What is The Gratitude Project?

What is The Gratitude Project?

For several months I have been discussing my thoughts with various students for a community action team that we have, subsequently, come to call the The Gratitude Project. It began as a germ of an idea, a persistent notion that our Studio was/could be more than just a place where people learned to punch and kick and grapple, -- there are already so many schools that fulfill that basic need -- more than just another faceless business. I had this inspiring thought that because of what we teach – our focus on educating people on the deeper lessons of the Arts and of humanity and character -- that we are uniquely poised to bring something ... more ... to our community.

Over time and through meetings with students, parents and some very engaged community volunteers like Louise Keller of the Domoestic Violence service Center, the idea began to evolve and finally crystallize.

Now, I’d like to take a few moments of your time to clearly share what The Gratitude Project is ... its purpose and its goals.

Although hosted by/at the Studio, The Gratitude Project is a completely separate entity from our regular physical Martial Arts curriculum. It is – or will be – comprised of students, parents and members of the community at large who are interested in building a legacy of Kindness, compassion, giving, service and helping those in need.

We do it out of a sense of gratitude for being able to serve, and because it the right thing to do. 

Everyone has a cause that matters to them. Maybe it is related to cancer, diabetes, heart health or some other health-related issue ... maybe it is humanitarian efforts, like helping flood or earthquake victims ... maybe your cause has to do with animal rights ... or going green ... or helping to stop bullying in all of its forms.

Whatever your passion, we want to work with you on it, to do something as a Team – a project – that means something to you and we want you to do it with Excellence.

Want to raise food to feed local hungry families?

Help the Humane Society get supplies or toys for sheltered animals?

Help a neighbor with small household repairs?
Mow a lawn?

Shovel snow for the elderly (not now, of course, but, like, in the winter!!)?

Raise funds for a local charitable organization?

It doesn’t matter whether the cause is large or small, local or national in scope. If it is important to you, it is important to the The Gratitude Project. If every one of us did just one project that touched our hearts, imagine how much better our world would be. Now imagine if we put together a group of like-minded, dedicated people – people like YOU and me – who were committed to making that kind of involvement a regular part of their lives, to making Kindness and contribution a habit. Can you envision the difference they could make?

It seems that we always find the time to do the things we want to do, the FUN stuff – video games, sports, hanging with our friends. What if doing good things for others could be just as much fun?

NOW IT CAN!

Our vision is not to have boring, stuffy, dull meetings. Yes, we still teach and learn valuable leadership skills that carry into other areas of our lives (more on that in a bit) but we do it by getting together once or twice a month (maybe more, if a particular project requires) for a Gratitude Project party!! Think of it as a high-energy, fun-filled, positive, motivational atmosphere – with refreshments and exciting activities and exercises to develop teamwork and leadership!

The value of any Team is found in its members and in its mission. The Gratitude Project is designed to be an outlet where members identify a need or a cause; plan and design a project as a group; document each step through the use of video and the written word; and implement their project through direct action.

The Team revolves around Project Based Leadership – that is, we actively develop practical leadership skills that Team members can put into a portfolio or a resume and use in other endeavors like school, sports, or career. Beyond that, though, these are viable, hands-on skills that instill the values of contribution, kindness, giving back. As it grows and develops over time, The Gratitude Project will function to allow more experienced members to serve in a mentoring capacity; this is yet another skill our young people can carry forward in their lives.

As you can see, serving on the Project benefits the members as well as the community.  

This is an opportunity for students, parents and members of the community to get off the couch, turn off the TV or computer, come together and do something that has genuine meaning to them and create a forum to inspire people and make a real difference.

Lastly, what identifies a team as a team? A uniform, of course. That is why, as the Team grows and evolves, as the members knit together, we are eventually looking to provide t-shirts with our Team logo in order to unify us.

We would love for YOU to become a part of our Team.

PLEASE SEE MASTER BARNES IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

THE ULTIMATE BLACK BELT TEST

The following article was written by Tom Callos, a Martial Artist whom I have looked up to for many years. Tom is a 6th degree Black Belt and for the last year and a half or so, I have considered him my mentor. I speak with him frequently, not only about ideas for growing the school, but how to make the studio a more relevant, contributing presence in our community. 
Tom has a unique view on the Martial Arts -- one which I share. We both believe that Martial Arts is a singular vehicle for personal transformation.

Tom created the concept of the Ultimate Black Belt Test with, I believe, the intention of showing the widest possible potential for the Martial Arts to affect change, personally, professionally, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To my knowledge, nothing of this breadth or scope has ever been attempted in the industry; it is a return to authenticity.

It is my goal to participate in an upcoming UBBT.  

I hope you enjoy his thoughts on the Ultimate Black Belt Test. 

