Shoka Magazine November 2023

Shoka Magazine November 2023 A Family Educational Resource

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Road B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-575-1681 phone, 707-861-0092 text AskAboutKarate.com

November 1, 2023 Marty Callahan 8th Degree Black Belt “Speak softly and carry a big stick. You’ll go far.”

- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States This advice from our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, is as true today as when he said it on September 2, 1901. Speak softly infers that it’s best to go easy on people and deliver your message gently. This gives the person a chance to respond without pressure. This is a great approach to child rearing. Your child needs to first off know that you are the head of the family and that they are the child, and that their job is to earn their position in the family. The bare minimum is given but if they want anything else they have to earn it. This is life. When they go out in the world, they will have to earn what they get. The world doesn’t owe them a thing.

And second – carry a big stick. This means you damn well better be ready to protect yourself. The world is a dangerous place. Yes, it’s beautiful, and yes, it’s wonderous, but it’s also dangerous. There are millions of ways in which the world can diminish your life or even take it from you.

And that brings me to Sensei Kevin Warner, our guest instructor. He was here the last week end of October. If you had a chance to meet him you will have noticed his infectious smile and how sincerely interested he is, in each and every person he meets. He walks softly. And if you saw him teach you also know that he carries a Big Stick. His technical prowess is world class. We’re honored to have him come and teach you.

v Welcome to our newest students: Mia Gonzalez, Cheri Askim, Kevin McQueeny, Aaron Garcia, Lily Keller, Asher Schroeder, Vyom Garg, Santi Fernandez, Lilah Almira, Jesus Gonzalez, Sherry Driggs, Gelilah Yemane, Lsan Yemane, Merab Yemane, Mike Phillips (returning), Elijah Crawford, Joshua Olson (returning), James Kitchen, Leilani Mendoza, Rachel Davis Here’s what’s in it this month’s Shoka Magazine: • Hero’s Journey Author Interview • Defense by Ming-Dao • Bully Prevention • Simple Fact: Most parents know how to raise an ideal child but not the one they have • The First 40 years of Childhood (anything, actually) are the Hardest Yours truly,

Marty Callahan, Chief Instructor, 8th Degree Black Belt, Award Winning Author of The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Road B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-575-1681-ph, 707-861-0092-txt

SHOTOKAN KARATE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL®

Defense

By Deng Ming-Dao Demons who enter your circle Must be pushed out.

No matter what world you walk in – office, school, temple, prison, or the streets – there is an underworld populated with demons.

These are people who are avaricious, aggressive, sadistic, and cynical. They not only take advantage of others without compunction; they delight in it. They find pleasure in seeing others suffer.

The why of it cannot be answered. There is only the fact, with no metaphysical meaning or other ramifications. It is not karma; it is not fate. If these people decide to attack you, it is circumstance.

You must fight or be mowed down.

Compassion and humility may be among the most treasured of human virtues, but they are not useful in conflict. A beautiful gold statue of your most adored god is a treasure, but you would not use it as a weapon. Virtue is to be valued in the proper context; only a sword will do in battle.

Whether an attack is physical – assault, rape, murder – or whether it is mental – business intrigues, emotional abuse – you must be prepared. It is best to prepare for conflict by learning as much self-defense as possible. You will not become a bully or a monster, but instead, you will learn that you can respond to any situation. If you are never attacked, that will be wonderful.

Training will still help you work out your fears, inhibitions, and anxieties. In the case of conflict, no one, not even a veteran, is ever sure that they will come out alive from a confrontation. But they resolve to go in there and give themselves a fighting chance. This in itself is a triumph over evil.

Author Interview: Unveiling the Hero’s Journey with Marty Callahan

By Rev Publish, In today's complex world, we often seek guidance and inspiration to navigate life's challenges.

Author Marty Callahan, a martial arts expert and the creative mind behind "The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation" takes readers on a transformative journey through his book. In this exclusive interview, Marty shares his book's inspiration, the profound impact of martial arts on his life, and his successful partnership with Rev Publish.

