June 2015 Newsletter

Wise Words from Sifu Rick!

Language is the expression of thought. Every time you speak, your mind is on parade.

AASD ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Next Belt Test for those eligible Friday June 12th at 6:30pm
• Next Adult Belt Test for those eligible Saturday June 13th at 11:00am
• Next COBRA 10 week Self Defense Academy 5/18/15 at 7:15 pm

Black Belt Pride

June 2015 Student of the Month

Presley Ruelas

Presley joined AASD in January of 2015. From the very beginning it was apparent that Presley would win everyone over with her smile and enthusiasm. Presley enjoys many things about Martial Arts, but really excels at kicking with balance. As a current Yellow Belt, Presley is working hard towards her Orange belt with great anticipation.

Sifu Rick & staff enjoy working with Presley and believe she is well on her way to Black Belt and beyond. We would also like to thank Presley’s parents, Michael & Elly for all their support of not only Presley, but of our Black Belt School as well. Job well done.

Benefits of Extra Curricular Activities

Any structured activity your child participates in outside his or her regular school classes and activities is considered an extracurricular activity. Any extracurriculars, from sports and clubs to music and drama, can have a positive effect on your child’s growth and development. Studies have shown involvement in activities outside the normal school curriculum has a positive effect on students behavior, grades, and character development.

Students who choose to be involved in extracurricular activities consistently show an increased sense of responsibility, self-discipline and focus. The presence of another adult influence (a coach, instructor, or director) helps students develop a better sense of self and gives the opportunity to interact with another positive influence. The attention, supervision and guidance students receive as they participate in these activities leads to higher self-esteem and self-confidence.

Higher grades and a positive attitude toward school is another effect that extracurricular activities have on students. Those factors lead to higher graduation rates, and, in fact, involvement in athletic programs can reduce the drop-out rate among high-school students by as much as 40 percent.

Studies have shown that involvement in extracurricular and community activities teaches students leadership, organization, problem solving, time management, teamwork, and responsibility. For these reasons, it might be time to encourage your child to get involved in an extracurricular activity they are interested in. If your child has expressed interest in the martial arts, contact us today for information on ways to get him or her enrolled.

Healthy Eating Ideas for Kids

The kitchen can be a fun place for kids. They see adults working in there, watching the steam rise from pots on the stove and smelling what’s on the menu that night. Even older kids might be intrigued by how baked goods and meals come together. It isn’t always convenient to invite them into the kitchen to help, but consider doing so when time allows. It can be a creative and fun way to spend time with your children.

Here are a few recipes to help along the way.

Refrigerator Oatmeal

This easy, no-cook oatmeal is packed with nutrition to get your day off to a healthy start. Make it in individual mason jars or tupperware for a perfect serving size and an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Keep it cold and serve it chilled – straight from the fridge. This breakfast is high in protein, calcium and fiber and low in fat and sugar. Oh, and kids love it too!
Ingredients
1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup skim milk
1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds or flax seeds
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon honey, optional (or preferred sweetener)
1/4 cup diced ripe banana, or enough to fill your jar
Directions:
In a half pint (one cup) jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, cocoa powder and honey.
Put lid on jar and shake until well combined.
Remove lid, add bananas and stir until mixed throughout.
Return lid to jar and refrigerate overnight or
up to two days.
Eat chilled.
Be creative, you can add any fresh or frozen fruit, flavored yogurt or milk substitutes (soy, almond or coconut milk).

Strawberry Smoothie Popsicles
1/2 cup sliced pineapple or mango
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/3 cup raw kale or spinach (omit if desired)
1/4 cup milk or yogurt of choice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Sweetener of choice, to taste
Directions:
Combine everything in a blender or food processor until super-smooth.
Pour into popsicle molds or paper cups, and insert spoons or popsicle sticks.
Freeze, then enjoy!