Kinder Karate Belle Vernon

Martial arts is a MANDATORY life skill. Change my mind. (This was the best explanation I’ve ever seen of why this is true - READ IT!!!)

I know it’s late for a #FlashbackFriday, but I wanted to post this anyway. When people ask what makes my programs (and my teaching) so different, I tell them it is these experiences. It is NOT the black belts I’ve earned or the physical training I’ve had. It is the training I’ve invested in for my (own) brain. And it is THIS training that I incorporate into my Kinder Karate programs (and beyond), and that my students are able to benefit from. Michael Bernoff is the man with me in the picture, and is one of my mentors and changed the course of my life. So proud to be able to continue this legacy with children!

I just love my Kinder Karate students! They are all so unique, and I love being part of their journey! It's like watching little caterpillars turn into butterflies. It's always sad when they fly away, but Mr. C gets to take over their journey, so I know they are in good hands!

Three and four year olds can ABSOLUTELY do well in the martial arts, IF they’re given the proper environment in which to learn. #kinderkaratepittsburgh #morethankarate #childdevelopment #neuroscience #kinderkaratebellevernon #kinderkaratemckeesport

Every breath you take after 50 is a choice between creativity and stagnation. ~ Gay Hendricks

This is a follow up to the video I posted before. When a child walks in my doors, I only see what they COULD be, and NOT what the parent has already told me that they ARE. Parents forget that their descriptions, or labels as I call them, can actually become self-fulfilling prophecies. So, the "miraculous" changes that I often get from kids are really no miracle or secret at all... I just give them a new LABEL.

This 4 year old has been a student in my Kinder Karate program for over a year. I shared with her mom how she helped to mentor another student in her class that was new. Her mom said that Kinder Karate has helped her so much, because when she came to us, she was shy. Funny thing is, I don't remember that. I don't remember her being shy... maybe that is because when I look at a child, I don't see what IS -- I only see what COULD BE. This girl is a little leader, and she COULD be something tremendously special and exceptional, if her mom allows me the honor of continued years of mentoring with her. So thankful for these opportunities! #morethankarate #confidencecoaching #kinderkaratebellevernon #kinderkaratemckeesport #kinderkaratepittsburgh #leadershipdevelopment

A good LOL #kinderkaratepittsburgh #kinderkaratemckeesport #kinderkaratebellevernon #Ninjability

Working on reaction drills in our Kinder Karate classes. When they see one color, it is a kick. When they see the other, it is a strike. This drill works on the mental skills of PATIENCE (wait for the pad before you strike), FOCUS (strike the right pad with the proper technique), and MEMORY (which pad goes with which technique). It is also working on physical skills, like speed, keeping your hands up, eye contact, and tracking a target, plus the actual techniques themselves. #morethankarate #kinderkaratebellevernon #kinderkaratepittsburgh #kinderkaratemckeesport #childdevelopment #confidencecoaching #kali

For our character requirement in our Kinder Karate programs, we are working on the basics of making friends. We have worked on introducing themselves, and this week, finding things in common. The kids were asked to draw themselves doing something they liked or something important to them. I love when the picture includes karate! #characterbuilding #morethankarate #kinderkaratemckeesport #kinderkaratebellevernon #kinderkaratepittsburgh #Ninjability

Raya uses Kali, a Filipino martial art to fight the bad guys. Our martial arts classes for kids teach EXCLUSIVELY Kali, which is a great martial art that focuses on practical, easy to use self defense, without all the extras that traditionally focus on memorization, instead of reaction. It's much more than just "swinging sticks;" kids learn a progression from empty hands to single padded sticks, then onto the full double sticks that Raya uses. Our classes are REAL martial art...s classes, and also focus on kicking, blocking, striking, strengthening and conditioning, and perhaps the MOST important -- CHARACTER building! But MORE than that, they combine martial arts with obstacles and fluid movements (think - jumping and rolling) to give kids the whole spectrum of FUN! Schedule a no-obligation class by calling 412-673-0576. www.WhatsYourNinjability.com. **** Our Kinder Karate classes (age 3-6) do NOT use sticks -- they are a pre-ninja class that prepares them for our Ninjability programs. See more

This is one of my 4 year old students, she's been with me about a year. I love this video, because she shows no fear, no hesitation, just gets right into it! It's the cornerstone of what we do -- we build CONFIDENCE -- we just use the martial arts (and FUN!) to do it! Congratulations, Ali... you are growing into quite the little leader! #KinderKarate #MorethanKarate #confidencecoaching #karatefor4yearolds #girlpower

Hey parents! I’m about to share a secret with you! This may save you time, headaches, and maybe even prevent a fight or two this week (post Christmas)!

Working on GRATITUDE as our character word this cycle. It's so much more than just being thankful. It's the ACTIONS you take that cement the gratitude BETWEEN you and that person, place or thing that you cherish. #kinderkarate #kinderkaratebellevernon #kinderkaratemckeesport #kinderkaratepittsburgh #CharacterEducation #WeAreStillHereForYou