Goals we set, are goal we get

Lets talk about setting goals and address topics like what makes a goal different from a 'day-dream' or just 'wishing' for something to happen. We will talk about the steps to take to put an action plan and strategy in place to reach a goal.

The early part of the year is a perfect time to set goals. Setting goals allows us to reach our greatest potential. At Premier we see student’s come in everyday, some struggle with the curriculum, others with confidence, but each one perseveres until they meet their goal. Our hope is that our student’s continue to persist not only in their training but also in school. By creating goals and setting out to accomplish them, we can make this the best school year ever.

So what makes a goal different from a ‘day-dream’ or just ‘wishing’ for something to happen?

It is a scientific fact - people who have their goals written down are much more successful than those who only “keep their goals in their head.” Harvard, one of the world’s best universities, did a study over a 20-year period. They interviewed the graduating class and found out that only two out of every 100 students had written their goals down. Twenty years later, they interviewed these same people and they found out something very interesting—the financial success of the 2% with the written goals was more than the combined financial success of the other 98% put together!

Next let’s break the concept of goal setting down into forming both short term goals and longer term goals, using the journey to Black Belt as an example. The big goal of earning a Black Belt can be broken down into earning tips and moving up in belt rank. The shorter term weekly and daily goals could be to perfect one or two karate moves. The review is the belt testing and the rejoicing is in the sense of accomplishment and joy that comes from earning a new belt. And, at the conclusion of every belt test, we ask our students to renew their goals in the martial arts.

Any goal can be substituted in place of the martial arts goals as the principles are basically the same. It’s also OK to have more than one goal at a time. A parental favorite is something like “keeping my room clean” to something your child might find more attractive to them.

I want to encourage each and every one of you to consider what goals and dreams you have for your children. Myself and all the staff at Premier are very much committed to helping you reach them.

How Can Premier Help Kids Outside the Dojo

Kids need martial arts now more than ever before. Governed by targets, schools have had to sacrifice creative play to desks and data. The skill of being a good learner – usually developed from trial and error – is having to be introduced as an extra thread of ‘growth mindset’ to attempt some balance for the spoon-feeding strategies most teachers need to employ.

Luckily for the children in our martial arts classes in Ruislip,Harrow & Newton Abbot, we have the answers to these issues. Self control, discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership, perseverance…we teach it all! It’s the ideal way to help children access their education more effectively, and to become more successful in their lives.

Peter is 4. He’s had little experience of rough-and-tumble due to family circumstances. He has had the benefit of the full attention of his mother but little experience of having things snatched from him. He doesn’t know how to claim his space in the playground, or take turns diplomatically when there is no supervising adult. He also finds it devastating to lose a game. As his instructor, it is fantastic to see him develop these skills and become a thoughtful and resilient learner… one who can get back up and shake off a bump with some ‘black belt breathing’; one who can manage pairwork and sharing. He’s even learned that losing game is not worth a tantrum. He shrugs off his disappointment and congratulates the winners.

Alice is 18. Years of training at Premier Kickboxing helped her overcome her shyness and she’s been assisting in classes for some time. She’s studied hard for her Black Belt and has learned to divide her time with schoolwork, dojo and friends because she has applied discipline in small things…which became big things. She was nervous for her university interview but she drew on her years of competition experience to step into the room knowing she was prepared, and could be calm under pressure. Alice is an excellent learner with a bright future.

Jennie is 7. She is in emergency foster care after being rescued from a family situation too dreadful to contemplate. She barely talks – partly from trauma, and partly because of the neglect she has experienced. She has no foundations and no boundaries. She cannot attend school. Yet, in the dojo she has found a welcoming environment where she can regain some sense of physical confidence. She can run safely and use her feet and fists to feel powerful and to find control. She is allowed to shout and is praised when she knows when to be loud and when to be quiet. She is learning to sit still, and is rewarded when she gets it right. Jennie may never recover from her past; we know that. But for a couple of hours a week she can feel strong and safe. And that will give her some building blocks as she moves on in her unfair, difficult life journey.

As martial arts instructors we have the incredible privilege of developing real life skills for our students. I am sad for the majority of kids who learn their perseverance from a buzzwords powerpoint in school assembly. I’ve seen the effectiveness of martial arts training all over the world, not least for my students in India whose lives have been transformed by the lessons of hard work, repetition, progress and reward.

So let’s take some time to recognize the value of what we do. Sure, our students will gain specific technical benefits from the programmes we run. However, ask yourself, what is more important? The impressive spinning kick, or the process required to develop it? The Black Belt, or the years of steady attendance essential to earn it? The medals, or the courage and confidence to step on the mats after losing time and again?

The historic value system in martial arts is our biggest asset – not just because it appeals to parents searching to support their children in life – but because it truly delivers.

