Dear Greenlake Martial Arts Community,

The other night, I was sitting in my car in a grocery store parking lot, quickly responding to an email, when a stranger aggressively approached the driver's side window. The street lamp was dim. It was hard to see clearly in the dark, but the speed of the man's approach combined with his body language signaled trouble. I dropped my phone in my lap turned toward the aggressor and through my closed window said, Back Off!

The power of my voice pushed him back. He was startled.

I used the surprise to take action.

I Immediately started the car and reversed out of the parking stall while the guy tried to figure out what to do next. As I drove away, I could see the vitriol in his eyes. Whatever he had intended, it was not good.

This story has several important things that I reflected on when I got home.

• The mistake I made was sitting in a public parking lot at night while appearing distracted. The email could have waited until I got home. Fortunately, I had my doors locked, something I do immediately every time I get into the car. And I was not as distracted as the aggressor thought I was.
• My training using the voice as an early self-defense tool has been invaluable. This was yet another incident where that training came to my aid.
• The ability to make fast, clear decisions is a huge advantage in the face of any potential conflict. Again, training here made all the difference.
• And a universal lesson for those trained and untrained alike, is that even when our heads are down checking texts or emails in public -- which we all do from time to time-- is to remember to still stay aware of our surroundings in case trouble lurks nearby.

Stay safe, stay empowered, and together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

All the best in training,

Matt Soule, Director of Tsun Jo®

Upcoming Ways to Invest in Training

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Registration is open, join us! Payment plans available!

Parents and students have been raving about this class! As one parent said of the Instructor Sean, "He is one in million". Her kid is loving the class!

Calling all past students! We have a special 3 month offer for YOU!

I don't think we will ever make an offer like this again, so grab it while you can!!

Come back to join GMA by June 30th, 2024 and get your first 3 months for $300!

Wanna take advantage of it? Take these steps today!

Step 1: email info@greenlakemartialarts.com or text 206-522-2457 to request a special code.

Step 2. Register for a start date of your choice anytime before June 30, 2024 at evolutionofmartialarts.com/membership

Step 3: Start training and make the progress you have always wanted! Be strong, be empowered, be safe.

Our training space is as functional and beautiful as it has ever been.

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