Perfect Your Gifts 

If you are aware of the gifts and talents you have been given, you can rest in the hope that you have what it takes to see your dreams come true. Your talents have been given to you for a reason and when you embrace them and use them to pursue your goals; you will be able to reach them. One of my favorite examples of this is when I look at the athletes during the Olympic Games. There are so many different sports and when you look at the body types for each sport you can see that each athlete was born to do that event. Swimmers have a certain body type, taekwondo competitors, runners, volleyball players, Judo / Jiu Jitsu players, weightlifters… the list goes on. They have learned to take the physical talents they have been given and perfected them in such a way to reach their goal. Figuring out the non-physical talents in your life may be a little more difficult to detect, but once you do, perfect them, train them, and see if your hopes and goals don’t follow after. God has given you a talent. Have faith and hope that he will help you develop it in such a way that will honor Him, benefit those around you and bring you joy. 

Master Character Lessons
Grand Master Amanda Illescas

Life Lessons to Compliment the Jr. Leadership Program Guide
A culmination of lessons learned as a Martial Artist and Instructor.
True stories of a life well lived, so far.
Grand Master Amanda Illescas

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.  olsonsma@olsonsma.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   

olsonsma@olsonsma.com

Copyright 2024 by Grand Master Amanda Illescas
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