Dream in April - Patience

NEWS AND REMINDERS

Spring Break Camp is almost here!

Choose to join the whole week or drop in on one or more days!

April 3rd-7th
at Rifle Camp Park
Ages 6 and up
9 am-2 pm each day

Don't delay! Sign up today!

SIGN UP/LEARN MORE HERE!

Movie Night in April!

Games, Pizza and a Movie right here at the dojo!

Friday, April 14th
5-8 pm
For ages 6-8
$40/child

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Summer Camp Weeks in August?!

Did you know we have camps available in late summer? Spots in July, as well! 

Newly added: Aug 28-Sep 1 for Ages 6-10!

CHECK OUT ALL OUR SUMMER CAMP WEEKS

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

CLOSURES

There will be no classes on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 for Easter weekend.

***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

Has your child displayed any of the dojo morals lately?

RESPECT

INTEGRITY

CONSISTENCY

DISCIPLINE

AWARENESS

COMMUNITY/KINDNESS

PATIENCE

COURAGE/VALOR

HUMILITY

PERSEVERENCE

GRATITUDE

 Please shout it out to us so that we may join in lifting them up.

Moral of the Month: Patience

"Patience is the companion of wisdom." —St. Augustine

Patience is the ability to tolerate or endure challenging situations, setbacks, or delays without getting angry, frustrated, or giving up. Not only does it involve having a calm and composed attitude towards difficulties but it also relates to the ability to control impulses and delay gratification, which enables us to make better decisions and avoid impulsive actions that could have negative consequences. In essence, patience is a virtue that requires self-discipline, resilience, and a willingness to persevere through challenging times.

In martial arts, progress is often slow, and it takes time and practice to master techniques and skills. For kids, it can be easy to become discouraged when results aren’t immediate. Martial arts training can help them develop patience and learn to persevere through challenges and stay focused on their goals. This skill can carry over into other areas of their lives, such as schoolwork and other extracurricular activities. It can also help students develop better problem-solving skills and improve their ability to think critically and creatively.

For adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, patience is also essential. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a complex martial art that requires a great deal of time and effort to master. It can take years of training to become proficient. There may be setbacks along the way. With patience, adult students can remain focused to overcome challenges and make gradual, continual progress, even when it seems difficult.  

Patience is also crucial in mindfulness practices, as it allows individuals to be present and accepting of the moment and situation they are in, without judgment or frustration. Understanding others’ rhythms and pacing and building up one’s own tolerance are also crucial elements of patience. Taking deep breaths and engaging in activities that require focus and patience, such as martial arts, meditation, or yoga, are beneficial for all ages.

Developing patience is a valuable skill that can help kids and adults build resilience, improve focus and self-control, and better cope with stress and adversity. Through martial arts training, students can learn to persevere through challenges by practicing patience, which will in turn carry over into other areas of their lives and help them become more successful and well-rounded individuals.

Dream in March - Consistency

NEWS AND REMINDERS

March Movie Night at Dream!

Kids, enjoy pizza and a movie at the Dojo
Parents, take the evening off for relaxing or a date night!
Friday, March 10th
6:00-9:00 pm
$40/child

Open to kids ages 7+ (Students and non-students)
Movie nights at Dream are popular!
Sign up NOW before we sell out!

Register for Movie Night Here

Buddy Week is Back!

Monday, March 13th-Saturday, March 18th

Students, feel free to invite one or several buddies to train at Dream!
Simply share/forward the link below or the separate email we shared yesterday
to have friends sign up for Buddy Week:

https://kick.site/axnvmwey 

Plus, referring students of registered buddies receive a gift!

Spring Break Camp is Next Month!

Sign up now! Spots will not last!

Monday, April 3rd-Friday, April 7th

We still have spots available in both weeklong camp sessions:

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

Student Portal

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

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

CLOSURES

There are NO planned closures for the month of March!

***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 HERE 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.

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Living the Morals Acknowledgment

We want to emphasize to our students that Martial Arts is not only about grappling with our training partners and performing techniques on the mats. Our overarching goal as martial artists is to be our best, to live honorably and have self respect. We seek to grapple with the parts of ourselves that get in our own way. By striving to integrate the morals of the dojo into our daily lives, we can move towards that best version of ourselves and feel secure that we are showing up as principled people striving to do what is right and serve and protect others. 

In that vein, we will now acknowledge and celebrate when our students embody the morals of the dojo by putting a colored stripe on their belt that represents a time when they demonstrated a particular moral. During a Dream class, camp or event, if a staff member sees a student embody a moral, they will add the corresponding stripe to their belt and recognize them in front of their classmates. Additionally, if a parent or guardian informs us of a time at home, school, etc. when a Dream student embodied a moral, we will also give them a stripe. 

