work you are doing.

Let today be the day you take out the possibility of quitting and start replacing it with the pride of what you are doing. As we say in the dojo “pain is temporary, pride lasts forever”.

-Joshua Page
www.hickorymartialarts.com

Are you waiting for the train that never comes?

Ever met someone who inspired you to improve yourself, to take a minute to decide who you wanted to be, what you believe in, where you passion is leading you, and how to chase your hopes and dreams?

I hope that you have, and even more than that I hope that you listened to the call to action. Every day that we are blessed enough to have is a day full of opportunity to get closer to the person you want, and hope, and dream to become.

Let today be the day that you stop watching the clock, stop dreaming your life away, stop focusing on the negative, stop counting your worries and start counting the things we are lucky to have.

Don’t wait for the perfect time, for work to slow down, for the kids to be old enough, for it be be less busy, because that time never comes. Life has one direction and one speed “full steam, straight ahead”.

Your life and dreams are out there waiting for you to catch up to them. Will you be bold enough to
chase them. Will you listen to the voices that inspire you, to your own voice in the back of your mind that is begging you to do more, to grow beyond your limits?

Find someone who is where you want to be and listen to them, see how they got there. More importantly start doing, start moving forward. The world has never been smaller with the internet, or easier to connect with the voices that inspire, motivate, and guide us to our dreams. In fact www.ted.com is filled with some of the best and brightest people in the world, all talking about the things that they are the most passionate about!

If you need more help, or need somewhere you can be surrounded by people that are chasing excellence on a daily basis our classes are filled with men and women who are working hard on the mat to be even greater off of it.

Take your life into your own hands by making the first step towards the new you today!

Joshua Page
www.hickorymartialarts.com

Preventing the next Sandusky with Yello Dyno Training

As a Father of three young boys there are not many things more horrifying than the possibility that they may fall victim to a sexual predator. It is not a subject that we are used to, or comfortable talking about, but I cannot think of an issue where prevention is more crucial.

How do you prepare yourself, and your children to deal with this issue? What do you say, when do you say it? Are there things I can look for, how will I know if someone is dangerous to be around my child?

These are all questions I have personally fought with, and they are all questions that are answered, in a professional, organized, and tasteful manner by Yello Dyno training.

To me it is the best resource I have ever come across as a parent and as a teacher of young men and women.

I am fortunate enough to be involved with the next seminar being held in Hickory this February at the First United Methodist Church. I hope to see you and your family there. Moms and Dads be prepared to cry, and to learn about things we would rather not think of, but to me 1,000 tears of prevention are better than a single tear of a young person who has been a victim of a predator…of the predators known and unknown living among us in our community.

All of the Information and Registration are listed below.

YELLO DYNO WORKSHOP INFORMATION
(description and registration form are at the bottom of this email)

*As you know, the Yello Dyno child safety workshop will be Saturday, February 18th:      Grades K through 3rd will be from 1:00 to 3:00
              Grades 4th through 6th will be from 3:30 to 5:30.

  *The parent seminar will be Thursday, February 16th @ 7PM
(appropriate for parents of all-aged children)

*Many of you participated last year, but there will be a few differences this year – Josh and I decided to make this a fundraiser for the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center (suggested donation $5.00/ child – but not required!). Also, I am really trying to reach out to families in the community and bring kids in from outside the church, as well as (of course) our own kids.  Furthermore, the director of the CAPC will be attending and will be speaking at the parent seminar on Thursday.

*The parent seminar on Thursday is open to everyone – regardless of whether your children are age-appropriate for the workshop. It is slightly similar to the talk I gave to Trinity years ago, but has lots of new information and I think will be useful for all parents, even those of younger children. Also, the director of the CAPC is a wonderfully dynamic lady and I think you will enjoy hearing what she has to say about child sexual abuse and how we deal with it in Catawba County.

*Basically, I’m saying that I would be so grateful for your  support that night. If you can come I would love to see your friendly faces in the audience and show my director at the CAPC how fantastic we are at FUMC - and how we truly support the mission of the CAPC. 

