Participation Awards

There has been a lot of opinions flying about regarding what James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers) said regarding his children's participation trophies. 
For those of you who missed it, James Harrison stated he gave his children's participation trophies back because they had not earned them.  He further went on to say that he doesn't want his children being raised believing they are entitled to anything.   There is some merit to that attitude although, James Harrison is not the first person I would consider a role model considering his history.  
I can not totally agree or disagree with his approach and now social battle cry he has started. 
He has a valid point in the fact that our society has become soft and as a result, there are many that feel entitled..... I won't go into details because so many of the talking heads and social pundits have already rung that bell.
I however want to state strongly why I disagree.   I have been teaching martial arts to children for over 20 years.  I have coached youth swimming, youth football, and even now youth lacrosse. 
I believe strongly in the importance of building confidence as well as teaching and coaching a good work ethic. 
Not every child has the genetic make up or means to be the BEST.  Why should they not be rewarded for being the best THEY can be? 
I grew up a severe asthmatic.  I was small, slow, and couldn't run without having an asthma attack.  When I was young and first started football, I rode the bench like so many other kids that aren't good enough to start.   I can't tell you how much the trophy I got at the end of my first year that stated, "Most Improved" meant to me.  The next year the trophy that stated "Most heart"...... and so forth.   These things helped build my confidence.  They meant so much to me that they helped me keep going even though I wasn't the best.   I was not blinded to believe that these trophies were as good as a championship or all star trophy but I was growing in self confidence.  Each year that confidence helped to come back stronger, to work harder, to believe what I was capable of.  I learned the importance of hard work.  
I didn't blossom into an athlete till much later in life.   My body took a long time to catch up to my heart and drive.  Medication finally began to help me cope with my asthma.
I believe the positive reinforcement from my coaches along the way kept me going.  Every little achievement I accomplished was recognized by my coaches and helped me to be ready for when my body caught up.   I never grew into a football star as I graduated high school at a whopping 135lbs but I did grow into a swimming star and received a college scholarship. 
As a martial arts instructor, I believe very strongly that is not as important for a child to be the BEST but to be the BEST THEY CAN BE!!   I believe that so strongly I preach it nearly daily.
I have many students that are in martial arts because they are not natural athletes.... Some have physical disabilities, others have other limitations.  Why should they not be rewarded for simply working hard to be the best they can be?! 
When I coach football or teach martial arts, I don't believe in rewarding lazy kids or kids who screw around.   However, I would sooner reward the kid who works his tail off to be the best he can be rather than the natural athlete who is lazy or has a poor attitude.
Developing confidence and a good work ethic is  
Children should not be rewarded for just showing up......but they should be rewarded for being the best they can be....especially at an early age.  As they get older, they will quickly learn that life is not all sunshine and rainbows.......
That doesn't mean we can't build them up while we educate them!
For those of you that read this whole post, thank you for letting me have the platform for a moment.  I will now step off my soap box. 
The article linked below has the complete opposite point of view....
The great thing about our nation, we are all free to state our opinions.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/steelers/2015/08/17/james-harrison-kids-trophies-entitlement-culture/31870883/
See you on the mat!
Sensei Rob 

Looking for a few good “adults”

There is a misconception that martial arts is just for kids.  In actuality, students of all ages begin training every day.   Sadly, many adults, both men and women, that have an interest in martial arts, hesitate to ever start.  They may have a long time fondness of martial arts which began as a child watching Saturday afternoon Black Belt Theatre or maybe it is the popularity of the UFC and MMA today that has fostered a new intrigue in martial arts.    The two most common things that hold an adult back from training in martial arts is the fear of injury and the fear of looking silly. 

At Leading Edge Martial Arts, Adults learn martial arts in a fun, proactive learning environment free of ego and the fear of injury.  Students learn much of what is seen on TV in today’s world of MMA however the  focus is on self-defense, self-discipline,  fitness, and stress relief, as opposed to trophies, prizes, bravado, and accolades.  

 

The hardest part of starting a martial arts programs is always in taking the first step.  Let LEMA help you over that obstacle. 

Sensei Rob

2014 Goals vs Dreams

 

                 2013 is quickly coming to a close.   It was another great year here at Leading Edge Martial Arts.  I want to thank all of you, our students, parents, and staff for helping to make 2013 such a success.   

                 2013 saw a tremendous growth in students taking to the mat.  We saw 100's of students reaching for and achieving new personal bests.

                 2013 saw more than a dozen students achieve Jr. Black Belt, four students achieve 1st Degree Black Belt, and one student achieve the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt

In 2013, LEMA was  voted best Martial Arts school in the Lehigh Valley by  Morning Call's Readers Choice Awards for the 5th year in a row.  

