Nervous about trying something new?

What do you expect to find at a karate school? Great teachers? Wonderful families? A clean and pleasant environment? That's what we thought!

We've worked hard for 10 years to provide the best place for kids and families of Colorado Springs to learn martial arts. We are friendly, patient and eager to share our love for karate.

Are you nervous about coming to a place you've never been before? Worried about what to expect? What questions to ask? The moment you come to our karate school you will feel welcome. Breathe in the fresh clean air, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and get to know the owner and staff while you watch a class in action.

We want to get to know you - drop by Monday - Thursday at 5pm and we will be happy to answer your questions. No appointment necessary. You'll be happy to took 15 minutes to find out why Community Karate and Fitness is right for you!

If you would like to speak directly to the owner of the school, please call: 719-599-7024 - Sensei Deb Cupples will be happy to take time to chat with you.

Encouragment

One of the strongest forms of motivation is encouragement. It helps to push forward during the tough times and shine bright during the good times. Encouragement can come in the form of words or actions. Something as simple as a high-five, pat on the back or a genuine smile can help to nudge someone closer to success. Can you think of a time when it made a difference that a supervisor/teacher/parent acknowledged your hard work and told you that you were moving in the right direction? I bet you can remember a few specifics about what you were doing and just how great it made you feel. I remember when I was about 15 years old and playing on a softball team - I wasn't very good - but my coach told me that I was important because I was left-handed and that if I kept practicing bunting that I would be even more important than I already was! Wow! My impression of my abilities totally changed, just because someone else recognized my potential and ENCOURAGED me to continue to improve. What can we do to encourage our kids, co-workers, spouse, etc.? Can you recognize potential in someone who is struggling? It only takes a minute to make a difference and acknowledge opportunity to make a difference in someone's perception of their abilities. Make it a goal to find someone to encourage - give yourself a deadline to get it done - go and make a difference! Deb Cupples, Sensei www.communitykarateandfitness.com

It's determination that moves us forward

Have you ever wanted to be great at something only to find out that you don't have "natural ability?" Well, believe it or not, you are NORMAL! Most of us don't have an innate ability to be great at something new.

What we do have however, is hard-working determination. All you need to do is try. Just put yourself out there and try - a lot. And then try some more and then just keep trying. That is how most of us learn how to be good at something - we just keep trying.

So, get out there and try something new and promise to stick with it for 3 months, or six months...or maybe even longer. Who knows, you just may become great at it!

Everyone "fits in" at Community Karate and Fitness

What makes you unique is what makes you, well...YOU! At Community Karate and Fitness we embrace each student's differences and help everyone to feel like they fit in....because they do! We are proud to make sure that everyone feels welcome the moment they step through the door. Whether you are shy or outgoing, an athlete or new to physical fitness - we help you fit in. If you are nervous or confident, enjoy team sports or like doing your own thing - we help you fit in. Are you geeky or nerdy? You will definitely fit in! We are accepting of differences, embrace students who have felt like outsiders in other sports and are ready to help you feel like part of the family. The thing is, we are all different and we are all the same and we all find common ground with each other at the dojo. Karate is a unique sport in that you train in a "team" environment, but are awarded on "individual" merit. It's the perfect sport for everyone. Do you have a child who feels like they don't quite fit in? Come and visit our dojo and see why everyone fits in at Community Karate and Fitness. VISIT US AT WWW.COMMUNITYKARATEANDFITNESS.COM or call us: 719-599-7024 to speak directly with Sensei Deb Cupples, the owner of the school - one location, female-owned, local business. Community Karate and Fitness was founded in 2006 and has become the karate school that families trust to offer the best instruction in a clean and welcoming facility with instructors who care about their students.

I'm bored.

