Category: Uncategorized

Halloween Hijinks: Self-Defense for Kids this Halloween Season Spooky season is upon us! Costumes are being chosen, candy bags are at the ready, and trick-or-treating adventures await. But amidst the Halloween fun, safety remains a top priority, especially for our little ones. Here at Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts, we believe that empowering children with […]

Pump Up Your Pumpkins: A Fun and Active Family Workout Inspired by Martial Arts Halloween is just around the corner! The leaves are changing, costumes are being chosen, and the hunt for the perfect pumpkin is in full swing. But before you carve those spooky masterpieces, why not put them to good use with a […]

Rank Up for Confidence: The Journey to Black Belt and the Confidence Boost Along the Way Tying on a martial arts belt signifies more than just progress – it’s a symbol of accomplishment, resilience, and a growing wellspring of confidence. The path to black belt is a marathon, not a sprint, and each belt along […]

Sharpen Your Focus: How Martial Arts Improves Concentration On and Off the Mat Juggling work deadlines, managing a busy household, and staying present in a world filled with distractions – focus is a precious commodity in today’s fast-paced life. But what if there was a way to train your mind to sharpen its focus, improve […]

Conquering Challenges: How Martial Arts Builds Mental Resilience Life throws curveballs. Unexpected obstacles pop up, deadlines loom large, and self-doubt can creep in. But what if you had the mental fortitude to face these challenges head-on, the focus to persevere, and the confidence to overcome? Enter the world of martial arts, a training ground not […]

Roundhouse Kicks for a Greener Planet: Sustainability at Sturgis Academy At Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts, we’re passionate about empowering our students to be strong, confident individuals. But our commitment doesn’t stop at the dojo doors. We believe in nurturing a healthy planet just as much as we nurture healthy bodies. That’s why sustainability is […]

Building Blocks of Community: How Sturgis Academy Gives Back At Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts, we believe in the power of community. We train not just bodies, but well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility. That’s why giving back is a core part of who we are. Here’s how we strive to make […]

Belt Up for Savings: How Martial Arts Can Shape Your Financial Future While the focus of martial arts is often on physical prowess and self-defense, the skills you learn extend far beyond the dojo. One surprising area where martial arts training can benefit you is your finances. Here’s how: Discipline is Your Sensei: Martial arts […]

Strong Connections, Stronger Kicks: Why Community Matters in Martial Arts Training Stepping onto the martial arts mat can feel intimidating at first. You’re surrounded by unfamiliar techniques, challenging workouts, and maybe even a little self-doubt. But here’s the secret weapon that many martial arts newbies don’t expect: the incredible sense of community that blossoms within […]

Rest, Recharge, Roundhouse Kick: How Martial Arts and Sleep are the Ultimate Power Couple Anyone who’s ever trained in martial arts knows the feeling – that exhilarating post-workout buzz mixed with a healthy dose of exhaustion. While pushing your limits is part of the journey, what you do after that final kick or block has […]

Building a Fortress of Self-Esteem: How Martial Arts Can Transform Your Self-Image We all crave a positive self-image. It impacts our confidence, our relationships, and our overall happiness. But sometimes, building that positive self-image can feel like a constant uphill battle. Here’s where martial arts can surprise you. The Path to Self-Belief: Martial arts offer […]

Martial Arts and Communication: Building Strong Verbal and Non-Verbal Skills The image of a martial artist is often one of physical prowess – lightning-fast kicks, powerful strikes, and unwavering focus. But what many people don’t realize is that martial arts also play a crucial role in developing strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Beyond […]

Belt Up for Gratitude: How Martial Arts Cultivates Thankfulness Training in martial arts goes far beyond mastering punches and kicks. It’s a transformative journey that shapes not only your body but also your mind and spirit. One of the core values often instilled in martial arts is gratitude. But why is gratitude so important in […]

Martial Arts and Time Management: Balancing Training and Life In the bustling rhythm of modern life, finding balance between pursuing personal interests, such as martial arts, and managing everyday responsibilities can be a challenge. At Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts in Sturgis, Michigan, we understand the complexities of juggling training with work, family, and social […]

