Academic Achievement

Kids in Martial Arts statistically do better in school. 🎓

Here's why. For many children, especially under age 10, school is not a top priority. Many don't like it, they think it's boring or too hard. They do just enough to pass, even though they are capable of more. Kids want to have fun with their friends, play video games, play sports, etc.

Then maybe they try martial arts. It's an environment that fosters self-discipline, focus, goal-setting, confidence, all while having fun and being active. Most of the time they don't even notice they are gaining these benefits; they are too busy kicking that bag, learning a cool defense technique, and striving to impress Sensei.

For those kids that stick with martial arts for a year or more, something remarkable happens. The dojo is a place where hard work is rewarded, every rank is well earned, and only the dedicated make it to black belt. Suddenly these kids have a fire and drive in them to give 100%, perfect a technique, and earn that next rank. This ends up being carried over into other things in life, including school work. Then that C or D student who was once doing just enough to pass because that's all that was required of them, suddenly is striving for A's and B's. They start putting their all into everything they do.

Even though some kids quit martial arts before making it to black belt, the benefits will last and serve them well throughout life. Get your kid into martial arts today! 👊

2016 Horribles Parade

Sign-ups now underway for the 2016 Horribles Parade! I am looking for someone with a truck to drive ahead of us to hold a cooler, equipment, and a place for kids to rest when they get tired of walking. If you can volunteer, please let me know! We will also need just a couple of parent chaperones.

FYI, this year's parade is in danger of not happening due to funding issues. There is a page set up where you can donate to help save the parade. Please consider donating if you can, so we don't have a bunch of disappointed kids on our hands!
Click here to donate

Thank you! If you have any questions, contact me at kristalyn_04@me.com

NEW Self Defense Class!

Following the success of my seminar, I'll be teaching a weekly self-defense class for teens & adults. Register at the front desk or via the North Shore YMCA website.

Clark's/Helix Martial Arts Tournament

One of my Sensei's, Master Derrick Clark, is coming up from Florida and hosting a tournament. Try to be there if you can!

Location: Boston University

Date: Sunday June 19th

Time: 10am - 12pm

Divisions:
Forms: All ranks (white belts will need to have learned their first form by the tournament date).
Weapons: Blue belts and higher.
Sparring: Green belts and higher.

NOTE: There will be no XMA class that day, as I'll be a judge at the tournament.

New England Open Tournament

Manchester, NH
June 3rd & 4th
Divisions
Traditional Forms: All ranks (white belts will need to have learned their first form by the tournament date).
Creative/Musical Forms: Must be in the XMA class.

Team Forms/Demo: Must be in XMA class.
Traditional Weapons: Blue belts and higher.
Creative/Musical Weapons: Blue belts and higher AND in the XMA class.
Sparring: Green belts and higher.

Team Sparring: Green belts and higher.

Click here for more info and to register.

Mass Open Tournament

Wanna go?

Tournament Registration (one division): $50
Additional Divisions: $10 each
Spectators: $15

Divisions
Traditional Forms: All ranks (white belts will need to have learned their first form by the tournament date).
Open Forms: Must be in the XMA class.
Traditional Weapons: Blue belts and higher.
Open Weapons: Blue belts and higher AND in the XMA class.
Fighting: Green belts and higher.
Click here for more info and to register.

April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day

Please join me and Light it Up Blue for Autism!

Pledge to wear blue on April 2nd, and/or use a blue light bulb to show your support. Autism Awareness light bulbs are available at Home Depot. Gear and apparel available at autismspeaks.org.

On behalf of my brother Jake and nephew Anthony, both on very different parts of the Autism Spectrum.