Week One: New March Cycle Begins + Important Announcements
Welcome to week one of our March teaching cycle! We’re back in learning mode after last week’s belt testing, and I’m excited to introduce new material to everyone.
Critical: Software Migration to GymDesk
Action Required Starting Today
I’m switching our student management software from Club Ready to GymDesk, and I need your help to make this transition smooth.
What You Need to Do
You will not be able to check in for classes unless you bring your card on file. This allows me to set up your account in the new system, which only takes about 15 seconds. Once you provide your card information, I can complete the rest of the data transfer.
Why We’re Switching
Club Ready was designed primarily for health clubs and gyms. I spent years working around its limitations to make it function for a martial arts school. GymDesk is purpose-built for martial arts schools and will give us significantly better features:
- Curriculum integration – The schedule will show what we’re covering each week
- Easy access to technique videos – Direct links to all recorded self-defense techniques
- Streamlined operations – More appropriate tools for our specific needs
- Same login credentials – You can keep your existing 4-digit PIN
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us complete this transition quickly!
Spring Break: March 16-21
Spring break is just a couple of weeks away, and this year both St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley school districts share the same break week.
School Closed: Monday, March 16th through Saturday, March 21st
We’ll have class: Saturday, March 14th and Monday, March 23rd
Don’t Worry About Missing Anything
All of our scheduled breaks (spring break, summer break, Thanksgiving break, winter break) are built into our annual calendar and included in your tuition. You can find the complete calendar in the email I sent and posted on the wall at the school.
When we return from spring break, it will be review week anyway, so everyone stays together—no one gets left behind.
Why Regular Breaks Matter
This month’s powerful word is Discipline, and part of discipline is understanding the importance of rest. Regular breaks are essential for mental and psychological health. No matter how much you love what you do, taking time away helps you return refreshed with new ideas and renewed motivation.
Without breaks, people burn out and fall off a cliff. The pattern of working hard, taking a rest when motivation naturally dips, then coming back recharged is what sustains long-term success. Spring break falls at the perfect time—after pushing through January and February, we get a mental reset in March before finishing the year strong.
Belt Graduation Recap
Last week’s belt testing was fantastic! Everyone who tested performed beautifully, and I’m incredibly proud of each student. I hope they’re as proud of themselves as I am of them.
Bringing Back Test Candidate Forms
I’m reinstating something we did for over 20 years pre-COVID: the test candidate evaluation form.
Understanding the Form
Front Side: Logistics (uniform, belt, shirt, manual needs)
Back Side: The critical part—character development feedback
The back has two sections:
- Parent evaluation (or spouse for adult students!)
- School teacher evaluation (for students currently in academic school)
Why This Matters
Our goal is to develop black belts in three places:
- At the martial arts school
- At home
- In academic school
The character development skills students learn here must transfer to all areas of their lives. I don’t want students who are fantastic martial artists but don’t listen to parents or struggle with school responsibilities.
How It Works
Parents and teachers rate students on a 1-10 scale:
- 8-10: Doing great, being a good kid
- Lower scores: A signal for me to check in and see how I can help
This isn’t just about catching problems—it’s also about celebrating success. Here are some real examples from recent forms:
“Erin is a hardworking, respectful, kind student who displays our school’s six pillars consistently. She is a role model for her peers and earns good grades. I’m proud of her.”
— Twin Peaks teacher
That’s a 10 from mom, 10 from the teacher, and 10 from me!
“Simon is a high achieving student and is a kind, trustworthy kid.”
While not everyone is a high-achieving student academically, the kind and trustworthy qualities are what I really focus on.
School Visits Available
There’s a section on the form where teachers can request that I visit their classroom to speak about discipline, focus, bullying, or related topics. As my own children get older, I have more availability for these visits and genuinely enjoy doing them.
Important: Make sure you complete both sections of the form this month. If you don’t receive one, please ask!
Big Announcement: My Birthday Party!
Here’s something I’ve never done before—I’m throwing myself a birthday party at the school!
The Details
When: Friday, April 10th, 6:00-8:00 PM (approximately)
What: Nerf Night Birthday Party
Cost: FREE—I’m providing pizza, cake, and everything else!
Why I’m Doing This
Students have been asking for a Nerf night, and my wife will be out of town visiting family during my birthday. I thought, why not combine the two? I’ve hosted countless birthday parties for students over the years but never one for myself.
How to Get Invited
Step 1: Bring a buddy to class
Every year when people ask what I want for my birthday, my answer is always the same: I love martial arts, I love teaching, and I want to share it with more people. Helping me do that is the best birthday present I could receive.
Your buddy might become your Nerf partner, or they can simply come to class and skip the party—either way works!
Need a Buddy Sheet?
I can email them or grab one at the school. We need a liability waiver for anyone taking a trial class.
Don’t have anyone to bring? I’m working on some alternative ways to get invited to the party—more details coming soon.
I want this to be a wonderful celebration with everyone, and I hope to see you there!
More details about the birthday party coming soon. Get your buddy sheets and let’s make this a great celebration together!