  With the start of a new year, it is customary for people to set new year's resolutions.  At LEMA, we like to refer to these as New Years goals to which your commitment should be resolute. 

  So many new year's goals are made with great intent, but quickly are  forgotten.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your goals for the year 2014.

  First let's start by understanding the difference between a dream and a goal.   Dreams and goals are both things that people would like to achieve. 

The main difference between a dream and a goal is that with a goal, we have a plan of action on how we wish to achieve that goal.

For example, one can dream of being a black belt but until they sit down and come up with a plan of action to achieve this, it is still a dream.  Once a plan of action is set, the dream becomes a goal.

  This difference between dreams and goals is not only true in martial arts but in every aspect of your life, family, work, etc.

  You can have short term goals and long term goals.   You can have work goals and

personal goals. You can have relationship goals and martial art goals .  Regardless of what your goals are, remember to follow these five steps.

1.  Decide on your goal, and  document it.  Put it in writing or on your computer. 

2.  Ask yourself why the goal is important you and write it down beneath the goal.   This helps you stay focused on the goal and reminds you why you set that goal in the first place.

3.  Figure out a plan of action to help you achieve this goal.   Follow the plan!

4.  Set a target date for achieving this goal.  This keeps you from pushing your goal off to a later date.

5.  Lastly, post the goal somewhere where you will see it on a regular basis to help remind you to stay on track.

 

Make a commitment to yourself to let NOTHING stop you from achieving your goals.  You are bound to encounter obstacles/goal barriers along the way.  Whether illness, time, money, relationships, injury, or just laziness,  something will undoubtedly challenge you not to accomplish your goals.  Promise yourself now that you will

overcome your obstacles and accomplish your goals.......and you will!     

See you on the mat in 2014!

Sensei Rob

 

Here are some tips to help keep your lil ghouls and goblins safe this Halloween.

   Halloween and Trick or Treat are a fun family time of year. Ghosts, goblins, and lots and lots of sugar! What more could one ask for? It is a fun time of year but it can also be a dangerous time if we are not careful with our little ones. Here are a few tips to help keep your loved ones safe this Halloween and Trick or Treat season.

 

1. Have your children wear reflective material on all costumes. Flashlights and glow sticks are always a great idea.  

2. Regardless of your children's age, have them travel with a parent or another responsible adult so not to get lost or abducted.

3. Don't let your children run ahead of the group or cross the streets without adult supervision.

4. Teach your children not to go in to any houses without adult supervision.

5. Instruct your children not to eat any candy at all until you have had the opportunity to inspect each piece of candy for dangerous things like razors, needles, drugs, etc. Don't allow them to eat anything that is not still factory wrapped.  

(This also gives you a chance to sneak some pieces for yourself)

6. Children are smarter than we sometimes give them credit for. Instruct them about the dangers of Trick or Treating. Traffic, Strangers, tainted treats, etc.   Knowing what to look out for will keep them safe.

    

Lets work together and keep our children safe this Spooky time of year. Have a great Halloween and don't eat too much this Trick or Treat!

Have a spooky good time! 

Happy Halloween!

To Fight Club or not to Fight Club... and how to decide.

To Fight Club or not to Fight Club... and how to decide.

 

   The surging craze of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) has created new options for the public to choose from.

   In the early 90's the Ultimate Fighting Championships had a big impact on breaking down the barriers between the different martial arts.   A broader understanding of the variety of martial arts and their specialties became widely available.  As the years went on and the UFC grew, Mixed Martial Arts as we know it today was born.

   As a result of this new birth of MMA, martial arts schools had a choice to make; stay with their traditional approach or adapt to a new, more modern, and in some opinions, a more practical approach to martial arts.  I for one, love the freedom that comes with the lack of boundaries in MMA.   I am also a big fan of the street applicable and practical aspects of MMA.

   Once a potential student makes a choice between a traditional martial arts school or a Mixed Martial Arts school, then the next decision to be made is which school is the right one.   This all depends on the goal of the potential student.  In Mixed Martial Arts, the biggest choice to make is between competition oriented schools or self defense oriented schools.

   Competition or sport MMA has grown tremendously over the last few years.  There are a large variety of schools that train students for the sport of MMA.  This is available to young children through adult and beginner through the most experienced of fighters.  This is largely popular to those looking to fuel their competitive spirit.

