self defence training in swindon

10 Ways To Change Your STINKING Thinking

10 Ways To Change Your STINKING Thinking

  1. Instead of thinking your problem is too tough, think about how to solve it.
  2. Instead of thinking your situation is bad, think about how to improve it.
  3. Instead of thinking you are not talented enough, think about how to be better.
  4. Instead of thinking you don’t have enough, think about how to get what you want.
  5. Instead of thinking you don’t know enough, think about how to find out.
  6. Instead of thinking you are out of shape, think about how to shape up.
  7. Instead of thinking about what you can’t do, think about what you can.
  8. Instead of thinking about what you don’t want, think about what you do.
  9. Instead of thinking your life should be easier, think about how to be more awesome.
  10. Instead of thinking your troubles are someone else’s fault, think about accepting responsibility.


Look at both sides of each sentence. Read the “Instead of,” until the comma.  Does that person sound like someone you know?

Now read the “think about,” until the period.  Does that sound like a person you would like to become?

The question is: Which way do you think?

The best news is that it is all under your control!  In the end, your success (or lack thereof) will be a product of how you think…Cogito ergo sum.   Control how you think, that will control how you act.  Control how you act, that will control how you get.

The more you think positively, the better you will get at it.  You have to find the time to do it. It you don’t think you have time, make time!  I wish I could say it as poetically, but I will let Thoreau handle that:

“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.”

Earl Nightingale once said, “You become what you think about most of the time.”  If that is true, don’t waste your time thinking life should be easier, invest your time thinking about ways to be more valuable.

Food for thought!

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts


martial arts centre for children

Like a Samurai...‏

The other day I sent out an email
about the importance of discipline.
Then I remembered an awesome
example: Samurai!
Did you know that samurai would
wake up every day, and literally
spend the entire day until the evening
practicing and honing their skills?
Crazy, I know!
Yet there have never been swordsmen
of their caliber since their fall.
Regards
Sifu Tony Child
Founder, Chief Instructor & Success Coach
Total Martial Arts

self defence training

Dont make these 3 mistakes

Whenever I’m teaching classes at the gym or answering emails about Martial Arts, there are 3 common mistakes people make that drive me crazy!
#1. Making Excuses
“I don’t have the time”….
No, you just don’t make the time. Do you watch TV or go out on weekends? Well, those are the times that motivated people are using to make strides towards their dreams.
“I don’t have the money”….
Maybe, but are you spending money in other areas that aren’t completely necessary? Are you eating out often? Or maybe you like to go out on the weekends and spend your cash at the bar?
If Martial arts and fitness is your priority, you’ll save the money to train.

#2. No Team or Support System

Martial arts might be an “individual” activity, but the successful martial artist knows how critically important it is to have a team of motivated, knowledgeable people who are helping you push harder and learn each and every day.
If you want to improve and have any chance at reaching your goals, you need quality coaches and you need quality training partners… it’s that simple!

You’re a product of your environment and the people you surround yourself with… so why not surround yourself with the best?

3. Not “Wanting It” Enough
         “When you want to succeed as badly as you want to breathe,
           then you’ll be successful.” – Eric Thomas
How bad do you really want to do it?
Do you just say you want to do it… or do you actually do it?
Do you make the necessary sacrifices and put in the hours?
Are you disciplined enough to commit long term to accomplishing your dreams?
Only YOU can answer those questions honestly, and they can be more difficult to answer than you might think… but ultimately, reaching your goals is up to you.
If you are 100% committed to martial arts training and truly dedicating yourself to improving day-in and day-out, then I invite you to join the #1 place to take your training to the next level…

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts


childrens martial arts

That one forbidden word that every parent dreads...

Okay, so before we get started – I have to admit…
… the subject of this email MAY have exaggerated a bit. Some parents are actually really great with this.
But for many, MANY parents – it’s tough as nails.
Here, the Chinese have a proverb that says it best: “Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes.”
Do you know that one? Can you think of a situation (or ten) where you can relate?
Most parents can.
It usually boils down to a simple, understandable problem: You want your kids to like you, and are afraid of being too mean or strict, and ruining your great relationship with them.
I usually offer this piece of advice to parents who are timid about putting their foot down…
“If your kid doesn’t like you at least once a day – you’re doing it wrong!”
It’s just part of the gig. The sooner you can get over this little hill that feels like a mountain…
… the sooner you’ll earn more respect and discipline from your kids.
Shameless plug: martial arts is also an amazing way to help your kids develop and enhance these traits.

