Black Belt Parenting

The development of confidence in our martial arts students is an important characteristic that parents look for when enrolling their children in our school. Listen as Kathy Sacoulas discusses how we help kids develop confidence and how you can do the same at home. Allowing the kids to feel competent and not giving them false praise are topics she discusses at great length.1:33: Competence1:50: The importance of not developing a FALSE sense of confidence6:00: We start developing confidence in kids at the young age of 38:14: Helping students live into their goals through our language9:55: Helping develop communication skills that develop confidence14:36: How we develop confidence on the mat23:01: Applying these principles at homeFor more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Meet Stephen Eng in this episode and listen to how impactful receiving his Black Belt has been in his life. He attributes all his successes and positive relationships to his martial arts training and talks about how it was the best decision his parents ever made for him. 1:35: Introduction of Stephen Eng2:14: His start in the martial arts3:41: Benefits from training in the martial arts5:15: What kept him motivated to keep training over all his years at the school8:13: How martial arts helped him navigate through tough times and develop good relationships10:13: How the Black Belt test affected his life and how it continues to affect him13:15: How he’s applied the lessons from martial arts to his life and the successes that have resulted16:09: Stephen’s advice for kids who want to quit martial arts20:00: How teaching classes at PMA affected him; how mentoring other children led to his own leadership development24:00: The importance of representing PMA in the community24:48: Why Stephen is big on showing attribution and remembering where he came fromFor more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Perseverance is a characteristic that can only be taught through placing your child in circumstances where they may want to quit or where they will fail. Parents often have difficulty watching their kids struggle, but it’s an important thing for them to experience. Listen to Kathy Sacoulas talk about how perseverance is gained through martial arts and how we can apply it to our parenting.1:24: Perseverance defined/Grit Defined2:30: immediate gratification counters the development of perseverance 2:40: how martial arts develops perseverance in students4:38: the journey is more fruitful than the destination5:29: trust the process5:50: Moving the students through phases of training shows their perseverance6:26: Sparring as an example of developing grit and perseverance9:15: You must lean into discomfort to gain perseverance11:00: The importance of failure14:28: applying these principles to parentingFor more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Learn how Tuhon Nick Sacoulas has seen martial arts impact his students and their families, how it’s impacted his parenting, and how the martial arts community he created has impacted so many lives, including his own.2:53: the start of Progressive Martial Arts5:00: How Tuhon Nick followed his passion8:15: how martial arts has impacted his students over the years13:42: How training is a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges17:00: Advice to parents in martial arts19:49: How becoming a parent has impacted him as an instructor22:00: Martial arts is a process23:40: how martial arts has impacted his own parenting29:50: How Progressive Martial Arts has evolved and it’s impact on himFor more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

As a nurse with a public health degree, Kathy Sacoulas presents how important health and wellness are in the parenting journey. Looking at the whole child and not just their physical, she talks about ensuring kids look after their wellness: mind, body, and soul. She also discusses the importance of the parents’ wellness as it impacts the child.1:45: Health is about the whole person (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual)2:37: Health and wellness in the martial arts7:57: Health and Parenting the WHOLE child9:40: the importance of nutrition14:08: Exercise and the importance of play16:19: Resting your mind and body17:33: Hygiene and health19:00: Challenge them mentally (improving brain health)20:00: The importance of communication and positive social circles in their health21:14: Healthy forms of expression22:49: Taking care of yourself as the parent26:29: Advocacy in health, creating a partnership with health care providers.For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Kathy Sacoulas discusses the importance of encouraging independence at each stage of a child’s development and how difficult it is for parents to let go during the process. Creating independence does lead to better self-esteem, self confidence and how the martial arts is a great example of this.1:15: Parenting begins with total dependence.3:34: Creating independence can begin very early with parents as theirfirst teachers4:15: Creating independence on the training floor in martial arts6:12: The first phase of training8:05: The second phase of training10:48: The third phase of training16:37: The role of self-motivation in gaining independence17:00: Developing independence in the home18:55: Independence requires an investment of time21:59: Independence leads to self-confidence23:56: Figuring out your individual child’s readiness at each stage ofdevelopment24:47: Trust leads to more independence and more trust between parent and child.For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Respect is one of the numerous reasons people do the martial arts. As one trains over time, it’s a characteristic that automatically becomes part of the student. In this episode, Kathy Sacoulas discusses how she sees this process occur and how parents can use this as a tool at home.1:25: Respect Defined1:53: Martial arts begins and ends with respect. How respect developed in the martial arts culturally4:54: Instilling respect via the martial arts7:20: Using language to teach respect8:42: Self-care = self-respect10:24: Setting rules and boundaries10:54: Positive communication10:37: Humility and respect lend to openness in learning.16:04: relating how we teach respect at the school to parentingFor more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.comThie video version of this show is available on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter - https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martialist journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services.

