Monday Miyagi 012510

Today's Monday Miyagi is c/o The New York Times and is a "Modern Miyagi" -- a lesson for today's digital world. In addition to the privacy setting suggestions in the article below, I would also encourage all of our students and parents to be mindful of what you choose to post on FB. From status updates, to links, to photos and more your digital posts are viewable by more people than you imagine. Viewable by "only friends," "everyone," or something inbetween, the impression you make online is permanent. As a martial artist, or parent of one, make sure the impression you make in person, or online, is a positive one.

Stay Focused,
Mr. Herrman




The 3 Facebook Settings Every User Should Check Now

In December, Facebook made a series of bold and controversial changes regarding the nature of its users' privacy on the social networking site. The company once known for protecting privacy to the point of exclusivity (it began its days as a network for college kids only - no one else even had access), now seemingly wants to compete with more open social networks like the microblogging media darling Twitter.

Those of you who edited your privacy settings prior to December's change have nothing to worry about - that is, assuming you elected to keep your personalized settings when prompted by Facebook's "transition tool." The tool, a dialog box explaining the changes, appeared at the top of Facebook homepages this past month with its own selection of recommended settings. Unfortunately, most Facebook users likely opted for the recommended settings without really understanding what they were agreeing to. If you did so, you may now be surprised to find that you inadvertently gave Facebook the right to publicize your private information including status updates, photos, and shared links.

Want to change things back? Read on to find out how.

Tuesday Teens & Adults - Empathy W1

The Powerful Word of the Month this month is “empathy.” Empathy is the ability to take a walk in someone else’s shoes in order to read, understand, “feel” and respond to other people’s feelings. It may seem counter-intuitive to set goals that incorporate the feelings of other people. But it’s necessary if we, as leaders, are going to make a difference. U.S. President Barack Obama said; “we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us...when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help.” Empathy gives us motivation to respond to others.

Week 1: This week, we’re talking about reading and understanding people’s feelings. People are often so focused on themselves that they barely look up enough to access how others are feeling. But how can we understand each other-- understand differences-- compromise and come to decisions without understanding one another’s feelings? As Atticus Finch said in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird; "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." How can we do that? In what circumstances is it important to know someone’s real feelings? How can empathy make us better leaders? This week, your Powerful Thought Assignment is to rate yourself from 1 to 10 on your ability to be empathetic. How good are you at understanding, reading, feeling, and responding to people’s feelings? What would make your score 1 point higher?

Monday Miyagi 011110

In honor of my next trip to ProMac at the end of this week I am sharing a recent post from Mr. Kovar for our Monday Miyagi. Enjoy!

You Can Judge a Person’s Character by the Way They Treat the People Least Important to Them

To my knowledge, Chuck Norris’ last theatrical release was back in the early 90’s. The movie was called “Sidekicks”. I know this because we had the distinct privilege of hosting him on his cross country promotional tour. I believe he visited 22 cities in 23 days and we were his last stop.

Our job was to escort him around town from theater to theater in the capacity of crowd control and security. Before the tour began, he had agreed to come by the school to meet students and take a few pictures. Over 500 people showed up, and because we were pressed for time, we had to push the line through quickly so we could make it to the first theater on time. My wife wanted to meet him so she popped in line along with everyone else. When her turn came, she greeted him, told him her name, mentioned that she was my wife, said how honored we were to have him visit and then moved on down the line. When it was time to leave the school, we packed into two vehicles, my brother Tim and 4 of our Black Belts in the lead vehicle and Mr Norris, myself and his entourage in the limo to follow. I have to tell you, I was pretty stoked. I was going to be spending the next 5 hours riding around in a limo with Chuck Norris. Before we left the parking lot, Mr Norris looked across at me and said, “Is your wife Angelina going to be able to join us in the limo? We would love to have her.” I was jaw dropped. He just met 500 people in about a half an hour, my wife being one of them, and he remembered her name.

Over the next few hours, I looked on as Chuck Norris probably signed the better part of 1000 autographs at several different locations. What was amazing to me was that with every person he met, he went out of his way to connect with them and make them feel special. In the limo ride between stops, he could not have been more pleasant. Never once the entire evening did I see him show the least bit of irritation with the crowds, the silly questions or the hurried pace, and keep in mind, he’d been at it for nearly a month straight.

Chuck Norris made a major impression on me that day. One I will not forget. It didn’t matter whom he met, how old they were, or what they looked like. He treated everyone with sincere respect. He was a class act all the way and a great example of how one should treat others. In my opinion, he deserves all the success life has given him.

Monday Miyagi 010410

This week's Monday Miyagi is c/o of Mark's Daily Apple. Enjoy!

It’s a Journey, Not a Race. The scent of desperate, hopeful sweat is in the air, and everywhere you look, folks sporting brand spanking new exercise gear and a list full of resolutions lie to themselves. They keep up the charade for a couple weeks, perhaps even a month, after which point the gym crowds taper off, the farmers’ markets stop looking like a mosh pit set to NPR, and people begin thinking about next year’s changes. Yep – it’s the New Year, and this is the entirely-predictable-and-requisite post on New Year’s resolutions.

