Staying Motivated With Your New Year Goals in February (It’s Not Too Late to Start Kickboxing)

January always feels like the month of fresh starts. People set big fitness goals, join gyms and promise themselves that this will be the year they finally get in shape.

But now that it’s February, motivation often starts to fade.

If you’ve fallen behind on your New Year goals, don’t worry — you’re not alone. The most important thing to remember is this:
It is not too late to start. February is the perfect time to begin.

At Premier Kickboxing, we help people of all ages stay motivated, build confidence and achieve real results through structured martial arts training in a friendly and supportive environment.

Why February Is Actually the Best Time to Start Martial Arts
Many people think that if they didn’t start in January, they’ve missed their chance. The truth is, lasting progress doesn’t come from one month of motivation — it comes from consistency.

Starting kickboxing in February means:

• You avoid the January rush
• You build sustainable habits
• You train with clear structure and goals
• You stay motivated with coaching and community support

The best time to start working on your fitness and confidence is always right now.

Kickboxing Keeps You Motivated All Year
Kickboxing is more than just a workout — it’s a skill-based martial art that keeps training exciting, challenging, and rewarding.

At Premier Kickboxing, our classes help you:

• Improve Fitness and Lose Weight

• Kickboxing is a full-body workout that combines cardio, strength and conditioning.

• Build Confidence and Mental Discipline

• Martial arts training develops resilience, focus and self-belief.

• Learn Practical Self-Defence

• Kickboxing teaches real techniques in a safe and controlled environment.

• Join a Supportive Community

Training is easier when you’re surrounded by positive people working towards the same goals.

Kickboxing Classes for Kids, Teens and Adults

Premier Kickboxing offers classes for all ages and abilities, including:
• Children’s kickboxing classes
• Teen martial arts programmes
• Adult kickboxing training
• Beginner-friendly sessions
• Advanced progression and gradings

Whether your goal is fitness, confidence, self-defence or personal growth, kickboxing is one of the best ways to stay motivated throughout the year.

Premier Kickboxing Locations Near You
We are proud to offer high-quality martial arts and kickboxing classes across multiple academies, making it easy to train locally.

You can join Premier Kickboxing at any of our locations:
• Premier Kickboxing South Ruislip
• Premier Kickboxing Ruislip Manor
• Premier Kickboxing Harrow
• Premier Kickboxing South Harrow

Each academy provides the same welcoming atmosphere, professional coaching and supportive community that Premier is known for.

Start Your Kickboxing Journey Today
If you’re searching for the best kickboxing classes near you, or looking for a martial arts academy in South Ruislip, Ruislip Manor, Harrow or South Harrow, Premier Kickboxing is the perfect place to begin.

It doesn’t matter if you missed January — your goals are still possible.

February is your fresh start.
Get in touch today and take the first step towards fitness, confidence and success with Premier Kickboxing.

Celebrating 30 Years of Premier Kickboxing

This year marks an incredible milestone for us at Premier Kickboxing — 30 years of empowering students of all ages through martial arts. What started in 1996 has grown into one of the most respected kickboxing and self-defence academies in the UK, shaping lives physically and mentally across generations.

🥋 A Legacy of Growth and Community

From the very beginning Premier Kickboxing has stayed true to its core mission: to build confidence and discipline through high-quality martial arts training. Over the past three decades the academy has expanded to five full-time locations in Middlesex and Devon teaching thousands of students of all ages and skill levels.

What makes Premier special isn’t just its longevity but how it has become a part of people’s lives. Families walk in as beginners and over time become part of a larger community committed to self-improvement, fitness and resilience.

🧠 More Than Just Martial Arts

For the students and families who train here, Premier Kickboxing offers far more than just combat skills. Its programs help build confidence and character that extend far beyond the training mats into everyday life. Parents see changes in their children’s focus at school, improved self-discipline, stronger social skills and a healthier attitude toward fitness.

Adults enjoy the physical challenge and the clear mental benefits of consistent training. For many this journey starts with a free trial lesson that turns into a lifelong passion for personal growth.

👊 A Community Built on Tradition and Innovation

Premier Kickboxing blends modern training methods with traditional martial arts values such as respect, perseverance, self-control and humility. This unique combination has helped create a supportive culture where beginners feel welcomed and experienced students continue to refine their skills.

Over the years the academy has also developed strong competition teams, offering opportunities for students to test themselves in friendly interclubs and higher-level tournaments.

