In a move that epitomizes their unwavering dedication to community growth, Middleburg Martial Arts has merged with Ripple Effect Martial Arts. Now operating under the name Ripple Effect Martial Arts Middleburg, this united team, nurtured by the founding principles of Middleburg, embarks on an exciting new chapter. Under the esteemed leadership of Middleburg’s founder, Master Jan Lappin, the legacy of excellence continues to flourish. Guided by Master Lappin’s daughter, Master Rachael Macy, and her husband, Master Greg Macy, the school’s vision of cultivating resilient leaders in the community ..read more

In a move that epitomizes their unwavering dedication to community growth, Middleburg Martial Arts has merged with Ripple Effect Martial Arts. Now operating under the name Ripple Effect Martial Arts Middleburg, this united team, nurtured by the founding principles of Middleburg, embarks on an exciting new chapter. Under the esteemed leadership of Middleburg’s founder, Master Jan Lappin, the legacy of excellence continues to flourish. Guided by Master Lappin’s daughter, Master Rachael Macy, and her husband, Master Greg Macy, the school’s vision of cultivating resilient leaders in the community ..read more

Hey parents, has it been a long winter? It’s not only the weather that can keep us stuck inside. It’s a state of mind, too, and there’s no time like early spring (thank you Punxsutawney Phil!!) to reset. If you’re looking to get your kids out of the winter doldrums and ready to embrace the season, consider these three pillars: Boundaries, Structure, and Exercise. Boundaries Parenting Coach Sue Atkins says the following about setting rules and boundaries for kids: “Structure and rules not only make bringing up a happy, confident well-behaved child easier, they’re also essential. Trying to raise ..read more

Remember how the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz wanted to find a heart? Or how the Grinch (who stole Christmas) had a heart that “grew three sizes” after he saved the Who’s village from imminent destruction? These are metaphors for finding friendship, and kids are just as eager to help their hearts grow and find friends too. Friends seem to come easily sometimes; other times, friends can seem really hard to find. There’s a psychology to friendship that has gotten a lot of attention over the past century, with everything from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” to “The Circle ..read more

We talk a lot about “black belt training.” It’s something kids learn about even as they earn their white belt. It’s all about goal-setting, and a kid’s first (karate) goal could run the range of: Throwing a punch or a kick Showing off in front of their parents Getting a smile and clap from Mom and Dad Getting applause from a whole group of their peers These are simple (though still wonderful) goals, and they set kids up to achieve more and more. When you get involved in martial arts, get your kids training to become black belts, you gain several advantages when it comes to goal-setting, incl ..read more

Would you describe your child as shy? Of course there’s no shame in being shy, inhibited, introspective, however you might describe it. But it can keep kids from expressing their own ideas, meeting new friends, getting into meaningful conversations with peers and adults, and going on new adventures. Martial arts helps kids overcome their shyness and become their best selves, physically and mentally. How? We build shy kids’ self-esteem Black belt training involves setting goals, overcoming challenges, and achieving personal milestones. This happens during a white belt student’s very first class ..read more

As a parent, the mental load is big and feels daunting and never-ending. Getting dressed, getting to school, gearing up for sports, doing homework, eating dinner, brushing teeth…. as a parent you’re in charge of a lot. And you only have so much patience, energy and time. Not to mention sanity. In a world that often demands responsibility and self-discipline, it is essential to equip children with the necessary skills to navigate through life confidently. Karate offers numerous benefits that go beyond physical fitness and self-defense. One of its most valuable contributions is instilling a sens ..read more

Parents: If you have a child age 4, 5 or 6, you’ve got school on your mind. What will that first year be like? Is my kid ready for kindergarten? The question can sound a bit absurd; if a child can get around, communicate, sit, and listen, they must be ready to start school, right? It’s not like there’ll be an advanced algebra test between lunch and recess. But there are more and more resources and research that shows how preparation for kindergarten is so important to a positive experience, academically, physically and socially, in school. For example, here’s a list of skills that experts say ..read more

As a parent, do you struggle to get your kids away from screens? Get them to focus on real people, real events, the real world? A good solution is to get them into karate class. Screens are everywhere. Phones. TVs. Movies. Laptops. Watches. Screen time’s a fact of life. But as parents we have to govern when and how our kids engage with screens, and how much time is too much. Here’s a revealing statement about what too much screen time does to a young person’s brain: “Early data from a landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) study that began in 2018 indicates that children who sp ..read more

In late 2001, we talked with Heidi Baskfield and Dr. Bruno Anthony of Colorado’s Partners for Children’s Mental Health, an organization that works with kids, parents and teachers to help children cope with anxiety and depression. (Listen to the podcast here.) At the time, the pandemic had shut down places of work, restaurants, playgrounds, and, of course, schools. Kids were shut off from socializing with their peers. They couldn’t talk face-to-face with teachers, read stories or play in groups. Nobody needs to tell you it was a challenging time. Though we’re emerging back into a reality we rec ..read more