Author: Master Dufour

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Special Schedule Dec 30-Jan2

We hope that you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas. Kyo Sa Nim Dufour has surprised me with a few days away with the family in the mountains. Below is the special schedule for this week.

*Mon., Dec 30th – Review Class
Tiny Tigers w/ Ms Anna (4:20pm), Mrs. Ryder & any other Blue Belt or Higher to help students at 5 & 5:50pm class. No 6:40pm class

*Tues, Dec 30th & Wed,. Jan 1st CLOSED

*Thurs., Jan 2nd Review Class
ALL RANKS 5:30-6:30pm Only. No Morning Class

*Sat., Jan 4th – Sparring (9am), Forms & Breaking (10am)

We will be back for the Sat., Jan 4th class. Thank you to anyone that can assist while we are gone. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! Tang Soo!

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Giving

As many of you probably did growing up, my Christmas list was in full swing by this time of year. It’s very normal to just think about ourselves. Thankfully, my parents taught me to think outside myself and give. Often times, the giving was more about time and love.

Here are a few examples of what we did.
1. Visit others – We would go visit retirement homes or hospitals to brighten their day. The look of pure gratitude on their faces is forever ingrained in my mind.
2. Make a Card – We would make cards to send to both family and friends in and outside our country.
3. Food & Clothing Drive – giving away needed foods and/or clothing that doesn’t fit anymore. It’s simple but it will help someone in need.
4. Go Caroling – I am no singer, but we would go and pass the Christmas cheer through music.

So thankful my parents taught me the valuable lesson of giving. Most often the gifts that last a lifetime are the ones that come from the heart.

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Belt Promotions & Christmas Party

It’s almost here! Our Belt Promotions & Christmas Party will be held at the Beulah Freewill Baptist Church on Fri., Dec 13 (6pm).

After the promotions, we will have our annual potluck dinner and party in the fellowship hall. A sign up sheet is now available in the main area of the dojang. For those that want to participate, we will also have a gift exchange ($10).

We look forward to seeing you and your family at this exciting event!

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Goals

How did you do with your goals in 2019? Did you achieve all or most of them? As we steadily move toward 2020, why not start now in setting some smart goals. First, what makes a goal SMART? Glad you asked.

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Accountable
R – Realistic
T – Timeline

Once you’ve set your smart goals, here are my top three tips to help you achieve them.
1. Read it Daily – Put your goals on your mirror, fridge, etc.
2. Plan for Success – Develop a realistic game plan that will help you achieve your goal.
3. Small Steps – Goals can be awesome when we achieve them, but disappointing when we don’t. Taking small but consistent steps is the key.

Best wishes in achieving your SMART goals in 2020. You’ve got this!

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Special Thanksgiving Schedule

We are excited about Thanksgiving Break starting next week.  With the Dufour family being out of town, we will have a special open class schedule so our members can come to the dojang to practice on their skills.  Our Tiny Tigers will have a guest teacher, Ms Anna, on Mon & Wed.  Here is the schedule for the week.

  • Mon., Nov 25 – 5:30-6:30pm
  • Tues., Nov 26  5:30-6:30pm
  • Wed., Nov 27  5:30-6:30pmsec1
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Purpose

Living on purpose feels fantastic. When you wake up in the morning with a bounce or shuffle in your step, you know why you are here. It’s a great feeling. Do you have it?

Some people don’t have purpose and it’s not a fun way to live. Discovering our purpose in life can be easy for some while challenging for others. Here are a few quick tips to help you find more purpose in your daily life.

What’s Your Gift?
I believe all of us are born with a gift. What is your gift? What comes naturally to you? Discovering and nurturing our gift will help us find the path leading to purpose. Soul searching is required here.

What Do You Enjoy?
If money wasn’t an option, what would you do with your time? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating you quit your job and run to the hills… Or maybe I am.

Finding our purpose isn’t an easy task. It will be uncomfortable for some. Especially, if we have set sail for some time on the wrong path. However, getting on the path of purpose will be one you won’t regret. What brings you joy? This is another BIG clue to this mystery of purpose.

Don’t Die With Your Song Stuck Inside You
Many people leave this world without finding purpose. We all have a song inside us. Is it starting a unique business, writing a book or building something special?  Every class that I teach, I can hear my music being played.

Find your purpose so you can live a life full of joy and fulfillment. It’s never too late. Best wishes in your journey of a better you! Tang Soo!

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Important Testing Reminders

As we close in on testing, we we want to make sure you have all the information to prepare.

You MUST Qualify Before Testing
Attend our Pre-Test on October 30 and/or Nov 5.   Pre-Testing is our system to make sure that a student is actually ready to test.  To qualify, a student must demonstrate EFFORT and SHOW THAT THEY KNOW IT.

Testing Date/Time Options
Once a student qualifies at our Pre-Test, they will registration online.  For your convenience, color belts will have two options.

  • Green – Blue Belt Exam – Nov 14 (3pm) or Nov 15 (6pm)
  • White – Orange Belt Exam – Nov 15 (3pm) or Nov 16 (9am)
  • Testing for Black Belt or Black Belt Recert – Nov 16 (11am)
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Focus

Have you ever walked into a room with full intention of doing something, and you completely went blank? Being distracted seems to be a common theme these days. Our body is moving in one direction while our mind is headed in another.

One of our many goals in the martial arts is to concentrate in such a way that our mind and body are working as one. (Drum Roll Please) How do we improve our focus? Glad you asked. Here are a few quick tips to get you in the zone.

Write It Down
I can be just as scattered brained as anyone else. By making a To Do list and prioritizing it, I can focus on what needs to be accomplished. When you find your focus wondering, gently pull yourself back to your list.

Take a Break
When we find ourselves in full on distracted mode, try going for a quick walk outside. Clearing your head will often times provide you with the needed break to get your focus back on the task at hand.

Don’t Overload Yourself
Often times, we might be the culprit with our lack of focus. When we overload ourselves with too many projects, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Learn to say no. Less is more.

Slow Down to Go Faster
This is one my personal favorites. Slow down, be mindful and enjoy what you are doing. Be in the moment with the person, project or task. By doing so, we will find more joy.

Improving our focus is like anything else that we do. To improve it, we must work at it. It’s not just about working harder, it’s about working smarter. Best wishes in your journey of a better you! Tang Soo!
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Kindness

Isn’t it amazing how time flies? Like most years, we have all experienced the ups and downs of life. Friends and family pass on and the birth of little ones brings joy to our hearts.  More than ever, it feels like there is so much hate and indifference in this world. We could all use more kindness.  So what can we do to get the ball rolling with this kindness business?
Here are my two quick tips that will be easy to implement today.
Start With You
If we aren’t kind to ourselves with our self talk and/or actions, how can we be kind to others? Start each morning with a positive self talk. Take time to read and listen to things to help take care of you. Make the time. You are worth it.
Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Make it a daily goal to do random kind deeds for others without desiring anything in return. It’s simple, fun and feels great. It’s such a win/win. Do it:)With all the crazy in this world, why don’t be the change that we all desire to see and feel. Start with yourself and practice random acts of kindness each day.  Best wishes in your journey of a better you and a better world. Tang Soo!

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