🌟 Looking Ahead

As Premier Kickboxing celebrates three decades of service, the vision remains as strong as ever: to empower more people through martial arts training to be confident, resilient and strong in every part of life. The lessons learned on the mats — discipline, courage, consistency and focus — are lessons that last a lifetime.

Whether you are a long-time student or someone curious about starting your journey, there has never been a better time to step into a Premier class and experience what 30 years of tradition and evolution feels like.

Here’s to the next 30 years of growth, community and transformation. 🥂

The Dickens Process: A Martial Artist’s Shortcut to Real Change

Every martial artist reaches moments when they know what they should do but still slip back into old habits. Maybe it is struggling to stay consistent, losing focus during drills or letting frustration take over during sparring. Knowledge alone does not create change. Emotion does.

This is where The Dickens Process comes in.
The name comes from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol where Scrooge is visited by three spirits who show him his past his present and his future. What he sees hits him so hard that he walks out a different man by the next morning. In personal development circles the Dickens Process is a guided way to create that same emotional punch without the ghosts.

Why it works for martial artists
Martial arts is not just about how you punch or kick. It is about who you become. We train discipline resilience and clarity yet sometimes old stories hold us back. The Dickens Process forces you to face the cost of staying the same then shows you the life you could build if you change.

It turns “I know I should” into “I refuse to stay this way”.

How it works
There are three simple parts.

1. Face your past
Look back at the habits or behaviours that have limited you. Maybe you quit when training got tough. Maybe you let ego get in the way. Maybe you hid from challenges.

You do not judge yourself but you do acknowledge the truth.

2. Look honestly at your present
How are those same patterns affecting your life right now? Your fitness your confidence your training your relationships your mindset.

This is the moment most people skip. Martial artists do not. We face discomfort so we can rise through it.

3. Walk into your future
Now imagine the damage those same habits will cause if you do not change them for the next five years.

Then picture a different future. One where you show up with discipline and courage. One where you train consistently and push through resistance. One where you become the version of yourself you always knew you could be.

When the emotional contrast hits it becomes almost impossible to go back to the old version of you.

Using the process on the mat
Coaches can use this to help students break through plateaus. Students can use it before a grading or before setting new goals. It is especially powerful for anyone stuck in a cycle of procrastination or self doubt.

You do not need ghosts to change your life. You just need a clear look at the past the truth about the present and a powerful vision of the future.

The martial arts takeaway
The Dickens Process works because it reminds us why change matters. It converts intention into commitment. It turns fear into fuel. It reconnects us with the deeper purpose behind our training.

If Scrooge can wake up a new man after one intense night you can wake up a better martial artist after one honest moment with yourself.

The Benefits of a Modern Martial Art with Traditional Values

Why Premier Kickboxing Offers the Best of Both Worlds

In today’s fast-paced world, martial arts are evolving. Students want practical self-defence, fitness, and confidence-building, but they also crave the discipline, respect and structure that traditional systems were built upon.

At Premier Kickboxing, we blend the dynamic efficiency of modern martial arts with the timeless values that have shaped warriors for generations. This combination creates a powerful, progressive, and positive training environment for students of all ages.

Below, we explore why a “modern martial art with traditional values” isn’t just a slogan — it’s the future of martial arts training.

What Is a Modern Martial Art With Traditional Values?

A modern martial art focuses on practical, effective techniques used today — such as kickboxing, boxing, and Muay Thai. These styles improve striking ability, physical fitness, and self-defence skills.

Traditional values, on the other hand, come from older systems such as Karate or Taekwondo and include:

• Respect
• Discipline
• Perseverance
• Humility
• Self-control
• Focus

When combined, students get the most complete martial arts experience possible: fast-paced, functional training supported by a strong moral foundation.

Benefit 1: Effective, Real-World Self-Defence

Modern kickboxing techniques are designed to work in real situations, not just theory. Students learn:

• Effective striking
• Footwork and distance control
• Defensive blocks and counters
• Situational awareness
• Confidence under pressure

Traditional values reinforce this by teaching students to remain calm, controlled and responsible — ensuring their skills are used wisely and only when needed.

Benefit 2: Discipline That Carries Over Into Daily Life

Traditional martial arts culture builds habits that last:

• Listening and following instruction
• Setting goals
• Practising consistently
• Showing respect to instructors and training partners

These are the same skills needed for success in school, work and life.

Parents often tell us their children become more focused, more polite and more confident after just a few weeks of training.

