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The Good, The Bad, and The Zenny

6/8/2018

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Martial arts schools typically teach a series of combative strategies for fitness and self-defense.  Many of them will also include (to varying degrees) some mental and ‘spiritual’ or emotional elements in their programs.  This can include things like:
 
·      Etiquette and social courtesies
·      Focus and concentration
·      Awareness and mindfulness
·      Self-control and discipline
·      Patience and perseverance
·      Discretion and de-escalation skills
·      Emotional stability and calmness
 
These elements of training are just as important...maybe more important to the student as staying physically fit and developing a solid skill set in your chosen art.  For most of us the need to defend our lives will be a rare occasion.  But, our daily lives benefit from social courtesy, focus, awareness, discipline, discretion and stability.
In the modern era, martial arts schools need to find creative ways to teach these principles to their students.  To run a dojo or gym like a Zen monastery would likely mean a financial end to the establishment.  Instructors also need to be careful not to cross over into a ‘religious’ area in teaching these principles out of respect for different students’ beliefs.
To be successful and still teach these principles to the majority of students, instructors need to make these lessons interesting and fun, and even get creative sometimes.  Many of the standard exercises in a martial art are designed to include these ideas.  Well organized schools will include a code-of-conduct or “Dojo Code” to reinforce these principles.  Certain drills or activities may not seem to have much value in martial arts training, but they typically do.   For kids, even games at the end of classes usually provide some skill building and lessons on qualities like fairness, sportsmanship, honor, self-control and attention to rules and structure.
These principles can take some time to learn, especially for children.  To truly develop as part of a student’s character these qualities usually take months or even years.  Regular training in the Dojo or “gym” under the guidance of experienced leaders and dedication to all the exercises WILL impart these qualities to those who are willing to learn.  This requires some trust and effort on the part of the student.  In the case of younger students, parental trust and support are also a key element to them learning these principles.
Students will go through many different phases and challenges as they learn the non-physical elements to martial arts training.  Sometimes they will have to define boundaries for themselves the “hard way.”  Listening carefully to their instructors and trying to absorb the lessons taught in the Dojo can help to minimize this normal part of learning. 
If a situation arises when a student has difficulty with any of the principles highlighted, it can often be turned into a “teachable moment” for them.  The student (and/ or parent) should be sure to talk to an instructor to understand better and get some perspective on the situation.  Whatever the case, the instructors will most often be able to help, and, turn a negative into a positive.  Well seasoned instructors have likely dealt with the same situation before, and are well prepared to make the best of any situation.  This is a case where trusting the experts can go a long way.  

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Referral Rewards Return

6/8/2018

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 Based on the crazy success of our recent Referral Rewards program...we’re doing it again!  Our latest program brought in 17 new students between February 15th and April 30th.  We’re hoping that the trend continues, and are happy to show our appreciation for those who spread the word about ZenQuest. 
As before, each student who sends a friend to us will receive a $50 gift certificate from ZenQuest.  In addition, both the student who did the referral, and the new student, were entered into a drawing for an another $50 gift certificate.  To qualify, referred students must enroll for at least three-months. 
       Congratulations to Marissa Maher for winning our last drawing, which was held on May 1st, and congratulations to all of our recent new students for beginning their martial arts journey at ZenQuest.  Let’s keep those referrals going!
 
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Scholarship Boost

6/8/2018

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The Bill Wright Scholarship Fund held it’s annual “Kick-a-thon” on Saturday, May 19th.  Participants were given five minutes to see how many kicks they could do in an effort to raise money for the Bill Wright Scholarship Fund.  This time around over $1,100 were raised through pledges and donations made for the kickers.  The top kicker, Matt Moreau, performed 438 kicks and won a $25 gift certificate to ZenQuest.  The top fundraiser was Troy Middleton, who raised $464 and won a $25 gift certificate to the King Kone ice cream shop.  In addition to the Kickathon, the BWSF raised over $160 through an Arizona Pizza “Dine to Donate” event held on May 6th.
      The BWSF was inspired by long-time student, Bill Wright, who began training in the martial arts while in his seventies.  Bill was an inspiration to other students, being very dedicated and working hard to achieve the rank of Sandan or 3rd degree Black Belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate.  Upon his passing, the BWSF was created to help underprivileged youngsters to better themselves through the martial arts that Bill loved so much.
      Thanks to everyone who contributed to the recent fundraisers.  Please remember that this is an ongoing effort and donations are always welcome, we appreciate your support!   

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