Curriculum for The Ultimate Black Belt Test 2016

By Tom Callos

First, An Overview of What the UBBT Seeks to Accomplish

If I begin with the end in mind, one of Stephen Covey’s "7 Habits of Highly Effective People from the book of the same name, I can tell you almost exactly what I’m looking for from participants in The Ultimate Black Belt Test (UBBT):

I’m looking for a complete physical transformation from those members who come to the test with a need for that. I expect every participant to use the year (or longer) that they engage the UBBT to come out of it in the best shape of their life --or as close as they are able to come to it. To transform oneself physically, in a way that isn’t unhealthy or unwise, requires careful scrutiny of diet, exercise, rest, and training methods --and I want UBBT graduates to be able to show their students, their community, and the international martial arts community that they know, from experience, how to engage and facilitate physical transformation. The ultimate black belt would be / should be a living example of the physical benefits of their practice.

Members of the UBBT must have extraordinary and/or highly polished martial arts skills. I have no attachment to any style or method, so I don’t care if someone practices aikido, karate, jiu-jitsu, judo, taekwondo, or MMA, participants must come to the final exam with thousands of hours of practice under their belt. Regardless of the physical talent of any martial artist, every black belt can find what they love to do and do well and bring that game to their UBBT. Without extraordinary martial arts skills developed through the shedding of blood, sweat, and tears, there would be nothing “ultimate” about the Ultimate Black Belt Test.

The impact of the UBBT on a participant must, in part, be measured by the way the test affects the people in the tester’s sphere of influence. The ultimate test isn’t one that affects the tester alone, but that radiates out from the participant to have an impact on his or her family, friends, students, teachers, community, and ideally, to the international martial arts community. If you have an “amazing” test, one where you get in fantastic shape, where you set and meet many of your personal goals, and where you look the part of a serious and seriously trained martial artist, then you’ve achieved only a small fraction of what the UBBT is about. The ultimate test is measured by how what you put yourself through affects others.

The UBBT must engage the participant in new learning and/or the exploration of things presently unknown or unexplored. The ultimate test isn’t a rehashing of old skills or staying in the comfort zone of things without risk, the UBBT is to be used as a catalyst for new adventures and learning.

A participant in the UBBT must work in the realm of things important. I’m looking for accomplishment and/or program development involving environmental issues, sustainable living, health, diet, fitness training, social issues of importance, bully prevention, suicide prevention, art and design, architecture, and or any of the many subjects ignored, shunned, or otherwise absent from the martial arts community as it is today. I expect each UBBT member to champion one or more projects and/or subjects that enlighten, educate, cultivate, and expand the international martial arts community’s understanding of what the martial arts are --and how they can be used for good, out of the dojo and in the world.

Each UBBT member must make their test process public and as transparent as they are capable. Each tester must journal their progress or lack thereof, their victories and mistakes, and how their practice manifests itself in small daily actions. Without test transparency the members of the UBBT have little or no chance to use their own test process to affect the quality and/or practices of martial artists and others who live outside the realm of direct observation. In the end, the UBBT is a program designed to bring new ideas and practices to the international martial arts community, through the cultivation of transformation in the individuals engaged in the program.

A Review

Physical transformation + highly developed martial arts skills + impact on others + new learning and experiences + expanding the work to things important + transparent testing / journaling = a platform for the practices the tester engages in to create the ultimate test.

Feature Article in the Times-Leader

Our Studio -- and our monthly Kindness Missions -- was featured in the Saturday, April 18 edition of the Times-Leader.

Overall I felt it was a very positive article and successfully illustrated that we are more than just kicking and punching.

Martial Arts Students Practice Monthly Acts of Kindness

You Are Only as Big or as Good as Your Vision

Any Martial Arts studio can teach a student to kick and punch. Unfortunately, that is all some of them do.

I have given 34 years of my life to exploring, training in and teaching the varied arts that I love; I have seen and experienced firsthand the incredible transformational power that can come when they are properly taught and studied.

That is why it deeply pains me to see that, for so many studios, ego has taken over and the driving force has become all about how much money the owner can make (charging hundreds of dollars/month in tuition, using hard-sell tactics, and constantly hyping "program upgrades"), how many "world champions" or so-called "black belts" or they generate (often too quickly and while charging exorbitant test fees, to the detriment of both the student and the art), how many trophies line their front windows, etc. They nominate and elect themselves to meaningless, ridiculous martial arts "Halls of Fame". In the pursuit of money, trophies, glory, or self-aggrandizement they have either forgotten or deliberately abandoned the deeper lessons of the Martial Arts.

While that appears to increasingly be the norm, I'd like to think Barnes Martial Arts students are part of something more intelligent.

