Dream in December - Respect

News and Reminders

ADULT BJJ IS BACK!

Have you heard?
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are resuming in January!
Adults are invited to our complimentary 90-min intro class
Saturday, December 3rd at 9 am
Sign up ASAP for this fun, no obligation class!

We also have limited-time $99 gift certificates available for
one month of adult BJJ training to redeem by February of 2023.
Give the gift of BJJ, to yourself or a loved one!

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR KIDS MARTIAL ARTS

Have relatives been asking what to gift the kids?
Sponsoring a month or two of classes makes for a great present
for the holidays or any time of year!
We now have an easy and convenient gift certificate order form to share with loved ones.
Save, copy and share the link or QR code below! 

Gift Certificate Purchase Form

STUDENT PORTAL

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

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

Schedule Updates

*HOLIDAY CLOSURE*

There will be no classes 
Saturday, Dec. 24th, 2022 to Monday, January 2nd, 2023 

Classes will resume Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023.

***If you normally train on one of the days Dream will be closed,
you can temporarily switch to another day for that impacted week.***
Feel free to check the signup page for available slots
and call or email us to make the one-time switch.
Please do NOT switch your days on the signup sheet; that is for ongoing reserved classes.

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: AWARENESS

“Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.”

—James Thurber

Awareness, simply put, is being mindful of what is around you and within you. Awareness is a crucial skill for kids to develop from an early age because it helps them learn about themselves and others, and how to make sense of their world.

Teaching children awareness can be beneficial for their mental and emotional growth. It helps them develop a good sense of self, understand and cope with emotions, and foster independence, empathy and social skills. Children who practice awareness are better able to understand their surroundings and their own emotions and how they affect the world around them. And when kids are aware of what is happening around them, they are more likely to make good choices—like picking up after themselves or taking care of a hurt friend.

Martial arts offer plenty of practice in awareness by teaching how to pay attention with all the senses—like listening for footsteps, picking up on subtle movements or quieting oneself to hear the voice within. In martial arts classes, kids learn how to listen for cues from their teachers and other students so they know when and how to respond based on training rather than impulse or emotion. They also learn how to use their bodies effectively through movement—which means they're more likely to be aware of where they are in space at any given moment. Awareness enables them to make good decisions and take care of themselves.

This kind of focus can be applied off the mats, as well—in schoolwork, with friends and family, and even just walking down the street. Reinforcing awareness practice at home need not be complicated. Model active listening and have kids ask follow-up questions. Teach them to notice their thoughts and feelings, and how they can change them. Encourage them to be observant in everyday situations. Provide them opportunities to focus their attention on one thing at a time instead of multitasking.

With awareness comes insight—into ourselves and our environment. Aware individuals are present and have perspective. This ability to be attuned allows for better decision-making, safer choices, and improved relationships, among many other benefits well worth having.

Dream in November - Patience

News and Reminders

November Promotion Ceremonies

MMA promotions will take place Saturday November 12th at our dojo
AFTER regularly scheduled outdoor classes

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

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

November's 2-Day Mini Camp

We still have some open spots for our LAST mini camp for Fall!

November 10th-11th
while schools are closed during the NJEA Convention

Ages 4-6 @ Anderson Park
AND
Ages 7-10 @ Mills Reservation

9 am-2pm each day
$198/ camper for BOTH days

Our November 8th camp session sold out! Hurry to secure your spot
in our last camp of the season!
Sign up here

Student Portal

Remember, you can find student resources,
like the weekly classes signup page and student event calendar within your student portal.
Click below to visit the student portal page on our website.

The password is listed in student communications.

Schedule Updates

*CLOSURE*

There will be no classes from Wednesday, November 23rd to Friday, November 25th 

***If you normally train on one of the days Dream is closed, you can temporarily switch to another day for that impacted week.***
Feel free to check the 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, as that is for ongoing reserved class times.

BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: GRATITUDE

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

– Cicero

At a time when it is easy to focus on all that is wrong, it is important to practice gratitude for all that is good in our lives. When children learn gratitude, they can glean more meaning and perspective from everything around them and will be better equipped to navigate through difficult times. Gratitude brings fulfillment and the ability to both see and do good in the world. 