   The other would be the Self Defense oriented approach.  There are many schools that teach a well rounded mixed martial art self defense oriented system.  These schools teach many of the same aspects of sport MMA without the drive to compete against others and the potential dangers common in a competition setting.  This allows for children and adults to participate and be successful without the need or desire to be better than the next person.   The only competition a student feels in this environment is within him or herself.    A self-defense oriented MMA school prepares a student, whether young or old, beginner or advanced, to become proficient in self defense without the fear of unnecessary injury.   This allows for everyone from the most accomplished athlete to the quietest of individuals to train and be successful.

   Growing up from youth through young man, I had the opportunities to compete and be successful in many sports ranging from baseball, swimming, wrestling, and football.  I love the thrill of competition.  However, when deciding to open Leading Edge Martial Arts, I decided that there were ample activities available for people to fuel their competitive juices, so I chose to provide them with a place where they could grow, learn practical self defense, be successful, and create positive relationships without the pressure of competition.

   Leading Edge Martial Arts was founded in 2000 with the philosophy of teaching Self Confidence, Self Discipline, Fitness, and Self Defense in a fun, proactive environment.

   For information about Leading Edge Marital Arts in Allentown and Bethlehem call 610-297-EDGE or visit them on the web at LeadingEdgeMartialArts.com.   Follow them on Twitter or Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadingedgema.

 

 

Rob Wetmore-Sensei

Leading Edge Martial Arts-Allentown

610-434-EDGE

Leading Edge Martial Arts-Bethlehem

610-868-EDGE

mobile 610-657-5512

[email protected]

Go Home NEMO!!

Hello everyone,

So, winter storm NEMO has officially ruined the weekend and my love for the movie.  :-)

I spoke with Superfoot all day yesterday after his first flight was canceled.  We scrambled to find him another way to get here but as expected, the last of the flights was canceled this morning.  Bill is SUPER-bummed about it as he said he was really looking forward to coming to Leading Edge.  

The good news is, we have already set the make up date.   He will be with us at LEMA on Sat. April 6th. given no Blizzards, Hurricanes, or Meteor Showers interfere. Hold on to your tickets.

Thank you for your understanding.  

Stay Safe, stay warm, and see you on the mat on April 6th. 

Sincerely,

Rob Wetmore

Sensei
Leading Edge Martial Arts
610-434-3343
www.leadingedgemartialarts.com
http://www.leadingedgemartialarts.com/lp1/superfoot/ 

Dreams and Goals 2013

2013 Dreams Vs. Goals

 

2012 is quickly coming to a close.   It was another great year here at Leading Edge Martial Arts.  I want to thank all of you, our students, parents, and staff for helping to make 2012 such a success.   

2012 saw a tremendous growth in students taking to the mat.  We saw 100's of students reaching for and achieving new personal bests.

 2012 saw seven students achieve Jr. Black Belt, five students achieve 1st Degree Black Belt, and one student achieve the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt.  Congratulations to all of you!

In 2012, LEMA was  voted best Martial Arts school in the Lehigh Valley by  Morning Call's Readers Choice Awards for the 4th year in a row.  

With the start of a new year, it is customary for people to set new year'sresolutions.  At LEMA, we like to refer to these as New Years goals to which your commitment should be resolute. 

So many new year's goals are made with great intent, but quickly are forgotten.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your goals for the year 2013.

First let's start by understanding the difference between a dream and a goal.   Dreams and goals are both things that people would like to achieve.   One we let happen and the other we make happen. 

The main difference between a dream and a goal is that with a goal, we have a plan of action on how we wish to achieve that goal.  For example, one can dream of being a black belt but until they sit down and come up with a plan of action to achieve this, it is still a dream.  Once a plan of action is set, the dream becomes a goal.

 This difference between dreams and goals is not only true in martial arts but in every aspect of your life, family, work, etc.

 You can have short term goals and long term goals.   You can have work goals and personal goals. You can have relationship goals andmartial art goals .  Regardless of what your goals are, remember to follow these five steps.

1.  Decide on your goal, and  document it.  Write it down. 

2.  Ask yourself why the goal is important you and write it down beneath the goal.   This helps you stay focused on the goal and reminds you why you set that goal in the first place.

3.  Set a time line for achieving this goal.  Setting a target date will help keep you from pushing the goal off to a later date.  Write it down.

4.  Figure out a plan of action to help you achieve this goal.   Follow the plan!  Write it down.

5.  Lastly, post the goal somewhere where you will see it on a regular basis to help remind you to stay on track.

 

Make a commitment to yourself to let NOTHING stop you from achieving your goals.  You are bound to encounter obstacles/goal barriers along the way.  Whether illness, time, money, relationships, injury, or just laziness,  something will undoubtedly challenge you not to accomplish your goals.  Promise yourself now that you will

overcome your obstacles and accomplish your goals.......and you will!     

 

See you on the mat in 2013!

 

Sensei Rob