Big Picture Instructions for Martial Arts School Owners

Allow me to state the obvious: Every living thing on this planet goes through its cycles of life, from birth to disintegration. The needs, focus, and desires of the infant differ from that of the teenager, the mature adult, and the senior citizen. The same idea applies to ones career (the way one makes a living from the time he or she is required to do so, until it is no longer a need).

In a career, like yours for example, your needs, focus, and desires change as you mature. What drives you now might not drive you in the near future. The reasons you do what you do now --and in the future --are probably going to shift. That shift is an opportunity for you to make your career ever more important and relevant to the world and your spiritual connection to it.

That last statement is written with the assumption that you might start your career with very self-focused needs and desires, but that as you mature the motivations might become focused on something else. That is how it has worked in my career. As I’ve matured, my idea of what I do for a living and why I do it has shifted. The circle of my thinking has expanded. I started out taking care of and feeling a sense of responsibility for myself. It expanded to include my family --and now, I have a feeling like a part of what I do for a living is about taking care of the world.

If you share this feeling –or if you see yourself moving in a similar direction, then the remainder of this article is for you.

The Big Picture of School Ownership
Front kicks, phone calls, mats, microphones, retail and renewals, belt tests, much needed rests, taxes, computers, contracts, moms, dads, demos, keys, conventions, employees, advertising, first aid, training, (take a breath) –the list goes on and on. The school owner has many things to do, little things, details, and big, conceptual things, and all of it needs to be managed.

For the last decade in our industry, the “martial arts industry,” we have spent an enormous amount of energy focusing on the small details of school management. EFC, NAPMA, MAIA and other organizations have hammered home the basics, organizing and teaching all of the little management details that every owner needs to know.

In contrast, the big picture of school ownership has been second to business basics. But, in the ever-shifting consciousness of the school owner, in a field where the pursuit of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual “mastery” is often a part of the agenda, big picture thinking is simply too important to take a backseat (at this time in our career) any longer.

Business basics are vital for our businesses health, indeed, for its very survival –just the way that brushing our teeth, looking both ways when crossing a street, and washing our food before we eat it are all essential “basics” for good health. The point is, while we need to master the basics, we don’t LIVE to brush our teeth, to cross streets, or wash food. Something bigger drives us. The little things are not where we find our purpose, our passion, and our drive.

Coincidentally, I hold the opinion that after one becomes proficient at the details, the basics of business, that it’s the big picture thinking that is the “final stage booster rocket” of one’s career. The basics get you up in the atmosphere, but your vision, passion, and spiritual focus is what frees you from the gravitational pull of the mundane.

So, what is the big picture thinking I’m referring to? At this time in my career, I feel the four following concepts represent the opportunities we need to thrive and survive, to grow and evolve as professional teachers and “black belt” citizens of the world:

Peace Education
Anger management, non-violent conflict resolution, “peace thinking,” “peace speaking,” and peace activism are all components of what it is to know peace as well as we, martial arts professionals, know about things relating to the opposite of peace (violence, conflict, etc.). This planet needs peace in the worst way –and we stand in a position to teach peace skills and peace technology in a way that could make a huge difference in the world.

At the moment, the word “peace” is hardly a part of our collective vocabulary. The word is rarely uttered in your average martial arts school. Yet, peace education, in all of its forms, may be the ultimate form of self-defense training. It is the most important, yet missing, ingredient of our teaching “platform,” and it is high time we embrace the techniques of teaching peace to the same degree that we have excelled at teaching blocks, punches, kicks, and grappling.

I believe that teaching peace education in the martial arts industry will drive as many, if not more, students to our schools. It will also make the education we provide our communities more relevant to the needs of our world as it is today.

Environmental Self-Defense
If we don’t take care of this planet, we, as a species, are in big trouble. Taking care of what we use, consume, and throw away, is part of taking care of our fellow man –and for preserving what is essential for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Embracing environmental consciousness, sustainability, renewable resources, and all of the many other ideas and concepts involving “environmental self-defense” are just about absent in our industry.