They know that fighting is absolutely the last resort, the final option.

They are aware that their actions and behaviors affect their families, their friends, their neighborhoods and their world in ways both positive and negative. They strive on a daily basis to maximize their positive impact while minimizing the negative. 

To that end, our students undertake various projects each month that serve to expand the reach of the lessons they are learning. Here are just a few samples of the Missions (some completed, some ongoing) at Barnes Martial Arts --

• Work toward the elimination of bullying in our local schools by offering classes, seminars and specialized programs that focus on educating students, the public and school administrators and teachers on how to identify, deal with and safely intervene with bullying behavior.

• Work toward the elimination of Domestic Violence in Luzerne County (and elsewhere) by offering free workshops, clinics and self-defense seminars.

• Monthly Kindness Missions -- everything from cleaning up our neighborhoods, to painting Kindness Rocks, to working with charitable organizations like the ALS Association.

• Annual Toy and Clothing Drives to help those in need.

• Working with the Al Beech/West Side Food Pantry to feed hundreds of hungry local families in our area

• Organizing a Card & Letter Campaign for Blake Kitchen, a 12 year old autistic Missouri boy who was severely beaten by a school bully.

• Finding and recognizing local heroes (upcoming)

• Group participation in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge organized in 2014 in memory of my fiancé’s father Ray Williams, to raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

• April 2015 -- Spring planting campaign. It doesn't matter what they plant -- a tree, herbs, vegetables or flowers -- they are spreading Life and that is Kindness. 

Our goal – the likes of which has never been attempted before in Northeast PA – is nothing less than the complete redefinition of the concept of self-defense and the role of the Martial Arts studio – and Martial Arts student -- in the community.

First, we must accept that true self-defense comes from safeguarding ourselves from anything that would harm our mind, body, or spirit. Considering that cardio-vascular disease and diabetes, for example, kill far more people in the United States than do violent street encounters or roving bands of sword-wielding ninjas, it is not an exaggeration to suggest that the food we eat, what we drink and other substances that we put into our bodies are as much factors of self-defense as knowing how to throw a powerful, knockout punch or a devastating kick. 

Next, positivity goes hand-in-hand with Kindness and Compassion.  These are the deeper lessons that we teach; these ideas may be considered as “self-defense of the Spirit.”

Each of our students embodies the commitment to becoming a meaningful, contributing part of their/our community. They realize that the true nature of the training transcends the physical; the act of punching and kicking is merely a vehicle to a deeper understanding of lessons on life and living.

They understand that we are all part of one world and it is our duty, as individuals, to leave that world in a better state than we found it, to steward it for future generations. You might call that “community” or “environmental” self-defense.

The same goes for our mental "nutrition". We must defend our minds as much as our bodies, perhaps more. How different would our day -- indeed, our very lives -- be if we awoke each morning with a heart full of joy, grateful for simply being alive? What successes and benefits would we enjoy if we greeted the morning with a smile on our face? What consequence would we experience if, before we took on the day, we sat for just a moment on the side of our bed and gave silent thanks for 5 or 10 things in our lives?

Attitude does determine our altitude -- in Martial Arts, education, business, and in Life. Of course, it isn't always easy to stay positive in a world that often seems pitted against us. But really, what other choice is there? 

Negativity sets the tone for our day -- we see everything as a curse; the world is out to get us; the Universe hates us. We say destructive things to ourselves like, "This is just my luck" or "I am such a loser", until, like weeds, those thoughts, take root, germinate and grow, eventually dominating not only our behavior but our very identity.

Is that any way to live? By contrast, a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, reactions, events, behaviors and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.

I often say that our Studio is "small, but we are mighty." The reasons listed above are proof of that.

As Martial Artists we have a greater responsibility to each other. Compassion is one of the fundamental capacities of what it means to be an evocative, instrumental member of one's community, and the world at large. More than that, for Martial Artists it represents balance and harmony. It is not enough for us to learn how to damage people without also learning how to reach out and help them. Too often, Martial Arts studios -- even here in NEPA -- focus on the closed fist rather than the open hand.

This is why it is so important to our identity as a Studio that our students all become engaged in our ongoing efforts to spread Kindness, to set the example that Martial Artists are more than just fighters, and to truly take these lessons ... “Out of the Dojo, Into the World”.

Thank you for your continuing efforts to help us redefine the role of what it means to be a Martial Arts school in our contemporary world, to set the bar higher than it has ever been set locally.

By aligning with our wider, deeper Vision, together we can truly accomplish great things.

What You Do Today ...

The following article was adapted from a post that originally appeared on our Studio Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/barnesmartialarts) 

Talk is cheap.

