Meet Tiffany Richards

Great article by AZ Foothills Magazine about our upcoming ME Program to help kids with ADD/ADHD. The program starts Jan 23rd for 90-days and has a maximum of eight students.

Healthy Holiday Challenge hits the Valley

Check out our segment on Sonoran Living and see how you can make three healthy choices each day towards a better you!

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/sonoran_living/how-you-can-get-healthier-slowly

AD/HD Program Making Headlines!

Check out a recent article about our co-designer for the ME Program, helping kids with AD/HD!

A Program to help kids with ADD/ADHD

Introducing the ME Program!

ME: Mental and Martial Enrichment is a new program specially intended for Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts. Co-designed by a world renowned psychologist (and member of our dojo community!) ME teaches specific methodologies and techniques combined with martial arts to help kids with ADD/ADHD. ME will improve focus, mental clarity, help build healthy relationships, develop judgement, help set goals and 'grow the brain.'

ME is a 90-day program that consists of two 50-minute classes per week.
Mon/Wed at 5:30pm starting January 23rd
or
Tues/Thurs at 3:30pm starting January 24th

For more information about ME, please contact us at 480-200-1187

What will you be doing for Winter Break?

Winter Break Camps Coming Up!

Come hang out, have fun and keep up with your martial arts training this Winter Break!

Peaceful Warrior will host two Camps:

December 19 - 21
December 26 - 30

Campers will enjoy daily martial arts classes in karate, jujitsu, sparring, weapons, self defense and more. Campers will also participate in a variety of games and other activities.

Camp is Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm and costs $159/week. We need a minimum of six to host Camp. Please sign up ASAP.

Black Friday Parking Lot Safety Tips

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Black Friday is November 25th, and officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. Your safety and security while out shopping, enjoying the holiday festivities and entertaining should be high on your priority list.

Crank up your intuitive antenna this holiday season. Times are tough for many people and turning to crimes like personal robberies in easy locations - like the shopping malls or mall parking lots - are on the rise!!

Seven Simple Tips For Mall Parking Lot Safety During The Holiday Season

1. Be aware and alert to your surroundings at all times as you are going to your car. Notice who is hanging around the parking lot - especially at night. If you are talking on your cell phone or texting and not paying attention to what's going on around you, you are exactly the person the perpetrator is looking to attack.

2. Have your keys in your hands and be prepared to use your them as a weapon if you are assaulted or attacked. Your keys can be a good weapon to ward off an attacker if used appropriately. Walk to your car with confidence, be prepared, and have some type of personal protection.

3. As you near your car, only unlock the driver's side door with your remote. Wait until you are fairly close to your car before unlocking the doors. Don't give a lurking perpetrator the ability to quickly enter the passenger side of your car.

4. Before getting into your car (especially at night), check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside. Get into the habit of always locking your doors when exiting your car.

5. Don't leave your valuables unattended. This is a great time for the criminal to rip off your packages or your purse. Always be looking around and monitoring the situation. Remember these creeps are opportunistic -don't make it easy for them!!

6. If you're going to be shopping for a while, be sure to wear comfortable shoes...and that's not high heels, ladies! If you are attacked as you head to your car, you may not be able to get away in 3" stilettos. Nix the heels for some comfortable shoes. Think safety first.

7. Avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery or up close to a building - especially if you are by yourself.

ADHD linked to structural brain differences

New study on ADHD. Our ME Program helps to Grow the Brain! http://www.hc2d.co.uk/content.php?contentId=20346

Mental & Martial Enrichment Program combats ADD/ADHD

Peaceful Warrior will soon launch its ME: Mental & Martial Enrichment Program to help kids and families affected by ADD/ADHD. Co-designed by a world renowned psychologist, ME assists with mental and physical development by combining martial arts training with proven methodoligies to 'grow the brain.'





Participants in this program will:

• develop mental focus and clarity




• build self-control




• improve school performance




• eliminate negative attention-seeking behaviors




• maintain healthy relationships with peers, family members and others

ME launches with a pilot program at our Scottsdale, AZ location in the New Year. ME consists of two 50-minute classes per week for 90-days. Families can choose from Mon/Wed starting Jan 23rd at 5:30pm or Tues/Thurs starting Jan 24th at 3:30pm.