Marty's journey into writing "The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation" began with a realization: the universal presence of the hero archetype across cultures. He was inspired by Joseph Campbell's groundbreaking work on myths from diverse societies worldwide, and his discovery of a common thread – the hero's journey. He was struck by the immense significance of this concept in his own experiences.

He remarked, "I was inspired to write this book after learning about what Joseph Campbell had discovered from his studies of myths around the world – the presence of a hero archetype in every culture. I realized the profound significance of this."

At its core, Marty's book explores the idea that anyone can become a hero by embracing the call to adventure and dedicating their life to a higher purpose. This message deeply resonates with those seeking meaning and purpose, making "The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation" a compelling read for individuals from all walks of life.

Martial arts played a transformative role in Marty's life, influencing not only his physical abilities but also his character and outlook. In his book, he emphasizes the hero as someone who accepts the challenge presented by the call to adventure and willingly devotes their life to a greater cause.

Marty's personal journey, fueled by childhood experiences of abuse, led him to empower himself and others to face adversity with courage and strength. He shared, "I had been abused as a child, and I did not like it one bit. I wanted to empower others so that if they were ever faced such a situation, they would be prepared to deal with it."

These principles, deeply rooted in his martial arts practice, serve as a guiding force throughout his book, inspiring readers to embrace their inner hero and confront life's challenges with determination.

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Road B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-575-1681-ph, 707-861-0092-txt

Operating a martial arts school provided Marty with a unique perspective on personal development and empowerment. His school became a laboratory where individuals of all ages embarked on their own hero's journey.

Marty's experiences as a martial arts school owner undoubtedly influenced his book's content and approach. Real-life examples and practical insights drawn from his school made the concepts in his book relatable and actionable for readers.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Marty shared a poignant revelation that shaped his writing and the content of "The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation". Once he had attained a specific level of skill in martial arts, his confidence soared. This newfound confidence led him to realize his true calling – to be there for others and empower them to overcome their obstacles.

He explained, "Once I had gained a specific level of skill in martial arts, I became very, very confident. From this confidence, I came to realize that what I really wanted was to be there for other people."

Marty's journey wasn't solely about self-improvement; it was about leveraging his past experiences and martial art training to transform into a better version of himself. This profound personal transformation is a central theme in his book, inspiring readers to embark on their own hero's journey.

Marty Callahan's journey as an author has been a dynamic one, marked by continuous growth and exploration. His partnership with Rev Publish has played a pivotal role in shaping his writing career, allowing him to focus on the creative process while they handle the technical aspects of publishing.

He lauded Rev Publish, saying, "Rev Publish is a fantastic platform for developing the books I’m passionate about writing. They excel in their role, enabling me to write and follow their guidance.

I’m highly satisfied with the book we've created together. Working with them is a perfect match."

Looking ahead, Marty is driven by his passion for sharing insights and empowering others.

While he doesn't specify a fixed number of future books, it's evident that his journey as an author is far from over. With each book, he continues to inspire readers to embark on their own hero's journey, finding purpose and strength in the process.

Marty Callahan's book "The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation" is a profound exploration of the hero's journey and its applicability to life. Drawing inspiration from martial arts and personal experiences, Marty's commitment to empowering others shines through, making his work a source of inspiration for those seeking meaning and purpose. As he continues his journey as an author, readers can undoubtedly look forward to more transformative insights and empowering narratives.

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Road B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-575-1681-ph, 707-861-0092-txt

Bullying Prevention- Part I What to do if your child is being bullied (adapted from www.stopbullying.gov and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program)

What Is Bullying?

Bullying among children is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. A child who is being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Usually, bullying is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms, such as hitting or punching (physical bullying); teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying); intimidation using gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying); and sending insulting messages by phone or computer e-mail (cyber bullying).

Effects Of Bullying Bullying can have serious consequences. Children and youth who are bullied are more likely than other children to be depressed, lonely, anxious, have low self-esteem, be absent from school, feel sick, and think about suicide.

Reporting Bullying to Parents Children frequently do not tell their parents that they are being bullied because they are embarrassed, ashamed, frightened of the children who are bullying them, or afraid of being seen as a “tattler.” If your child tells you about being bullied, it has taken a lot of courage to do so. Your child needs your help to stop the bullying.