Gratitude has a positive impact on our wellbeing and overall satisfaction in life. It has been linked to improved mental and physical health, better sleep, more resilience, increased productivity, and improved relationships.

When kids are grateful, they are also more likely to be kind and generous to others. Gratitude shifts the focus to what they have, and it helps them build empathy, optimism and stronger connections to others. There are a lot of ways that we can teach our kids gratitude, but one of the most important things is consistent practice.

When we talk daily with kids about the people or things that make us happy or safe or fulfilled, and why they’re important, we are modeling gratitude and making it a routine part of our lives. Gratitude jars, walks, and journals are also fun and creative outlets to express and commemorate what we are grateful for. Volunteering is an impactful way to in which kids learn gratitude through service to others.

Gratitude is about so much more than just saying “thank you” – it is a way of life. It is about recognizing the good surrounding us and being thankful for the people and things that make it better and meaningful. It’s also about being mindful of the ways we can help others. Teaching kids to be grateful makes a world of difference for them to lead happier, healthier lives.

Dream in October - Patience

News and Reminders

MMA Promotion Ceremonies

Save the Date!
Promotion ceremonies will be held next month on
 Saturday, November 12th

STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION
WILL RECEIVE SEPARATE COMMUNICATIONS WITH MORE DETAILS

(For students who are not yet eligible and do not receive an invite,
rest assured we will have future ceremonies!)

Promotion ceremonies will be held indoors at our studio
 immediately following outdoor classes

October Mini Camps
We are hosting FOUR mini camp sessions
 this month at nearby Mills Reservation
to get the kids outside exploring and connecting with nature!

Wed, October 5th
Ages 7-11

Monday, October 10th
Ages 7-11

Monday, October 24th
For Ages 7-11
and
Ages 10+

All sessions will be
from 9 am - 2 pm
for only $99/child!

Space is extremely limited, so sign up
 while there are still a few spots left in some sessions!

Halloween Costume Drive
Would you like to help other kids in New Jersey enjoy the magic and fun of Halloween?
 In partnership with Jersey Cares, we're collecting new and gently used children's costumes and accessories for those who don't yet have them!
From now through Friday, October 14th, please feel free to drop off any of the items below
 in the collection bin in our lobby at Cedar Grove Plaza (406 Pompton Ave):

-new or gently used children's costumes (ages 0-14)
-Halloween masks
-costume accessories
-new Halloween face makeup

Thank you for your contributions! 

Schedule Updates

*HOLIDAY CLOSURES*

There will be NO MMA classes on either

 Monday, October 10th 
or 
Monday October 31st (Halloween) 

If you normally train on one of the days Dream will be closed then,
you can temporarily switch to another day for that impacted week.
Feel free to check the 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,
as that is for ongoing reserved class times.

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: PATIENCE

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”

—Leo Tolstoy

Patience is often overlooked as an important life skill anyone can learn. It is a worthwhile character trait to cultivate at any age, but kids especially benefit from learning early on how to be patient. In situations like waiting their turn in line or in conversation, or sitting through a less than thrilling event, kids may have a hard time practicing patience, while those who can manage it will have developed some great skills and strategies they can apply throughout their lives.

People who practice patience are more likely to have an increased ability to stay calm and collected in stressful situations. Additionally, because they see the positive outcomes of practicing a skill over time, they are also more likely to have a growth mindset and higher self-esteem. Patient people can surrender to things outside their control and focus instead on what they can do.

“All things are difficult before they are easy.”

—Thomas Fuller

Practicing and talking with kids about patience and why it is beneficial will help them think differently about challenging scenarios and learn how to better cope with strong or negative feelings. There are several tools and methods for helping teach patience.

Meditation, for one, allows kids to check in with themselves and their surrounding and get grounded. This teaches them about mindfulness, breathing techniques, and can help them calm down when they are experiencing anger or frustration. There are all sorts of games and activities that can make exercising patience a fun endeavor. Family members and friends can also model patience in various situations and remember to praise kids’ efforts when they demonstrate patience themselves.

Patience grants us perspective and creativity. It gives us the opportunity to slow down, focus on the present moment, and grow in grace and acceptance that propel us forward.

Dream in September - Wisdom

News and Reminders

September Schedule!