Benefit 3: Modern Training for Modern Fitness

Modern martial arts are unmatched for full-body conditioning. A typical Premier Kickboxing session can include:

• High-energy padwork
• Boxing drills
• Strength training
• Explosive striking combinations
• Flexibility and mobility work

Students burn calories, build strength, boost cardiovascular health and improve overall athleticism — all while learning something genuinely useful.

Benefit 4: A Positive, Supportive Community

Traditional values create a respectful culture where everyone feels welcome — from complete beginners to advanced martial artists.

Modern coaching methods make the sessions fun, engaging and inclusive.

This combination builds:

• Strong friendships
• Supportive teammates
• A safe environment for all ages
• Motivation to keep improving

At Premier Kickboxing, nobody trains alone. We grow together.

Benefit 5: Confidence and Mental Strength

Martial arts are one of the best ways to develop:

• Self-belief
• Resilience
• Focus
• Stress control
• Emotional stability

Modern training pushes you physically.
Traditional values push you mentally.

Students learn to stay calm under pressure, face challenges head-on and build the mental toughness needed in everyday life.

Benefit 6: A System That Evolves With You

Many traditional styles stay exactly the same for decades — but modern martial arts evolve constantly.

By blending the two, Premier Kickboxing offers:

• Techniques that grow with modern combat understanding
• Training that adapts to different ages and abilities
• A path from beginner to black belt with measurable progress

You get structure and innovation — the best combination for long-term development.

Why This Combination Is So Powerful (and Why So Many Families Choose It)

Modern martial arts provide results.
Traditional values provide character.

Together they create students who are:

• Fit
• Confident
• Respectful
• Focused
• Capable
• Prepared

It’s the perfect system for children, teenagers, and adults looking for more than just a workout.

Start Your Journey at Premier Kickboxing

If you’re looking for a martial art that offers modern training, real-world skills and traditional discipline, Premier Kickboxing is the ideal place to start. Click below.

The Power of Focus: How Martial Arts Helps Kids Concentrate and Succeed

In a world full of distractions — screens, social media and endless stimulation — focus has become one of the most valuable life skills a child can develop. Martial arts offers a unique and proven way to help children strengthen their concentration, discipline, and mental control, all while staying active and having fun.

Why Focus Matters

Focus isn’t just about paying attention — it’s about learning how to control your mind, stay calm under pressure, and finish what you start. These are powerful skills that carry over into schoolwork, sports, and everyday life.

Parents often notice that after a few months of training, their child:

• Listens more carefully

• Completes tasks without getting distracted

• Performs better in school

• Gains confidence and self-control

How Martial Arts Builds Focus

Every martial arts class is designed to train the body and the mind. Through clear instructions, repetition and respect-based discipline, children learn that focus leads to success.

Here’s how we teach it at Premier Kickboxing:

• Structured routines: Kids know what’s expected and learn to stay mentally engaged.

• Goal setting: Earning each belt requires concentration, patience, and consistency.

• Mind-body connection: Drills and techniques demand attention, precision, and awareness.

• Respect and discipline: Students learn to quiet their minds, listen carefully, and show respect to their instructors and peers.

Focus Beyond the Mats

The focus kids learn in martial arts goes far beyond the mats. Parents often report improved school performance, better behavior at home, and stronger emotional resilience.

When a child learns to focus during a challenging kick or a complex form, they’re also learning how to focus in life — whether it’s studying for a test, learning an instrument, or dealing with frustration.

A Fun Path to Lifelong Skills

At Premier Kickboxing, we believe that building focus should be fun. Our classes combine movement, games, and positive reinforcement to help kids stay engaged and grow in confidence.

Every punch & kick helps sharpen their mind as much as their technique.

Perseverance in Martial Arts: The Secret to Never Giving Up | Premier Kickboxing

The Power of Perseverance in Martial Arts: Why Quitting Is Never an Option

What Perseverance Really Means in Martial Arts

In martial arts, perseverance isn’t just a word — it’s a way of life. Every kick & punch you practice brings you closer to mastering not just your technique, but your mindset. Perseverance means continuing to train even when it’s tough, showing up when your motivation fades, and believing in yourself when progress feels slow.

At Premier Kickboxing, we teach our students that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Whether it’s learning a new combination, improving fitness or earning your next belt — success comes from consistency, not perfection.

The Martial Arts Mindset: Turning Setbacks into Strength

Martial arts training mirrors life. There will be days when your muscles ache, when you miss the target or when you feel like you’re not improving. But those are the exact moments that build your mental toughness.

True martial artists don’t avoid obstacles — they face them head-on. Every black belt was once a beginner who refused to give up.