The Role of Martial Arts in Overcoming Personal Challenges In the transformative space of Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts in Sturgis, Michigan, individuals from all walks of life discover the profound impact martial arts can have on overcoming personal challenges. Far beyond the physical discipline and self-defense skills it imparts, martial arts offers a holistic […]

Martial Arts and Parenting: Lessons for Life In the journey of parenting, the quest for effective ways to teach children resilience, discipline, respect, and self-confidence is ever-present. Interestingly, the principles and practices of martial arts offer a rich source of insights that can significantly benefit parenting strategies. At Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts in Sturgis, […]

The Importance of Adaptability in Martial Arts At Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts in Sturgis, Michigan, one of the core principles we emphasize is adaptability. In the realm of martial arts, adaptability goes beyond mere physical flexibility; it encompasses mental agility, emotional resilience, and the ability to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges. This blog post […]

Martial Arts and Creativity: Expressing Yourself Through Movement At the heart of Sturgis, Michigan, the Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts is more than a dojo—it’s a vibrant community where the dynamic interplay of martial arts and creativity unfolds. Beyond the disciplined practice and mastery of techniques, martial arts is a profound medium of personal expression […]

Martial Arts and Entrepreneurship: Lessons from the Dojo to the Boardroom At Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts in Sturgis, Michigan, lessons that transcend the physical aspects of martial arts are imparted daily. These lessons, rooted in traditions, have profound applications beyond self-defense, extending into the realms of personal development and professional success. Entrepreneurs, in particular, […]

Martial Arts and Personal Growth: A Journey of Self-Discovery In the transformative space of Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts, located in Sturgis, Michigan, martial arts is more than just a series of physical maneuvers and self-defense techniques. It’s a pathway to personal growth and self-discovery. This blog post delves into how the practice of martial […]

The Role of Humility in Martial Arts In the heart of Sturgis, Michigan, at the Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts, we instill more than just physical skills in our students; we nurture character and values that serve them in all walks of life. One of the most profound virtues we emphasize is humility. This blog […]

Martial Arts Competitions: What to Expect and How to Prepare Embarking on the journey of martial arts at Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts offers a multitude of enriching experiences, one of which includes the opportunity to participate in martial arts competitions. Whether you’re a young athlete in our martial arts for kids program or an […]

Choosing the Right Martial Arts School: A Guide for Adults Introduction Selecting the right martial arts school is a pivotal decision that can shape your journey in martial arts, whether you’re seeking self-defense skills, a new fitness regimen, discipline, or even the thrill of competition. This guide aims to arm you with practical tips to […]

The Journey to Black Belt: What it Truly Represents Introduction In the world of martial arts, achieving a black belt is often seen as the pinnacle of success. However, the journey to this esteemed level is about much more than just a change in belt color. In this post, we’ll explore the deeper significance of […]

Martial Arts in Movies: Separating Fact from Fiction Introduction Welcome to the Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts blog! Today, we delve into the world of martial arts as portrayed in movies. While these films have captivated audiences with their thrilling action, how do they compare to the martial arts we practice and teach at Sturgis […]

Setting and Achieving Your Martial Arts Goals at Sturgis Academy Introduction: Welcome to the Sturgis Academy of Martial Arts blog! Today, we’re delving into an essential aspect of martial arts that transcends physical techniques: setting and achieving your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced practitioner, goal setting is crucial for realizing […]

Introduction When parents consider enrolling their children in martial arts classes, they often focus on the physical benefits such as self-defense skills, improved fitness, and discipline. While these are indeed important aspects of martial arts training, there’s another significant dimension that often goes unnoticed: character development. Martial arts isn’t just about learning how to fight; […]

“It’s happening!” Once upon a time, us parents all found ourselves smack dab in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of our young lives… The Teenage Years. From physical changes to mental growth and development, emotional swings to a social life roller coaster ride, we all once were hard pressed to find something […]

