The Makoto After School Martial Arts Program: “Teaching the Elements of Success.”
As cliché as it sounds, the Makoto after school martial arts program was designed to strengthen the body… expand the mind… and inspire the spirit.
STRENGTHENING THE BODY
Studies done by Yale professors and top psychologists show that movement – whether it’s exercise or play – makes our brain circuits more flexible. And the more flexible our brains the better we are at problem solving… creative thinking… and adapting.
That’s why at Makoto we MOVE! Our after school martial arts students are always jumping… running… and lifting. Because moving sharpens the brain.
But the Makoto after school martial arts program is more than an “after school activity” We’ve designed a proprietary physical education program where students…
• Strength Train twice a week. Don’t confuse strength training with weight lifting. They are not one and the same. Strength training is the same as resistance training — exercised done with light weights or a student’s one body weight. When done on a weekly basis, strength training will (1) increase a student’s muscle strength and endurance, (2) protect their joints from future injuries and (3) boost a student’s metabolisim. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Starting strength training at an early age will fuel a fitness habit that will last a lifetime.
• Use “Fluid Methodology*” (based upon the Pose Method) to learn proper body movements so they can jump higher, throw farther, and kick harder. *Fluid Methodology is a propietary program created by the Makoto staff for sole use at any and all Makoto locations.
• Can get a body evaluation from one of the top Physical Therapists in the nation. Knowing each student’s strengths and weaknesses (ex. short hamstrings but limber shoulders) allows us to tailor the physical activities to their needs. The result… Makoto members can train properly and become superior athletes.
• Get a chance to increase dexterity and fine motor skills through such fun activities as juggling and origami.
Every activity done in the Makoto after school martial arts program has a purpose. EVERYTHING.
EXPANDING THE MIND
Today, our youth seems to have ever increasing demands. Get your homework done… get ready for soccer… and don’t forget to practice the violin, cello, and flute. With so much riding on their shoulders, they get stressed… EASILY.
In the Makoto after school martial arts program we teach students how to decompress through meditation. More specifically, we teach the meditative disciplines of Zazen and Kundalini. Both which use breathing… correct posture… and hand positions to calm the mind.
Because according to a Harvard study, youth who find a way to deal with day-to-day stresses by themselves, learn how to cope with the unexpected. They learn how to adapt and therefore have less fear of the unknown or taking risks.
INSPIRING THE SPIRIT
“Greatness is a learned behavior.” — Sensei Ben La France
Greatness was never achieved by sitting on the couch or staying status quo. It was earned by setting goals… achieving them… and trying new things.
That’s why the Makoto after school martial arts program encompasses martial arts and success skill training into its program. Because both elements focus — whether it’s working hard for that next belt or paying attention to another person — to motivate students towards greatness.
MARTIAL ARTS
At Makoto, after school martial arts students will train in Japanese Kempo… an established martial art that blends time-honored samurai values with traditional American standards. Yes, students will earn belts and graduate levels (all the way to Black Belt). But they will also earn so much more…
• Confidence. When kids know how to defend themselves they’re confident and less likely to fall victim to bullies or peer pressure. And if your child can handle a bully on the playground, imagine what they’ll do to a bully in the boardroom.
•Motivation. Getting to that Black Belt is great motivation. Your kids will set goals to get from one belt to the next… achieve them… and then do it again. Soon they’ll have a “go and get it attitude” that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
• Perseverance. The martial arts are not always easy. Your kids will learn to push themselves and there will be times that they stumble. But they will also learn to get up… go on… and eventually WIN.
Plus… fairness, respect, and discipline. Everything your kids need to know to be successful in life.
LIFE COACHING
How many times in a given day do you hear the words, “I want” from your kids? Two… ten… fifty? One time too many, right? The Makoto after school martial arts program has partnered with a premier Life Coach to build a spirit-strengthening Life Skills Program. Through daily discussions… “Word of the Month”… and character building activities, students will learn to…
• Listen actively. Look at a person while they’re speaking. Make eye contact. And don’t judge. Truly listening will not only help students to build better personal relations, it will help them with productivity. After all, if your kids know exactly what to do, they can do it.
• Pay attention to body language. Are you facing someone while they are talking to you? What is the right way to shake hands? Are you paying attention to personal space? These are just a few things our students learn.
• Fail. Kids need to learn that failing isn’t the end of the world. It happens. It’s life. It will teach them what doesn’t work and to be flexible… change… and move forward. In fact, a recent study revealed that youth who realize that failing is just a step to success are more confident in themselves and their abilities.
There is a great big world out there and our after school martial arts students are not at the center of it. By realizing that there are other people to pay attention to — and take care of — our students will become successful members of society. Not to mention, well liked.
