Dear Greenlake Martial Arts Community,

I recently sat down with my friend, mentor and Tsun Jo® Founder, John Beall. We talked about the four + decade history of the school and the many students over the years that have inspired us, surprised us, or had personal insights and transformation developing or using their Tsun Jo® skills. Their stories and feedback, of course, are the most illuminating. So we'll be sharing these in a new series of our newsletter called, The Protector's Path. I hope you enjoy it.

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The Protector's Path

A student story (Some names have been changed to protect the student's anonymity)...

It's been some years now, but a guy named Barry came in to join the school. He wasn't a big guy. In fact most people would say he was a small, short guy. When Sijo (John Beall) first went to introduce himself, he stuck out his hand. Barry shook hands with him, but he lacked so much confidence he couldn't even look at Sijo. He just looked down.

Well, Barry started training. And you may not know this but at the school, we always shake our partner's hand to both introduce ourselves but also to thank one another before trading training partners. Well, after training and training and introducing himself a million times, it wasn't long before this guy was extremely capable -- not just of shaking hands and introducing himself, but capable of lots things.

In fact, he developed a kind of super power from some of the shouting that we do from time to time in the training. We use the shouting to shock, startle or surprise an opponent. Well, little Barry could sound like fifteen men shouting all at once when he let it out. It would surprise the hell out of everybody every time he'd practice it.

One day, while in downtown Seattle at a bus stop waiting for the city bus, Barry saw a woman being hassled by an a**hole. The woman repeated herself several times, "No, no. No." But the guy kept pressing and pressing. Barry stepped up and with his shout said, "BACK UP!" The guy got the heck out of the there. The woman thanked Barry as they both got on the bus.

Shouting, on the one hand, can be ridiculously simple. Just like introducing yourself. But if it's never practiced, you might find that it's really hard to do - especially in the times that really matter. And while fighting skills and de-escalation skills are super valuable, they are infrequent. The skill of confidence is something we need everyday of our lives.

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Are you a protector?

I have asked myself this question along different points in my life. Today, I can confidently answer, yes, without any equivocation. But there have been times in my life where that question would hang in the air because I couldn't fully say yes if I was being fully honest. I wasn't in good shape. I wasn't practicing perishable self-defense skills.

But I have made a commitment to myself, my family, my friends, that I will be a protector. And that takes follow through. That's why I train every week.

If you're like me and want to be a protector, don't wait. The time is now.

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®

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Upcoming Ways to Invest in Training

For you, your children, your friends and your loved ones

Special Guest Sijo John N. Beall

& Tsun Jo® Director Matt Soule

3-part Seminar Sept 25, 26 and 28.

1. Sept 25th @7p - 8p Chi Sao - open to ALL-LEVELS
2. Sept 26th 6:15 @7:30p Chi Sao to Grappling Transitions - open to ALL-LEVELS during regular class
3. September 28th @9-10a - Advanced Sparring Applications - open to Advanced Only

COST: FREE for all existing GMA students.

Not a student? Join us today for a trial or membership! ​

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Anti-Bully FREE Class

Ages 11-17. September 25th at 5:30p.

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Teen Program - Oct 7th is the next Start Date for new students. Past students can join anytime!

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 1 month offer for YOU!

Come back to join GMA by September 24th, 2024 and get your first month for $99!

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 Sept. 24, 2024 at evolutionofmartialarts.com/membership

Step 3: Start training and making the progress you have always wanted to make!

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

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