*Childcare is available that night and is complimentary – I just need to know which kids are coming.

*Also, I need “Tricky People”. Many of you volunteered at the last workshop so you know what I’m talking about. I need some volunteers to help role play tricky situations with the kids (ex. an adult will approach a group of kids at the workshop and ask them to go with him/her in a car – saying things like, “Your mom is sick, it’s an emergency and she asked me to come pick you up” – then you role play the proper responses with the kids. We will go over all the proper responses during the workshop so the kids will know what to do.)

*Since we are hoping to expand the workshop to more kids, we will need lots of volunteers – please email me back if you think you could help!

*Below is the registration form and a description of both workshops. If you want to register your kids, feel free to just email me back this info:
____________________________________________________________________

Registration Information:

Name of 1st child attending______________________    Grade ______________
Name of 2nd child attending_____________________     Grade______________
Name of 3rd child attending______________________    Grade_______________
Name of any additional children____________________  Grade(s)_____________

Parent names_______________________________________________________
Parent email________________________________________________________
Parent phone________________________________________________________

Will a parent be attending the parent seminar on Thursday, Feb. 16th at 7PM?
Yes_____   No______

If yes, will you need complimentary childcare and for what aged children?_______
___________________________________________________________________

Description of children’s workshop:

This “Yello Dyno” workshop will teach your child about tricky situations when it comes to child abduction, molestation, bullying, and other forms of victimization by utilizing an active, but non-fearful format of instruction. It provides them awareness that a “tricky person” may come in the form of someone they don’t know, or (more often) someone they do know. This program teaches them how to approach the appropriate people for help if they are lost, and gives them the tools to ask the right questions in difficult situations. Parents often teach their children to avoid “strangers”. However, children are safer when they are empowered to recognize when someone is trying to trick them into doing inappropriate things, whether a stranger or not. Please join us for this afternoon of music, games, and fun – all directed at keeping our children safe!

YELLO DYNO CHILD SAFETY WORKSHOP
First United Methodist Church – Christian Life Center
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Grades K to 3rd: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Grades 4th to 6th: 3:30 to 5:30 PM

Description of parent seminar:

This seminar will teach parents: how to reinforce at home what children learn in the Yello Dyno workshop, effective ways to talk to their children about safety, and what NOT to say – for example, “Don’t talk to strangers” is the worst advice of all!

PARENT SEMINAR
First United Methodist Church – Christian Life Center
Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 7PM to 8PM
Complimentary childcare available upon request

Please feel free to email me back with any questions!

It’s the little things….

Today, like everyday, dojo was a buzz of students and families old and new coming and going to class, learning, growing, having fun, and making a mess!

I was at my desk between classes talking to parents, when my assistant Pam got my attention “watch John Sensei”. We watched into the next room where one of our brown belts, and long time students, straightened up our entire shoe rack. Organizing all the shoes and sandals, jackets, bags, etc without being asked, without knowing anyone was watching, and with no anticipation of reward or praise.

A small act that would most likely be overlooked or missed as one group leaves and another comes in, was without a doubt one of the most impressive things I have seen one of my students do. All the champions, grand championships, and titles our students have won, this to me was equally important.

 Why?

Life is about the small things, the things we do when we think we are not being watched. That is what defines a person’s character and it is exactly what we have tried so hard to teach John and everyone else like him.

He is not the most explosive athlete, never won a “world title”, not the hardest kicker. He is much more, a loving son, and outstanding student, and a leader in our class. A leader by quiet example. John has taken his martial arts “out of the Dojo and into the world”, to borrow a quote from Sensei Tom Callos.

Maybe I am making a mountain out of a mole hill, but it is the tiniest piece of the puzzle that make the biggest difference when everything comes together. We change the world through one small act at a time, one small act of selflessness, by doing good simply because we are blessed enough to be able to.

