Focus and Discipline-I have to admit I have not been as focused or disciplined in my training since my last testing as I should have.  I have missed I think 5 classes since October which is unacceptable to me.  However, last week Master Ray, in one of his after class talks hit directly on the subject of focus and discipline.  It is almost like he can read our minds and knew some of us were not training we should.  I have re-focused my efforts since and am working hard to try and make up for the lost time.

Self-Defense-I feel I am better prepared to handle threatening situations.

Balance-Although it could be better, my balance continue to improve.

Awareness-I am now more aware of my surroundings when we go out in public.  The training I received at St. Louis Martial Arts has made me more aware of details in my surrounding that I used to overlook.

Flexibility-This is getting better with each class.

Sammy’s focus has improved a lot in the last couple of months.  He has struggled in math and now he’s catching on faster!  He listens more to us and other family members.  He’s more aware and catches himself, when acting out.  He’s stronger physically and mentally.  His perseverance gives us hope and humbleness. 

Since starting at St. Louis Martial Arts (SLMAC) I have come to appreciate and enjoy the discipline that Master Ray expects from his students.  I have been away from competitive sports for close to 20 years and within the last 1 ½ years started working out, playing hockey and attending SLMAC.  The environment at SLMAC is a mix of family, friends and spiritual oneness.  The Thanksgiving dinner was very moving and brought back many memories of when I was attending revival and having folks being saved. I appreciate this not being about religion, but about a relationship with God.  Religion is man-made and in many ways corrupt and greedy; a relationship is a one-on-one partnership, which is much more meaningful.  Since I started attending SLMAC I have a stronger relationship with my wife and the whole environment is very positive in nature which provides a much better learning opportunity.

Micah is very goal-oriented and determined to succeed. Joining the class with other children has helped him develop his leadership skills and become more patient with others. Micah is learning to be honest in every situation and Master Ray is encouraging him by reinforcing the importance of honesty.  

Before she started taking Tae Kwon Do, Miriam had trouble with balance and with the ability to focus and be aware of her surroundings. Miriam is now much more able to stand firm both physically and emotionally. I am proud of how well she listens to Master Ray and to us at home.  

I love what Tae Kwon Do does for Hatton. Physically, I enjoy watching weekly improvement. He can now touch his toes and do some push-ups with a straight back. All of this boosts his self-confidence. He definitely has more of the "I can do it!" attitude. He is more focused and I can especially see this when he does his homework. He is not quite so easily distracted. Hatton also finds things more fun now. We are trying to take the word "boring" out of his vocabulary and help him enjoy and appreciate things more. Hatton's goal is to watch less TV and he plans to read and play outside more. Hatton definitely benefits from Tae Kwon Do.  

I've always been intrigued by martial arts but it took me two decades before I got up the nerve and confidence to actively pursue it. Since I've joined, I've found an excellent to get fitness and flexibility in my life and the people are just wonderful. The classes encourage physical, mental, and spiritual growth and I can't imagine getting this level of encouragement anywhere else.