December Newsletter

Beat the Heat: Creative Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Ah, summer in Australia! The sun is blazing, the kids are home for six weeks, and you’re probably wondering how to keep everyone entertained without melting into a puddle. Fear not brave parent! We’ve got a lineup of indoor activities that will keep your little ones cool, engaged, and maybe even give you a moment to sip your iced coffee in peace.

DIY Craft Projects
Time to unleash your child’s inner Picasso! Gather some paper, glue, and whatever else you can find in the craft drawer (or the bottom of your handbag). Let them create masterpieces that will make your fridge the envy of all fridges.

Indoor Treasure Hunt
Turn your home into a treasure island! Hide clues around the house leading to a small prize. It’s like being a pirate, but without the risk of scurvy. Plus, it keeps them busy while you catch up on your favourite show.

Home Science Experiments
Who knew your kitchen could double as a science lab? Try making slime or a baking soda volcano. It’s educational, fun, and a great way to use up that baking soda you bought in bulk during lockdown.

Board Games and Puzzles
Dust off those board games and puzzles! They’re not just for rainy days. Choose games that encourage strategic thinking and teamwork. Bonus: it’s a sneaky way to teach them patience and how to lose gracefully.

Cooking Together
Get your mini chefs involved in the kitchen. Whether it’s baking cookies or making sandwiches, it’s a delicious way to teach them about measurements and following instructions. Just be prepared for a little extra mess!

Storytime and Puppet Shows
Create a cozy reading nook and dive into storytime adventures. Or, put on a puppet show using socks or paper bags. It’s a great way to encourage imagination and storytelling skills. Plus, it’s free entertainment!

Indoor Obstacle Course
Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to set up a fun and safe obstacle course. It’s like a mini Ninja Warrior course, minus the water hazards. Perfect for burning off some of that endless energy.

Dance Party
Crank up their favorite tunes and let them dance out their energy. Not only is it a fun way to stay active, but it also lifts spirits and brings joy. Plus, you get to show off your killer dance moves.

Movie Marathon
Pick a theme and enjoy a series of movies or shows, complete with homemade popcorn. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy some downtime together. Just make sure you agree on the movie before the popcorn runs out!

Yoga and Relaxation
Introduce your kids to basic yoga poses or guided relaxation exercises. It’s a calming way to help them unwind and learn the importance of mindfulness. And who knows, maybe you’ll find your zen too!

These activities are not just about keeping kids entertained, they’re about creating memories, fostering creativity, and maybe even sneaking in a little learning. So, embrace the chaos, enjoy the laughter, and remember: summer is what you make of it.

Bully Defence Tip - Don’t be part of the problem

A surprising thing happened recently.

I asked a group of kids “Who hates bullying?” 100% of hands went up!

I asked “Who would do something about it if they could?” EVERY hand went up!

Parents, we need you to help us to tap into this commitment.

Could you please remind your child that it is NEVER ok to ignore bullying.

The saying “if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem” is very true, and if bullying is ignored then you must be part of the problem.

Here is what your child can do to be part of the solution:

Report bullying immediately to a teacher on duty.

Save their friend – step in and remove them from a bad situation.

Avoid the bully – help their friend to play elsewhere.

Be aware – know where the bully hangs out. Know where the danger spots are.

Safety in numbers – Notice the “lonely kid”. Make friends with them so they don’t become a target.

Together we can do something about bullying.

Family Martial Arts classes

Is your family ready for a fun and energizing activity together? 🌟

Come try our amazing Family Martial Arts classes! 🥋

Try a FREE class right here 👉 https://bit.ly/47LbWgK

Our program not only helps keep your family SAFE, but it’s also designed to bring families closer while preparing everyone for success in life.

🥋 Focus drills for all ages build concentration.

💪 Partner exercises enhance teamwork and connection.

👊 Earning belts together builds confidence & family goals.

🤝 Train in a supportive, non-competitive community with like-minded families.

Make martial arts a family affair!