“I am strong. I am brave. I can do this!” The Golden Years, as we discussed last week, are a season within adolescence where slow and steady growth of the body and mind are blossoming! While the physical body is making room for continued musculoskeletal development in preparation for the final preteen and teen maturation […]

“Slow and steady wins the race!” Oh the years of 7-9 years old! You have made it through the infant, toddler, preschool and young adolescent phase. Time for what are often referred to as “The Golden Years!” Children at these ages and stage of development find themselves enjoying a season of life where physical and […]

“Check this out!” Stepping onto the mats at the start of Basic SKILLZ class one recent evening, I was met with an excited group of 5-6 year olds, ready to demonstrate their latest and greatest superhero moves with a Ninja twist! One by one, I held space for their best “Spidey” hero moves, Hulk smashes, […]

“Going, going, going… ALL. DAY. LONG!” Oh the years of 5-6! Abounding energy at a level that could power New York City, as my husband and I often joke about our youngest, is flowing through these incredible youngsters from sun up to sundown… And sometimes even beyond! If you have recently experienced some crazy nighttime […]

“Wait! I have to tell my mommy something!” If you enjoy watching our youngest Ninjas in action during Early SKILLZ class enjoyment, then you know all too well how much these littles absolutely love to tell mommy and daddy all about their special thoughts, feelings, challenges and victories in real time! You see, 3-4 year […]

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Mommy, look my muscles?!” I remember it like it was yesterday when my youngest son who was three years old at the time came running into the kitchen to show me his BIG arm […]

There’s no doubt that children’s social skills have become rusty over the past year and not progressed as they should have. With more limited interactions than usual, children have experienced adverse effects on their social development. And while many children have had the opportunity to engage in some school setting and/or activity, there were still […]

Although Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is such a prevalent diagnosis, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. People often assume that ADHD results from poor parenting, laziness, or some learning disorder. And with these assumptions come a wide range of approaches to “fix” the problem. However, with the lack of proper understanding of this disorder, […]

Martial Arts can be a great activity for weight loss.  It’s not just your regular run on the treadmill. It’s such an entertaining way to exercise that you may not feel like your working out at all.  Taking a class kicking and punching will seem like it went by in no time.  On top of […]

Children of all ages have fears, from babies to teens. And whether these fears are from real or imaginary places, they are nonetheless scary. Since our brains are wired to protect us, fears are a normal part of a child’s development. Children will eventually outgrow fears but being knowledgeable about what fears are more common […]

Most often, when we think of implementing structure into our children’s lives, it is because we have a newborn that needs a feeding schedule, a toddler that needs a nap schedule, or a child that needs an activity schedule. When children become teens, they are often left to implement their schedules. And yes, they are […]

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us to slow down and appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones. On the flip side, it has also caused some additional stressors for parents as they have had to play the role of teacher while also fulfilling their work demands. And as […]

As people grow older, they begin to find ways to be more productive and make use of their time. For senior citizens, in particular, they find that there is even more time they need to utilize and want to do so effectively. Many will go out and find other jobs while others will pursue hobbies […]

Choosing a martial arts school has always been a guessing game for most parents. Unless they have prior experience, to them, any style is coined “karate” so deciding on the best place is purely a guess. Parents generally look for a school that teaches punching and kicking, emphasizes discipline, and builds confidence. And while many […]

Today’s world is busy; people are rushing here and there to get to work, school, the store, or the next activity. Even our “leisure” time is filled with busyness. And during all of it, we are distracted by our devices. This not only leads to us missing important moments in our lives, but it also […]

Children of all ages are spending more and more time on devices. Online schoolwork and staying connected to family members are positive ways children can use technology. And while video games and social media apps are ways for children to connect and “play” with friends, these platforms are also a breeding ground for inappropriate content […]

As digital learning has become a widely preferred alternative for school, children everywhere are now “required” to be on devices in the wake of the pandemic. This is quite a change from the screen time limits that parents have attempted to enforce for years. Now, allotting time for school online, connecting with distant relatives via […]

