The Japanese Five-Minute Habit: Readiness, Respect, and Better Judoka

Japanese culture treats punctuality as readiness, not mere arrival. A practical expression for this is gofun-mae kōdō, literally “five-minutes-before action.” If something begins at 6:00, the goal is not to walk in at 6:00. The goal is to have already arrived, completed necessary preparations, and be ready to begin at 6:00. It is a ...

By |2026-08-26T14:48:58-07:00August 26, 2026|Blog, Discipline, Japan|

A Journey to Japan: A Trip We Will Never Forget

At the end of May, my wife and I had the opportunity to fulfill one of our lifelong bucket-list dreams—we finally traveled to Japan. As a Judoka, Japan has always represented something special to me. It is the birthplace of Judo and home to so many of the traditions and values that have shaped my ...

By |2026-08-04T16:34:13-07:00July 21, 2026|Blog, Japan|

Why We Don’t Let Our Kids Quit When It Gets Hard: Building Resilience on the Mat

The Hidden Challenge of Character Development Martial arts is an incredibly fun activity for children, but it is also intentionally designed by its very nature to be challenging. While the high-energy drills and new techniques are exciting, the path to mastery isn't always a straight line. Eventually, every student—no matter how talented—will "hit a wall". ...

How can Kids Practice Martial Arts at Home in Mesa, AZ

Martial arts is an excellent way for kids to develop discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. While Mesa, AZ, has many martial arts studios, practicing at home can be a great way for kids to sharpen their skills between classes or even get started with basic techniques. Whether your child is enrolled in a local dojo ...

By |2025-02-20T09:18:37-07:00February 20, 2025|Blog, Martial Arts for Kids, Mat Monkeys|

Coaches Spotlight – Meet Our Coaches

Coach Bry’Anne My name is Bry’ Anne and I am an assistant coach working alongside Coach Decker in his Judo and Mat Monkeys program. I was introduced to him in 2022 upon stumbling across a Facebook ad and thought it would be an exciting opportunity to try something new myself while helping kids develop ...

By |2025-01-02T12:38:26-07:00December 17, 2024|Blog|

The Digital Dilemma: America’s Growing Concern Over Children’s Obsession with Electronic Devices

In today's digital age, technology is an inseparable part of our lives. For adults, smartphones, tablets, and computers have become indispensable tools for communication, work, and entertainment. However, an alarming trend is emerging among America's youngest population: children are becoming increasingly obsessed with electronic devices, often to the detriment of their mental, physical, and emotional ...

By |2024-11-06T14:55:07-07:00November 6, 2024|Blog, Education, Mat Monkeys|

Judo in the Olympics – What Happened Between Guram Tushishvili and Teddy Riner

The 2024 Olympic Games are winding down in Paris and so is the press and fanfare. One of the few times Judo is ever featured in the mainstream news media in the U.S. is during the Olympic Games, so we may not see Judo in the news again until the Olympics returns in 2028 to ...

By |2024-09-17T19:09:50-07:00September 17, 2024|Blog, Events|

The Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids in Mesa, Arizona

Martial arts offer children a unique and rewarding way to develop essential life skills while staying active and having fun. For kids in Mesa, Arizona, participating in martial arts programs brings a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can positively shape their lives both inside and outside the dojo. Here are some of ...

By |2024-09-09T18:46:18-07:00September 1, 2024|Blog, Martial Arts for Kids|

The Presidential Sports Award: Honoring Excellence in Athletics and Sportsmanship

The Presidential Sports Award is a distinguished recognition in the United States, honoring athletes and sports figures who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, exemplary sportsmanship, and significant contributions to the world of sports. Established to celebrate the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of individuals in the sporting arena, this award serves as a beacon of excellence ...

By |2024-08-08T10:19:09-07:00August 1, 2024|Awards, Blog|

Service is a Virtue

Here at Coach Decker's Martial Art's we believe service is a virtue.  There is no greater feeling than being of service to others and contributing to your community in a positive way.  That's why we are always looking for people interested in inspiring and empowering others, especially children through the use of Martial Arts and ...

By |2024-06-27T12:29:28-07:00June 26, 2024|Blog, Service|
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