If you’re trying to instill more patience, discipline and respect in your kids I can’t recommend martial arts enough.
Have a great one,

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts


Are you unconsciously competent?

Learning any new skill can be a frustrating experience. 

I regularly hear students say things like: 

“I’ll never be able to do this” 

“I’m not good enough” 

“It’s too hard!” 

The truth is, if that’s your attitude you probably wont be able learn it, or at the very least it will take you a lot longer than necessary. 

Most people view making mistakes or failure with negative emotions. It appears to be particularly common in martial arts. 

Everyone expects to be able to perform a technique first time perfectly. 

Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. 

After all I bet you weren’t driving like Ayrton Senna after you first lesson. 

Ironically, mistakes are a vital step in learning a new skill. 

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, famously said  “I have not failed 10,000 times – I’ve successfully  found 10,000 ways that will not work.” 

Like Edison, you should view mistakes as stepping stones to mastery. 

Understanding the process of learning can be of great help in maintaining the correct mindset and help you stay focused on developing the new skill. 

The Conscious Competence Learning Model defines four psychological stages in the process of learning a new skill through to mastery. 

Stage 1: Unconscious incompetence. 

Basically, you don’t know that you don’t know how to do something. 


To progress from this stage of learning you must recognise your own incompetence and accept the value of the new skill. 

The length of time an you stay in this stage will depend on the strength of the stimulus and motivation to learn a new skill. 

So if you have no plans on training you’ll probably remain unconsciously incompetent. 

Stage 2: Conscious incompetence. 

In this stage you know that you don’t know how to do something. 


To escape this stage you’ll need to practice and refine a new skill

Making mistakes at this stage are an integral part of the learning process, but with time and a little effort you can progress to stage 3. 

Stage 3: Conscious Competence. 

You know how to do something but it takes effort and. 

In this stage you know how to do something and can perform the skill, but it requires concentration and effort. 

A definite plan or process can be very useful at this stage to develop the skill. 

Eventually, you will reach Stage 4 

Stage 4: Unconscious Competence. 

You know how to so something instinctively. 

This is the final stage of learning a new skill and you reach it when your new skill has become second nature and you can perform it with ease. 

Whether you’re learning martial arts or any new skill you should make unconscious competence your ultimate goal. 

This is achievable for anyone through sustained practice and the correct tuition. 

So next time you step on the mat or attempt to earn a new skill do not become frustrated by making mistakes, or failing at your first attempt. 

Instead view it as a step on your way to mastery. 

See you on the mats.

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts


So your kid has a sweet tooth...

In this day and age, where diet & weight related problems are so common in kids…

… I thought you’d like to know of a little “trick” that satisfies a kid’s sweet tooth…

… while keeping them healthy.

After all, diabetes, and being overweight, are mostly due to refined sugar and simple carbs like white bread.

=======
So, here are TWO EASY CHANGES you can make to keep your kid healthy and sound.
=======

1. Agave nectar.

The agave plant is seriously a gift from nature. It’s super-sweet, but DOESN’T make your blood sugar go crazy like refined sugar does (this is the major cause of weight gain and diabetes).

You can cook with it… use it instead of syrup on pancakes and French toast…

… and even make cookies and such with it.

2. Stevia

The stevia plant is a no-calorie plant that also acts as a sugar substitute. It’s completely natural, and very healthy.

Like agave, it doesn’t impact your blood sugar levels either. And it’s not like Equal or Splenda – which are both processed and full of crazy chemicals.

=======
Many people completely replace sugar with these products.

Or, they use these products to greatly REDUCE the amount of sugar their families use.
=======

Hope you enjoyed this tip

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts


Advanced Adult Testing

We are always proud of students who’s dedication and consistent training gets them to the advanced levels. This testing session was particularly special as we had 3 black belt candidates.

In addition to the testing on the day the black belt candidates had to produce an essay on the history and development of kickboxing. Sifu Dan was also given a special challenge of completing a 15 mile run.

When they advanced grading candidates arrived on the testing day they immediately go stuck into the fitness test; 9 exercises each done for 2 minutes including squats, press ups and everyone’s favorite burpees. All the candidates put in a great effort and recorded some impressive scores.

The next phase of the testing was a technical assessment including pad work striking drills, trapping and wing chun dummy. TMA instructors worked through the syllabus with the candidates and provided a written assessment of the students strengths and weaknesses.

