NEW: "The Last Airbender" Winter Olympics TV Commercial

Here is the latest commercial for "The Last Airbender". It aired during the winter olympics in Canada.

SNOW'D IN! --- Some thoughts from Master Liciaga....

SNOW'D IN? Classes Cancelled? No karate? Kids at home?

If your child's karate classes are cancelled and they are "stuck" at home, there is no reason why they cannot still practice their martial arts! This is the perfect time to remind our children on the importance of helping out at home.

First, know that your child can make up any classes missed! You can even schedule a short private lesson (10 to 15 minutes) with one of his instructors.

In addition to that, here are some suggestions for kids stuck at home:

1. Review being a "first-time listener"
2. Practice the "Focusing Rules"
3. Review/Practice warming up or strength training (ie, push ups, sit ups, and jumping jacks, etc.)
4. Practice basic techniques: high blocks, palm strikes, front kicks, etc. (see sample videos below)
5. For Leadership Team members, review this months leadership skill, "Confidence".
6. For students that are intermediate or advanced, they can review their one-step or forms dvds. NOTE: Ask us about purchasing the dvd's.

Here are some samples videos...

"Focusing Rules"

"Warming Up"

"Strength Training"

"High Blocks"

"Plam Strike"

"Front Kick"

Black Belt Leadership @ DKC

Greetings everyone.

I thought that I would give a brief description of what black belt leadership is at dkc.

First of all let me say that my opinion (personal & professional) about what martial arts IS has developed and expounded considerably since I first started martial arts 38 years ago. For me, martial arts is about becoming the best human you could be. Committing to developing yourself on all levels (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually). When someone expresses their desire to train in martial arts, I am excited because at that moment of declaration I am convinced that I am looking at a future black belt. My assumption is that this person is going to seriously consider martial arts as the strategy to become the greatest person they could ever be.

Anyway, what is a black belt? The following is taken from one of my leadership workbooks.

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BLACK BELT LEADERSHIP BASICS

What is a black belt?
A black belt is someone with a basic foundational understanding of the moral and technical qualities of a martial art system.

What is a master black belt?

This is the highest level of moral character and technical proficiency of a martial art practitioner. Because master black belts train black belts, they must know everything the black belts know, as well as understand the history and theory on which the respective martial art is based. Masters must be able to exemplify the characteristics of a black belt leader in day to day life in general.

What is a leader?

From the American Heritage Dictionary, a leader is:

1. One that leads or guides

2. One who is in charge or in command of others

3. One who heads a political party or organization

4. One who has influence or power, especially of a political nature

From the same source, we hear that leadership is:

1. The position or office of a leader

2. Capacity or ability to lead

3. A group of leaders

4. Guidance; direction

Don Clark, of Big Dog Leadership defines leadership in this way:

"Leadership is a complex process by which a person influences others to accomplish a mission, task or objective; and directs an organization or group in such a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent."

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My challenge to everyone is to watch your instructors (myself included) and evaluate our actions and our words…see how we live our lives and see if there is a congruency between the two.