“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.”- Nido Qubein

“You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It's called perseverance.”- Lee Iacocca

Martial Arts requires concentration, as we all know. When it is time to clear your mind and focus, what is your process?

“Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition - in having put forth the best within you.” - Henry J Kaiser

What is your favorite martial arts publication? Is it a magazine, a blog, our Facebook page ;)??

“When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people.”- Chinese Proverb

This 11 year old girl has not one, not two but FOUR Black Belts! Wow! http://bit.ly/hNSf4R

“You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.”- Dale Carnegie

Remember this video from earlier this year of the bully victim body slamming the bully himself? What were your thoughts on this incident? http://bit.ly/gSKzIb

“Leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.”
- Vincent T Lombardi

New old-school martial arts movie coming! Check it out… http://nyti.ms/g2VIly

“Remember the two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn't work; and second, the failure gives you the opportunity to try a new approach.”- Roger Von Oech

It’s midweek. What was the best part of your training this week so far? If you haven’t trained yet, what do you hope to accomplish?

“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”- William Faulkner

Guess what? Hong Kong flight attendants are now required to learn martial arts as a part of their training! http://fxn.ws/fNbEMn

“What you get by reaching your destination isn't nearly as important as what you become by reaching your goals - what you will become is the winner you were born to be!”- Zig Ziglar

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." -Muhammad Ali

Need to strengthen your core to perfect your training? Check out this 5 minute ab workout! http://bit.ly/hZmgoM

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”- Jim Ryun

How far would you go to protect your child from bullying? Is plastic surgery going too far? http://abcn.ws/fCkC14

Recess is an important part of a child’s day. A child’s confidence can dictate their recess experience. http://nyti.ms/fYA8fz

“You must take action now that will move you towards your goals. Develop a sense of urgency in your life.” - Les Brown

"Hard training, easy combat; easy training, hard combat." - Marshal Suvorov, famous Russian General

According to Forbes, proper breathing enhances athletic performance by 15%! Check out the details… http://bit.ly/hSKvma

Action Star, Steven Seagal, has quite a well-rounded “real life,” however his roles over the years have been quite silly at times… http://bit.ly/dRC3yQ

“Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.”- Jack Canfield

"Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential." - Liane Cardes

Martial arts can benefit all types of children, especially those suffering from Autism. Read the facts… http://bit.ly/gfWEOK

If you had the chance to train with a celebrity, who would it be?

“He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.” -Edmund Burke

“One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life [and his training].” -Edward B. Butler

Hanna, premiering this Friday in the US starring Eric Bana, features many styles of martial arts! Will you be in theaters to watch? http://bit.ly/e8Z7uN

“Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” -Lou Holtz

Check out these female Sumo wrestling pics! Eastern Europe is having tons of fun with this sport! http://bit.ly/hljgA2

“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison

“To win takes a complete commitment of mind and body. When you can't make that commitment, they don't call you a champion anymore.” -Rocky Marciano

Mr. and Mrs. Jouan Have Goals Too

In addition to making ATA West Chester a successful school, Mr. and Mrs. Jouan have been training in martial arts for many, many years and this June look forward to taking the next step on their journey.

Mrs. Jouan will be eligible in June to test for her 5th degree black belt. She recently has completed all of her midterm testings and continues to seek knowledge wherever and whenever she can. In addition to taking courses and seminars at ATA World, National, and Regional events, Mrs. Jouan is training with top ATA Masters, including her instructor, Master Doug Stewart.

Mr. Jouan will be eligible to test for his 6th degree black belt in June. This is a journey that is almost 25 years in the making. Mr. Jouan completed his last midterm testing and has been receiving top scores. He has enjoyed training more with the new black belts at ATA West Chester. Seeing them push to be the best has inspired him to train harder right alongside them.

Both of them have received permission and will be testing on Friday, June 24th, 2011 at ATA International High Rank Testing in Little Rock, Arkansas. More information about World Championships may be found here:
http://www.ataonline.com/events/w2011/

Start making plans now to be at testing and competition, as well as the historic Inaugural Ceremony on Saturday night featuring Team Competition, Masters Ceremony, and the new Grand Master's Inauguration.

What part of your weekend routine is your favorite?! Or do you fly by the seat of your pants?!

“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”- Thomas Edison