Improve your childs behaviour

When your child’s behaviour reaches a new low, you can feel at the end of your tether. You don’t know how to make sure your child’s behaviour improves sooner rather than later. After all, you need to tackle the issues now before they escalate as they get older. One way you can help your child’s behaviour to improve is via martial arts such as Kickboxing or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, In fact, a lot of parents who have kids who are dealing with ADHD find martial arts benefits their child. Here is why your child’s behaviour will improve when practising kids martial arts.

They will learn discipline

While your youngster might not be following your rules, they are likely to listen to an instructor when practising martial arts. After all, they will need to follow instructions if they want to complete a particular move. And they will find they are rewarded if they do listen and are disciplined. You will find that after going to martial arts classes regularly, they become more self- disciplined and do what they are told in future at home.

They have to become responsible

When practising martial arts, you need to ensure you are in control of your own moves. After all, you are in charge of your body and working hard to make particular moves. Therefore, your kid’s behaviour is likely to improve as they need to learn how to be responsible. Practising martial arts will teach them they are responsible for their own actions and they will then use this in all aspects of their own life. So you will find they don’t make bad behaviour choices that will lead them to get into trouble as they will take accountability for their actions.

It helps calm aggressive behaviour

If your child is showing bad behaviour at home, you will find that they will become a lot more relaxed when taking part in martial arts. They take out any anger or stress when doing martial arts so will be a lot calmer when home. And the physical activity can wear out your child so that they don’t have excess energy to burn when home which can cause bad behaviour.

A Martial Arts Parent

One of my friends asked "Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time running around for your child to do Martial Arts ?" Well I have a confession to make: I don't pay for my child's martial arts lessons. Or their boxing gloves, sparring gear & uniforms. Or the gradings.

So, if I am not paying for martial arts, what am I paying for?

- I pay for those moments when my kids become so tired they feel like quitting but don't.. 
- I pay for the opportunity that they can have and will have to make life-long friendships. 
- I pay for the chance that they may have amazing instructors that will teach them that martial arts is not just about movement but about life.
- I pay for my kids to learn to be disciplined. 
- I pay for my kids to learn to take care of their body. 
- I pay for my kids to learn to work with others and to be a proud , supportive, kind and respectful team member.
- I pay for them to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that stripe they hoped for, or fell during a move they practiced a thousand times, but still get up and are determined to do their BEST next time...
- I pay for them to learn to make and accomplish goals. 
- I pay for them to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a black belt or a champion, and that success does not happen overnight. 
- I pay so that my children can be on the mats instead of in front of a screen...

I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for martial arts; I pay for the opportunities that martial arts provides my child to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their life and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others.

From what I have seen for many, many years, I think it is a great investment!

Finding Peace in Violence

If you tell people you do Kickboxing or any other kind of martial arts, it usually comes with a variety of actions. Most people that do not practice martial arts or have no experience with it may look at it as violence, or simply just don’t understand why you would pay money to fight people for fun, but that couldn’t be more untrue.There is something that attracts so many people with a variety of backgrounds to martial arts, and it may be the biggest benefit that comes from practicing these arts on a regular basis.

If you told someone you could find peace in violence, they wouldn’t understand. Only the people that have experienced it first hand, or know someone that has changed as a person in a positive way because of it, are the only ones to truly understand the benefits we experience from doing a “violent” sport. The best times to train are when you are going through tough times, as it is likely most of you have experienced this. It is a lot tougher to motivate yourself to go train in those rough moments in life, no matter what the situation may be, but it is very likely you will receive the best benefits from your training if you can push yourself to make it there.

We all have the constant thoughts and worries about life that we get on a consistent basis that can send us in a downward spiral, but training is the one thing that can take our minds off this. If you are having a bad day, week, month, or year – go train. This is not the time to take a break from training because you have too much going on. Training is one of the few things that can totally take your mind off those negative thoughts and bring you into the present moment. In my opinion, this is why a lot of individuals over-train. Being on the mats is the only place where they can truly relax mentally and physically, and be in the present moment.

The benefits go beyond being on the mat too. It actually does make you be a more peaceful and calm person, especially in high stress situations. Do you remember how you reacted to stressful or negative situations before you started training? How about when you are training on a consistent basis? It is night and day difference for most people. As a result of your mind being in a more peaceful place, the way you act will be too.

Have you ever wondered why Kickboxing and martial arts has such a diverse population of people who practice it? This is why! We are all going through struggles in life, and this is the place where we can be at peace. If you don’t have a good support system at home or in life, your teammates will always be there for you no matter what, and this goes for wins and losses in life and on the mats. Your teammates become your family as quickly as you are open to it. Remember that the next time you are going through challenging times. Go train!