I believe these concepts are more relevant to self-defense than any block or attack. We are more likely to be hurt by things we do to our environment, by the things we carelessly and thoughtlessly consume, and by our disregard for our footprint on the planet, than we ever will be by the punches, kicks, and chokes of a human opponent. Nevertheless, in the next 30-days, the martial arts world will inspire people to do millions (if not billions) of different maneuvers, but barely a handful of “acts of environmental self-defense.” I think it’s time we embrace a new perspective of “self-defense.”

Community Activism
I believe that community activism, as in doing “things” in the community, is the new paradigm for martial arts school promotion (and curriculum, and intent, and passion, drive, purpose, ect.). In the near future, you will sell lessons in your school something like this:

“Mrs. Johnson, what I do for a living –is to teach people how to manifest the philosophies of the martial arts, like courtesy, respect, focus, perseverance, self-control, and integrity, in their lives, but OUTSIDE of my school, and outside of the realm of anything that has to do with a punch, kick, or throw. Let me give you some examples…”

Those examples will kept in your school’s “project portfolio” –which contains the stories, the documentation, of the actions you have inspired your students to take towards the betterment of your community. Your new focus will be taking the martial arts “out of the dojo and into the world.” Your new “trophies in the window of your school” will be the accomplishments of your students in the real world, motivated by the concepts you teach and practice so diligently on your school’s mat.

Compassion and Reducing the Suffering of Others
Teaching people about compassion, teaching them to embrace the idea of it, and teaching them to practice it, just like peace education, environmental self-defense, and community activism, has more to do with authentic self-defense, deep-rooted-real-this-is-what-in-the-end-will-REALLY-hurt-you self-defense, than almost anything we currently teach in the martial arts world. This is big picture self-defense.

Reducing the suffering of others –is a kind of thinking that comes from the pursuit of spiritual training. For many people, the idea doesn’t hardly penetrate the consciousness, much less manifest itself into any sort of notable action, but for some of us it can become one of the primary motivating factors for doing what we do.

I think that talking about and teaching compassion and ideas for reducing the suffering of others deserves at least one-tenth of the time we, as an industry, have spent on learning how to answer our phones and upgrade memberships.

There’s More, But…
I haven’t spelled out here exactly how to pursue the topics I’ve outlined above, but I have some specific ideas about how to proceed. If anything I’ve written has made you think, if you are already on this path –or in anyway hear a ring of truth in it, please feel free to contact me for further discussion. I’m actively looking for the next generation of thinkers and activists in the martial arts community. From a “big picture perspective,” I think we have some wonderful opportunities ahead of us, both to expand the value of what it means to be a martial arts educator and to shift our thinking to a place that brings us an all-new level of career satisfaction.

About the Author
Tom Callos is a 6th degree black belt under Master Teacher Ernie Reyes, Sr. He is the designer and team coach for the Ultimate Black Belt Test (http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com/) and The 100 (http://www.theonehundred.org/). Tom resides in Placerville, CA and can be reached by e-mail at tomcallos@gmail.com or by phone at 530-903-0286.

Your Attitude and Perspective Shapes Your Experiences

(A lesson in Martial Arts Mastery)


You Know This
As you were reading the title of this report, your brain probably had an automatic moment of acceptance of the idea of it, as we all, I believe, have a basic understanding that our own attitude and the way we choose to look at things shapes our experiences. Most likely you thought –or think –“I know that.”

It’s Not What You Know…
Yes, well, it is one thing to “know” something --and another to apply what you “know” repeatedly, consistently and in most all situations. To know is one thing, to make that knowledge work for you, automatically and without conscious thought, is another. To know something is to own a hammer; to have that knowledge working for you, automatically out of training, habit, and self-discipline, is like having a crew of ten carpenters working on your behalf.

It’s Just Like the Martial Arts
Learning, practicing, and “knowing” the martial arts is closely connected to learning, practicing, and “knowing” that attitude shapes experience. To really “know” the martial arts, one has to practice the various techniques and ideas to the point of complete absorption, to the point when a block, parry, punch, or throw is delivered without thought, but from instant reaction at the perfect time and place. This kind of knowing means that the brain goes on automatic while under pressure, while over-stimulated by stress, demand, and adrenaline. This skill, for most of us, comes from practice. It comes from forming, building, and strengthening the neural pathways and muscle memories that turn thoughts into automatic responses.