We all say we care about the state of the world, that something should be done about what is going on in our neighborhoods, but until we take action -- any action, no matter how small or how grand -- until we actually do something nothing will change.

Words are powerful; they reach into our hearts and inspire, but they alone have never changed a thing; action does. Action, combined with the inspiration of powerful words and ideas, is an unstoppable force.

We cannot wait for the white knight to ride in on his steed, or the hero to swoop in and save us.

At the risk of sounding grandiose, we are the white knight; we are the hero.
Barnes Martial Arts is committed to taking action to improve our community and our world ...

Sometimes the gesture is personal, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that we organized in 2014 in memory of my fiance's father, Ray Williams.

Sometimes the expression is farther reaching and deals with a Universal topic -- such as the current Cards and Letters for Blake Kitchen campaign through which we are attempting to shed more light on the issue of bullying.

Other times, as with the Holiday Clothing and Toy Drives, collecting food for the Al Beech/West Side Food Pantry, or even cleaning up Murray Street, our efforts are focused closer to home.

No positive action is too small.
All positive action is beneficial.

The point is that as Martial Artists we have a greater responsibility to each other. Compassion is one of the fundamental capacities of what it means to be not only a true Black Belt, but a meaningful, contributing member of one's community, and the world at large. More than that, for Martial Artists it represents balance and harmony. It is not enough for us to learn how to damage people without also learning how to reach out and help them. Too often, Martial Arts studios -- even here in Northeastern Pennsylvania -- focus on the closed fist rather than the open hand.

This is why it is so important to our identity as a Studio that our students all become engaged in our ongoing efforts to spread Kindness, to lead by example that Martial Artists are more than just fighters, and to truly take these lessons Out of the Dojo, Into the World.

It is incumbent upon all of us to leave our world in a better state than we found it.

Thank you all for your continuing efforts to help us redefine the role of what it means to be a Martial Arts school in our contemporary world, to set the bar higher than it has ever been set, especially here in Northeast PA.

By aligning with our wider, deeper Vision, we truly can -- and most certainly will -- accomplish great things.

Kid's Martial Arts Class, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. Seated, Patient, and Building Good Character.

Kid's Martial Arts Class, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. Seated, Patient, and Building Good Character. 

Here's a photo of two young men in our Little Dragons Class class who have recently tested for their next belt rank. The shot was taken with a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 cell phone. I like this photo as it shows thee two young men sitting patiently and proudly as they listen to the instructors praise for their performance, perseverance, and their ability to set and achieve goals. 

In the martial arts, especially with young people, character development goes hand in hand with learning the physical skills of the art. 

Barnes Martial Arts is located at 1366 Murray Street in Forty Fort, PA 18704. You may write us through this blog or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/barnesmartialarts or reach us by phone at (570) 332-4377.

Here's a link to our Tumblr : (http://barnesmartialarts.tumblr.com/). Here's a link to our YOUTUBE Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/BarnesMartialArtsFortyFort).

JAKE RANIELI -- November Student of the Month

NOVEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH --

On Friday, December 5, 2014 Barnes Martial Arts chose Jake Ranieli, age 8, as it’s November Student of the Month. Jake has been a member of the Studio for approximately 6 months.

Jake, who lives in Forty Fort with his parents, Joseph & Barbara Ranieli, is a second grade student at Dana street Elementary, where his favorite subject is Math. He lists his other interests as baseball, football, video games and reading books.

Jake, who likes the nickname "Jake the Snake", currently holds the rank of Gold Belt, 2nd stripe, and originally got into Martial Arts because he "just wanted to try it."

Jake's favorite part of Martial Arts class is sparring -- both stand-up and on the ground.

According to his Instructor, Master Gary R. Barnes, “Jake has a burning enthusiasm for training. He gives 100% every time he is in class and pushes himself to constantly improve. Jake is very driven to succeed, but he balances that with a sense of fun; he has an easy laugh and a great sense of humor. In terms of physical technique, Jake exhibits speed, power, and focus; but the best thing about him is his attitude. He loves a challenge, but he also participates in our monthly Kindness Missions -- collecting food for the hungry; donating toys for our Holiday Toy and Coat Drive; giving his time and effort to our community projects. He is an all-around great kid."

Barnes Martial Arts Students of the Month are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including: class participation, discipline, enthusiasm, listening skills, technique, attitude, behavior and how well they exemplify "Black Belt Excellence and Attitude" in ALL areas of their lives, in and out of the studio. Input from teachers and parents is a valuable contribution.

Students of the Month receive a special patch for their uniform and a 3-D Certificate, suitable for framing.

This article has been submitted to both the Times-Leader and Citizen's voice for publication.

CONGRATULATIONS JAKE!!

