Dear Martial Arts Families,

September is here, and our Fall session is well underway! One of the things I enjoy most about the beginning of a new session is watching a class begin to take shape. New students become more comfortable on the mat, returning students settle back into their routines, and little by little everyone begins making progress.

Sometimes that progress is easy to see—a new technique, another stripe on a belt, a certificate, or a promotion. Other times, the most important progress is much quieter: listening a little better, arriving prepared for class, helping a younger student, getting back up after something is difficult, or simply having the courage to keep trying.

Those small accomplishments matter. Martial arts education has never been only about learning throws, falls, pins, escapes, or self-defense. My goal is to use martial arts as a vehicle for helping young people develop confidence, discipline, perseverance, respect, and a willingness to serve others.

September is a wonderful month to reinforce those habits. Thank you to our students for continuing to work hard, and thank you to our parents and families for making the commitment required to get them to class each week. Your consistency makes a tremendous difference. I look forward to another great month together!

See you on the mat,

Coach Decker
Arizona Freestyle Judo

Our next 8-week session begins in October, and current families have an opportunity to save 20% by registering early.

If your student plans to continue, simply reply to this email before October 1st and let me know. I’ll send you a 20% OFF online registration coupon code to use when registering for the next session.

Why continue?

Martial arts skills are built through repetition and consistency. Each session builds upon what students learned during the previous one.

For many students, another session also means getting closer to:

📋 Completing their student curriculum card
🎖️ Earning another stripe
🥋 Advancing toward their next belt
💪 Developing stronger physical skills
🌟 Building confidence and independence
🧗 Strengthening the habit of perseverance

Deadline: October 1, 2026

👉 Reply to this email before October 1st and ask Coach Decker for your 20% Early Registration Coupon Code.

I hope to see your student continue with us this fall!

SEE OUR SEPTEMBER CALENDAR HERE ➡️

There is a useful Japanese concept called gofun-mae kōdō—literally, “five-minutes-before action.”

The idea is simple: If something begins at 6:00 PM, the goal isn’t to walk through the door at 6:00. The goal is to have already arrived, taken care of whatever preparation is necessary, and be ready to begin at 6:00Being on time isn’t simply about the clock. It’s about being ready.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ➡️

Happy Birthday to our Coach Decker’s Martial Arts students celebrating birthdays this month! We hope each of you has a fantastic birthday and a great year ahead!

Happy Birthday from Coach Decker and your martial arts family!

🥳 OLIVER A. — September 11th
🎉 THOMAS P. — September 11th
🎂 ROBBIE G. — September 16th
🥋 CHRISTIAN C. — September 23rd
🎁 ALEXIA S. – September 29th

Celebrating Our Students’ Accomplishments

One of my favorite things is to recognize students when their hard work pays off. These milestones represent much more than an award or another mark on a student card. They represent practice, consistency, courage, and perseverance.

Congratulations! We are proud of you. Keep working, keep learning, and keep moving forward!

SEE OUR STUDENT PROMOTIONS HERE ➡️

Thank you for being part of the Coach Decker’s Martial Arts community.

Invite a Friend to try a Class: Do you know someone who would love to train with us? Let us know you have someone who would like to try class with your student and we’ll make arrangements so they can try one free, no obligation.

Train hard. Be kind. Help others. And keep showing up.

Coach Decker
Coach Decker’s Martial Arts
Arizona Freestyle Judo
Email: fightingfitaz@gmail.com