January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

January Newsletter

How to Support Your Child Through Their First Year of Martial Arts

Hey there, amazing parents! If your child is about to embark on their martial arts journey, congratulations! This is an exciting time filled with growth, learning, and lots of fun. As a parent, your support is crucial in helping your child navigate their first year in martial arts. Read on to learn how you can be their biggest cheerleader and guide.

Understanding the Basics

First things first, get to know the martial arts discipline your child is learning. Whether it’s karate, taekwondo, or judo, each has its own unique techniques and culture. Familiarize yourself with the basic terminology and moves. This will not only help you engage with your child but also show them that you’re genuinely interested in their new adventure.

Encouraging Consistency and Commitment

Consistency is key in martial arts. Help your child set a regular schedule for practice and classes. Encourage them to attend consistently, even when motivation dips. Remind them that every class is a step forward, and showing up is half the battle won.

Creating a Positive Environment

Celebrate every small victory your child achieves, whether it’s mastering a new move or simply showing up to class with enthusiasm. Foster a growth mindset by focusing on effort and improvement rather than perfection. Let them know that mistakes are part of the learning process and an opportunity to grow.

Communicating with Instructors

Build a relationship with your child’s instructors. They can provide valuable insights into your child’s progress and areas for improvement. Attend parent-instructor meetings or events to stay informed and involved. This connection will help you support your child more effectively.

Supporting Practice at Home

Create a safe and designated space for your child to practice at home. Encourage short, regular practice sessions to reinforce what they’ve learned in class. Make it fun and engaging, perhaps by practicing alongside them or turning it into a game.

Balancing Martial Arts with Other Activities

Ensure your child has a balanced schedule that includes time for rest, academics, and other interests. Teach them time management skills to help juggle multiple commitments. This balance will prevent burnout and keep their passion for martial arts alive.

Handling Challenges and Setbacks

Discuss any challenges your child faces and brainstorm solutions together. Encourage resilience and perseverance, emphasizing that setbacks are part of the learning process. Share stories of famous martial artists who overcame obstacles to inspire them.

Celebrating Milestones

Recognize and celebrate milestones such as belt promotions or mastering a new technique. Use these achievements as motivation to set new goals. Celebrating these moments reinforces their hard work and dedication.

Supporting your child through their first year of martial arts is a rewarding journey for both of you. It’s an opportunity to bond, learn, and grow together. Remember, your encouragement and involvement can make all the difference in their experience. Here’s to an incredible year of martial arts adventures! Are you ready to cheer them on every step of the way? Let’s do this!

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Bully Defence Tip - The bravest person is the one who asks for help

Many bullied kids suffer bullying in silence.  

They make one common mistake: not recording or reporting anything. 

Some kids may feel that it is a sign of weakness if they ask for help. 

The best thing you can do is to let your child know that they are not alone if they are bullied.  

Also let them know that asking for help can be very difficult, but the bravest person is not the one who suffers in silence. It is the person who speaks up and asks for help. 

When your child asks for help, collect evidence. When bullying is recorded, something can be done about it by the authorities. 

The following should be recorded as soon as possible after every incident: 

  1. Date and Time  
  2. Who was there – witnesses add credibility. 
  3. What happened – include all details including threats, abuse and conversations. If it is cyberbullying, get a screen shot. 
  4. Where did it happen – this is essential as there may be cameras that recorded the incident, and it helps schools identify hot spots. 
  5. Why did it happen – record any reasons or motives for the incident. 
  6. When you are prepared with documented facts, details and a timeline, then this will make it so much easier to put your case forward to the authorities.  

School Holiday Fun! Martial Arts Pizza Party

Looking for a fun, engaging, and screen‑free activity for your child these school holidays? We’ve got the perfect adventure lined up!

This January 17th, The Academy of Choi Kwang Do is hosting a Martial Arts–themed Escape Room & Pizza Party. A thrilling 90‑minute experience designed just for students aged 6 to 14. Kids will solve puzzles, crack codes, and work together in a safe, exciting environment… all while having an absolute blast!

And of course, pizza and drinks are included!