3 Ways to Build Perseverance in Martial Arts

1. Set Clear Goals – Whether it’s mastering a kick or improving endurance, small goals keep you focused and motivated.

2. Embrace the Struggle – Growth only happens outside your comfort zone. Learn to enjoy the challenge.

3. Stay Consistent – Progress comes one session at a time. Even on tough days, show up and give your best.

Why Perseverance Extends Beyond the Mats

Perseverance learned in martial arts transfers directly into daily life — work, school, relationships and personal goals. Students who stick with their training often find they become more confident, resilient and determined in everything they do.

When you refuse to quit in training, you build a habit of persistence that stays with you forever.

Final Thoughts

Martial arts isn’t about being the strongest or the fastest — it’s about never giving up. Perseverance is what separates those who dream from those who achieve.

So next time training feels hard, remember: every great martial artist was once where you are.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep fighting.

Because perseverance always wins. 💪

The mind with no remainder

Zanshin (残心) is a term commonly used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a state of relaxed alertness. Literally translated, “zanshin" means "the mind with no remainder." In other words, it is the mind completely focused on action and fixated on the task at hand.

Instructors often use the word zanshin to remind students to be aware, maintaining constant awareness of our surroundings. In self-defence, we often emphasise the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness; even environmental awareness is crucial.

In practice, zanshin has an even deeper meaning. It is about choosing to live your life intentionally and acting with purpose rather than mindlessly falling victim to whatever comes your way.

Many people don't pay attention to the things around them or notice them like others do. Why is this?

Focus.

We focus on what is important to us. Not paying attention to things around you means that you either don’t see their relevance or consider them less important than where your focus lies.

It's about what is important to the individual. Your mind is probably preoccupied with other important matters. If you keenly focus on looking for things, you will definitely find them.

Often, we get caught up in more pressing and ultimately less important stuff. Dealing with the pressure of having other things on your mind can sap your energy to deal with little else. When heavily distracted by other commitments, tasks, stress, and anxiety, you may find it too challenging to redirect your attention and focus - and you may even be so wrapped up that you don't register what is going on around you.

A calm, relaxed, and clear mind is of the utmost importance to a martial artist. Through a quiet mind, our physical training and our mental and emotional lives are improved. Learning to quiet the mind is an important life skill.

We’ve all been conditioned to stay busy, keep moving, and achieve more. Yet most of us are actually uncomfortable with silence.

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.

Motion Creates Emotion

It’s frustrating.

You have goals you want to achieve in 2023, but you don’t feel motivated. You don’t feel like getting out of bed. And when you do, it’s straight to the sofa for some mindless TV.

I’ve been there.

On some days, I feel stuck. I don’t want to create; I don’t want to network; I don’t want to contribute. I just want to sit and scroll through social media all day.

However, doing this leads to me feeling more stuck and unmotivated.

To get out of the loop, I use one of Tony Robbins’ most famous concepts, “motion creates emotion.”

What does Tony Robbins mean by emotion is created by motion.These are some strategies I use to get unstuck and prevent me from falling back into the slump.

1. MOVE

One of the easiest ways to create emotion and get yourself motivated is by doing a physical activity.

Take a walk, do push-ups, join your kids on our online sessions or get our beginner course and learn strep by step in your own time premieronlinedojo.co.uk

Moving your body stimulates your brain to produce endorphins, which help to get and keep you motivated.

And that’s not all!

Walking also helps to boost your creativity and productivity.

You’ll be surprised at how motivated you become after you perform a physical activity.

2. FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER

The road to success is a lonely and long one. If you decide to walk it alone, chances are you’ll feel less motivated and eventually give up.

However, this shouldn’t be the case.

Rather than trying to achieve success alone, get someone whom you can walk the lonely road with. That someone is an accountability partner.

An accountability partner helps you show up when you need to show up and makes sure you put in all your effort as you work towards achieving your goals.

3. PUT ON A SOUNDTRACK

What happens to your mood when your favorite song comes on the radio? Even if you were bored, you immediately lighten up and start singing or dancing, right?

It’s because music has a way of improving your mood.

So whenever you feel stuck and unmotivated, switch to a more upbeat playlist. By doing so, you’re more likely to feel motivated and start moving.

4. ORGANIZE AND DECLUTTER YOUR ENVIRONMENT

(My wife and I did this today with our home office)

Look around you. What does your environment look like?

Is it messy, dark, dusty, and clustered? Are your storage drawers overflowing with unorganised items?

If yes, this could be why you’re feeling stuck.