Watch this incredible news story about one of our students. Contact us for more information and to enroll at 480-200-1187 or email us at info@peacefulwarriorphx.com

Combat Karate with Sensei Bethea!

This is a rare opportunity to work with Sensei Poage's teacher. Sensei Bethea is a martial arts veteran and only comes to the Valley once a year. Sensei Bethea is an 8th degree black belt, a member of the USKA Hall of Fame and a sport Karate World Champion.

Thursday, November 3rd

Youth Seminar (ages 6-12)
5:35-6:25pm

Adult Seminar (13 and up)
6:30-8:30pm

You will learn:
the inner workings of kata
how to strike and block more effectively
how to defend yourself against a street-wise predator

Healthy Choices Challenge!

The Holidays are upon us and you know what that means. Lots of rich foods, treats and not as much exercise!

From Halloween through New Year's Day we challenge you to make three healthy choices each day! Eeek!!

That means you may need to put down the soda, or come to an extra class to burn off some calories, but it will all be worth it knowing that you participated in choosing health and wellness.

Ideas:
Take an extra class at the dojo like Kid's Fit or an adult class like Yoga to help burn those extra calories;
Drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead of soda;
Eat a large, healthy breakfast every day;
Consume less fried foods (opt for baked instead);
No more sweet night-time snacks. If you are going to snack make sure it's protein like a handful of raw almonds or string cheese;
Go to bed an hour earlier.
Pick a buddy to help hold you accountable, keep a journal of your healthy choices and report back to us every few weeks!

Need more tips? Send us an email.

Fighting ADD/ADHD with Karate!

We just had a wonderful news story air about one of our students who combats his ADHD with martial arts training. Check it out - http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northeast_valley/scottsdale/a-valley-family-fighting-add_adhd-without-the-use-of-medications

Halloween Safety Tips

•Use lights or glow sticks to make your trick or treater easier to see.

•Make sure costumes are fire retardant and if wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are good enough for peripheral vision.

•There is safety in numbers. Travel with a group, trick or treat with friends, and make sure there is an adult around no matter how old the kids are.

•Don't go into anyone's home or yard.

•Wear age appropriate costumes.

•Go to an event you are comfortable with - church event, school function or karate sleepover party (wink..wink).

•Inspect your candy.

•Watch for traffic.

•Stay on well lit streets that have other trick or treaters.

•Don't take short cuts through alleys, canals or desert areas.

Fall Break Camp!

There are a few spots left for the Scottsdale School District's Fall Break Camp.

Join us for a fun-filled week of martial arts, games, outdoor recreation and NO video games or TV! Engage your child in focus, discipline, activity and time with friends.

Monday, October 10th - Friday October, 14th 8:00am-6:00pmOur regular class schedule will still be in effect.

Sensei Bethea Seminar!

This is a rare opportunity to work with Sensei Poage's teacher. Sensei Bethea is a martial arts veteran and only comes to the Valley once a year. Open to ALL styles.

Combat Karate...

Thursday, November 3rd

Youth Seminar (ages 6-12) 5:35-6:25pm

Adult Seminar (13 and up) 6:30-8:30pm

You will learn:

•the inner workings of kata

•how to strike and block more effectively

•how to defend yourself against a street-wise predator

Sensei Bethea is an 8th Degree Black Belt, a member of the USKA Hall of Fame and a sport karate World Champion.

Recommended reading

"The Optimistic Child" by Martin E. SeligmanThis book was suggested by a member of our dojo, Dr. Dan Short. If you have a recommendation that may be useful to your dojo community, please let us know.

Exercise Body & Mind

Time to get up off your rump and join us for our new fitness classes. Come workout both physically and mentally while your child or spouse trains.

