Goals: Something you work hard to reach.

Dear Parents,

The difference between a dream and a goal is you have to take action to turn a dream into a goal. We all have dreams of fitting into the jeans we wore in high school or running the mile as fast as we did at twenty. Those are dreams that can be goals by taking action to reach them.

This month, at LIFE 180° Martial Arts, we will be discussing with our students how to break big goals into smaller goals. Many times, we never get past the dream stage, because the dream is too big to accomplish in one sitting. However, by breaking a big goal into smaller goals, we are able to reach the big goal by taking one step at a time.

Unfortunately, in reaching for goals, we also hit obstacles. Some people see obstacles before they begin reaching for their goal, so they never progress past dreaming. By overcoming obstacles, you are able to appreciate the achievement even more. Join us this month, as we discuss what goals are and how you can reach them.

What can parents and caregivers do to help their children develop self-discipline?

Know what your children want. Sure, children want everything, but as caregivers, you are in the unique position of knowing these children well. You have the capability of determining what may be a passing fancy or what has really grabbed their attention. Encourage and help your children discover what will become their passion in life and then set goals to learn more or develop those interests.

Offer healthy rewards. We all have those horrible chores we don’t want to do; even adults face that one. Show your children how you reward yourself for doing them. Explain how you are going to take a long walk if you finish cleaning the closets.

Overcome obstacles. Depending on the age of the children, we often hide obstacles we face. Let them know certain obstacles you face and how you move past them to get what you want. You want to run in the charity 10K race, but you can’t get past 5K and you are facing overtime at work. Tell them, you plan on waking an hour earlier to get in extra running to get over the plateau you are facing.

Include everyone on taking action. If your family wants to take a special trip next year, show the kids the budget and ask how you can meet it. If you gave up eating out once a month and put that money in the savings account, you are taking action. Or you can watch a movie on DVD instead of at the theater. What else can the entire family do to help save money for a dream vacation?

Luke 1:5-25

Study questions

Click Here to Read Luke 1:5-25

1. What characteristics did Zechariah and Elizabeth have in common?

2. How were Zechariah and Elizabeth "upright in the sight of God"?

3. For what duty was Zechariah chosen by lot?

4. What experience gripped Zechariah with fear?

5. How did Gabriel describe the main purpose of John's life?

6. Why was Zechariah rendered unable to speak until the day of the prophecy's fulfillment?

7. How many miracles are referred to in this passage?

Luke 1:1-4

Study Questions

Click here to read Luke 1:1-4

1. What kind of people did Luke rely on for his information? (verse 2)

2. What does Luke say to back up the trustworthiness of what he wrote? (verse 3)

3. Who is Luke writing to? (verse 3)

4. What was Luke’s purpose in writing Theophilus? (verse 4)

5. What does the phrase "know the certainty of the things you have been taught" mean?

The Black Belt Club

The Black Belt Club

In addition to earning your belts, one very important goal is to qualify for membership into the Black Belt Club. The BBC is the core of our school.

What is the Black Belt Club?

The Black Belt Club is comprised of students committed to the goal of black belt. By the rank of Orange belt a student should make the commitment to black belt and join the Black Belt Club. Over 80% of our students are BBC members or BBC Graduates.

The Black Belt Club is the inner-core of the school and best represents what LIFE 180° Martial Arts stands for.

Who can qualify for the Black Belt Club?

To qualify a student must be a Yellow belt or above and have their instructor's approval.

How do I get recommended?

To qualify for advance training beyond your trial year, you must:

1. Have set a goal of black belt with the full support of your family.
2. Have regular belt exam participation.
3. Be triple A rated in martial arts, school/work and at home (Black Belt Excellence).
4. Have a high level of enthusiasm for martial arts class.
5. For students still in school, a good report card on conduct and attitude from parents and teachers.
6. Support school functions.
7. Have good attendance and eagerness to make up absences.
8. Be current with tuition payments.

What are the benefits of the Black Belt Club?

LIFE 180° Martial Arts is a school devoted to producing excellent black belts. When a student makes the commitment to black belt they are past the trial stage of training. They become part of our school with the following privileges:

1. Discounts on all special events.
2. Special weekly seminar/workout for Black Belt Club members only.
3. Weapons Training
4. Special Black Belt Club patch.
5. Special Black Belt Club belt.
6. Opportunity to wear the red uniform of the Black Belt Club.

How do I join?

Upon earning your Yellow Belt, you enter the Black Belt Update phase of your training. Your instructors will conduct a series of evaluations and tests to determine if you qualify for advance training in the Black Belt Club. Should you qualify, you will be invited to join the Black Belt Club. Train hard and good luck!

Life 180° Martial Arts Training Curriculum

What We Teach

Life 180° Martial Arts teaches a non-traditional style of Karate. In fact, they incorporate concepts and techniques found in four effective disciplines: Tae kwon do, Kenpo Karate, Kickboxing and Traditional Weapons. The martial arts program will instill in its students the principles of the martial arts, such as self-discipline, concentration, and physical fitness. Students will progress by training and testing for different belt levels.

