January Newsletter

We Believe… You’re Way Too Young for Lawn Bowls!

Years ago, at a colleague’s retirement party, someone joked, “So, I guess you’ll be taking up lawn bowls now?” At 70, his response was simple: “No way, I’m way too young for that!”

He refused to let age define him or hold him back, and neither should you! Yet, we often hear limiting beliefs like:

“I’m too old.”
“I’m not fit enough.”
“I can’t even touch my toes.”
“I could never kick that high.”

These thoughts are a defense mechanism, keeping you in your comfort zone to avoid frustration, embarrassment, or failure. But the truth is, they stop you from reaching your full potential.

Instead of saying, “I can’t because…,” challenge yourself by asking, “What’s really stopping me?”

“I’m too old.” → It’s never too late to start.
“I’m not fit enough.” → The fitter I get, the more I’ll enjoy life.
“I can’t touch my toes.” → I want to work toward being that flexible.
“I could never kick that high.” → Wouldn’t it be amazing to do that?

At The Academy of CKD, we believe that age is no barrier to martial arts. Our Over 50s program is specifically designed to help you get fit, stay flexible, and learn practical self-defense—all while working at a pace that suits your abilities.

So, why settle for slowing down? Take inspiration from those who’ve faced similar challenges and succeeded. You’re never too old to start something new, and you’re definitely too young for lawn bowls!

Contact us today for a free trial and let us help you rediscover your strength, confidence, and energy.

Self Defence Tip - Learn some verbal martial arts

You may not always have to defend yourself from physical attack.

You can also experience emotional and mental abuse.

Maybe it is a bullying boss, a jealous work colleague, a rude neighbor. 
 
The physical lessons we learn in our martial arts training can be applied to these types of attackers 
 
Think about it….. 
 
You learn to block and deflect punches and kicks, so why not practice verbal responses to deflect unwanted comments? 
 
You learn to counter-attack quickly when someone attacks us, so be ready to talk the situation down and diffuse any verbal aggression. 
 
You practice physical defence moves repeatedly to respond to common attacks, so why not apply this idea to verbal responses too? 
 
So, if you have somebody giving you a hard time, give yourself some mental training.

Role-play and rehearse just like your physical training on the martial arts mat to give you the confidence.
 
“The habits we practice on the mat are the habits we need for life” 

Over 50's Martial Arts classes

Looking for a fun and energizing way to stay fit?

Join our Over 50’s Martial Arts Classes!

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

Our program is designed to help you stay active, improve mobility, and enjoy yourself in a supportive community. No previous experience is required!

Boost your strength and flexibility at your own pace.

Improve balance and coordination for better daily movement.

Gain strength, focus, and mental resilience.

Make new friends and enjoy a fun, social atmosphere.

Feel stronger, move better, and stay connected.

Try our classes for FREE today https://bit.ly/47ItrhB

Your Path to Black Belt: Understanding the Journey

Earning a black belt is a dream for many people, but it’s important to remember that the journey to black belt is not a race—it’s an adventure. In martial arts, every step matters, and each belt earned represents growth, both on and off the mat.

Step-by-Step Progression

Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts training is built on a structured system of learning. You’ll start as a beginner, mastering fundamental techniques like stances, punches, and kicks. As you progress, each belt rank brings new challenges, skills, knowledge and awareness.

Here’s some of the key milestones as you progress though the belt ranks:

White Belt: The starting point, where you build a strong foundation.

Yellow Belt: Gaining confidence and refining basic techniques.

Orange Belt: Developing more complex moves and patterns.

Blue Belt: Focusing on precision and combining techniques.

Red Belt: Honing advanced skills and preparing for leadership.

Black Belt: A symbol of mastery—but not the end of the journey, just a new beginning.

The Bigger Picture

While reaching black belt is an incredible milestone, training in CKD Martial Arts is not just about achieving ranks. It’s about who you become along the way. Training teaches discipline, resilience, and focus—qualities that extend beyond the mat and enrich your life.

CKD isn’t a short-term activity. It’s a lifetime practice that grows with you. Whether you’re five or fifty, there’s always more to learn, more to improve, and more ways to challenge yourself.

Why Train for the Long-Term?

The true value of CKD is in the long-term benefits:

Health: Improved strength, flexibility, and energy.

Confidence: Overcoming challenges builds self-belief.

Lifelong Learning: Martial arts encourages curiosity and personal growth.

Community: You become part of a supportive group of like-minded individuals.

The lessons you learn on the mat—patience, perseverance, and self-improvement—apply to every aspect of your life. By viewing CKD as a journey, not a destination, you unlock the true potential it has to offer.

A Lifelong Adventure

Remember, martial arts is more than just earning belts; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress. The journey doesn’t stop at black belt—it only gets more rewarding.

So as you tie your belt and step onto the mat, remember to treat CKD as an adventure and let it become a lifelong practice that helps you grow stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.

Coming Up This Month –
Save These Dates:

T-shirt training – January 7th, 2025
End of T-shirt training – January 24th, 2025
School Reopens – January 7th, 2025
Public Holiday (Australia Day) – January 27th, 2025
School Closed for the holiday: January 25th – 27th, 2025

Birthdays This Month:

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

Bernadette 08/01
Gwen 08/01
Ben 10/01
Zoe 13/01
Danae 16/01
Felix 19/01
Josephine 21/01
Pippa 24/01
Kyan 25/01
Ozil 29/01
Sophia 31/01

Let’s Hear It From: Kelly M.

Thank you so much for your review, Kelly!

Instructor Highlight

Recipe of the month: Rare Beef Salad

A zesty twist on beef ceviche with a burst of citrusy lemon flavor! Prefer it less rare? Quickly blanch the beef before tossing. Delicious and refreshing!

Parting Thought: In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

This quote highlights the importance of knowing when to be adaptable and when to stand firm. It encourages us to be open to change, trying new methods, or going with the flow in everyday situations. However, it reminds us that our core values—like integrity, respect, and perseverance—should never be compromised. By balancing flexibility with unwavering principles, we can face challenges with strength and authenticity.