We're back...and can't wait to get back to training with you all!
As you may know, we reached out in August with our September schedule and information about resuming classes.
You can find the latest schedule here.

We're pumped to have you join our NEW indoor location at 406 Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove,
just 5 minutes away from Anderson Park!

Uniforms are required for training indoors. If you need one,
you can place your order at the link provided in student communications or at the dojo!

***If you haven't already, please be sure to sign up for your weekly classes ASAP***

Please refer to our message sent to you in August for additional details,
or feel free to email or call us with any questions!

September Mini Camp!

We're kicking off our nature programming this year with a 2-day mini camp session for kids ages 7-11

We'll explore Mills together while local schools are closed!

Mini Camps sell out fast,
so be sure to grab a spot while you still can!

When: Monday, Sep. 26 & Tuesday, Sep. 27
Time: 9 am - 2 pm
Where: Mills Reservation

Price: $198 for both days!
or $99 per day drop-in rate

MORE DETAILS/SIGN UP HERE!

Student Portal

Remember, lots of student resources,
like the weekly classes signup page and student event calendar
are right within your student portal.
Visit the student portal page on our website. The password is provided in student communications.

Schedule Updates

*Class Venue Change*

Outdoor Classes on Saturday, September 17th
will take place at Edgemont Park. 
We will send an update the week of with the latest information and class location!

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: WISDOM

A wise old owl lived in an oak.
The more he saw, the less he spoke.
The less he spoke, the more he heard.
Now, wasn’t he a wise old bird?

—Anonymous

We often understand wisdom to be something that comes with age. But wisdom can be developed in many ways. It not only entails what we learn but how we apply it in our daily lives. We practice wisdom by balancing empathy and reason to live well, and it is never too early to start cultivating it.

When we are able to apply understanding and knowledge in practical ways, we are acting wisely. Learning, thinking, discerning and considering factors of a given issue against our own values and priorities are all benchmarks of wisdom. Wisdom, then, is a virtue that involves both the heart and mind.

Children can glean wisdom from experiences, including the interactions they have with the trusted adults in their lives. Parents and guardians can model what it looks like to listen intently and think about all sides of an issue before coming up with an opinion or conclusion.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

― Aristotle

This kind of attentiveness and consideration allow us to understand ourselves and others better and make more thoughtful and deliberate decisions. Wisdom is listening and being present. It is one of the many reasons we incorporate mindfulness into our martial arts and camp programs.

 Gaining wisdom is an ongoing process that takes time and patience. Children will become equipped with the skills to understand themselves and others, see the big picture and make better decisions in life, and those results are worth the time and effort. 

Dream in July - Respect

News and Reminders

Summer Schedule

The first week of our SUMMER SCHEDULE is near!

If you haven't already, please make sure to reserve your weekly class days in July by visiting the class signup page (found in student communications),
or simply reply to email us and we will confirm availability

Student Portal
You can find many member exclusive resources,
like the weekly classes signup page, uniform order form and student event calendar,
 within your student portal.

Visit the student portal page on our website HERE.

The password can be found in student email communications.

Schedule Updates

*JULY HOLIDAY CLOSURE*

As announced earlier, there will be no classes Saturday, July 2nd or Monday, July 4th
Martial Arts classes will resume Wednesday, July 6th

LOOKING AHEAD

There will be NO CLASSES in August. Dream will be closed.
We will pause all student billing for the month; you will not need to do anything.
We will post more details in a forthcoming message.

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: RESPECT

“We are harmonious in the reality that we are all held to this earth by the same gravity.
We don’t share blood, but we share the air that keeps us alive.” —C. JoyBell C

Respect is fundamental for all of us. It is to show consideration and acceptance and see the value every person has. Respect is the key to our own self-esteem and growth and is the basis for all healthy relationships.

Having and showing respect builds trust, confidence, security, well-being and openness. When we show respect, we are recognizing the intrinsic value and humanity of others, regardless of whether we endorse all that they say, do or believe. To respect is to extend grace and dignity to ourselves and to others.

Respect is an essential component to martial arts. There are many ways we foster respect in our classes. Bowing in and out, listening to our instructors and classmates, supporting each other in skills practice and sparring, and applauding our classmates’ efforts and accomplishments are just some of the ways we practice respect. Martial arts also teach kids to be considerate, even when standing up for themselves, and students gain self-respect through the confidence and self-worth they build from all their hard work and accomplishments in class.

