Dream in February - Humility

NEWS AND REMINDERS

February Belt Promotion Ceremonies

MMA promotions will take place SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH at our dojo
All Kids MMA classes that day are cancelled. Promotion ceremonies will take place in lieu of classes.

Students who are eligible for promotion will receive event invites.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL INBOX FOR YOUR INVITATION.

For students who are not yet eligible and do not receive an invite,
rest assured there will be future belt promotion ceremonies!

Camps

Have you heard?
Registration is OPEN for Dream Winter, Spring AND Summer Camps!

Presidents' Day Camp: Monday, Feb 20 
Ages 6-10
Location: Indoor/Outdoor hybrid day (outdoor time dependent on weather)
Times: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Price: $99 per camper

Spring Break Camp: Mon, Apr 3-Fri, Apr 
Ages 6-8 
Location: Mills Reservation
Times: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Price: $475 per camper

Ages 9+
Location: Rifle Camp Park
Times: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Price: $495 per camper

Summer Camp: July/August

Little Larks (Ages 4-6)
July 24-28
July 31-August 1
August 7-11
August 14-18

Location: Mills Reservation
Times: 9:30 am-1 pm
$375/camper per session
 

Summer Sparrows (Ages 7-9)
July 10-14
July 17-21
July 24-28
July 31-August 4

Locations: Mills Reservation / Rifle Camp Park
Times: 9 am-2 pm
$475/camper per session
 

Soaring Hawks (Ages 10+)
June 26-30
July 17-21 SOLD OUT!
August 7-11

Location: Rifle Camp Park
Times: 9 am-2 pm
$495/session

Student Portal

Remember, you can find student resources,
like the weekly classes signup page and student event calendar on your student portal.

Visit the student portal page on our website HERE. The password is listed in student communications.


CLOSURES

There will be NO Kids or Adult classes on Monday, February 20th, 2023. 

***For Kids MA: if you normally train on one of the days Dream is closed, you can temporarily switch to another day for that impacted week.***
Simply check the class signup page for available slots and call us at (973) 306-4130 or email us to make the one-time switch for you.
Please Do NOT switch your days on the signup sheet; that is for ongoing reserved class times.


BLOG

New Recognition of Living the Morals of the Dojo

Being a good martial artist is about more than just having sound technique. Here at Dream Martial Arts, we emphasize the importance of living a life based on morals, which help us be the best versions of ourselves, on and off the mats.

These morals are crucial to being able to responsibly implement the powerful techniques we teach through our various disciplines. We go over different morals each month and recite them at the beginning of each class to get in the right mindset to have the best class (and life) possible.

In an initiative to reinforce this moral mission, we are excited to announce we will soon be adding a new layer to our belt promotion system. This new layer includes the addition of colorful stripes to be awarded to students who exemplify the moral behaviors we teach here at the dojo.

For example, if an instructor sees a student put moral behavior into practice on the mats, that student will be recognized in front of the class and awarded with a colorful stripe that correlates to that particular moral. Also, if we hear from a parent or instructor that a student has shown moral behavior off the mats, the student can be eligible to get a stripe this way, as well. Each moral will have a colored stripe assigned to it.

We feel this new process will be an excellent way to enhance the integration of our moral mission to support a holistically healthy lifestyle. We look forward to continuing to support your young warriors on the path of growth.

So get excited, because our program is about to get more colorful! Stay tuned for more updates!

Moral of the Month: Humility

Has your child displayed any of the dojo morals lately? Please shout it out to us so that we may join in lifting them up.

Though humility is a quality that is often overlooked, it is one of the most important traits a person can possess. Humility is the ability to recognize and acknowledge our limitations and to be open to learning and growing from others and the world around us. It is the opposite of ego, and allows a person to be receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

There are many benefits to humility. It enables a person to learn and grow, and it helps them to be more adaptable and open to change. Because they more practiced in seeing things from other people’s perspectives, humble individuals are also more accepting and understanding towards others. They are more helpful and generous, exhibit higher self-control, and are better able to builder strong bonds and cope with difficulties.

“True humility is staying teachable, regardless of how much you already know.”
– Dana Arcuri

In the world of martial arts, humility is an important virtue. It allows a martial artist to recognize their own limitations and to be open to lessons from others. It also helps them to remain grounded and focused on their training, rather than getting caught up in ego or competition. Even black belts continue practicing and learning to improve and hone their skills.

Teaching humility to kids can be a challenge, as society may more often reward over-confidence and entitlement. This makes it all the more important to instill humility, as it will serve them well throughout their lives. Modeling at home is a great way to teach humility. Admitting when we make mistakes or where we can improve or need help will show kids how to recognize and acknowledge their own limitations. Walking in nature or going stargazing provides perspective and a sense of place. Exposing them to new experiences and people will also encourage kids to be open to learning from others and to consider other people's perspectives.

Humility is essential to learning and growth. It empowers us to see ourselves accurately, and consider others more. By looking outwardly and openly, we diminish entitlement and self-involvement and widen the path toward greater wellbeing and contentment.