One of the best ways to have an amazing class is to decide beforehand, exactly HOW it will be an amazing session. Every time you are about to take a lesson, whether it’s online with our video classes or in person, DECIDE. Decide what your intention will be. At the end of this class, will you be: More flexible? Stronger? … Read More
Our First Black Belt Little Leader!
I am proud to announce that this past weekend, we graduated a student to black belt that started with us in our LITTLE LEADERS program when he was 3 years old! I remember watching his first few classes… He wouldn’t get on the practice floor. He held onto dad’s leg for dear life. When he finally got comfortable, he refused … Read More
What’s With the Dummy Outside?
“Sooooo what’s with the dummy outside?” “Excuse me sir, but his name is Bob, he works hard, and he has feelings too.” 🤪 BOB (Body Opponent Bag) has become the de facto mascot of Super Kicks, and he likes it when you punch him in the face, stomp him in the stomach, and wring his neck from behind. Never hit … Read More
Sorry, I Can’t Teach You
Several years ago, my son Judah decided he had an interest in playing the violin. “Hey Dad, can you teach me how to play? I’d love to learn!” I started playing the violin in the 2nd grade, and have played ever since, so it was only natural that he would ask me. I’ve taken breaks during my life of course, … Read More
Discouraged About Your Progress? Read This [90-second read]
Ever had a week that was busy, crazy, you were hustling and pumping, and you knew that you were moving the ball forward… but when you stopped and looked back, you couldn’t figure out what you ACTUALLY accomplished? Welcome to every human, EVER, right?! Sometimes, this is also how it feels with our martial arts training. We come to class, … Read More
What, You Don’t Struggle Getting to the Gym?
Every so often, I hear this from a parent: “Master Alley, he loves it when he’s here, but sometimes it’s a struggle actually GETTING him here? What do I do?” You bring him to class. “But I don’t want to force him.” Bring him to class. Sometimes, we need a push, don’t we? No one is motivated 100% of the … Read More
3 Reasons to Compete in Tournaments (and Winning Didn’t Make the Cut)
I fully expected to win. I was big for my age. Strong. A talented martial artist. And on the local tournament scene, I dominated. I was a good fighter when I was 15, and I was excited to show what I could do in my first national tournament. I’ll spare you the details. I got dead last. If I had … Read More
Give it to the Scariest Student
Scary students. That’s what I want. Mean. Intense. Kind. Compassionate. Monsters. Yes… yes, I do. And the red stripe this week went to… the scariest student! In every class, we finish by recognizing one student with a red stripe on their belt, the “attitude of the day” stripe. We present it to someone that we feel made the most progress … Read More
Everything is Difficult in the Beginning!
Remember these 6 words: Everything is difficult in the beginning! It’s always important to remember that as you’re learning a new skill, as you’re learning a new technique, it’s possible you’re always going to be bad at first. Maybe you’re one of those people that are super talented and can pick something up immediately. That’s awesome! I’m not one of those … Read More
I Confirmed Their Suspicions: Americans are CRAAAAZYY!
Shock. Awe. Disbelief. Who thinks that way? Who says that? The look on everyone’s face as we all sat there eating was worth the whole trip 🙂 Let me back up. Last year, I went on a vacation to Italy, but not a sightseeing trip. It was a swim vacation! Every day, 4-5 kilometers of swimming along the coastline of … Read More