How many times do you hear "I'm bored, there's nothing to do" from your child? The weather is getting a little less "go-outside-and-play" friendly as Fall gets more chilly and brisk. What are some alternatives? Here's a great list of things to do with your kids when they say they are bored: 1. Bake something! It doesn't have to be from scratch. It can be something as simple as a cake mix, quick bread or garlic knots from prepared dough. Kids love to be involved in making food...and they are more likely to eat it too! If you have great baking talents, then share one of your favorite recipes with your kiddos. Baking involves math and precision - two great things to improve on with practical use! You will love how excited your kids get when the oven timer goes off! 2. Paint something! Get out an old t-shirt and put thumbprints on it, and then turn those thumbprints into cute little animals or people with permanent marker or googly eyes. Let it dry and then box it up for Grandparents birthdays, Xmas gifts for Auntie or keep it for yourself! 3. Organize something! Dig out that box of old toys, clothes, arts and crafts, jewelry box, etc., and go through items together. Talk about memories, where you bought/found each item. Decide to donate some of it, gift some of it, or just put it away for another day. Sharing time together laughing about a memory you forgot is a great way to spend an hour. 4. Teach something! Do you know how to sew? How about play an instrument? Can you juggle? Do you know how to write upside-down or backwards? Can you dance? Whatever you love to do you should be teaching to your kids. Passion ignites passion. 5. Go to karate class! You know I had to include this one in my list, right? Karate is good for you and your family. It's a healthy outlet that fosters good behaviour and helps to keep you physically fit. Karate classes are full of positive energy and great kids...just like yours! Spend some time with your kids just having fun. Your time with them now creates a lifetime of confidence and security. Enjoy! Deb Cupples, Sensei Community Karate and Fitness 5631 North Academy Boulevard Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-five-nine-nine-7024 www.communitykarateandfitness.com

School is in session - now what?

If you are like most families in Colorado Springs, your child has been in school for a few weeks and team sports' registrations have started up. However, if you are the parent of a child who doesn't like traditional team sports then you might be looking for a fun and rewarding activity outside of school. Our karate classes for kids in Colorado Springs are the perfect match for kids who want to get into a sport that makes them feel good about themselves. Karate is a well-rounded sport that takes place in a "team" environment, but reaps the reward of individual merit of each student. Has your child ever played soccer, hockey, baseball, or other team sport? Have they had a great game, personally, but the team lost the game and now their spirits are down? It's tough to watch your child perform their best, but still feel like they "lost" because the team didn't win. In karate class, your child will feel exhilarated and rewarded in every class because their individual participation directly affects their own achievements. It's all up to them! Karate boots the spirit, rewards effort and makes kids feel great about themselves and what they do. Karate makes kids feel important and recognized for their hard work. Training in martial arts classes at Community Karate and Fitness is a great thing to do for your family - we are ready to help you succeed! Call us today to find out more about our excellent karate classes in Colorado Springs for young kids, tweens/teens, families and adults. We are here to help you reach your goals! Call us at 719-599-7024. Enrollment is currently open! WWW.COMMUNITYKARATEANDFITNESS.COM

Things to do in Colorado Springs - Karate Classes at Community Karate and Fitness

When you think about a family activity, martial arts training probably isn't on the first things that pops into your head, but it should. Here are some reasons why training in martial arts is good for you and your family.

1. Physical activity. Need to get into shape? Our curriculum is designed to give you a moderate workout where you feel energized and good about what you have accomplished in class. Already in shape? Karate classes are the perfect addition to your training schedule. You will notice increased awareness of your strengths and weaknesses and better flexibility and balance. We could all use a little extra boost of activity - add karate to your week and you will notice the difference.

2. Positive Environment. Great social interaction is an important part of our lives. Students at our karate classes are fun to be around, have great enthusiasm, and are involved in the local community. We have families just like yours who are looking to feel like they belong somewhere and want to spend time with other great families. It is the students who make our dojo a destination for people who want something fun to do and make new friends.

3. It's good for you. At our dojo, families can train together, learn together and enjoy spending time with each other. Whether you are 4 or 74, there is a class for you at our karate school. We welcome everyone and know that you will fit right in. You will feel good about coming to class because you enjoy our enthusiastic positive energy. One foot in the door is all you need to feel welcome and right at home.

Visit our karate school, right here in Central Colorado Springs where kids and families enjoy martial arts classes in a positive environment where you feel appreciated and welcome. Want more info? Call us at 719-599-7024 or email the owner directly: mrsc@communitykarateandfitness.com