Tae kwon do: is the martial art turned modern international sport which has been independently developed over 20 centuries in Korea. Tae kwon do is a free-fighting combat sport using bare hands and feet to repel the opponent. It is primarily a kicking art, with a fairly linear style and a emphasis on keeping the opponent well away from the body. Tae kwon do is famous for its devastating, powerful kicks. Because of its dynamic kicking and athleticism, Tae kwon do is very popular with children.

The popularity of Tae kwon do can be partly explained by the exposure it has received by being thrust into the international athletic spotlight. It has become one of the worlds most prominent sports participated in by some 40 million people in more than 142 countries. Tae kwon do was a demonstration sport in 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea and at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. It was an official event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia and again in Beijing, China.

Kenpo Karate: Kenpo is recognized as a very well-rounded martial art system of self-defense. It incorporates a balanced blend of Chinese hand movements and kicking techniques. Kenpo is known for having some of the best blocking and striking techniques that blend easily into a realistic self-defense system.

The founder of American Kenpo Karate is world famous Senior Grand Master Ed Parker, often called the "Father of American Kenpo Karate," who died in 1990. He made Kenpo popular in the United States and modified the art to suit modern day fighting situations.

Kickboxing: refers to the sport of using martial-arts-style kicks and boxing-style punches and techniques. Kickboxing's primary focus is on striking. However, evasive techniques from the sweet science or boxing like bobbing, weaving and slipping among others are utilized as defensive techniques. Knowing that self-protection and sport fighting are totally different situations, our kickboxing curriculum teaches our members’ defensive concepts and techniques used in all ranges of stand-up self-protection while getting them into the best shape of their lives.

Traditional Weapons: Our Junior members train in the Bo Staff, Escrima Sticks, and Nunchuku. We generally refer to all martial art weaponry as “tools”. Through the practice of these tools, our members develop greater stamina, focus, coordination and agility. All these attributes contribute greatly to everyday activities, making our members better at all non-martial art activities.

Weapons History

Tradition suggests that while under the rule of foreign powers, Okinawans, were prohibited from carrying weapons and even practicing with them. Because of the restriction farming tools soon evolved into weapons.

Bo Staff - Possibly developed from a farming tool called a tenbin: a stick placed across the shoulders with baskets or sacks hanging from either end. Perhaps it evolved from the handle of a rake or shovel.

Tonfa - It supposedly originated as the handle of a millstone used for grinding grain. At first glance it might be recognized by its modern development into that of the police nightstick (PR-24).

Nunchaku - The Nunchaku is two sections of wood about 10 inches or so in length attached to each other by a cord or chain. There are a couple of suggestions as to its origins. Some believe it evolved from a threshing flail while the other suggests that it was developed from a horse's bit.

Kama - The kama is thought to come from the traditional farming sickle.

Introducing the Instructors of Life 180° Martial Arts

Currently, the instructors of Life 180° Martial Arts consist of Tim Wallander, who is an ordained minister and former pastor or Joplin Heights Baptist Church and his wife of seven years, Beth Wallander who is a graduate of MSSU with a major in English and a minor in Communications. She is currently the Regional Marketing Director for Northport Health Services. Both, Tim and Beth’s administrative and MANAGEMENT skills have taught them how to build strong teams and relationships. It has also provided them with management and leadership skills.

Tim Wallander has 18 years of experience in martial arts and over 5 years teaching experience. He is a certified Black Belt in Sho-Tae-Ryu Karate and has competed in various karate tournaments and amateur kickboxing events. He has also studied several other styles of martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and American Kenpo. Because of this experience, he has been able to put together a comprehensive and genuine martial arts and fitness program for his students. He is knowledgeable and experienced and provides a fun, energetic, encouraging atmosphere for his students.

Beth Wallander currently has a Blue Belt in Sho-Tae-Ryu and has assisted in teaching classes for a number of years. She also takes part in planning special events as well as marketing and advertising.

Tim and Beth Wallander make a great team and both desire to see each student come to believe in Jesus Christ.

A short history of Life 180° Martial Arts Ministry

Tim Wallander started Life 180° Martial Arts in 2002 at The Bridge in Joplin, MO, where he held karate classes for adolescents and teenagers.

In 2003, Life 180° Martial Arts moved to Seneca, Mo. While in Seneca, Tim Wallander also worked as a youth minister at Bethel Baptist Church. Because Life 180° Martial Arts promotes Bible studies and scripture memorization during class and the fact that Tim Wallander worked closely with Bethel Baptist church, many karate student were saved and baptized. Additionally, these students and even some parents started attending church so they could grow as Christians.

Tim Wallander is now seeking to bring Life 180° Martial Arts to Calvary Baptist Church. He's convinced that kids will show great interest in and enthusiasm for his program, creating a perfect opportunity to share the gospel.