Digging For Diamonds
In the book Traction, author Gino Wickman tells the story of a man named Ali who owned a thriving orchard. It was productive, and full of potential, but he grew restless. He was convinced that somewhere else, there were diamonds waiting to be found. He sold his orchard, went searching…and never found any.The man who […]
How Much Are Martial Arts Classes?
If you search this question online, you will find a wide range of answers, and most of them are technically correct but not especially helpful. Martial arts classes can cost anywhere from about $100 to over $250 per month depending on the program, the school, and what is included. That range exists for a reason, […]
The Middle Is The Whole Thing
Most people think success comes from having the perfect plan or finally reaching the goal they set for themselves. Both of those ideas hide the same problem though. They make the present feel like it does not count.We see this all the time. Someone might say they will feel confident when they lose a certain […]
Kyoshi Robert Christie
In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles, Scott sits down with Robert Christie, recently promoted to Kyoshi and 7th Dan in Karate.Kyoshi Christie is the director of Northern Karate Schools Ajax and has spent decades building students, instructors, and strong dojo culture through consistency, character, and leadership.In this conversation, they explore:• How Rob first […]
The Part Nobody Applauds
There’s a part of training that almost no one talks about.It’s not the obvious part. It’s not the sparring or the moment you finally get something right. It’s the unremarkable build up to that moment.Psychologist Anders Ericsson spent years studying elite performers including musicians at a top conservatory. Everyone assumed the best players practiced more […]
Why Self-Control Keeps Failing (and What Actually Works Instead)
By mid-January, something predictable happens.The rush of New Year motivation fades. Schedules fill back up. Stress creeps in. And the question quietly changes from hopeful to frustrated:“How do I get more self-control?”It sounds like the right question. It usually is not.A better question is this:“When life gets chaotic, who do I want running on autopilot? […]
Why So Many Kids Struggle With Balance Today (And How Movement Fixes It)
Over the past several years, many parents and teachers have noticed the same pattern.Kids seem less steady in their bodies than they used to be. They slump in chairs. They lean on desks. They fidget constantly. Some even fall while sitting still. This shows up most often in preschool and elementary-aged children, but we see […]
A Better Story For The Year Ahead
By Scott CampsallJanuary has a funny way of messing with people.One missed workout, a skipped class, or a rough week, and suddenly the inner voice gets loud. “I am already off track.” “I blew it!” “Here we go again!” By the middle of the month, many people are not failing because they lack discipline, but […]
How Neuroscience Helps Your Child Thrive at Okami Kai
At Okami Kai, we’re passionate about helping children grow into confident, focused, and resilient individuals. What many parents don’t realize is that our programs for kids are built on neuroscience. Neuroscience is the science of how the brain develops and learns. This means every drill, every interaction, and every class experience is designed not just to […]
The Behaviour Change Breakthrough: Why Martial Arts Makes Progress Easier
Most of us assume change starts with learning more. We look for advice, motivation, and information, expecting that once we know enough we will finally follow through. But research is remarkably consistent. Knowledge alone does not change behaviour. If it did, every adult who has ever searched “how to get healthier” would already be there.The […]