An unorganized home or office is more likely to make you feel stuck and unmotivated. Part of this is because you require more energy to perform basic tasks. In an unclean environment, you’re more likely to spend time looking for certain items than a more organised one.

Organising your environment can also include moving your furniture around. Rearranging your furniture tricks your brain to think it’s in a new environment, which in turn results in increased motivation.

5. STEP BACK

One of the most common problems I’ve noticed with some of my Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu students is that they keep taking the same approach despite repeated failures. Rather than stepping back to see the big picture, they push and try harder to use methods that don’t seem to produce results.

And the result!

They end up feeling stuck.

To avoid such a situation, it’s best to step back and look at things from a fresh perspective.

As Einstein once said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”

Stepping back allows you to look at your problem from an outsider’s perspective, which in turn forces your brain to come up with new solutions; therefore, allowing you to regain your motivation.

6. RECONNECT TO YOUR INTRINSIC MOTIVATION

The reason you’re feeling stuck could be because you’ve forgotten the reason why you’re working so hard. You’ve forgotten your WHY.

In the book, the Compound Effect, Darren Hardy, argues that lack of motivation isn’t the reason why most people give up on their goals. It’s the lack of a strong WHY that leads to people giving up. I’ve had countless conversations with parents at Premier over the years about their kids quitting kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu classes, and I say the same thing..... “remember why you enrolled them in the first place”, if it was for confidence, do they not want their kid to be confident anymore or if it was for self defence, do they not want them to be able to defend themselves anymore?

If you’re feeling stuck, take time to remind yourself of your original intention and overall goal.

Reconnecting to your intrinsic motivation will give you the extra fuel you need to keep working on your goals despite setbacks and roadblocks.

7. CHANGE YOUR DIET

Do you at times feel devoid of the energy to do anything?

It could be your diet.

If you eat unhealthy foods, you’re more likely to feel tired and bloated. You’re less likely to get the motivation to work on your goals after binging on junk food.

However, healthy foods have the opposite effect.

When you eat healthily, you’re more likely to have higher energy levels, be more alert, and are more likely to remain motivated throughout the day.

8. READ AN INSPIRATIONAL BOOK

I say this often, “readers are leaders”, that quote is actually in our Premier Instructor Training Manual. This is one of my most favorite ways of regaining motivation. Whenever I feel stuck, I look for an inspirational book to read.

Reading inspirational books allows you to reshape your mindset from one of negativity to a more positive one.

Reading inspirational books also allows you to learn new approaches you can use to achieve your goals. Books also help you learn what other individuals did to regain their motivation after falling into a slump.

Other than reading, listen to the book on Audiable.

You don’t have to use all of the above ideas, even applying one into your life will have a drastic impact on your performance.

Remember, motion creates emotion.

So just start.

The 5 Questions

Years back, I came across a series of questions that were originally posed by a man named Ben Zoma; I believe he was a rabbi in the early part of the 2nd century. Anyway, I loved the way these questions seemed to naturally tie into teaching martial arts and I’ve been using them ever since. Here they are:

1. Who is a wise person?

A wise person is one who learns from others. How does this relate to teaching Martial Arts? Have you ever learned something from your youngest child or a most basic beginner? When an instructor keeps an open mind, they are able to learn something that will make a better instructor.

2. Who is a brave person?

A brave person is one who is smart enough to be afraid, but takes action anyway. What does that mean? As far as teaching Martial Arts goes, I believe it means to be smart enough to be afraid of the responsibility and influence that I have over my students – and then to take that responsibility seriously.

3. Who is a rich person?

A rich person is one who appreciates all that he/she has. How does that relate to teaching Martial Arts? Well, I could be doing a lot of other things, but I’m fortunate to be teaching, developing and working in the art, which I love to do – Martial Arts. That’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Everyday I should appreciate the fact that I get to teach Martial Arts.

4. Who is a mighty person?

A mighty person is one who has self-control and makes friends of his enemies. What does that mean as far as Martial Arts is concerned? Having self-control is an important quality that allows Martial Arts instructors to have the discipline to keep themselves in an upbeat, peak state while they are teaching. To make friends of enemies is to win the friendship and trust of students.

5. Who is an honored person?

An honored person is one who honors. What does this mean in Martial Arts class? It means, one who pays respect to students is going to receive respect in return. That is, of course, the most important quality Martial Arts instructors can have - to be respectful towards their students and treat them with kindness.

The rising tide lifts all boats. If I can learn to be the very best teacher, the very best motivator, the very best coach I can possibly be, then Premier is going to continue to rise, grow, and prosper.

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!