Respect is a constructive and positive way to navigate relationships and resolve problems. Having respect is to be able to approach people and situations from a place of caring and genuine regard. In being consistently respectful, we create a safe and open environment in which individuals can feel heard, considered and valued. Our aim is to regularly model respect so that we may all build each other up.

Dream in June - Discipline

News and Reminders

Mini Camp
Our last Mini Camp of the season is less than a week away!

We'll have two camp groups at nearby Rifle Camp Park
when schools are closed Tuesday, June 7th

 Ages 6-8
AND
Ages 9+

from 9 am - 2 pm
$99/camper

Hurry and sign up here!
We only have a few spots left!

Student Portal
Remember, you can find student resources,
like the uniform order form, weekly classes signup page and student event calendar
right within your student portal.

The password is provided in student communications

Schedule Updates

*NO CLOSURES IN JUNE*

July class schedule and holiday closures forthcoming!

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: DISCIPLINE

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”

 — Abraham Lincoln

Discipline helps us to reach the goals we set for ourselves. When motivation wears thin and fun and energy wane, discipline is the value that keeps us steadfast. It helps us to stay focused on what we are doing to continue to grow and improve as people. Discipline is a discreet but valuable building block for success.

The importance of discipline is easily overlooked. It can be tricky to grasp because it doesn't always come naturally; rather, it is a skill to be learned and improved over time. But the benefits are worth it. Discipline is beneficial to children because it helps them develop good habits, take responsibility, become self-sufficient, and learn to make healthy choices. This will help them throughout their lives as they go from schoolwork and chores as kids to things like work, time and money management as adults.

Children with discipline will be more likely to succeed in school, have better relationships with their friends and family members, and have more confidence in themselves. This is because they are better able to weigh pros and cons, control impulsive behavior and cope with uncomfortable feelings in healthy ways.

Extracurricular and goal-oriented activities like our martial arts classes are positive ways of cultivating discipline. Students practice discipline when they consistently show up to class, work on improving their skills and set goals for themselves, like mastering difficult moves or earning a belt promotion. Students learn the importance of their day-to-day efforts, which lead to incremental improvements that bring them closer to achievement.

Kids can learn discipline in many other ways. Having clear goals in mind as well as age-appropriate tools to practice delaying gratification are essential in developing discipline. Forming routines, rules, and responsibilities also support instilling a strong sense of discipline.

Learning discipline is a lifelong process, but early and consistent practice will help children establish it as a routine skill beyond just rules or self-control. Through it, they’ll eventually gain their own sense of self-determination, confidence and achievement, and we are here for that!

Dream in May - Safety

News and Reminders

MA Promotion Ceremonies

Promotion ceremonies will be held this month on
Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14th

STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION HAVE RECEIVED SEPARATE COMMUNICATIONS WITH MORE DETAILS.
IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT ELIGIBLE, WE WILL LET YOU KNOW.

Outdoor classes only WILL be held on Saturday May 14th.
Promotion ceremonies will be held at D*FIT Saturday, May 14th immediately following outdoor classes. 

(For students who are not eligible and do not receive an invite,
rest assured we will have future ceremonies!)

Mini Camp!

Schools will be closed next month on Election Day, Tuesday June 7th.
We'll be hosting TWO mini camp groups at nearby Rifle Camp Park
to get the kids outside and exploring!

Ages 6-8 with Mr. Emilio
 AND
Ages 9+ with Mr. Zach

Both sessions will be
from 9 am - 2 pm
for only $99/child!

Our mini camps are limited in space and sell out fast!
Now is your chance to sign up before we announce our camp offering publicly!
Click the links above on the corresponding age groups to sign up early and reserve your spot.

 
Student Portal

Remember, you can find student resources,
like the weekly classes signup page and student event calendar within your student portal.
Visit the student portal page on our website HERE.
The password is provided in student communications.