Join us for a risk-free trial 👉 https://bit.ly/47LbWgK

Holiday Challenge: 21 Days to Kickstart Your New Year

Hey team! With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to set the stage for an incredible new year. I’ve got a do-at-home challenge for you that’s both simple and has impact. It’s designed to help you to keep building a strong foundation in martial arts while also boosting your mental resilience. Let’s make this holiday season one of growth and preparation with the 21-Day CKD Basics Challenge!

Week 1: Foundation and Focus

Daily Practice: Spend 10 minutes each day practicing Patterns, Offence drills or Defence Drills (with an imaginary partner). Focus on maintaining balance and proper posture. This is all about building a solid foundation of basic movement.

Mindset Exercise: Each day, jot down one thing you’re grateful for in your martial arts journey. It could be a new skill, a supportive training partner, or simply the joy of movement. Gratitude keeps us grounded and motivated.

Week 2: Strength and Stretch

Daily Practice: Add 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks to the Week 1 activity. Follow this with 5 minutes of stretching to improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Mindset Exercise: Reflect on a challenge you’ve faced this year and how you overcame it. Write a brief note about what you learned from that experience. This reflection builds resilience and confidence.

Week 3: Technique and Tranquility

Daily Practice: Dedicate an additional 10 minutes to practicing just basic single punches and kicks. I find that doing this in front of a mirror enables me to use the reflection of my own body as a target. Focus on technique and precision rather than speed or power.

Mindset Exercise: Spend 5 minutes each day in meditation or deep breathing. Mornings are good before the business of the day starts. Use this time to visualize yourself successfully executing techniques and achieving your martial arts goals.

Why This Works: This challenge isn’t just about physical practice. It’s about cultivating a mindset that supports your growth. By focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of martial arts, you’ll develop a holistic approach to your training.

Take the Challenge: I encourage each of you to take on this challenge and see how it transforms your mindset and actions. It also reinforces the positive habits you’re developing by coming to class.

Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, achievement, and fulfillment. Are you ready to take the 21-Day CKD Basics Challenge? I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how this impacts your journey. Let’s do this together!

Regards
Master John

Coming Up This Month –
Save These Dates:

Stripe Testing Week for December Belt Exam: Begins December 1st, 2025
Black Belt Club: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025
School Holidays / Start of T-shirt Training: Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Belt Exam (includes Dan Test): Sunday, December 14th, 2025
School Closed: December 20th to January 5th, 2026

Birthdays This Month:

Don’t forget to wish your classmates a Happy Birthday!

Max Spring – 02/12
Madhara Udawela – 02/12
Rachel Taylor – 04/12
Saayoni Rohan Chauhan – 04/12
Alexandra Hunter – 05/12
Casey Thomas – 05/12
Deborah Mason – 06/12
Laura Traill – 07/12
Michael Vine – 07/12
Mihai Sanislav – 14/12
Ben Putra – 15/12
Irma Jaggi – 16/12
Rosalie Edelman – 16/12
Romeo Hughson – 18/12
Rebekah Wade – 19/12
Lucy McCallum – 19/12
Kozzani Zaro – 21/12
Tejaswini Suresh – 26/12
Addilyn Stringer – 28/12
Sanna Lassig – 29/12
Geo Richardson – 29/12
Michael Walker – 31/12
Walter Wituschek – 31/12

Let’s Hear It From: Rohan

Thank you so much for your review, Rohan!

Instructor Highlight

Roasted Veggie Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavour this warm roasted veggie salad is the perfect summer side!

Parting Thought: “Change your opinions, keep to your principles; Change your leaves, keep intact your roots….” — Victor Hugo

We constantly encounter new information, new challenges, and new perspectives that may prompt us to adjust our views or change our strategies.

That’s natural and necessary. But while opinions can evolve, your principles should remain firmly grounded.

In your martial arts journey, this means staying rooted in your core values like respect, perseverance, and humility, even as you grow and adapt your techniques, goals, or mindset over time.

A lifestyle based on martial arts teaches you to be flexible and open to learning, but never to compromise who you truly are at your core.