At Keiko Martial Arts, we’re dedicated to helping children and parents lead fulfilling lives both in school and beyond. Our approach is rooted in the habits and mindset of successful people, which includes four key traits:
1. The right attitude (always doing your best)
2. Strong habits and discipline
3. A growth mindset
4. Consistent effort
The foundation of these traits starts with the right mindset. Just as we nourish our bodies with good food, we must feed our children’s minds with positive, growth-oriented thoughts. Negative thoughts can harm a child’s mindset over time, affecting their success and happiness.
September, the unofficial “New Year” for students, is the perfect time to reset or build on previous achievements. This year, our dojo’s theme is “I always start strong!”—a powerful affirmation that sets the tone for a positive and enthusiastic approach to school. We believe that the words we speak shape our thoughts, which shape our identity. That’s why we discourage phrases like “I can’t” or “I hate school” and replace them with empowering statements like, “I try my best” or “I love school.”
As we begin a new school year, we encourage you to help your child start strong by focusing on the power of positive language and mindset. By doing so, we can avoid the negative patterns that can lead to struggles, especially in teenagers. We’ve seen how negativity like “I hate school” can spiral into deeper challenges, but with the right mindset, your child can thrive.
Let’s ensure your child’s words are always lifting them up. Here’s to your child’s best year ever!
*Sensei & the Keiko Team*