The Path is as Important as the Destination
What good is knowing the martial arts if you can’t apply the techniques when you need them? Likewise, what good is it in knowing that your attitude and perspective shapes your experiences --if you are unable to apply the idea, consistently and effectively, to your life when you need it? Yes, mastery is the goal. Putting the technique or idea on auto-pilot, that’s the highest level of skill. However, the path to mastery is as important as mastery itself.

With the martial arts, the point of practice is to master the movements --on all levels (physically, mentally, and spiritually). However, practicing the movements is just as great a benefit –if not a greater one –as mastering the movements. It is through the repetitive practice of all the movements that one gets fit, learns to focus, learns when to conserve and when to unleash, and learns to perform despite fears or instinctive responses (like: RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!). It is during the practice that one interacts with his or her teachers and classmates and garners the experiences, friendships, and memories that are often equal too (or greater than) the physical benefits of the practice itself.

The Magic Resides in the Practice
As with physical practice and mastery, practicing the idea that our attitude shapes our experiences is where the greatest benefits may reside. While we want to “know” this concept automatically, we want the idea to kick in when we need it and control our experiences by controlling how we see and translate them, it is practicing this concept, situation after situation and day after day, that gives us the greatest return.

It’s the repetitive and conscious practice that gets and keeps us mentally fit –and is equal, I believe, to the benefit of knowing it completely. During the practice of shaping our attitude and outlook on life’s difficulties, we sharpen our mental and emotional coping skills –and quite often, we make friends and realize the benefits of forgiveness, compassion, kindness, and love.

Practice is just as important, if not more important, than mastery. Practice is life; mastery is achievement. Mastery might not even exist! The point might be that the practice and pursuit of mastery is the most beneficial aspect of the journey.

Thank You Sir, May I have Another?
So, I say welcome the emotional and mental difficulties and challenges of life --as you welcome the beginning of a martial arts class. You know it’s going to make you sweat, you know you’re going to have to work, but it’s GOOD! You commit yourself to a class, willingly and (hopefully) enthusiastically. You happily accept the challenges of training, because you know it is how you improve. Why not do the same with your attitude and perspective on life (and its challenges)?

Practice developing a good attitude and healthy, peaceful outlook about things that would normally drive you nuts –or bring you down. Tell yourself positive things about the what, where, when, why, and who of situations that might normally send you off the deep end. Practice smiling when you might have cried, practice being calm when you want to blow a fuse.

Tell yourself that THIS IS YOUR TRAINING, your classroom, your instruction, your lessons. This is what makes you a master. Don’t know and teach the idea that attitude is everything –PRACTICE IT! LIVE IT!

Tom Callos
http://www.tomcallos.com/
www.ultimateblackbelttest.com

UBBT Thoughts for the Masses (and stuff)

The idea that your black belt test...

• And this means YOUR test, whether it transpires this year or one, two, or three years from now [because you’re always "in-training," right?] –or whether it’s the test for one or more of your students)...

• Is one of your most potent and powerful tools for communicating to your community; for promoting your school; for promoting and propagating what makes your school and YOU a unique, brilliant, amazing, valuable and righteous commodity...

• Yes, this idea that your testing PROCESS is THE thing that drives your school –that makes your services extraordinary –that gives you recognition – this, you understand is NEW. In the old-school system, testing was a small, small part of "the process" of school promotion. Promotion had a different face...

And it (innovative, creative "out of the dojo and into the world" curriculum) need not be limited to black belts —ideas could be added to all belt levels. WHY? To make real the promises of the martial arts! That we do, indeed, develop more functional, balanced, self-disciplined people –thru MA training and mentoring.
AND ...

Your life! What about your life? How about YOU?!! (It’s always about you, isn’t it?)...
What are you doing –how do you LIVE –what are your habits –and how do you evolve and grow? What if you lived a lifestyle of "mastery practice"???? —physical mastery (always training and polishing and learning); educational mastery (reading, listening, seeking out heroes, hanging with people that inspire you); spiritual mastery (seeking what is not physical, but about your compassion and ability to love); emotional mastery (becoming the ruler of your emotions –so that they serve you)?