What to do if your child is being bullied 1. Focus on your child.

Be supportive and gather information about the bullying. Never tell your child to ignore the bullying.

What the child may “hear” is that you are going to ignore it. If the child were able to simply ignore it, they likely would not have told you about it. Ignoring bullying often allows it to become more serious.

Don’t blame the child who is being bullied. Don’t assume that your child did something to provoke the bullying. Don’t say, “What did you do to aggravate the other child?”

Listen carefully to what your child tells you about the bullying. Ask them to describe who was involved and how and where each bullying episode happened.

Learn as much as you can about the bullying tactics used, and when and where the bullying happened. Can your child name other children or adults who may have witnessed the bullying?

Empathize with your child. Tell them that bullying is wrong, not their fault, and that you are glad they had the courage to tell you about it. Ask your child what they think can be done to help. Assure them that you will think about what needs to be done and you will let them know what you are going to do.

If you disagree with how your child handled the bullying situation, don’t criticize them.

Do not encourage physical retaliation (“Just hit them back”) as a solution. Hitting another student is not likely to end the problem; it could escalate the situation or get your child suspended or expelled.

Check your emotions. A parent’s protective instincts stir strong emotions. Although it is difficult, a parent is wise to step back and consider the next steps carefully.

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Rd. B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 AskAboutKarate.com, 707-575-1681 phone, 707-861-0092 text

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Bullying Prevention- Part I 2. Contact your Child’s Teacher or Principal Parents are often reluctant to report bullying to school officials, but bullying may not stop without the help of adults.

Keep your emotions in check. Give factual information about your child’s experience of being bullied including who, what, when, where, and how Emphasize that you want to work with the staff at school to find a solution to stop the bullying, for the sake of your child as well as other students.

Do not contact the parents of the student(s) who bullied your child. This is usually a parent’s first response, but sometimes it makes matters worse. School officials should contact the parents of the child or children who did the bullying.

Expect the bullying to stop. Talk regularly with your child and with school staff to see whether the bullying has stopped. If the bullying persists, contact school authorities again.

3. Help your child become more resilient to bullying.

Help to develop talents or positive attributes of your child. Suggest and facilitate music, athletics, and art activities. Shotokan Karate Leadership School® is a great choice! Doing so may help your child be more confident among their peers. Encourage your child to make contact with friendly students in their class. Your child’s teacher may be able to suggest students with whom your child can make friends, spend time, or collaborate on work. Help your child meet new friends outside of the school environment. A new environment can provide a “fresh start” for a child who has been bullied repeatedly. Teach your child safety strategies. Teach them how to seek help from an adult or older kids when feeling threatened by a bully. Talk about who they should go to for help and role-play what they might say. Assure your child that reporting bullying is not the same as tattling.

Ask yourself if your child is being bullied because of a learning difficulty or a lack of social skills? If your child is hyperactive, impulsive, or overly talkative, the child who bullies may be reacting out of annoyance. This doesn’t make the bullying right, but it may help to explain why your child is being bullied. If your child easily irritates people, seek help from a counselor or Shotokan Karate Leadership School® teacher so that your child can better learn the informal social rules of his or her peer group. Home is where the heart is. Make sure your child has a safe and loving home environment where he or she can take shelter, physically and emotionally. Always maintain open lines of communication with your child.

Other resources and things You Can Do! Go to www.stopbullying.gov for other materials on Bullying Prevention and parent resources.

Bring a Shotokan Karate Leadership School® instructor to your school to talk about bullying prevention or help your teachers. Your Shotokan Karate Leadership School® Instructor can help your child’s school in a variety of ways including safety classes, character training, and more.

All of this information is based on the most fully researched and effective Bullying Prevention Program in the world - the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (Olweus.org). Encourage your school’s administration to have an Olweus Certified Trainer come to your child’s school and implement the program.