Mondays; 6:30pm; Core & Stretch
Tuesdays; 5:30pm; Yoga
Wednesdays; 6:30pm; Pilates
Thursdays; 5:30pm; Kick Boxing
Friday; 5:30pm; Chi Gung
Saturdays; NEW start time! 10:00am; Zumba

All classes are 60-minutes in length. Class descriptions and fees can be found at the dojo. Please contact us with questions or to register.

Student of the Month - May

We are pleased to announce May's Student of the Month: Ben Tischelr!

Ben has been studying karate with Peaceful Warrior since January. He is a dedicated student, attends at least two classes each week and takes his training very seriously. When he's not in the dojo, Ben is practicing at home and learning Japanese. He recently tested for and received his Yellow Training Belt! Oh, did we mention that he's 5-years-old?

Congrats Ben

Martial Arts Philosophies

"A success conscious mind functions rapidly and effectively." - Napoleon Hill

Sensei Poage and I constantly train and study the martial arts, and the philosophies that go along with it. We truly believe that we create our own successes (and failures) by the way we think, act and treat others.

What we give thought (energy) to, we draw into our lives. We also believe this for the students in the dojo. Martial artists can sometimes have the hardest jobs. We feel a lot of pressure and have much to prove. It's a hard pill to swallow if we mess up.

However, we have the ability to be as 'great' as we would like by setting our intentions and then taking action. Even when we get into a 'rut' we can pull ourselves out by using simple and effective strategies to get us back on track. That is the true foundation of martial arts.

Bruce Lee, one of the greatest martial artists in history said, "If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them."

Here are some books from our personal library that we wanted to share with you. We hope you take the time to pick one up!

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey
The Power of Intention - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor E. Frankl
The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz
A Grateful Heart - M.J. Ryan
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life - Dr. Wayne Dyer

Get Ready for the Next Level of Your Martial Arts Journey!

You cannot miss this event! This one-of-a-kind seminar is a MUST for any beginning, intermediate or advanced rank from any system.

Sifu Santa Maria will touch on all aspects of the martial arts including forms, fighting, self-defense, the use of 'chi' and the mysterious Dim Mak (death touch).

You will learn how:
true Martial Arts really works;
to be at least 2x as powerful and 3x as fast with very little effort;
to defend against anyone regardless of size or age!
'Without Boundaries' Seminar
Saturday, May 21st
12-3pm
$40 if paid by May 15th; $50 at the door
Ages 12 and up
32nd St/Greenway

Sifu Santa Maria has been a Black Belt for more than 34 years and is an expert in Tai Lu Chuan Fa, Wing Chun, Shorei-Ryu, Kenpo, Lima Lama, Western Boxing, Aiki Jujitsu and more. He has competed on both National and World levels in the point-fighting and full-contact circuits in the US and Japan.

Contact us for more information.

Summer is Almost Here - What are you doing??

Are you looking for something unique and fun this Summer?

Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts will host (12) weekly Camps beginning May 31st - Aug. 19th. Kids will enjoy three martial arts classes/drills daily, weekly field trips, team-building games, outdoor sports, leadership activites, movies and a variety of other activities.

Field trips include:
private Phoenix Zoo tour
rock climbing
gold mining
mini golf
sporting events
bowling
skating
theatre
Japanese Friendship Garden
and more!

Contact us for more info!

Vagas Baby!

We will attend our very first USA World Championships open tournament in Las Vegas June 24th-26th. Contact us if you are interested in competing or going to support your dojo.

Become a Samurai!

...Or just look really cool with a sword! Join Sensei Poage for his Samurai Sword Seminar. Participants will learn sword handling techniques and a traditional sword kata.

Youth Seminar:
Two Saturdays; May 21st and 28th; 9-10am; $20

Adult Seminar:
Two Saturdays; May 21st and 28th; 10:30am-12pm; $30

FREE Women's Self-Defense Seminar!

Join us for a FREE no-frills introduction course designed to implement basic life-saving techniques for a variety of situations.

Learn to avoid being a target, gain confidence and defend yourself.

Thursday, May 12th
6-7pm

The seminar is limited to the first 30 women (ages 14 and up). Sign up today!