WHAT BARNES MARTIAL ARTS REALLY DOES AS A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

Barnes Martial Arts IS different from other Martial Arts schools in the area.

Although we, of course, teach kicking, punching and grappling, we are MORE than kicking, punching and grappling.

Although we teach the best in modern, real-world self-defense, we are MORE than just self-defense.

We believe that being a Black Belt –- or, as we call our students at B.M.A., a Black Belt in Training –- encompasses body, mind and spirit. To teach only the physical aspects of the Martial Arts, the fighting skills, without devoting equal time to the mental, character building and attitude facets is to do a great disservice to the practitioners.

We do not participate in sport karate tournaments, or chase trophies, because we believe the only true competitor is yourself. We believe that it is every one's duty to go to bed tonight having become just a little better than we were when we got up this morning. Therefore, we emphasize that the student has a responsibility to use their training in a way that not only best represents themselves and the Martial Arts, but in a manner that serves the greatest benefit to their families and communities as well.

We believe that a Black Belt means nothing without including service to others.

We believe in and teach ...

* Kindness

* Helping our fellow man

* Community

* Peace

* Compassion

* Empowering children to take a stand against bullies

* Positivity

* Awareness

* Building Character

* Respect for oneself and others

* The power of discipline

... and so much more.

We see ourselves as change makers, and in the wise words of one of my mentors, Tom Callos, “we are here to represent and realize the idea of true MASTERY; mastery over negative emotions and action; mastery over the foolishness of thinking you are what you own or can afford; mastery over apathy; mastery over disconnection, prejudice, and ignorance; mastery over the pitfalls of a diet without discipline, of a body let go, of a mind left unused.”

Though American Kenpo Karate informs our base, we are NOT restricted to the dictates, curriculum or dogma of any one style of Martial Art. We are open to the ideas of all systems. In this way we become unlimited in our potential. The style is merely a VEHICLE; it might be pretty, it probably has some value, but the car is not the journey; a car is made to take you on a journey.

And while teaching your children – yes, YOURS --  how to punch people in the face, choke them, and or defend themselves from the same — might seem on the surface like the mission of a Martial Arts teacher — I echo the view of Mr. Callos, that it is “not the MOST important work, NOT the work that really matters at that age, that might really bring about the change we have the potential to play a role in, or that might actually make these little people more powerful, participative, engaged, compassionate —and thus happier and more connected to that which it is best to be connected to.”

At Barnes Martial Arts we strive to be smart, connected, awake teachers, who use the martial arts to influence our students to participate in Life, not fights. Our aim is to provide the tools, experiences and viewpoints that speak of a better, more compassionate, less violent world.

We want to do this at a Level 10, directly affecting not only our students but our communities as well. We want to do it better than anyone else in our area (and I truly think that we already are), in our town, in our sphere of friends and peers, maybe as good as anyone in the nation or the world.

Barnes Martial Arts is going beyond the physical to redefine the very concept of self-defense – to include ANYTHING that might harm our bodies, minds and spirits.

Food? Yes, guarding what we put into this incredible machine (our body) IS self-defense.

Our environment? Of course. Pollution, littering, not caring for our land and water – all of those things directly affect our health and are, therefore, self-defense.

Our actions and behaviors? The things that we say and do out of anger or without thought bring about chains of suffering to ourselves and others.

These things, in addition to kicking and punching, etc., truly are at the core of what “self-defense” is today. By paying attention to our own actions and behaviors we think globally and act locally. We use our Martial Arts training and teaching to engage young people and adults in Acts of Kindness, in the importance of performing daily acts of goodness, compassion, care, connection — and what doing for others does for ourselves; THIS is the spine of our work. 

I am talking about focus, direction, and a deeper sense of connection to our world. I am talking about making a difference and forming a legacy for ALL of our students.

We have a Vision. A Grand Vision.

To my knowledge, no one in our area has EVER tried to accomplish what we are attempting -- a wholesale re-imagining of the role of the Martial Arts teacher and the Martial Arts school and integration into the community; elevating it above mere sport ... or a kid's activity ...or fighting. We aim to remove the Martial Arts Studio from the fringe and place it on a level of importance and vitality with mainstream education. Our students are our living testimony to that goal. 

If you support the initiative to take these lessons out of the Dojo and into the world at large ... if you think we are doing good work ... if you agree with our mission, we respectfully ask that you spread the word: tell others about us, SHARE this blog page on your own pages. The greatest compliment that you could possibly give us is to let others know about us.

Together we can continue to make a real difference.

Finding Stillness, Part 2

Finding Stillness, Part 2

The Chinese symbols to the left may be translated as quiet, peaceful, calm, stillness, comfort. 

