Living With Purpose

The following is an excerpt from my upcoming book (release date to be announced later).

Believe it or not, you have the choice to be who and what you are now--or to soar with the eagles. We all have the freedom and the abilities to live life beyond our wildest dreams. The only difference between those who do and those who don’t is a decision followed by accurate thinking and then action.

As a youngster, all I ever heard were variations on "Someday our ship will come in (and solve our financial woe)," "Those that have money are lucky," or "You need to be born into the right family." Well, I wasn’t smart enough, tall enough, or talented enough, and I was doomed by my family’s history of mediocrity.

This was not acceptable to me, and I decided that somehow I would soar like an eagle. I would make my life a blessing. I was bound and determined to make this my quest even though I had no idea how to make this a reality.

I needed a strategic design for living life to its fullest. I needed to determine my purpose in life. We all have a purpose, and it is our responsibility to fulfill that vision. We must commit ourselves to something bigger than our own personal desires. Find your purpose and pledge allegiance to it! It is said that, "If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything."

So, what is purpose? I realized that my purpose in life is to be a teacher, leader, mentor and athlete. My purpose is to help as many people as possible to maximize their potential. I find true meaning in looking people eye to eye and being of service. I find joy in helping my students to learn to defend themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. My dream is being able to help people find their potential and live life with a purpose.

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[karate book]

One Who Serves

For more than 15 years, I have instilled in my students the idea of being a warrior. A warrior, in my definition, is one who serves. It is someone who is willing to abandon old mindsets and take on a new vision of life--to get past their fears and become a person with a mission and purpose. That purpose must be bigger than you. You cannot simply say, "I wish to make a lot of money." There must be a reason for it. Do you want to make money to help others? That makes you a warrior.

I have now taken this "warrior" concept and turned it into a book, which is now undergoing the editing process and getting set for a release date. In the meantime, my goal with this blog is to create some excitement for the book and encourage you to pass on the word to those you know. This book is for anyone who is open to change...indeed, you must be willing to undergo a complete transformation in order to benefit fully from the book. Check back often for updates and news on my book as we get closer to publication. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[warrior]

Persevering on the Way to Black Belt

I don't know many black belts who didn't doubt themselves at one time or another. Outside pressures, injuries, cold weather and simple frustration are just a few of the influences that can cause self-doubt to creep in. To keep yourself on track, try the following tips anytime you feel your determination weakening:

1. Surround yourself with positive influences. Whether it's your instructors, friends and classmates, or family, you need to be around people who genuinely support you in your goals. They will be the ones to offer positive feedback and support when you need it most.

2. Be patient. Goals generally do not get achieved overnight. Give yourself the time and space to gradually realize your goals, focusing along the way on smaller goals that you can achieve in a relatively short amount of time. For instance, if you have trouble with a particular technique, set up a private lesson to master that technique. As you achieve those smaller goals, you will be working your way up to the larger ones down the road.

3. Remind yourself daily of why you chose to train. Write down on a piece of paper what motivated you to become a black belt in the first place. Write it as if it is already so. For example: "I am a black belt, and I chose to become a black belt because I wanted a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit." Read the paper every morning, every night, and several times throughout the day. As your belief grows, so will you in the martial arts.

4. Reward yourself along the way. When you master a particular goal, treat yourself to something special. You've earned it!

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[black belt perseverance]

One Degree of Separation

At the beginning of the year, I started off my classes with a simple challenge to my students: to bump up their performance in all areas of their lives by just one degree. We all know that water boils at 211 degrees, but what happens at 212? The answer is different for each person. One degree of extra effort can mean the difference between getting a huge raise and staying at the same level. It can mean the difference between winning a race and watching someone else win. It can mean the difference between breaking through barriers in your life and remaining chained by fear. One extra degree isn't a lot, but it can change your life forever. Think about the areas of your life where a little extra effort might help you achieve your goals. Are you hoping to lose weight? Make new friends? Pass an important test? Learn a new skill? What's holding you back? I challenge you to think about that one extra degree, and then own it. Make it yours now.

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[confidence]

There are times in our lives when we must make decisions, and some of us are better at doing so than others. Some people will make a decision on the spot: Ask them if they want pizza or chicken, and they will tell you right away that they want one or the other. Others will take longer to decide: Ask them the same question, and they'll hem and haw about it--maybe even throw in a third choice, like tacos. What helps in the decision-making process is having the confidence to know that whatever you decide will be the right thing. Take the initiative to make a decision, and you will instantly feel empowered to do just about anything, whether it is picking out dinner or deciding whether to accept a new job. Confident decisions come from a place of action. When you decide to do something, you feel ready to act on it and get things done.

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[confidence]

Black Belts Know How to Take Initiative

One of the most important Black Belt character traits is the ability to take initiative. The word "initiative" means knowing what needs to be done and doing it without being told. At home, this includes taking the garbage to the curb on collection day, washing the dishes, mowing the lawn and many other chores. Black Belts take pride in their initiative because it shows that they are very responsible.

You have many responsibilities as a martial arts student. You must practice regularly, keep your uniform clean and arrive for all of your classes on time and every time. Remember, it is solely your responsibility to take initiative. Don't depend on your parents or instructors to remind you constantly of what is expected of you.

Test your initiative. Study these situations and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Your younger sibling's toys are spread throughout the house, and guests are coming for dinner.
A. Would you leave the toys where they are because you didn't make the mess?
B. Would you push the toys under the couch, toss them in a closet or wherever you could hide them quickly?
C. Would you gather all of the toys and store them where they belong, before your mom even asks you to help?

2. Your dog is sitting by the door, begging to go outside.
A. Would you make him wait because it is not your turn to take him outside?
B. Would you scold the dog for whining?
C. Would you take him outside without being told because you love your dog?

3. You have a martial arts test tomorrow and your uniform is buried in a huge pile of laundry.
A. Would you wait, expecting your mom to wash it before your test?
B. Would you take it from the laundry and wear it anyway, hoping that it doesn't smell too much?
C. Would you wash your uniform and the rest of laundry without being asked?

If you selected "C" for all of the situations above, then you are a very responsible person and know how to take initiative. If you selected any other answers, then it is time for you to set a new goal to take more initiative. Remember, being a Black Belt is not only strong kicks and punches, but also being the best person you can be!

Copyright 2006 National Black Belt Club newsletter.

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[black belt]

The Results Are In...

And we had a fantastic Competition Tournament! As I watched everyone from 3-year-olds to mature adults compete in our tournament over the weekend, I was amazed at the confidence, control and respect that every student maintained throughout each and every event. Every student got up and did their very best, which is all we ever ask of them. Even students who were injured got up and tried again; every student went home with a trophy whether it was 1st, 2nd or 3rd place or a competitor trophy. And with roughly half of our 500+ students competing, we had a day of true comaraderie. None of this would be possible without the success principles in place in my studio. These are principles that every instructor and employee must learn through a two-year instructor's college offered right here in the dojo. We believe wholeheartedly in helping even other dojos to be the best they can be. Doing so enhances the image of the martial arts overall.

Now, there are always lessons to be learned from any tournament, and mostly it's just a matter of tweaking what we're already doing. For instance, we cannot judge a 3-year-old by the same standards of a 4- or 5-year-old. We are always ready to grow and learn. And for being as large as we are, we did a great job of making each student feel significant and successful. In the words of one instructor, "It was awesome."

Shihan Brad WennebergOwner/Director/Master Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy

[karate tournament kids]