Black Belt Attitude: Respect

Each week we discuss a Black Belt Attitude topic with the kids in our Warrior Talk, this week the topic will be on Respect.

Remember, you don’t need a black belt to have a black belt attitude, we can all learn and apply a black belt way of thinking. It’s great to be reminded of these simple yet profound ways of relating, but don’t keep it to yourself! Pass it on, we see incredible changes in people who are touched by small acts of unconditional kindness and service.


RESPECT

Respect is an absolute non-negotiable in martial arts, it is the foundation of everything we do. For the kids, the simplest expression of respect in martial arts is the bow. Bowing when you enter and exit the dojo is a sign of respect to the training place you are about to enter or leave. Bow before and after you practice with another student as a way of saying “thank you” for helping me. Bowing to your instructor is a simple way to say thank you for teaching me.

So, some basic actions to try this week for class:

  • Bow before you enter or exit the dojo, every time
  • Attend classes consistently and be on time
  • Keep your uniform clean
  • Treat your senior and junior belts with honour – the way you would like to be treated
  • Don’t tease, mock, or bully others
  • Pay attention in class and listen to your instructors

Just as important though is understanding that respect also includes self respect — respect for others begins with respect for yourself. Just as others have the right to live free of judgement, so too do we have the right to live without judging ourselves. Don’t just treat others the way you would like to be treated – remember to treat yourself with that same respect.


KID’S MID-TERM GRADING

Grading applications are now being taken for our mid-Term kid’s grading at the Subiaco PCYC on Sunday May 26.

A reminder that grading applications close this Saturday May 18.

You can apply for grading online by clicking the button below, by filling out the grading application form in class, or by emailing me personally.

When: Sunday May 26
Bright Stars (5-8 yrs): from 9.00 a.m (TBC)
Super Stars (9-14 yrs): TBC a.m

N.B All times will be confirmed the Monday prior to Grading.

The cost is 50.00 payable on the day.

A reminder that everyone must have completed (or will complete before Grading) the minimum number of classes to apply, and children will need to receive their green tape before they are eligible to grade. The green tape is awarded based on their technique, behaviour, and attitude in class. Super Stars must also receive their blue tape for multiple defence competency, and red tape for self defence competency before they are eligible for grading.

Minimum number of classes needed to apply for grading:
White to Yellow Belt – 10 classes (2 black stripes)
Yellow to Green Belt – 15 classes (3 black stripes)
Green Belt and above – 20 classes (4 black stripes)

NB: Simply completing the minimum number of classes is no guarantee of grading.

For those that aren’t eligible for this grading, our end of term grading is currently scheduled for Sunday June 30.


KIDS UPGRADING TO AN OLDER AGE GROUP.

Our Bright Stars program has 2 groups: 5-6 and 7-8, and Super Stars is from 9-14. When your child is old enough to go up a class please email us and notify us that you would like to go up an age group.

EVENTS
Remember you can stay up to date with all the latest dates and events at WestStar on the new Events section of our website. We’ll be constantly updating the events page with all the latest happenings and important dates.


ONLINE NORTHSTAR JU JITSU WHITE BELT COURSE
Andy Sensei (the founder of Northstar Ju Jitsu) has just released the first ever online instructional course for the white belt syllabus in Northstar Ju Jitsu. It is a fantastic opportunity to go that extra mile in providing white belt adults detailed explanations with photo displays and video presentations as well as information on grading, sparring, and self defence. There is also a great module on the history of Northstar Ju Jitsu. It is designed to be used in conjunction with your class attendance.
The course is available at:
https://northstarmartialarts.com.au/shop2/northstar-ju-jitsu-white-belt/
Future belt levels will be coming online in due course.