Here are the session times:

Ages 6–8:  11:00 AM
Register here: https://sparkpages.io/?i=_eN4b

Ages 9–11:  1:00 PM
Register here: https://sparkpages.io/?i=_CO4b

Ages 12–14:  3:00 PM
Register here: https://sparkpages.io/?i=_FO4b

📅 WHEN: Saturday, January 17th
📍 WHERE: The Academy of Choi Kwang Do
💰 COST: $20 per student
🍕 Includes: Pizza, drinks & loads of dojo fun
👘 DRESS UP: Kids can come as their favourite martial arts warrior!
📌 RSVP by Monday, January 12th

This is a fantastic chance for kids to stay active, connect with friends, and challenge their minds during the holiday break. Spaces are very limited, and these events do fill quickly so we encourage you to book early.

We can’t wait to see your young warriors join the challenge!

Warm regards,
Mr. V 

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD
January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Kickstart 2026: The 3-Word Challenge for Personal Growth

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Hey team! As we step into 2026, I want to share a simple yet powerful exercise that can set the tone for a successful year. It’s called the 3-Word Challenge, and it’s all about defining the attributes, attitudes, and qualities that will help you become the most successful version of yourself. Trust me, this little exercise can make a big difference. 

The Challenge: Define Your 9 Words 

Here’s how it works: You’ll come up with three words in each of these areas: personal, social, and success. These words will serve as daily reminders of who you need to be to achieve your goals and live your best life. 

  1. Personal Realm
    Think about the qualities that define your best self. Are you striving to be more patient, resilient, or joyful? Choose three words that capture the essence of who you want to be in your personal life.
  2. Social Realm
    Consider how you want to show up in your relationships. Do you want to be more empathetic, supportive, or communicative? Pick three words that reflect the kind of friend, partner, or family member you aspire to be.
  3. Success Realm
    Focus on the attributes that will drive your success. Are you aiming to be more disciplined, innovative, or focused? Select three words that embody the mindset and qualities you need to achieve your professional and personal goals.

Make It Visible 

Once you’ve chosen your nine words, it’s time to make them a part of your daily life. Write them down and place them in as many places possible where you’ll see them often: on your mirror, refrigerator, car dashboard, computer monitor etc. You could even set a reminder on your phone to pop up regularly with the words . These words will serve as constant reminders of your intentions and keep you aligned with your goals. 

Why This Works 

This exercise is about more than just words. It’s about setting clear intentions and living with purpose. By defining who you want to be, you’re taking control of your self-talk and empowering yourself to make choices that align with your values and aspirations. 

Take the Challenge 

I encourage each of you to take on this challenge and see how it changes your mindset and actions. Share your words with a friend, partner or mentor for added accountability, and watch as you grow into the person you’ve always wanted to be. 

Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, achievement, and fulfillment. Are you ready to take the 3-Word Challenge? I’d love to hear your words and see how this exercise impacts your journey.  

Regards 

Mr V 

Coming Up This Month –
Save These Dates:

  • School Closed:

    Thursday, January 1st to Monday, January 5th, 2026

  • Australia Day – School Closed:

    Monday, January 26th, 2026

  • School Reopens / Stripe Testing Week Start:

    Tuesday, January 6th, 2026

  • Belt Exam:

    Sunday, January 18th, 2026

  • Black Belt Club:

    Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

  • Martial Arts Pizza Party:

    Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Birthdays This Month:

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

  • Ben Ferguson – 10/01

  • Jaxson Richards – 12/01

  • Danae Mccallum – 16/01

  • Felix Knudsen – 19/01

  • Josephine Nait Zineb – 21/01

  • Lilly Pracher – 21/01

  • Ime Poaru – 24/01

  • Ozil Nguyen – 29/01

  • Joshua Poletto – 31/01

Let’s Hear It From: Rachel

Thank you so much for your review, Rachel!

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Instructor Highlight

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Corn Salad with Avocado

Fresh, festive, and full of flavour! This Corn Salad with Avocado is the perfect colourful side for your Christmas table light, zesty, and a total crowd-pleaser. 🌽✨

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Parting Thought: "Just as we bow in gratitude to our training partner, so too should we bow to the challenges that make us stronger." — Anon

January 2026 Newsletter - The Academy of CKD

Adopt an attitude of gratitude toward life’s difficulties, not just its rewards.

In training, we bow to our partners as a sign of respect acknowledging their role in helping us improve.

In the same way, we should “bow” to our personal challenges, because they test our limits, sharpen our character, and help us grow stronger.

As a martial artist living this lifestyle, embracing setbacks, failures, or discomfort is part of the path.

Rather than resisting hardship, we acknowledge it as a teacher one that builds our resilience, humility, and perseverance.

True growth comes not just from success, but from how we rise in the face of resistance.

© Copyright 2020 The Academy of CKD