Joshua Page

www.hickorymartialarts.com

Keep the Lions, give me the Lambs…

I cannot seem to get a conversation I had out of my head. I was speaking with another martial arts instructor, and he was telling me about his philosophy on teaching. “I just try to teach the tough ones and weed out all the sissies”

To me this was very shocking, I was actually speechless. I hope this was just bravado, as I have always thought this person to be very kind-hearted and a good instructor. Whatever the case it got me thinking about why I teach and who I want training at my school.

Give me the child who is lacking in self-confidence, who is afraid of their own shadow. Give me the child who has been bullied and their self-image is at an all time low. Give me the child who is not athletic, or coordinated. Give me the child who is painfully shy. Give me the adult that is out of shape, and motivation.  Give me the adult who has given up on themselves. Give me the person the rest of the world views as weak, or soft.

Give me them all because they are the ones that I know without a doubt that I will change their lives. There will be a transformation, they will be empowered, they will become a champion, they will overcome.

I have seen the child that was failing, was getting suspended, talking back to his parents become the child who is making straight A’s, and showing his parents the respect they deserve. I have seen the child to shy to even speak in class, turn into the loudest most motivated leader in our school. Seen the children who are being bullied turn into the confident child bullies avoid. Watched the child who cried every time we sparred in class, turn into a world-class fighter.

Give me the Lambs, give me those who the world has given up on, give me the ones with the most need. Give me the person who thinks they are coal, and together we will polish our skills untill they realize that they are a  diamond.

Joshua Page

www.hickorymartialarts.com

The case for kata

A kata is if you don’ t know, is a prearranged set of martial arts techniques meant to simulate a fight. Initially it was used as a training tool, a way to work on fighting drills, conditioning, and focus. Some of these katas were passed down, used as a criteria for promotion, and as time passed katas were changed, new katas developed, and eventually they were used as sport in competition.

Today there is much debate in the martial arts community about kata, with compelling reasons on both sides about whether or not to do kata anymore, from people I very much respect and admire as martial artist.

The case against kata: Why practice drills and movements that are outdated? Why teach people skills that will not help them defend themselves in a real fight? Why spend so much time beating up the air! The case against kata is very rational and pragmatic, especially with the rise of mixed martial arts and “reality” fighting. Fuel is added to this fire when there are still schools that treat kata as the “gospel”, as the way to defend yourself against any opponent and in any situation. Many also complain that teaching children kata is a waste of time as it is difficult, and that the children think it is boring. Even the white uniform, worn by many kata practitioners, has become an object of ridicule by many martial artist.

The case for kata: With all the advances and evolution that martial arts has undergone in recent history why continue to practice kata?

1) Kata if nothing else is a wonderful way to train and develop on your own. No sparing partners, equipment, mats, or dojo are required. It allows you to train your punches, kicks, footwork, develop strength and endurance by yourself at any time.

2) It is an outlet for your emotions, and stress. As a young person being bullied and dealing with serious family problems, kata was an escape, a way to forget about the outside world, a way to channel anger into something positive.

3) kata is a tool to develop focus. Attention to detail is developed through study and repetition of the same moves over and over again, trying to make each one perfect. Constant attention must be paid to what you are doing, and where you are going next.

4) It is a shared experience that links martial artist together. I have met and become friends with so many wonderful martial artist through studying kata together, working together for a common goal. It is a wonderful experience to meet someone from a different state, region, or country at a tournament and have an instant bond because you perform the same kata, or study a similar style of kata.

5) It teaches respect for those who came before you. Some of these katas have been passed along for generations, just like so much of our most valuable culture.

In my opinion, kata is not a realistic way to defend yourself in cage, or a ring. It is a way to develop the qualities, and character that contribute to making you, well-balanced, and healthy both physically and mentally. It is also something I will be able to enjoy and train long after I am unable to compete inside a ring, and that is what makes it invaluable to what I train and what I teach to the next generation of young men and women.

What are your thought about kata? I would love to hear your opinions and views on the subject, and as always if you are not training we invite you to come onto our mats and form your own opinion.

Joshua Page

Www.hickorymartialarts.com