As we discover the stillness within, we recognize the calming effect it has on our mind, body and spirit.

But stillness may have a calming effect on the world around us as well. By becoming still, we may cause others to pause, to pay attention; our quiet also quiets others. We set the mood for those who work and train and interact with us.

We lead by example. 

When we rush and set a hectic pace – at work, in school, at home, on the mat in Martial Arts class -- others become stressed in an effort to keep up. For example, if we hurry our way through a technique -- especially when we are first learning it -- our partners may become frustrated as they attempt to work with us. Some people, some students, are more concerned about "what comes next" than they are about what they are working on Now; that is how mistakes are made, how tempers flare, and how, sometimes, people get hurt. 

Stillness has the opposite effect. It slows the world down, allows us to focus, gives us time for contemplation, for what matters most.

There are those among us who will claim, “I can't slow down; too many things depend on my attention.” Those are the people most in need of stillness and quiet. Because, eventually, all of those things pulling at our attention tend to cause us to burn out. Ever notice how some kids who are involved in everything -- piano lessons on Monday, soccer several times a week, art class  on Wednesday, rehearsing for the school play in the evening, gymnastics on the weekend -- oftentimes end up chucking it all and doing nothing? That is a cry for stillness. 

We don't always find stillness by sitting quietly ... although that is a wonderful method. Sometimes, though, we must access that small, quiet part of our Spirit while we are engaged in activities -- athletes call it "being in the zone"; when all external distractions fade away and all that is left is the present moment. Their bodies are moving, acting and reacting to the game, but their minds are quiet, calm, focused. Most of us have experienced such a feeling at one time or another -- students may feel it during a test that they feared, only to find that the answers flowed as easily as their own breath; nurses experience a form of stillness when they deal with a crisis; you may have known such a feeling when you flawlessly performed a technique at which you were previously frustrated. 

Being quiet, finding stillness, is such a simple thing, but it is not easy. It takes effort. It takes strength to be still when others rush, to not get caught up in, or wose, overwhelmed by the flow. It takes courage to be different, to go against the stream, to slow down while others are hurrying. Others might think us weird at first, but that is OK. Oftentimes, it is the people who are thought to be weird -- the eccentrics, the artists, the pioneers -- those who think differently, act differently who break out of the shackles of routine and make the most difference in their world, and in the world at large. 

While we may not always be able to sit in silent stillness, finding a few minutes for quiet contemplation can be as simple as getting up a few minutes earlier in the morning. Don’t do anything, don’t plan your day, don’t check email, don’t eat. Find a comfortable chair, or go outside, if possible, and just sit, and learn to be comfortable being still. Find a chair in your house, or on a front porch, or sit in the cool grass of your backyard. It can be a park bench, or the beach, or a path in the woods. Where ever you sit, let it be a ritual that you look forward to. 

Then just sit ... and breathe. Eyes closed or open ... it doesn't matter. As thoughts arise (and they will!) simply let them slip away. Listen to the sounds of the morning world -- birds singing, the breeze as it rustles the leaves of the trees, even the sound of traffic in the distance. Pay attention to the smells -- the soil, the air.

Gradually, as you become quieter you will be more aware than ever before of all that is going on around you. You will realize that, at any time, you can become an island of calm in a sea of activity. 

With practice, comfort will come. If mornings are no good, find another time that works for you -- during your lunch break, after work or school, just before you go to bed, or arrive for your Martial Arts class 5-10 minutes early and sit quietly ... even if others around you are not. The actual time that you choose doesn't matter -- what you do with it, or don't do with it does. 

From this small place of stillness soothing calm will radiate to the rest of your day. You will learn to find little pockets of stillness everywhere: when you first start your work or school day, when you are ready to sit down and create, when you’re about to eat, when you are ready to take to the mats in class, during a meeting ... any time. 

Practice, regularly. That is the key. You cannot try it once, then say, "Well it doesn't work for me!"

Like any kick or punch, any throw or grappling technique, you must practice it over and over, until it becomes part of you.

Practice, and learn.

Practice stillness, even -- perhaps especially -- when you don't want to. 

Making Kindness a Mission

At Barnes Martial Arts we do more than pay lip-service to being kind to others ... we walk the talk. Kindness changes lives -- it can ease the pain of sickness; lift one out of a blue mood; change the course of a bad day; and a gentle smile or an act of kindness and compassion has been known to literally save lives.

That is why, each month, in conjunction with the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation -- a NATIONAL organization dedicated to spreading the message that Kindness can change the world -- our Studio has committed to undertake a "Kindness Mission".

Each Mission will be a project or activity that we will perform AS A GROUP, as a school, and that will have a wide-ranging impact on our community.

