Thursday September 20: MMA Test day: Mixed Martial Arts students will be tested during regular class times. We no longer charge a fee for testing. There is no testing for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Thursday September 27: MMA Promotion Ceremony: Each age group will have their promotion ceremony during regularly scheduled classes.

Theme of the month: Wisdom (Third Moral of the Dojo)

Wisdom is a virtue that can be difficult to explain or define. It is more than knowledge or book learning. Nor will experience alone impart wisdom. Only when we reflect on our experiences are we able to gain wisdom.

This month we will talk to students about the importance of taking time for reflection and contemplation. What did we learn from our experiences? How did we react to difficulties? We will encourage them to take time to unplug from distractions to sit quietly. Our mindful meditation practices that we learn in class will serve as our foundation.

Wisdom means seeing the whole picture, not looking at situations in black and white terms. Most situations, especially those involving human behavior, are nuanced. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand their choices can build wisdom and empathy.

Included in our lessons about wisdom we will discuss the importance of showing respect to elders. When an older person walks in to a room, go to them and greet them. Look them in the eye and say hello to an older person first, don’t wait for them to greet you.

Morals of the Dojo: 1. Respect 2. Perseverance 3. Wisdom 4. Discipline 5. Patience 6. Gratitude