Schedule Updates

*HOLIDAY CLOSURE*

There will be no classes from Saturday, May 28th-Monday, May 30th 

There will be no classes on these days.
If you normally train on one of the days Dream will be closed then, you can temporarily switch to another day for that impacted week.
Feel free to check the signup page for available slots and call us or email us to make the one-time switch for you. Please Do NOT switch your days on the signup sheet, as that is for ongoing reserved class times.

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: SAFETY

Safety is the essential foundation upon which children learn and form strong and healthy attachments. From birth, the trusted adults in their lives serve to protect them from harm, but as children grow, they can play a significant role in their own safety, as well. 

Teaching safety to children can help them to feel more competent and confident in themselves and avoid dangerous situations. Talking about not only potential risks but how to navigate them can empower kids and help increase the likelihood of staying safe. Understanding red flags and to trust and act on their instincts are beneficial skills. When children know how to identify potentially dangerous situations and how to react if they find themselves in one, they are better equipped to avoid harm and stay safe.

A crucial factor in safety is awareness, which is one of our school’s core values. Our martial arts classes integrate awareness into each lesson to help make it a routine practice for staying safe. When children are able to pay attention and be in tune with themselves and others as well as their surroundings and different feelings and situations, they help to support their own safety and well-being.

“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes,
learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.”

—Alfie Kohn

There are many ways families can teach safety to children. Providing an environment in which they feel secure, loved and heard is a healthy start. Adults can also familiarize kids early on with basic safety rules like helmet and seatbelt wearing, or how to dial 911. Kids can learn their home address and telephone number and what to do if they get lost. They can also appreciate body autonomy, the ability to say no, and how to respond when they feel uncomfortable, unsure or frightened.

Additionally, running through different scenarios and asking open-ended questions about possible solutions are important strategies to get children actively participating in learning about safety. Families can also break safety down into various categories, such as online safety or emergency preparedness.

Everyone deserves to be safe. Though safety is a lifelong necessity, it can also be a broad topic. However, teaching it doesn’t have to be a daunting undertaking. Following safe choices daily, keeping an open dialogue and involving kids in safety awareness are great ways to ensure they learn how to stay safe and secure. Families aren’t alone, either. They can rely on additional resources and community partners, like Dream, to impart safety practices that will help prepare kids for life.

For additional tips on teaching safety, here is an article from Understood.

For educational resources on making smart and safe choices online, feel free to check out Common Sense Media’s K-12 digital citizenship curricula here.

Dream in April - Humility

News, Updates and Reminders

May Mini Camp

Have plans for Tuesday May 3rd when schools are closed?

We're hosting a limited spot
 MINI CAMP
for kids ages 6-11

Join us for outdoor fun and exploration!
Where: Mills Reservation
When: Tuesday, May 3rd, from 9 am-2 pm
Price: $99
Grab a spot now HERE !

Mask Policies

As noted in a previous announcement,
all indoor and outdoor classes are mask optional for students and instructors.

Student Portal

Remember, many student resources,
including the uniform order form, weekly class signup page and student event calendar
can be found right within your student portal on our school's website. The link and password are provided in student communications.

Schedule Updates

*HOLIDAY CLOSURE*

Dream will be closed from Friday April 15-Monday April 18, 2022.

There will be no classes on these days. 
If you normally train on one of the days Dream will be closed then, you can temporarily switch to another day for that impacted week.
Feel free to check the signup page for available slots and call us or email us to make the one-time switch for you.
Please Do NOT switch your days on the signup sheet, as that is for ongoing reserved class times.

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: HUMILITY

“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” —Confucius

One of the many challenges children may face as they grow is recognizing their value and where it comes from. Many mistakenly conclude that it stems from what they achieve or possess. But humble individuals know their value, and the value of others, is intrinsic. This is why humility is so important. At its core, humility enables us to consider ourselves and others more completely and, in doing so, frees us to more readily connect, grow and improve.

Humility is a healthy and balanced view between two extremes, with arrogance and narcissism on one end and insecurity and self-doubt on the other. Humility allows us to gain a better perspective of both our strengths and limitations, and to make more routine the practice of putting others’ needs ahead of our own. This ability to take a realistic stock of ourselves and look outward for good has extraordinary benefits.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” —C. S. Lewis

Humble people display greater helpfulness, generosity, openness and gratitude, which serve to strengthen bonds with others. They are also better able to handle stress and can more easily resist pressures to be perfect, judgmental or defensive. Those who practice humility also report higher levels of physical and mental well-being.