It doesn't have to be complicated or a huge gesture to accomplish this, but it DOES have to be something for which there is a NEED. Kindness can take many forms, grand or subtle -- helping someone carry groceries; holding a door for another person; a compliment; organizing a fundraising event for someone suffering from an illness; rebuilding a neighborhood after a natural disaster; smiling at someone who is having a terrible day. 

A big community like ours means a big opportunity to make a big difference.

For instance, our March Kindness Mission Theme was: "Community!" On Saturday, March 29, thirteen volunteers gathered at the Studio at 10:00 AM to clean up Murray Street.

It was a dreary overcast day, and we defied the rain, splitting into two groups; one headed up Murray street toward Kingston, the other group heading down Murray street toward Swoyersville. We started out by walking up one side of the street, then when we got to the end, we crossed over to the other side and worked our way back to the Studio.

It took us just under two hours to clean the streets, sidewalks, and even a few front yards along the way. And, oh the things we found!! -- paper, plastic bottles, loose change, a pool noodle, monopoly money, about 10 million cigarette butts, a bone (!) and ... a "lobster" (ask the kids!). 

I have NEVER seen kids get so excited about cleaning up trash!!

By the time it was over, we had filled two and a half 33-gallon garbage bags!! 

Afterward, back at Barnes Martial Arts everyone got to enjoy delicious pizza and soda, kindly donated by Pizza Bella in Forty Fort. They heard about our Kindness Mission and went above and beyond!! My sincerest thanks also to Pizza Bella! You guys rock!

So I just want to say thank you, one more time, to all of our students and their families who made our first Kindness Mission such a success. It was a LOT of work, but it was worth it because we really helped to make our community a better place. I am proud to be your teacher. 
We may be a small studio, but we are mighty!!

In the months to come, as we continue to grow as a school, we will take on new and exciting Kindness Missions. By making Kindness a habit, we have a direct influence on the future. 

Here are a few pictures from the event. More pictures and details can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/barnesmartialarts

A Kindness Checklist

So you think that performing Random Acts of Kindness is a great idea (I do too!) but you don't know where to start. Here is a checklist of possible activities. You can do these for friends, family members even complete strangers (remember, though, if you are a younger student make sure Mom and Dad are there to supervise).

None of these take a lot of time, or cost a lot of money (most, in fact, cost nothing). The point is that Kindness is often found in the small gestures, the little things that someone does unexpectedly that can change a person's day.

Now ... get out there and change the world! I believe you will.

• Open the door for someone.
• Give a helping hand when you see someone carrying a lot of stuff.
• Give a homeless person your leftovers from a restaurant.
• Purchase a some umbrellas, blankets, ponchos at a dollar store and keep it in your trunk – when it’s a rainy/cold day, find a person who needs it and give them one.
•  Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.
• Leave anonymous thank you notes to teachers.
• Invite a friend to the movies or dinner.
• Put change in a vending machine.
• Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read.
• Drop off a toy or game at a homeless shelter.
• Pay for a bridge toll for the person behind you.
• Send someone a small gift anonymously.
• Drop off flowers at your friend or neighbor’s house.
• Buy a meal for a homeless person.
• Buy a movie ticket for the person behind you in line.
• Pay for someone’s meal behind you at a fast-food drive-thru.
• Write an inspirational note to someone who needs inspiration.
• Send a card to someone in the military overseas.
• Put something you no longer need on craigslist.org for free.
• Drop off a toy or game at a hospital.
• At the post office, leave some extra stamps at the stamp machine.
• Buy a phone card and give to a homeless shelter for them to give to someone.
• Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, thank you card, book, etc.) anonymously.
•  Take flowers to a hospital ward and give them to someone who hasn’t had any visitors.
• Drop off teddy bear to police department to give to traumatized children.
• Drop a few coins in an area where children play, where they can easily find them.
• Write letters of appreciation to groups who are helping the community, the environment, etc.
• Go to a tourist spot and offer couples/families to take their pictures with their camera.
• If you know someone who is having a hard time financially, pop $5, $10 or $20 in an envelope, disguise your writing or type the envelope, and mail it to them.
•  Tape some change to a payphone with a card saying it is for whoever needs it.
• Write anonymous, loving post-its for strangers to find.
• At a restaurant, pay for a table’s lunch or dinner anonymously.
• Pay for someone’s groceries.
• Volunteer your time at a non-profit organization.
• Smile!
• Acknowledge the cashier who’s helping you and genuinely ask them how they’re doing.
• Wave back to children who wave at you.
• Say hello.
• Reach an item off a high shelf for someone.
• Give up your seat to someone who needs it more.
• Remove debris or other obstacles from a road or path.
• If you arrive at a stop sign at the same time as another driver, let them go first.
• Pay someone a compliment.
• Help someone with their groceries or bags.
• Offer to help an elderly neighbor with their household chores.
• Call a friend randomly and let them know you’re thinking of them.
• Bring a treat to work to share with your coworkers.