Learn from Kathy Sacoulas and Tara DeSuze about the importance of having partners in parenting. Creating partnerships with teachers, coaches, other parents, and your community are so important in raising children.2:20: Introduction of Ms. Tara (AKA PMA Mom) - a PMA mom who eventually became a PMA teacher and staff member6:56: The Power of Community 8:55: Ms. Tara’s experience of being a parent and then moving into the staff role9:56: Value of creating partnerships for your kids11:25: Trust in partnership15:25: Shared Mission 17:03: Example of the importance of communication20:53: Due diligence in selecting partners22:08: Same Mission and Values25:28: Importance of a support system26:50: Finding people you can trust and who won’t judge you30:20: Rely on different types of people32:18: the power of connectionFor more information on the podcast, Visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Discipline is the number one reason parents want their kids to do martial arts, and martial arts is a proven way to develop discipline. Learn how Kathy Sacoulas and her fellow instructors help students develop discipline and how you can transfer those efforts to your home and your parenting.For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.comThe video version of this show is available on YouTube: youtube.com/@blackbeltparentingpodcast Follow Kathy on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/61558865227742 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martialist journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services.

Learning about each child is essential in becoming an effective martial arts instructor. Kathy Sacoulas discusses how constantly learning about your child and connecting with them on a consistent basis can help you become a better parent and gives examples from her own teaching experience to show how important it is.1:24: The introductory process in martial arts school helps us learn about the student in a holistic way4:58: The most important part of teaching8:40: in parenting, understanding each child’s needs is important11:18: Communication happens not on the training floor but in the lobby, special events, and conferences. It is important for parents to be involved13:46: Getting to know the child is a priority16:38: The number one thing for parenting effectively is communication17:27: Honest communication leads to authentic relationship with my kids28:18 : Overcoming obstacles with communicationFor more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

This episode is all about you as a parent and how important you are to the development of your kids. Similar to the beginning of martial arts training, the development of the self establishes a firm foundation from which to grow. Kathy Sacoulas discusses the martial arts journey and how the foundation of great martial arts training begins with focusing on the self first. Timestamps1:45-2:08: Comparing phase 1 part of training to focusing on self as a parent4:26 -4:43: Good parenting can only come from taking care of oneself first8:08: Basics are the most important part of your training and must be returned to consistently13:33: Your state of being matters15:29-16:04: You’re gonna use your kid as an excuse/ use them as your reason why16:35: Stay engaged/Participate/Play!17:54: Your Kids will do as you do20:39: Building resiliency in yourself and your child23:33: Building communities of support/role modeling good relationships29:25: Are you where you want to be?For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services. 

Kathy Sacoulas discusses the white belt mentality in this episode. This approach can be utilized not only in martial arts training but also in your approach to everything. In order to continue to grow and evolve as parents, we, too, must develop this mindset. Learn ways to empty your cup and clear your slate for your development as a parent.Section Breakdown:4:18: White Belt Mentality Defined5:08 - Emptying your cup5:33 - Reflecting on your childhood/Examples For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.comThe video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services.

Kathy Sacoulas, co-owner and program director of Progressive Martial Arts in Queens, NY, debuts her Black Belt Parenting podcast with this sneak peek episode. Learn her reasons for starting the show, why she believes parenting is similar to martial arts, and what you can expect with every new episode. For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcastFollow Kathy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPodVisit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey.This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com for more information on their media production services.