There are many ways to practice and teach humility. We can show gratitude for the people, experiences and things we are blessed with. We can use our time and skills and hearts to serve. Discussing and celebrating the admirable traits and virtues in others is also a good habit to develop. Additionally, experiences that remind us that we are a part of something greater than ourselves can be humbling. Natural marvels such as the vast night sky, a cascading waterfall, or a towering tree can inspire awe and a broader outlook.

In class, students are a part of a larger community of learners, each with their own strengths and goals. We all gain lessons from each other, which is why at the end of class we routinely bow to our teachers and classmates and say, “Thank you for teaching me.” Our young martial artists are celebrated for their character, efforts and strengths, and are supported in areas they can grow. And when they are not yet ready for a promotion, we strive to help them see that by recognizing their limitations, they can progress.

Humility is the gift of perspective, and it is grounded in our intrinsic value as humans. It allows children to see themselves accurately so that they can accept themselves and others for who they are, which in turn allows them to uplift and better not only themselves but the world around them. This capability for self-acceptance, compassion and growth is at once grounding and liberating. We hope this gift flourishes in us all.

Dream in March - Creativity

News, Updates and Reminders

Summer Camp

Are you all set for summer?  We still have openings in most of our sessions, so register now while spots are still available in most of our weeks! 

Our Summer Camp offerings are as follows:

Little Larks (Ages 4-6) 

SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE IN EACH WEEK!

Week 1: July 5-8 (4 days)
Week 2: July 11-15
Week 3: July 18-22
Week 4: July 25-29

Times: 9:30 am-1 pm
$316-$395/session
Multi-week discounts available 

Summer Sparrows (Ages 7-9)

Week 1: July 5-8 (4 days)  
Week 2: July 11-15 
Week 3: July 18-22
Week 4: July 25-29   (A FEW spots left!)

Times: 9 am-2 pm
$380-$475/session
Multi-week discounts available

Soaring Hawks (Ages 10+)

Week 1: July 5-8 (4 days)   (A FEW spots left!)
Week 2: July 11-15   (A FEW spots left!)

Times: 9 am-2 pm
$395-$475/session
Multi-week discounts available

Outdoor Mask Policy

As noted in a previous announcement, all outdoor classes are mask optional for students and instructors. 
This applies to all age groups. The mask requirement for indoor classes remains in place for the time being.

Student Portal

Remember, you have access to student resources,
like the weekly classes signup page, uniform order form and student event calendar within your student portal.

Visit the student portal page on our website HERE.

The password is provided in student communications.

Calendar Updates

No closures this month! 

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: CREATIVITY

“Creativity requires experience and experience comes from your life.
And your life is expressed in your art.” —Bruce Lee

When we think of critical life skills, creativity may not be the first word that comes to mind. However, without it, conceiving original ideas and solutions to the often large and complicated problems we face would not be possible. With it, we progress and thrive to lead richer, more impactful lives.

Creativity is both a skill and a process. Through it we create original ideas and connections and make them reality. It also is shown to reduce stress and is positively correlated to happiness, higher emotional intelligence and open-mindedness.

Kids can show their individuality, sensibilities, interests and how they navigate the world and its obstacles through creativity. When given the freedom to be creative, they may learn that there can be more than one solution or “right” answer.

Freedom and flexibility are essential components of creativity. This is why we promote outdoor enrichment and offer our students child-led, nature-immersive camp programs throughout the year. Nature, after all, is an incredible catalyst for creativity. The outdoors provides a sensory-rich environment where kids can experience change, balance, risk, opportunities, problem-solving and gain a sense of place, accomplishment and self-confidence.

In our martial arts training, students can discover that there is more than one way to overcome a challenge. Through learning the skills and principles covered in class, students are then at liberty to discover their own styles and patterns when training and sparring.

Some ways grownups can help to foster creativity in other aspects of their children’s lives include allowing them room for expression, making space for open-ended questions and conversations, and providing downtime or unstructured periods in the day. This grants them space to explore and be curious without a rigid structure or schedule. This Mother article has tips for providing opportunities for creativity.