Did you make any? Jokes aside, not all resolutions are created equally – or with identical purpose of mind. Your average PBer, for example, actually intends to make good on his or her resolution. I dunno, but I just have a feeling that’s the case. You tend to get things done. I’ve seen the amount of progress you guys have made using nothing but your own impetus (and maybe a book or blog or two) (no holiday required), and it’s impressive. With a little motivation, though, MDA reader progress seemed to increase exponentially. Still, people are weird about New Year’s resolutions. Since the New Year is paradoxically famous for both motivating resolve and inspiring cynicism about the whole “making positive changes” thing, I figured a small post by yours truly to buttress your resolve and undercut the cynicism might help. I’m a big proponent of making positive changes in one’s life, and I can’t help but get misty-eyed when people decide to enrich their lives.

A big part of making positive changes, especially regarding health and fitness, is being realistic about your goals. I think unreasonable expectations actually explain why so many New Year’s resolutions crash and burn, and why the whole idea of a resolution has essentially become a joke. I’d say the vast majority of them expect too much in too little time – they want to go from belly fat to washboard abs in time for summer, or they pledge to lose a hundred pounds by year’s end. I mean, these are technically doable for a subset of the population, but for the vast majority of folks – especially the people who need to make these resolutions in the first place – such drastic results require slow, steady going. People don’t like that, though. They want instant results. More importantly, they seem to expect them, and unreasonable expectations almost unerringly result in disappointment.

Continue reading...

AMA Fitness Challenge - Day 12 of 12

AMA Fitness Challenge Day 12/12:
12 x Jumping Jacks
*Open = Feet straddle hands clap overhead, Closed = Feet together hands clap thighs

The comments function on this blog doesn't seem to be working, so just record your times and you can email me after completing Day 12. Have Fun!

There are 3 levels:
Level 1 (Dragon Challenge) = Do just the exercise for the day

• 12 x Jumping Jacks

Level 2 (Basic Challenge) = Start with the exercise for the day and work your way back to Day 1, completing every exercise for every day in-between

• 12 x Jumping Jacks
  
• 11 x Alternating Lunges
• 10 x Squat Jumps
• 9 x Burpees
• 8 x Russian Twists
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
  

Level 3 (Black Belt Challenge) = Complete the fitness exercise for Day 1, then complete the fitness exercise for Day 2 & Day 1, then complete Days 3, 2, & 1... all the way up to the current days workout and back to Day 1. See the lyrics for the "12 days of Christmas" for more details :)

• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 5 x Push Ups
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 8 x Russian Twists
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 10 x Squat Jumps
  
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 11 x Alternating Lunges
  
• 10 x Squat Jumps
  
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 12 x Jumping Jacks
  
• 11 x Alternating Lunges
  
• 10 x Squat Jumps
  
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches

AMA Fitness Challenge - Day 11 of 12

AMA Fitness Challenge Day 11/12:
11 x Alternating Lunges

*Start by standing with one foot forward, and the other foot back. Bend both knees until your back knee almost touches the mat and the thigh of your front leg is parallel to the floor. (do not let your front knee move forward past your front toes). Stand and switch feet or Jump and switch feet in mid-air landing in the opposite lunge position.

The comments function on this blog doesn't seem to be working, so just record your times and you can email me after completing Day 12. Have Fun!

There are 3 levels:
Level 1 (Dragon Challenge) = Do just the exercise for the day

• 11 x Alternating Lunges

Level 2 (Basic Challenge) = Start with the exercise for the day and work your way back to Day 1, completing every exercise for every day in-between

• 11 x Alternating Lunges
• 10 x Squat Jumps
• 9 x Burpees
• 8 x Russian Twists
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
  

Level 3 (Black Belt Challenge) = Complete the fitness exercise for Day 1, then complete the fitness exercise for Day 2 & Day 1, then complete Days 3, 2, & 1... all the way up to the current days workout and back to Day 1. See the lyrics for the "12 days of Christmas" for more details :)

• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 5 x Push Ups
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 8 x Russian Twists
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 10 x Squat Jumps
  
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 11 x Alternating Lunges
  
• 10 x Squat Jumps
  
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches

AMA Fitness Challenge - Day 10 of 12

AMA Fitness Challenge Day 10/12:
10 x Squat Jumps

*Start with feet slightly wider than shoulders (toe out slightly) bend knees and touch fingertips of both hands to mat between your feet, jump so that feet leave the mat and land back in squat position with fingertips touching mat.

The comments function on this blog doesn't seem to be working, so just record your times and you can email me after completing Day 12. Have Fun!

There are 3 levels:
Level 1 (Dragon Challenge) = Do just the exercise for the day

• 10 x Squat Jumps

Level 2 (Basic Challenge) = Start with the exercise for the day and work your way back to Day 1, completing every exercise for every day in-between

• 10 x Squat Jumps
• 9 x Burpees
• 8 x Russian Twists
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
  

Level 3 (Black Belt Challenge) = Complete the fitness exercise for Day 1, then complete the fitness exercise for Day 2 & Day 1, then complete Days 3, 2, & 1... all the way up to the current days workout and back to Day 1. See the lyrics for the "12 days of Christmas" for more details :)

• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 5 x Push Ups
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 8 x Russian Twists
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches
• 10 x Squat Jumps
  
• 9 x Burpees
  
• 8 x Russian Twists
  
• 7 x Squat Thrusts
• 6 x Sit Ups
• 5 x Push Ups
  
• 4 x Backward Bumps
• 3 x Squats
  
• 2 x 25 Lead Leg Round Kicks
• 1 x 100 Alternating Punches