Graduations – A Grand Master’s Perspective
Dear Students and Families,
With graduations approaching at Olson’s Martial Arts Academy, I thought I would take a moment to discuss how we view graduations at Olson’s Martial Arts Academy and why we believe the process is important for student growth and confidence building.
First, it is always an exciting time for us! We hold 4 graduations a year in Taekwondo and Weaponry, as well as 3 graduations a year in Jiu Jitsu. It seems we are always preparing the students to progress, and we have a very systematic schedule of curriculum to do just that. It is just as exciting for the instructors to teach new things each cycle as it is for the student to learn them.
We also use graduation time as a check point for how the instructors are doing as teachers and leaders. Last graduation for example, we saw how much improved the students were performing in their sparring and it made everyone feel good to know their teaching was effective. The instructor team, made up of paid instructors, volunteers and instructors in training, work on their teaching and leadership skills each week on Friday nights. They take that time to train, learn how to be better leaders and to focus on how to relate to each individual student in a way that will help each person reach their full potential.
For graduation, we require a minimum number of classes to graduate, as well as a proficiency level in each aspect of your chosen art. These are demonstrated in class, and stripes (or other benchmarks) are awarded for the different elements we are focusing on.
On the surface, it may seem that everyone passes the graduation to the next level. However, what is not seen are 3 very important things.
- Good or improved behavior or attitude. Many people join martial arts to focus on improved discipline, confidence, focus and the like. We are all a work in progress and as long as a student is progressing in the mental and emotional goals they have set (or parents have set), we know the end result will be a good and confident citizen.
- Though we do require an average of 2 classes a week, not everyone can meet that each cycle. Life happens. There are various reason why someone may not meet the attendance requirement. We do have ways to help achieve more class credits and we would be more than happy to discuss that with you if you find yourself coming up a little short.
- Based on the different check points along the way, each student must show proficiency in a pre-determined skill set. Here is where it can get tricky to understand. Martial Arts is a very individual sport and each student comes to class with different abilities, weaknesses and goals. Based on where a person starts from, we work from there to note progress in the different areas needed to promote to the next level. Also, some students will be better at form and technique, while others will excel in sparring and timing. We want the full package when it comes to our students and we understand that the longer one trains, the closer all the elements will come together as a full, proficient, well rounded martial artist who cares about their community and has confidence to achieve their dreams in life. We aren’t looking for perfection, but we do require progress.
So, though it may seem that everyone passes at graduation, only those who have done the work and made progress in all 3 areas make it to graduation day. If it happens to be you who may need to wait to the next round, don’t worry. You are not alone and we will do everything we can as your trusted instructors to help you get back on track to reach your black belt goals. We are part of each student’s TEAM! Together. We. Achieve. More!
See you at graduations!
Grand Master Amanda
Amanda Olson-Illescas is an award-winning author and co-owner of Olson’s Martial Arts Academy in Johnson City, TN. She has over 40 years training and teaching in Martial Arts and has raised a team of instructors and leaders to continue her vision. She teaches weekly in her studio and is passionate about equipping students of all ages to reach their full potential. ol******@ol******.com
From the Olson Family
We would first like to say, “Welcome!” It is our goal to provide the best martial arts training in a safe and encouraging environment. As a family we have devoted our lives to not only training the physical aspects of martial arts to thousands of people but the mental and emotional aspects, as well. Our goal is to help each student achieve Black Belt and Beyond. The reason for this is that we know from over 40 years of experience teaching martial arts that when a student experiences the awarding of a Black Belt, they soar with confidence.
What it Takes to become a Black Belt
It takes commitment, perseverance, goal setting and a strong work ethic to earn that belt. Even at a young age people know that a black belt in martial arts means something important. It shows you don’t quit, you don’t give up. That you have what it takes! Once you’ve done that, you know you can do anything you set your mind to; like getting into a great college, starting a career, making the team, anything you want. We love to hear the success stories of our students after they have gone off to college and started lives and families of their own. However, we are not surprised by their success. We already know they have what it takes to live their dream.
Character Development
Another goal we have as a family is to support families and help reinforce the qualities of character you desire for your child to have. Our proven character development and leadership program includes lessons from making eye contact to handling conflict. Also, speaking up and showing confidence ,as well as, standing strong for what you believe is right. Our desire is to train black belts who are not only highly skilled in the art of self-defense but who are kind, compassionate, confident citizens of our communities. People who have a strong work ethic and will show “Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Respect”, everywhere they go.
Let us Partner with You!
Because of this, we want to partner with you, the parents and families, in helping give your child a strong foundation in values, to be able to stand up for themselves and others, to make good choices, and to live a healthy lifestyle. Please don’t hesitate to speak with us if there is ever a point where we can help with question or concerns from motivation to troubles with bullying. We are committed to helping each of our students live a happier, safer and more confident life.
Sincerely,
Grand Master Amanda Olson-Illescas, Master Keith Olson, Ms. Katie McKinney
olsonsma.com
ol******@ol******.com
Copyright 2024 by Grand Master Amanda Illescas
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means- electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or other- except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without
the permission of the publisher.