As a caring parent, several things linger in my mind when it comes to my two children. One thing I know from my own youth but also from experience is how important the right circle of friends is and how big of an impact this can have. I know that good friends that have good manners are polite, respectful and will keep you on track. 

I know that friends that are goal-oriented and high achievers are even better and will most likely motivate you to do better as well. Success drives success. I also know what a negative impact it can have if somebody has a bad circle of friends. Several people I used to hang out with in my youth decided to get involved with a “different kind of circle of friends,” and soon they began to experiment with drugs and some even went on to criminal endeavors. 

I come from an upper-middle-class household and even though my parents always did set good examples, made sure we children had what was needed the peer pressure by others was there to “test out” certain things. 

What prevented me from never getting involved with anything “bad” was not only the respect I had for my parents and their teachings but more so because I had a strong mindset, enough willpower, courage, and self-esteem that I was always able to say no. I also made sure that if “new friends” were not up to my standard I would walk away from them. I did like to entertain a circle of friends who had goals, who wanted more out of life.

Because my father was and still is a Karate instructor.

Karate is a traditional Japanese Martial Art that does for the uneducated observer teaches wild kicking, punching and yelling. Unfortunately, most people never see, understand or learn what is underneath all the kicking and punching and that, it is a holistic system for self-development and self-cultivation.

If you grow up within the traditional martial arts, you are surrounded by people who want to achieve, who do set goals, who do have perseverance and who are willing to work on themselves constantly. Raised in a Karate dojo I was always surrounded with high achievers – why would I now all suddenly want to hang out with losers?
Traditional Martial Arts (not cage fighting that has absolutely nothing to do with martial arts) will influence your life and make you a better person.

How much better depends on how far you are willing to go, how much of the process you are eager to take in and of course also the quality of the teacher. My father was a great teacher. That good that he inspired me to make Karate not only my life long endeavor but also become a Karate teacher myself.

Today some 30 years later in my early 40’s I am not just passing this on to my own sons, but I run a Karate school where character development is a priority.

My name is Sensei Marcus Hinschberger and my wife Christina, and I are the owners of Tokon Martial Arts. Some consider us as an authority when it comes to self-development for children and adults alike. In our Karate school, we create a high achiever atmosphere that will inspire you, your son or daughter not only to stay on track but to keep improving.

The family-friendly atmosphere that we have at our school creates a circle of friends that are supportive, inspiring and motivating to excel. If you reach black belt level at Tokon Martial Arts, you will have done what most others will never do or accomplish, and you will have not only a different outlook on life but a circle of friends for life. 
If you want a safe, supportive circle of friends for your children and if you want to make sure they surround themselves with high achievers, come and visit us at Tokon Martial Arts in Sacramento.

Enroll yourself and your family today and begin to tackle the challenge that is before you.

What are you waiting for? The best time to grow is NOW.

​Procrastination is a loser’s game!

Article Source: https://www.tokonsacramento.com/2019/04/04/do-you-know-your-childs-circle-of-friends/

About Taitoku Training:

Sensei Marcus is also the CEO of Taitoku Training. A coaching company that teaches self-development and self-transformation, team training & leadership. As a result of his coaching as a martial arts expert, CEOs increase their productivity, improve their efficiency, confidence, focus, and potential in a sustainable way. Through his teachings, companies can improve their communication, productivity, teamwork, profits and expand their market share. If you know a CEO or corporation that wants to take it to the next level, please visit ​Taitoku Training or contact Sensei Marcus directly at info@TaitokuTraining.com