After a short break for the students to catch their breath and refuel we moved on to the final challenge which was a grueling 50 rounds of sparring. At this point we would like to thank everyone who came and volunteered to take part in the sparring.

We were pleased with the technical skills and mutual respect shown by all participants. Keep in mind that the 50 rounds of sparring takes around 2 hours with no breaks allowed so this is a challenge of endurance and willpower.

Congratulations to everyone who passed the test and earned a new belt.

  • Serous Mazaheri green belt kickboxing
  • John Kuchar green belt kickboxing
  • Sarah Reynolds green belt kickboxing
  • Dan Parsons black belt kickboxing
  • Brandon Arnold black belt kickboxing
  • Alethia Reid blackbelt kickboxing
  • Alan Brassington blue belt muay thai
  • Paul Kurnyta green belt jun fan
  • Gordon Croft green belt jun fan


Feedback from junior grading

We greatly appreciate the feedback received on the junior grading forms from students, parents and teachers. It helps us to ensure high standards in all aspects of our martial arts program.

As ever the students told us they enjoyed various punches, kicks and the games at the end of class. We were especially please to see students mentioning they had picked up the values and life skill from the classes such as: focus, confidence and respect. The students also felt that they had made friends with the others in the class. they also felt motivated by the awards achieved in class or received through the post.

We would like to share a few quotes from the parents:

“Great balance of strength and conditioning, values and martial arts skills. We have really enjoyed seeing his confidence levels increase”

“The encouragement given to the children is excellent and the discipline helps us parents”

“We feel well informed about events and the progress of our daughter”

“It improves his concentration and his will power to try his best at everything he does. We are very proud of how he has grown from his classes to the young man he is becoming.”

Several parents requested information on the forms and assistance with practicing at home, this can be found in the instructional videos on our website https://www.martialarts-swindon.co.uk/martial-arts-instructional-videos/

Please note also that we are constantly monitoring the numbers in all classes to ensure that classes sizes are appropriate.

awards for martial arts students


UNSHAKABLE Confidence!

“I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”- Thomas A. Edison 

“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”- Thomas A. Edison 

Hello

Do you know what it means to have UNSHAKABLE Confidence? 

These are powerful quotes from someone who saw many inventions into existence. Inventions we all use to this very day! 

You can imagine, that would take some STRONG and UNSHAKABLE confidence to invent something that the world has never seen (and also didn’t even think could happen!).
To have a goal, and to make constant mistakes in the process, but STILL keep on looking for the answer takes a lot of confidence. 


That’s how we feel here at our Academy and we strive every day to instil that in our students. Not only do we want them to believe they can achieve their goals, but we teach the importance of having goals! 

Give me a call on 07765202363. I will show you how we can help you achieve your goals. 

Until Later,

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts


Want To Be A Leader? Here Are 6 Ways To Become A HERO!‏

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” 

When you are little, this is a question you constantly hear from your parents, teachers, and friends, but then you hit a certain age it disappears.

Could it be that you hit a certain age and can no longer become what you dream of?  Is there a point the world or time takes away your chances to change?  I disagree. Society and your current boss aren’t stopping you from a new vision. You are stopping yourself.

When I used to get asked what I wanted to be when I “grew up,” my answer was not one of the classics.  The choices of astronaut, policeman or sport star just never appealed to me.  When I looked at all the things I could become, my choice was simple: I said wanted to be a Super Hero.  Most people said I was crazy and or unrealistic.  Even though I kept it quiet, I never lost sight of this dream.

Why a Super Hero and not an accountant?  When you are a Super Hero, you have the best life. You get to spend your time developing your special gifts, you get to hang out with other Super Heroes and your sole purpose is to use your powers for good to save and inspire others against evil.  The really cool costume and strong body is just icing on the cake.

I realized you are a hero to someone.  Whether it is your child, spouse, coworkers or teammates, you can be the change for good in someone’s life.  You don’t need a mask or a costume and you have more super power than you think.  You just need to believe it.

6 Ways To Be A Super Hero:

  1. Want Courage?  Do something you are afraid of.
  2. Want Discipline? Do One Thing you have been putting off today.
  3. Want Leadership?  Find someone doing something good and praise them.
  4. Want Generosity? Give someone something of value. 
  5. Want Patience?  Let Go of something you have been upset about.
  6. Want Strength? Work on one of your weaknesses.

Do these 6 things today and you are sure to be someone’s Super Hero.

Sifu Tony Child
Total Martial Arts