NEW Fitness Classes!

Calling all Couch Potatoes! Time to get up off your rump and join us for our new fitness classes. Come workout while your child or spouse trains.

Mondays; 6:30pm; Core & Stretch
Tuesdays; 5:30pm; Yoga
Wednesdays; 6:30pm; Pilates
Thursdays; 5:30pm; Kick Boxing
Friday; 5:30pm; Chi Gung
Saturdays; 9:30am; Zumba

All classes are 60-minutes in length. Class descriptions can be found at the dojo. Class fees are $119 unlimited (includes all karate and jujitsu classes); $89 for a 10-class punch card; $49 for a 5-class punch card; $15 drop-in.

Please contact us with questions or to register.

April's Student of the Month!

We are pleased to announce April's Student of the Month: Cameron Kessner!

We have been seeing more and more of Cameron in the dojo. He is dedicated, focused and a great competitor. He excels in the tournament arena and recently won a National Championship. In the dojo, Cameron assists his peers, consistently tries new classes and pushes himself outside of his comfort zone.

Congrats Cameron!!

March's Student of the Month: Rachel Hostetler!

Rachel has really stepped up her martial arts training! She began doing jujitsu classes and quickly joined the Adult Conditioning class on Wednesdays (most grown men won't attempt this class!). Soon after, Rachel began sparring. Her diversified training has shown in her martial arts skills! Congrats Rachel!!

April 30th is World Tai Chi & Qigong Day!

"One World...One Breath" On this day each year at 10:00am tens of thousands of people, in hundreds of cities, in more than 70 nations, come together to breathe and provide the world a healing image of our planet and our people. Sensei Poage and I personally practice Qigong (also spelled Chi Gung and Ki Gung) on a daily basis. Not only does it assist with a number of physical ailments, we notice that it helps us to stay balanced, grounded and focused in our daily routines. We will begin to offer Tai Chi/Chi Gung classes at the dojo in May and hope that you can join us!

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix Students Excel at

Six students from Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts recently attended the 2011 USKA Martial Arts Nationals Tournament in Albuquerque, NM on March 25-27. All six students placed high in their divisions. Chance Glover, 13, 1st place sparring, 4th place koshiki; Cameron Kessner, 13, 1st place kata, 4th place weapons; Mackenzie Bouise, 10; 2nd place sparring, 2nd place team sparring, 4th place kata; Julianna Chin-Tung, 12, 3rd place sparring, 3rd place koshiki, 5th place kata; Max Bouise, 12, 4th place weapons, 4th place team sparring; Andrew Rodgers, 11, 5th place kata. “Competing in tournaments has helped me gain confidence at school speaking in front of the class, asking questions and within my friendships,” says Cameron Kessner, a student at Scottsdale Preparatory. “I feel great knowing that I’m part of a bigger team, a team that encourages me to be a better athlete and person. I enjoy supporting my team members and seeing them succeed, knowing that I have helped them train to become great at what they do.” The competitors, all from North Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, began their martial arts training under Sensei Richard M. Poage, a National and World Champion himself and #1-rated Martial Arts Instructor six-years-running. "Martial arts is an excellent way to build confidence and focus," says Poage. "Our programs not only teach karate but assist with life skills that help kids become successful individuals in society." Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts & Healing Center’s Senior Instructor is Richard M. Poage. Mr. Poage has dedicated himself to martial arts for more than 20 years and has been rated the #1 martial arts instructor in Arizona six-years running by the United States Karate Alliance (U.S.K.A.). Mr. Poage is the current U.S.K.A. national champion in full contact continuous karate, a member of the U.S. Pan Am team and has been nominated for the U.S.K.A. Hall of Fame. Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts & Healing Center teaches traditional Okinawa Karate and offers authentic rank from Naha City, Okinawa, Japan, in one of the oldest Karate styles practiced in the world today. The school offers a wide range of classes for youth and adults including Karate, Jujitsu, MMA, Conditioning and Self-Defense.

