You can see the photo and article on newstands everywhere in Boulder, or check it out here:  www.boulderwomensmag.com

It's very well-written... check it out!

Training in how to inspire and assist others to grow

The Leadership College is a vital part of the success of our dojo.  Actual leadership training is very rare in the martial arts world - more typical is the notion that a great fighter is also a great teacher and an inspiring leader.  In truth, great leadership is a quality honed through personal development and skill training.  An-Shu Hayes spent decades developing the most sophisticated and effective leadership-through-martial-arts program for Americans, and students of the Boulder Quest Center  enjoy the results of that in our powerful and vibrant culture.

The skills developed in the Leadership College go far beyond the idea of running an excellent martial arts school, and even far beyond teaching any skill in any venue. To whatever degree your goals include fostering the development of others, assisting others to achieve success, and deepening your network of friends and trusted allies, the skills taught in the Leadership College are indispensable.  It would be very difficult to find a better venue to learn, develop, and test these methods for leveraging the power of human connection in life.

So what does it take to get started?  It takes a very little bit of money (around $30) for some materials to review, a moderate amount of time (monthly meetings and then assisting in appropriate classes), and a complete commitment of personality and energy during the moments of engagement. 

As symbols of your achievement and manifest proof of your ability to fully engage your spirit in this sophisticated training, the prerequisites are 16 years experience as a human being, a blue-white belt in To-Shin Do, and membership in the Black Belt Club. 

If you are still need some time to complete one of those requirements, keep going and growing. We'll be here when you're ready.  If you're ready now, we'd love to have you as part of the unfolding legend of the Boulder Quest Center Leadership Team.

If you've already started on this Leadership path, keep your connection and commitment strong!  There are many treasures yet to be gained.  We'll see you at the meeting!

Cheer on your friends, be an uke, rejoice in the accomplishments!

An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes once shared with us an important story about the meaning of belt testing in the martial arts. 

In the best dojo experience, the teachers really know the students as individuals.  Working together over months and years, the family of the dojo is well aware of the strengths and quirks of its members.  We embrace each other's efforts, challenges, and successes and thrill in each other's progress.

The public ceremony and scrutinized pressure of the moment of belt testing energizes and empowers students.  The audience has a major role to play - the community witnesses, applaudes, and congratulates, and with that vital contribution, they make it real.  It is real.  The student experiences a world that acknowledges and reflects back to them their success, and success becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of further success.

Please assist this important process by attending the graduation ceremony and offering your energy and good-wishes to our students receiving new belts.  They are deeply deserving of your investment, the entire community is brightened by their efforts, and they will surely put on a very good show for you.

Pricing now available!

Two years after his last visit, Stephen K. Hayes will visit the Boulder Quest Center again to oversee our first black belt testing.  Without a doubt, this will be a defining moment in the history of this dojo.  You will experience outstanding training with a living legend of the martial arts, connect with the depth of the To-Shin lineage, and witness the establishment of a new generation of Colorado black belts.  Be sure to make space September 13th and 14th for this magical event in your life.

An-Shu Hayes will present material from the Shinden Fudo Ryu, rarely taught in public, in classical and modern-updated form.  We will also have the opportunity to ride the energies of nature in special ceremonies and meditations outdoors on dramatic land owned by a Boulder Quest family. 

Price is $249 for pre-registration by August 1st, $299 thereafter.  Exact times of day to be determined, but expect a mid-morning start on Saturday going into the evening, and an early-morning start Sunday going into mid-afternoon. 

More details yet to come....  Be ready!