What if the UBBT was part of the model you used to LIVE? How? By reminding you to set lofty goals –to work on those goals methodically –to connect with people who inspire you –to put yourself OUT THERE as a tool for personal growth? Oh, and to DO for others...

SO...the next time, Mr. or Ms. Martial arts school owner, that you are sitting down to plan (or implement) your school’s advertising campaign ----think about the idea that buying an ad isn’t 1/1000th as powerful as getting up, first thing, in the morning and training –while inspiring others to do the same. That 15 minutes of meditation training under a master is more important to your school that 15 ads in the "Big Nickel" ----and that your school doing 1000 acts of kindness in 30 days is a thousand times better that spending $1000 on advertising in the next month.

And when it’s MOST powerful –is when you decide (and act upon) that you are going to MAKE
A DIFFERENCE in the WORLD by getting people to exercise –and thus begin to find their vitality and center —and that you’re going to help people learn about meditation –to connect with their inner-voice and calmness –and when you’re going to talk about self-defense from a GLOBAL perspective...

Most of all –when you live and breath these things —when you take action in the world...that’s when it’s most powerful -----and THAT is what separates you from all the others –that is the leap that few instructors/leaders take. What is your Tree? (Seen this video?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDrb03cqvrA

Yes, "What is your tree?" INDEED!

When you MASTER this approach –you will have mastered the USP of your school –your marketing strategy –and at the same time you will be happier, healthier, and on the road, I believe, to becoming a practicing "master." It’s it cool that all of these things are really the same thing?

Oh, and allow me to remind you —you’re not alone here! You have staff members...you have students...you ALL DO IT TOGETHER! Supporting each other –helping –focusing –it’s your collective energy that makes the team effort greater than anything any individual could accomplish alone.

Tips for School Management –ad and promotion campaign...etc!

1. Look over the UBBT site. As imperfect as it is –do you see how it SELLS the process? How’s your school’s black belt site? Any journaling? Any public involvement? Is it a "test" —or one-hell-of-a-life-experience? Is there another site or MA school that has anything comparable? ----oh yes, and what are you SELLING anyway?

2. Are you asking for –and directing –your staff members and senior students towards personal mastery? Are you mentoring them –or do they just "WORK FOR YOU?" If you’re NOT doing it yourself –working the work...then I’ll bet you aren’t —how could you? What kind of hypocrite are you! HOWEVER, if you’re living it, day-in and day-out –with the struggle and the defeats and all of it —you won’t barely have to say a word and you’ll inspire.

3. Your "PROJECTS" define you as a person. Your PROJECTS! What are yours? Then, next: What projects have you inspired others to tackle? Personal? Community? Global? Environmental? Art? Mentoring? Projects could run your school –and drive your publicity/enrollment campaign.

4. WHO are you talking to today? Yourself? Your staff? To make your school fly you need to talk to prospective members or to people who can HELP you talk to prospective members. THE MEDIA. When’s the last ime you had a good, solid, motivational chat with a member of your local media –a teacher –or a business owner who deals with lots of your potential students?


CLASS TEACHING TIPS

1. Make the first 5 minutes of your class AMAZING! Make those 5 minutes COUNT! Make people feel powerful, pumped up, focused, friendly, relaxed, connected, and welcome! MAKE YOUR FIRST 5 MINUTES go WOW (big time)....and then....

2. Make the second 5 minutes AMAZING...and do that every five minutes for 45 minutes. THAT is an awesome class.

3. Find a theme and/or message in your class (at least once a week, if not every day) that pierces the heart of your students –that drives a spike of recognition and compassion into their GUTS...

There’s no shortage of subjects...but what you must do is become a master story-teller —and tell stories that remind people how valuable your services are –how valuable the community you’ve created (and that they are a part of) is —and that reminds them to treat themselves and others with deep respect —to apply perseverance to life, to their daily challenges —to get them to FOCUS on the fact that giving your self over to the service of others is most of what gives you perspective, happiness, and life-satisfaction...

The better you are at THE MESSAGE —the more emotional connection/commitment you get from those around you. Want to keep students? Forget contracts –and go for connection/emotion/inspiration!