Tournaments: A parent and student perspective

The Tournament Team at Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts has been rated #1 in Arizona and #4 in the nation five-years running by the United States Karate Alliance (USKA). Our students actively participate in AZ tournaments and travel throughout the Southwest region to go up against some of the toughest competition around. Many of our students have competed and won at State, National and World levels. A parent's point of view by Darren and Suzanne Kessner: Tournaments have helped Cameron grow in many ways both in and out of the dojo. First, his competitive nature has an outlet. It has helped him build confidence in himself and gives him a sense of both self respect and respect for others. His ability to speak in front of people in any situation is directly connected to the ability to perform in front of strangers. In the dojo, techniques are taught but in competition, the creativity to bring those techniques to life is expressed. Prior to karate, Cameron participated in soccer where everyone received a trophy at the end of the season. The first trophy that Cameron won at a local karate tournament was earned solely by his skill. His first comment, "Dad, this is the first trophy that I have really won on my own". That meant a lot to us as parents. Tournaments, particularly the sparring part, have had a profound effect in the area of bullying. Before Cameron started Karate he had been bullied at school several times. The confidence and discipline he now has inside enables him the ability to walk away on his terms and not feel powerless. For us as a family it has been a lot of fun traveling to tournaments around Arizona, California, and New Mexico. We have so many fun "Road Trip" memories. Cameron has met friends from all over. Although he competes against them, he has developed friendships with a common link-karate. Being able to have a competitive edge yet cheer on those very same competitors is not a skill taught but one learned. As parents, we have met a lot of families both within and outside of our dojo and it is very nice connecting with them at karate tournaments and establishing friendships beyond our everyday routines. Cameron's take on tournaments: In my opinion, tournaments are a good way to express yourself, meet other competitors and overall have fun. Tournaments have helped me gain confidence in not only my martial arts part of life but at school speaking in front of the class, asking questions and between my friends. I feel great knowing that I am a part of a bigger team, a team that has my back and encourages me to be a better athlete. Tournaments give me a way to connect to other martial artists whether they are judging me or competing against me. I enjoy supporting my team members and seeing them succeed knowing that I have helped them train and become a better martial artist as well.

March Student of the Month!

Each month Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts will honor a student for their efforts and devotion to the practice of martial arts. This award is given to a dedicated student who repeatedly gives it their all and does their very best. We are pleased to announce February's Student of the Month: Patrick McInerney! Patrick has dedicated himself to becoming a well-rounded martial artist. He participates in karate, sparring and jujitsu, and puts forth maximum effort in all areas of his training. Patrick shows great skill and talent, constantly evolving as a martial artist. Congrats Patrick!!

March is National Nutrition Month!

Despite our best intentions, health and fitness goals set on January 1st are often long forgotten by March.

In addition to attending our new fitness classes for both youth and adults to stay in shape, it's imperative to have a healthy, balanced diet.

In fact, 80% of all health results come from your eating habits!

Is eating healthier on your "to do" list? Are there old herbs and spices, food products containing high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated fats lurking in your cabinets? Take a deep breath, grab your trash bag and get ready to stock up on healthy foods.

In this video clip Dr. Oz talks you through some ideas to purge your pantry. Your family will thank you for it!

Student of the Month

Each month Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts will honor a student for their efforts and devotion to the practice of martial arts. This award is given to a dedicated student who repeatedly gives it their all and does their very best.

We are pleased to announce January's Student of the Month: Mackenzie Bouise!

Mackenzie has put forth extra effort by assisting her peers in their karate training. She has been on the mat consistently helping lower rank students during each class. Mackenzie has also stepped up her own training and has excelled, especially in kata and weapons.

Congrats Mackenzie!!

Spring Break and Summer Camps

Are you looking for something unique and fun this Spring and Summer?

Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts will host Spring Break Camps for Scottsdale and PV USDs.

We will also host (12) weekly Camps throughout summer beginning May 31st - Aug. 19th. Kids will enjoy three martial arts classes/drills daily, weekly field trips, team-building games, outdoor sports, movies and a variety of other activities.

To register, please email or call 480-200-1187.