The importance of creativity cannot be overstated. When we provide children with opportunities for trying out new ideas, ways of thinking or problem-solving, we’re creating an environment for them to grow into empowered, innovative, open-minded and happier individuals, and we collectively benefit from it.

Dream in February - 2022

News and Reminders

MMA Belt Promotion Ceremonies

 STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION WILL RECEIVE SEPARATE COMMUNICATIONS FROM US SOON
WITH MORE DETAILS. IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT ELIGIBLE OR DID NOT QUALIFY, WE WILL LET YOU KNOW.

Belt Promotion Ceremonies will be held on Saturday, February 19th, indoors at D*FIT

*There will be NO indoor classes this day; Outdoor classes at Anderson Park will still be held on Saturday, February 19th*

 We will also host a ceremony time remotely via Zoom on Friday, February 18th for students who prefer to attend virtually.

(For students who did not qualify for promotion, rest assured we will have future ceremonies!)

(For students who are not eligible and do not receive an invite—due to not yet attending enough classes—rest assured we will have future ceremonies!)

Uniform Requirements-Indoors

Remember, uniforms will be required for all indoor classes beginning mid-February
Follow the link in the student emails to access a size chart and order a uniform (Kids MA T-Shirt and Kids MA pants, and belt if you don't already have one).  
We also have sample uniforms at D*FIT if you want to confirm correct sizes.

The deadline to have your uniform by the week of Feb 7th was January 21st;
orders submitted after that will be processed on a rolling basis after the week of Feb 7th, though we may have them sooner for you.
Orders should be available for pickup at D*FIT beginning Monday, February 7th; we will keep you posted if you made an order!  

Student Portal

Remember, you can find student resources,
like the weekly classes signup page, uniform order form and student event calendar within your student portal.

Visit the student portal page on our website HERE.

The password is in communications sent to students.

Schedule Updates

*HOLIDAY CLOSURE*

There will be no classes on Monday, February 21st, 2022

If you normally train on Mondays, you can switch to another day that week.
Feel free to check the class signup sheet for available slots and email us to make the one-time switch for you.
Do NOT switch your days on the signup sheet, as that is for ongoing reserved class times.

DREAM MARTIAL ARTS BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: GRIT

“It is the dab of grit that seeps into an oyster's shell that makes the pearl.” —Stephen King

One of the biggest predictors for long term happiness and success is grit. More than determination or resilience, grit is a combination of these things and more. Focus, optimism, adaptability, and discipline are all encompassed within a person with grit. As psychologist, author and founder and CEO of the non-profit Character Lab Angela Duckworth puts it, grit is “passion and perseverance toward long-term goals.”

We will not always see immediate results from our efforts. Often our goals take time and may come with many failures and setbacks. But success will come when the drive to accomplish is greater than any passing urge or impulse to stop or give up.

Grit is the ability to weather the many and unexpected storms that will inevitably pass. To see through things, not only in the sense of enduring but also in envisioning the light at the end of the tunnel, the long sought-after objective.

“I walk slowly but never backwards.” —Unknown

So how can grownups help children to remain committed to their goals? Encouraging consistency and practice in something they already enjoy is a great way to cultivate grit. Our students will not become black belts overnight, but they will have plenty of milestones and opportunities for growth on their martial arts journey.

Getting kids into a routine of doing hard or challenging things is also beneficial. Not only does this teach commitment and accomplishment—we improve by putting in the time and practice—but it also shows children, after effort and struggle, success is its own reward.

Acknowledging failure is also important. Although it can be frustrating, failure is temporary and part of the process. Remind children that even experts struggle. Sometimes in seeing others do things seemingly effortlessly, it can be hard to appreciate all the preceding work and growing pains. Share real-world examples of successful people’s many failures before they went on to achieve success. This is all part of having a growth mindset. When children believe they will get better if they work hard at something, they will be more likely to push through to meet their goals.

Failure teaches us where to improve or adapt, and it make success all the more sweet. Adults can share their own stories of personal goals, hopes, hard work, triumphs and setbacks. Once children know failure is normal and not the end of things, it may give them courage to try and possibly fail, too.

As we share in all the feats and failures, we are also building grit so that our children have the passion, perseverance and perspective to see through the struggles to live fuller, happier lives.