Throughout the past five months, schedules have been upended and downtime has taken over. However, as the new school year gets underway, reality is going to show up and we are going to be scrambling to get ourselves and our children back on a productive path. In the book “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids” […]

Over the past few months, interactions have been minimal, and our social skills are rusty. Since prolonged school closures have a negative impact on children’s social development, we are now faced with how to regain skills while moving forward with new skills. Though some children will return to a brick-and-mortar school, others will virtually engage […]

As back to school plans continue to change almost daily, children’s emotions will remain unpredictable. One day they are thinking about returning to their friends and teachers at school, and the next, they are told they won’t be returning for another few months. Because of this, our children’s emotional needs have never been greater. And […]

Over the past few months, we have been inundated with information that seems to change almost daily, making it hard to resolve what should and should not be done. Everyone has their thoughts and feelings about varying current debates, especially regarding starting school. And while there will be no answer that satisfies everyone in the […]

We are currently faced with all sorts of unknowns most, of which, are completely out of our control. And while we cannot dictate how others choose to move forward, what we can do, as parents, is prepare our own families for what may lie ahead. Currently, one of the most pressing matters is preparing children […]

Preparing Children to Return to School A Developmental Approach As we continue through the current pandemic and re-opening efforts show real challenges, school districts everywhere are trying to devise the best plans for children, teachers, and staff to return. And while there will be no perfect solution for each family, parents must consider all the […]

Accepting Responsibility Teaching Children to Avoid Blame Shifting It is becoming more and more apparent that no one is to blame for everything that happens. So, if this is the case, how do we get ourselves in such turmoil if no one is responsible? Although this seems ridiculous, the use of “blame-shifting” has become the […]

Parents have always served as the first, and typically, the most important role model for their children, even though family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well. However, in the wake of the pandemic, these people have had less of a presence in children’s lives which ultimately left […]

Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And while it’s exciting to watch children grow and develop into caring humans, parenting definitely brings about it’s fair share of challenges. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now faced with parenting during a pandemic which presents with even more difficulties. And […]

**Updated Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 4:34 PM** We would like to take the opportunity to update our members on our current remote training options, as well as our plan to re-open for in-person classes. On April 30, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-69, extending the requirement that many businesses, including SAMA, remain closed for […]

For the past two months, we have been asked to socially distance ourselves from others in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. We’ve put most of our “normal” daily living routines on pause and created a secluded environment for ourselves and our children. And while many things are in a holding pattern, one thing […]

We are all human and our responses to our current situation vary. Some have hunkered down and sorted through their new reality in a way that has motivated them to complete tasks and put new goals in place. Others have become increasingly overwhelmed and feel like they have no control over their lives at all. […]

The recent closures of schools and businesses are widespread and have led to major disruptions in the daily routines of families. Children are trying to adjust to doing school at home and parents are now trying to balance their new work from home life with their role as teacher to their children. To cope, it’s […]

The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by the news and begin feeling anxious […]

As the pandemic carries on, our coping skills are starting to unravel. For many people, this has become the ultimate emotional test. As we continue to maintain our distance from each other, not only have our social lives been halted, but our emotional support is wavering as well. And while we have been living this […]

With our country at somewhat of a standstill due to the current pandemic, it’s easy to get into a routine that is more laid back. Anything from going to bed late to increased screen time, habits may start leaning on the unhealthy side. And one of the major behaviors that appear when we are in […]

Remember when you wished the weekend would last forever? As weeks of the “shelter in place” order have passed, the eagerness for some “time off” has lost its spark. Children’s boredom is growing day by day and will continue, especially as many schools will be ending the school year earlier than normal. The rising monotony […]

** Updated Monday, April 27th, 2020 ** The health and safety of our members is of utmost importance to us and we would like to take the opportunity to let our members know how we are preparing for and handling the Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation. We will use this page (as well as communicate via our […]

Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four students has reported […]