If your child is not a student at Shotokan Karate Leadership School® enroll right now! The Shotokan Karate Leadership School® program will help build your child’s confidence and selfdiscipline so they can handle anything! Research has shown that getting a Black Belt

reduces bullying more than any school based bullying prevention program!

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Rd. B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 AskAboutKarate.com, 707-575-1681 phone, 707-861-0092 text

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SIMPLE FACT: Most Parents know how to raise an IDEAL CHILD… But NOT the CHILD THEY HAVE. Marty Callahan 8th Degree Black Belt “Warriors are not what you think of as warriors. The warrior is not someone who fights, for no one has the right to take another life. The warrior, for us, is the one who sacrifices himself for the good of others.

His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the children, the future of humanity.”

-Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota Indian Chief

Our many years of experience have led us to believe that most parents with children who behave poorly, suffer because of the simple fact that they know how to raise an ideal child, but they don’t know how to raise the child they have. It’s not that they don’t love their child… they just don’t know what to do when their child acts out. And, as a result they often make terrible mistakes and their child suffers from their lack of experience.

Our jails are filled with criminals who have parents at home who love them dearly but who didn’t know what to do to keep their child out of trouble. We’ve seen good parents break down and cry when they find out that their GOOD KID has gotten himself into SERIOUS TROUBLE. The child they were so proud of when he was young is now doing drugs, abusing his boy or girlfriend, hanging out with the wrong crowd, can’t keep a job, and keeps coming back home to them when the time is long past for him to be on his own.

Look at these statistics from the U.S. Justice Department.

U.S. Justice Department Statistics • • • • • •

Alcohol is the leading cause of death among young people Homicide is second Suicide the third One million of our youth are members of 25,000 different gangs 20% of young adults are illicit drug users Millions of young Americans face a life in which their earning potential is less than that of their parents

SERIOUSLY… Would this be happening if Loving Parents KNEW what they were DOING? Clearly, the answer is no.

Shotokan Karate Leadership School® 3082 Marlow Road B1, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-575-1681-ph, 707-861-0092-txt

So, why are so many parents failing at raising their child when raising a child is the most important responsibility they have?

Why is this happening and why are there no effective programs to help parents raise the child they have – not the child they wish they had?

Our programs address these issues and will help you raise a child who lives out his dreams and becomes a force for good in the world.

A child you can be proud of. A child who will go beyond his own selfish desires and Serve the World.

A child who will live life to the fullest and bring Happiness to himself and others!

IGNORE These Issues and Your Child Will SUFFER! Ignore these issues and your child will likely end up working for low wages, struggling to get by, feeling unfulfilled, and perhaps become a U.S. Justice Department statistic.

A Brilliant Solution I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t know what I was up against when I started teaching children back in 1972. Now with over fifty years of observing what was happening with the families that came into our school and working with them on their problems, we have created a brilliant solution. But don’t take my word for it. Read what just one of our former students has to say. “Sensei, my name is Dean. I was your student 15 years ago. I’m calling because I want to thank you for giving me the foundation for a wonderful life. The training I received from you has helped me in innumerable ways. I have a wonderful life and I don’t believe it would have turned out this way without it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Here’s a Special Offer I’m Willing to Make You To help you decide if our program is right for your family, I’m willing to provide you with 2 weeks of FREE lessons and a FREE T-Shirt. To make this even easier I’ll remove all risk... I, Marty Callahan, do hereby promise to make a $25 donation to your favorite charity and let you keep the uniform with no hard feelings if you are not completely satisfied that we can do what we promise.

So, this is my recommendation. Come in and take advantage of this Special Offer of 2 Weeks of FREE Lessons. We’ll discuss your child and how we can help you achieve your goals. You’ll get a Personal Evaluation Lesson, three Shotokan Karate Group Classes and a Shotokan Karate Leadership School® T-Shirt absolutely FREE! Call or Text us today!

New Enrollment & Reactivation Special 1 Month FREE! Call 707-575-1681 From 9a to 9p for more information Shotokan Karate Leadership School® At the corner of Marlow and Piner Roads AskAboutKarate.com

Shotokan Karate Leadership School ® 3082 Marlow Road B1 Santa Rosa, CA 95403