So You Say You Want a Revolution

From April 9, 1775 to September 3 1783 -- 8 years, 4 months, 2 weeks, and 1 day -- a rag-tag collection of Colonial American Patriots took up arms and fought against British oppressors to, ultimately, secure the sovereignty and freedom of the United States of America. 

I am calling for another Revolution against a foe no less dangerous, intractable and oppressive -- perhaps more so -- than the British of two centuries ago. 

We live in a culture which increasingly places profits above people; objectifies women in song, and reduces them to body parts on screen and in advertising; sells young girls on a standard of beauty that is not only unhealthy, but outright dangerous; in which bored thugs play the so-called "knockout game" for entertainment; in which elected officials routinely lie, cheat, and stick it to their constituents -- and in which voters have become so apathetic as to see this unethical behavior as merely the price of doing business. 

We live in a society that lifts overpaid, spoiled athletes and actors above teachers and healers; in which our racial and cultural differences are a source of division and divisiveness, rather than viewed with pride as a source of what makes this Nation great; in which we belittle others for being "this" or "that", instead of recognizing that "we" are all "One". 

     

I am not some starry-eyed, hippy, peace-freak, flower child ... I am simply a man, a father, a husband-to-be, a friend, a lifelong Martial Artist who is old enough and who has amassed enough life experience to recognize a fundamental problem in this world ... 

The problem: coldness. Callousness. A deep-seated lack of respect. For ourselves. For each other. For our world. I do not know how the world got to be this way or where, exactly, it went off the rails. I don't think anyone can point a finger at a single reason. 

I do know that there is a solution. 

A Kindness Revolution. 

This idea is neither new, nor original to me, but it is worthwhile. The more people who take up the challenge, the greater the effect. As a growing Martial Arts Studio, we are in a unique position to bring such a Revolution to fruition. 

 Instead of shouldering muskets like our forebears, our weapons will be awareness and compassion. Our duty, our mission, is to take this lesson out of the Dojo and into our community, to perform Acts of Kindness -- for our friends, families, neighbors, even (especially) strangers -- with no expectation of either thanks or payment. We do it simply because it is the right thing to do. Our fervent goal is that others witness our example, or benefit from our actions, and pay it forward. Like a pebble tossed into a still pool, our kind actions ripple outward, one act propelling another and another and another, each building on the previous until it becomes a tidal wave. 

The compassion of the individual becomes the compassion of the family ... becomes the compassion of the neighborhood ... becomes the compassion of the town or city ... becomes the compassion of the county ... state .... nation ... world. 

This is not a mere dream. All great movements begin with a thought, a belief that it can and must be accomplished. It must be given more than lip service or a token effort. It requires action and consistency. 

It is work, no doubt. But, as the saying goes, if it was easy, everyone would do it. Nonetheless, the movement need not start with some grand, sweeping gesture. Start small: anonymously pay for some one's coffee; mow some one's lawn; carry their groceries; wash their car; carry a classmate's books; shovel snow from a neighbor's walk; anything, really, that lightens the burden of another or otherwise brightens their day. 

Even one determined person, working alone, can make a huge difference. Imagine if one person -- you, perhaps -- performed just 3 Random Acts of Kindness per day ... that would be 21 per week ... 84 per month ... 1, 008 per year. And if we started at age 10 and lived an average of 83 years, that would be 73, 584 Random Acts of Kindness over the course of a single lifetime. 

What kind of effect would that have upon your school, job, community? 

What about a group of 100 people -- a Martial Arts Studio, for instance -- unified, doing the same thing? 300 Random Acts of Kindness per day ... 2,100 per week ... 8,400 per month ... 100, 800 per year ... and an ASTOUNDING 7, 358, 400 over the course of an average life. 

Envision the kind of world that would be!!

These numbers are definitely achievable!! 

I, for one, am tired of living in a cold, uncaring, often cruel world. But rather than sit back and complain, I am committed to fighting back with Kindness. 

I would like to invite you, my students, adults and kids alike, to join me; after all, the ultimate aim of the Martial Arts is the perfection of one's character. 

By requiring Acts of Kindness for progression through the ranks, it is my sincere hope and desire that we develop Kindness as a habit. Our tiny Studio can become the catalyst for a massive groundswell of local positivity. 

People may not remember the things you say or even the things you do, but they will always remember how you made them feel. At the end of the day, a legacy of Kindness, my friends, changes lives, and that is a great thing indeed.