USA Martial Arts - Bluff Park Dojo

Message of the week

Kaizen - Continuous improvement

This is the idea that we should always be on a path of trying to improve our self in all aspects of our life. When our life improves, often the result is that things around us improve. One thing we can do to make our life better is to take time to analyze our self and see how we can live better and be better as a whole. To look inward and be self-critical in this way is not always easy, but will be well worth it in the long run. Try and focus on improving yourself and in doing so, you will inspire others around you and help make the world better in your own way.

Message of the week

Jiki Shin Kore Dojo - If your mind and heart are correct, then everywhere is the Dojo.

This is the idea that almost everything we experience and learn through our training can be applied to our everyday life. Our training should be with us at all times in everything we do. When our training becomes a way of life, we are on the right path and this is true budo.

Message of the week

Zanshin - Continued focus; follow through

To finish something we start can be challenging. With that being said, if we continue to stay focused on our goals and persevere, then we can accomplish great things. If you get discouraged, try and break up your goal into smaller goals. Try to dedicate your goal to something larger than yourself. Also, try and remember why you set that goal for yourself in the first place. This can be the encouragement you need to follow through and finish what you have set out to do. Stay strong, believe in yourself, and know that you can achieve what you want in life.

Message of the Week

Masagatsu Agatsu - Victory over self is true victory

True victory lies not in having victory over others but in victory over self. Whether overcoming personal obstacles or maintaining self control in a difficult situation, if we can control our temptations, self doubts and emotions, we can find this victory over self. The moment in which you overcome the struggle within yourself is the truest sense of victory.

Message of the week

Ganbatte - Go for it, do your best

Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu said " The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Starting something new or venturing into a new endeavor can be scary and overwhelming. With that said, one of the best ways we can grow as individuals is to step out of our comfort zone and try new things. Start small, know that anything worthwhile takes time, and your best will always be good enough. Embrace your journey, go for it and take that first step.

Message of the week

Shiai - Competition; Battle

One of the hardest battles we can face in life is the one within ourselves. We are often harder on ourselves than anyone else is on us. We can defeat ourselves faster than anyone or anything. One of the best things we can do when we are having this internal battle is have positive self-talk and self-imagery. Think of yourself being strong and capable. Believe in yourself that you are able to do the right thing. Believe you can succeed and accomplish what you want. In doing so, you are much more likely to achieve your goals and live a happier life.

Message of the week

Koshi No Mawari - Awareness of everything around you

This is the idea of being aware of your surroundings. A major part of our training is being aware if there is a threat around us. This also implies that we should be aware and sensitive to the needs of those around us. If we are too focused on ourselves, we can miss a need that is right in front of us. Be aware and may we all strive to have awareness of the needs that are around us.