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.

March 2015 Student of the Month -- BRAYDEN ISAACS

On Tuesday, March 31, Brayden Isaacs, age 5, was chosen as Student of the Month.

He is a member of the Little Dragons Program, a specialized age-appropriate class for children ages 4-7. 

Brayden is a Kindergarten student at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s in Wilkes-Barre, where his favorite teacher is Mrs. Al-Saigh. According to Brayden, his favorite thing to do in school is “having recess”.

He lives in Kingston with his parents, Dennis Isaacs and Mary Sweeney.

Brayden has been attending Barnes Martial Arts for about eight months and he has attained the rank of Advanced Gold Belt, 2nd stripe. His favorite part of class is a self-defense technique called “The Shield”. 

According to Master Barnes, “Brayden was chosen as Student of the Month for a number of reasons: he is incredibly focused -- it really stands out among kids his age; he is very smart -- he asks some of the best questions; his enthusiasm for training is off the charts; his positive attitude; extraordinary attendance – he almost never misses a class; he participates in every community event and monthly Kindness Mission. Brayden is an exemplary student in every sense and, to me, he is an outstanding example of what a Student of the Month should represent!”

In addition to Martial Arts, he lists his other interests as playing soccer and video games.  

Students of the Month are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including: class participation, discipline, attitude, technique, personal conduct and how well they exemplify the Martial Arts in ALL areas of their lives, in and out of the studio.

When asked if he had any advice for other kids who were thinking of pursuing Martial Arts training, Brayden responded, “Do it because it is fun.”

Barnes Martial Arts is located at 1366 Murray Street in Forty Fort, PA.

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.

Cards & Letters for Blake Kitchen

This is a copy of an article I submitted to the local news media. I felt that our Studio did a good thing for Blake Kitchen; it came from the heart. We didn't do it to seek publicity. But after much consideration, I wrote this article for two reasons: (1) I am proud of each and every student who took valuable time away from their own lives to encourage and support a boy whom none of us know personally, but who just as easily could have been one of us. You are the future of Martial Arts ... not just in Northeast, PA but anywhere you go. It is nice knowing that the future will be one of  not just fighting skills but compassion, respect and community involvement; and (2) to highlight the tragedy of bullying. As I said in the article, bullying is an epidemic in this country; it affects millions of people of all ages, races, economic backgrounds and from all walks of life. Having experienced bullying in my youth, that breaks my heart.

Thank you for reading and, of course, please feel free to respond with your thoughts and comments. -- Master Gary R. Barnes

FORTY FORT MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO ORGANIZES CARD AND LETTER CAMPAIGN FOR BULLYING VICTIM

(FORTY FORT) What was it about an incident of bullying that occurred 900 miles away in Liberty, Missouri that motivated a Martial Arts instructor from NEPA to mobilize his students and their families to write cards and letters in support of the victim?
“When I was young I was bullied, too, mercilessly. I have students who were bullied. I personally know victims of bullying. So when I read Blake’s story on March 7, my heart went out to him,” says Master Gary R. Barnes, owner of Barnes Martial Arts in Forty Fort. “Like Blake, other victims of bullying – myself and some of my students included – know all too well what it is like to live in fear and to have those fears ignored by school administrators, who should know better. His experience deeply moved me.”

Blake Kitchen is a 12 year old sixth grader with Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of autism) at Liberty Middle School who was severely beaten by a school bully. The incident occurred when Blake arrived at school for breakfast. He took his usual spot in the cafeteria when another boy – an 8^th grader who at 200 pounds outweighed Blake by nearly 125 pounds – moved his belongings and took his seat. When Blake asked him to move, the other boy responded violently. The beating was so bad that it left him with a broken jaw, fractured skull, cuts and contusions and cerebrospinal fluid leaking from his ear. At one point the bully smashed his head off the cafeteria table until he passed out. Blake spent five days in the hospital and may require further surgery to repair damage to his ear.

“Bullying is an epidemic in this country,” says Barnes. “And like rape, it often goes under-reported.”

Because of the level of violence and lack of participation by school officials, Blake’s story is one that received national attention. Unfortunately, though, it is not atypical. The Bully Project, estimates that this year alone over 13 million American kids will be bullied at school, at home, on the bus and on their phones and computers. 3 million students are absent each month because they feel unsafe at school, and 1 in 4 teachers sees nothing wrong with bullying – taking the attitude that it is simply ‘kids being kids’, only intervening 4% of the time.

“What happened to Blake Kitchen could just as easily have happened here in Northeast PA,” Barnes cautions. “In fact, it has on a number of occasions. Blake Kitchen is us, is our children – I had to reach out to him and let him know that he isn’t alone.”

To that end, Barnes imparted the story and information to his students and their families, encouraging them to make and write cards and letters of encouragement. Barnes Martial Arts students and their families rallied to the cause by the dozens, contributing letters and cards signed by multiple students across different classes. Barnes broadcast the message on Facebook, by email and even going so far as to post online to the group page of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, of which he and the Studio are members. This resulted in even more cards and letters being sent from all over the United States and as far away as England and Australia.

     “If by doing this we can bring a 12 year old boy a small ray of hope and peace, and perhaps shine a light on the epic problem of bullying, then I’d say we have done a good thing.” Barnes says, “Bullying, in a very real sense, is what initially brought me to the Martial Arts, and bully prevention has been one of the driving focuses of my Studio. In order to do our part, we have either partnered with or utilize material developed by several leading experts in the field – Dave Kovar of Martial Artists Against Bullying and his groundbreaking Done with Bullying program; Tom Callos of the 100method; The Bully Project, among several others. We are very serious about confronting this issue, and while we could not prevent what happened to Blake, by writing to him we can let him know that the whole world isn’t like the person who victimized him.”