Here are the morals of the dojo with the corresponding stripe color:

1. Respect: White
2. Valor: Silver
3. Humility: Brown
4. Consistency: Purple
5. Gratitude: Orange
6. Patience: Yellow
7. Perseverance: Green
8. Community: Blue
9. Awareness: Glow in the Dark
10. Integrity: Red
11. Discipline: Camouflage

Moral of the Month: Consistency

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!

“Constant dripping wears away a stone.” —Proverb

Consistency is a key factor for success in life, from personal to professional endeavors. It is the quality of being reliable, dependable, and constant in our actions and efforts over time. Without consistency, we would be hard-pressed to build trust, establish good habits, or achieve long-term goals.

Consistency is crucial, especially in youth and individuals developing skills and character. Through it, we are able to develop healthy routines, improve performance, enhance self-discipline and achieve our goals. Consistency is a vital tool for empowering kids to become responsible, self-reliant, and successful individuals as they grow into adulthood.

Consistent practice and training are essential for developing any skill, including martial arts. Kids who practice martial arts regularly often report feeling more confident, focused, and self-assured. Martial arts training can also help kids develop resilience and perseverance, which can be useful in other areas of their lives.

"Consistency is the mother of mastery." - Robin Sharma

Part of becoming proficient in martial arts is developing the physical and mental discipline needed to perform techniques effectively and efficiently. Consistent practice and training are essential for developing these skills, as well as building endurance, strength, and flexibility. By adhering to a regular practice schedule, students learn to prioritize their time and commit to their goals, which leads to progress. This level of discipline can translate into growth in other settings like school and work, and further empower kids to reach their potential.

To help kids stay consistent, grownups can help them set achievable goals and establish routines around those goals. Creating a supportive environment and rewarding good behavior, like celebrating progress or praising steadfastness, also help to solidify consistency as a positive in their daily lives. Patience and understanding also go a long way, as consistency takes time and effort to achieve.

When we are consistent in our actions, we are better able to meet challenges, overcome obstacles, and make progress towards our aspirations. Consistency helps us to stay true to our values and beliefs, as well. Whether it's in our personal lives, our careers, or any other area of life, consistency is a crucial element for success and fulfillment.

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.

Dream in January - Respect

Happy New Year!

NEWS AND REMINDERS

KIDS MA SCHEDULE UPDATE

As noted in a previous communication, we have a few updates to our Saturday classes
beginning Tuesday January 3rd.
Our Saturday classes will move indoors during the colder winter months.
The ages 4-6 and 7-10 classes will be combined Saturdays with a 10 am start time;
Future Black Belt Saturday classes will start at 10:45 am.
The updated schedule beginning in January is listed on our website.

KIDS MA SCHEDULE

KIDS 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.

The password is listed in the student newsletter

ADULT BJJ PROGRAM

Adults, the timing is right to start training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with our classes restarting this month!

Beginning Wed, January 4th, our adult classes will follow the schedule below. Join one of our trial classes and experience training firsthand!

ADULT BJJ SCHEDULE

Join a trial class here!

CLOSURES

There will be no classes Monday, January 16th

How will and your family you spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Let us know if you are participating in an available service opportunity so that we may share it for others to join!

***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 page; that is for ongoing reserved class times.

BLOG

MORAL OF THE MONTH: RESPECT

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.
Click the button in our student newsletter to share with us!

“Respect begins with this attitude: I acknowledge that you are a creature of extreme worth.”
—Gary Chapman

Respect is a fundamental value that is essential for us to learn and cultivate from a young age. It is about recognizing and honoring the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. Respect comprises empathy and consideration in many ways because having respect means recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and treating others with kindness and compassion.

Not only does it help kids to develop positive relationships with others, but respect also helps them to become responsible and well-adjusted members of society. Respectful individuals enjoy improved relationships, enhanced social and emotional intelligence, a better sense of community and increased self-esteem and resilience.

Respect is also an important value that is emphasized in the dojo. In martial arts training, students are expected to show respect to their instructors and training partners, as well as to the martial arts traditions and principles. However, being respectful is not about blindly following rules or hierarchies; rather, it involves being attentive in class, following instructions and safety rules, and treating others with kindness and consideration.

Respect also means understanding that each person is unique in their path and way of being; consideration for the feelings and needs of others is important. We model this in our inclusive, child-centered classes and by honoring students’ individual goals and motivations in any ways we can.

Teaching kids respect involves setting clear expectations and boundaries, modeling respectful behavior, and consistently reinforcing positive behaviors. It is also important to encourage kids to express their own feelings and thoughts in a respectful manner, and to listen to the feelings and thoughts of others.

Respect is taught through patience, consistency, and a willingness to lead by example. By modeling and reinforcing respectful behavior, we can help children to develop strong character and build healthy relationships with others. It is a crucial value that we should all strive to cultivate and demonstrate in our daily lives.

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!