Robert Hean's Page

Each martial art focuses on different skills. Some focus on grappling, others focus on striking, some on kicking, and still others on meditation. Despite the apparent focus on any given skill, every martial art will teach its students a core set of skills. Physical fitness, self-discipline, and self-confidence all are examples of those skills.

Physical Fitness
From the moment they begin class to the minute they end, kids are moving. Whether it’s kicking, punching, running, flipping someo… Continue

The martial arts are for everyone, not just exceptionally gifted athletes. Everyone can benefit from the lessons learned training a martial art, from the physical conditioning to the mental discipline, there is something of value for you in training a martial art.

Close your eyes and think about the martial arts. What is the first thing that comes into your head? A bunch of big guys pounding each other senseless? An insanely skilled practitioner doing seemingly impossible acrobatics? A lone mon… Continue

Where should I train a martial art?

The martial arts have been a popular activity in this country since Karate Kid was on the big screen (if not before!). Back in the day your town might be lucky enough to have one Karate school, and if you were really lucky enough your parents would bring you there for lessons. Today in Portland you find three different school teaching five different martial arts on your way to work. So what should you look for when looking into the martial arts?

First… Continue

A very common question I get from parents is “Is this is the best martial art for my child?”. As much as I would love to say yes and get another student at my school, I never do. I almost always answer with two questions. The first is “Do they have fun doing it?”, and the second is “Do you think what we teach is valuable?”.

One of the most important things about a martial art (or any activity) is that you enjoy it. If you absolutely hated it and never had fun, why would you do it? I only train… Continue