“Every month the Studio engages in a Kindness Mission, a group project designed to balance the physical techniques, the self-defense aspects of the Martial Arts with compassion, respect, and community outreach. Because of the experiences that have informed my life’s work, this card and letter campaign is one of the most personal for me,” Barnes continued. “More importantly, though, our students – everyone from four year olds to adults – saw the value and really stepped up. We have a truly amazing group of people here. Entire families got involved. A space was created to open up a dialogue on the nature of bullying and its far-reaching effects. Our school motto is ‘Out of the Dojo, Into the World’ and the students really rose to that. I couldn’t be prouder; they are making a quite difference in their communities and schools."

(A few of Barnes Martial Arts Little Dragons (ages 4-7) and their Cards for bullying victim Blake Kitchen. From left to right: Evan Harchar, Brayden Isaacs, Noah Gray. Missing from photo: McKena Harlen)

(Barnes Martial Arts Students Emma Lewis (l) and Barbara Lewis (r) and the cards they made for Blake Kitchen)

(Barnes Martial Arts Junior Students and the cards they made for bullying victim, Blake Kitchen. Kneeling, left to right: Michael Bonk, Jakr Ranieli, Ethan Edwards. Back row: Master Gary R. Barnes. Missing from photo: Sarah Feifer)

Students of the Month for January and February

On Friday, February 28, 2015 Barnes Martial Arts, 1366 Murray Street, in Forty Fort, PA chose two Students of the Month.

The first – Student of the Month for January – is Matthew Roth, age 6. Matthew, who lives in Swoyersville, is a student at Dana Street elementary, where his favorite subject is reading and his favorite teacher is Mrs. McCabe.

Matthew is a member of the Little Dragons class at Barnes Martial Arts; he is a Gold Belt with one stripe and will be testing for his advanced Gold in May. His favorite techniques are blocks. According to Matthew he became interested in Martial Arts after seeing it in the movies and on television.

He lists his other interests as swimming, football and riding bicycle.

According to his Instructor, Master Gary R. Barnes, “Matthew is a great kid and a great student. He brings a level of energy and enthusiasm to his training that is wonderful to see. Matthew always gives 100% and really makes an effort outside of the Studio as well as in the classroom. I am super proud of the success he demonstrates.”

Matthew, the son of Troy and Jill Roth, says that other kids should try Martial Arts “because it’s a lot of fun.”



The second student – Student of the Month for February – is Sarah Feifer, age 8. Sarah, who lives in Forty Fort, with her parents Eric and Patrice Feifer, is a student at Wyoming Valley West Elementary School, where her favorite subject is spelling. Her favorite teacher is Miss Fulkrod.

In addition to Martial Arts, Sarah’s interests include gymnastics and writing short stories.

Sarah is a member of Barnes Martial Arts Junior Program, where she holds a Gold Belt, 1st stripe; she will be testing for her next belt in May. She loves learning self-defense techniques, especially the newest one called Knee Lift.

“Sarah is a dedicated, serious student,” says her instructor, Master Gary R. Barnes. “She is focused and disciplined, but still has an easy smile and great sense of humor; she is a pure joy to have in class.”

When asked what advice she had for other kids considering studying Martial Arts, Sarah said, “Don’t think of it as hurting somebody. Instead it is about self-defense, and keeping yourself safe, and discipline.”

Barnes Martial Arts chooses Students of the Month based on attitude in and out of the Studio, consistency of attendance, enthusiasm, and focus, as well as the example they set for others.

Students of the Month receive a special patch for their uniform, a 3-D Certificate that suitable for framing, and a featured article on the Studio Facebook page and its blog, The Art of Living.

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).

VIDEO -- Martial Arts for Kids, Forty Fort, PA

A video from the Barnes Martial Arts YouTube Channel ... Junior student, Jake Ranieli shows the heavy bag who is boss.

Barnes Martial Arts is the area leader in teaching kids confidence ... respect ... discipline ... and focus.

If you or your child has ever wanted to try Martial Arts, NOW is the time. Please call today for a FREE TRIAL ... (570) 332-4377

http://youtu.be/lgKw0v-9JdU

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.

Anna Weiss ... October Student of the Month

On Friday, November 5, 2014 we chose Anna Weiss age 6, as Student of the Month for October. She has been a member of the Little Dragons program since just after the school opened in September of 2013.

Anna, who lives in Forty Fort with her parents, Erin and Michael Weiss, attends school at Wyoming Area Catholic. Her favorite subject is math and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Ungureit (Mrs. U.) She lists her other interests as music (especially her favorite song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas") soccer, drawing and ... eating noodles!

Anna currently holds the rank of Orange Belt, First Stripe, and her favorite Martial arts technique is the ax kick.  

Anna is a wonderful girl and a terrific student. She is focused, very friendly and gives 100% effort in class. She has a great attitude and sense of humor. In terms of technique, she has really come along in just a few short months; she has shown a lot of improvement and dedication. Anna likes a challenge and she is willing to try new things in class. For instance, we do push-ups with the kids throughout the class -- Anna came in one day and demonstrated one-armed push-ups!! She is really determined to be and do the very best that she can."

Mike and Erin Weiss say, "We are very proud of our daughter and the great strides she has made. In her year at the studio she has become more confident, self-disciplined and more aware of others and their feelings all while having fun! We couldn't ask for more!"

Students of the Month are selected 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.  

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