Emotional Growth
23 articles by Sensei Willy Strohmeier, from his monthly Brighton Buzz column.
2026
2025
The Grumpy Kid Who Found His Smile
An eleven-year-old who struggled with respect and listening finds a kinder, happier path through coaching and consistent karate training.
"He Called Me a %@#&*!"
A four-year-old with the energy of an atomic reactor learns self-control, proving that consistency and never giving up on a child pay off.
You Hurt My Feelings!
Be the water, not the soda: how kids can build emotional resilience and stop handing others the power to control how they feel.
Congratulations, You're Starting Over!
Why a promotion can feel like a setback, and how pushing through the discomfort of starting over builds stronger, more confident kids.
2024
2023
The Greatest Victory
A legendary swordsman valued judgment over skill. Thinking before we act, even under pressure, is the greatest victory: a victory over self.
Break the Chains of Negative Thinking
"I'm not good at pushups." Self-limiting beliefs crumble the moment we prove them wrong once. Everything is hard before it becomes easy.
That’s Just the Way I Am
People can become completely different, in a better way. Swap "that's just the way I am" for "I choose to" and take control of who you become.
2022
You Graduated, Time to Start Over
Graduation, like a karate promotion, puts you back at the bottom of a new hill. Learning to embrace starting over is how we keep growing.
You Never Listen to Me!
A teenage daughter's complaint started a lesson in listening: like speaking, it's a skill that must be learned, practiced and perfected.
2021
2020
2019
2018
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells… Aaahh Bah Humbug!
Christmas multiplies the noise of modern life. Like mokuso at the start of karate class, a few minutes of silence each day can clear the mind.
Get Vaccinated!
Zig Ziglar called it PLOM, “Poor Little Ol' Me” disease. The vaccine is an “if it is to be, it is up to me” attitude, for kids and adults alike.
The Power of Failure and the Cost of Success
A six-year-old fails his yellow belt test, then trains harder and earns it. Why letting children fail teaches them the true value of success.
2017
The Best Job I Ever Had
A karate instructor on why she loves her job: the kids' small victories, a parent's thank-you, and a former tiny student now training beside her.
The Best Teacher I Ever Had
Told at eight she'd never be more than average, she chose to turn criticism into fuel. You can let criticism define you, or rise above it.
Take the Time, Live It, Love It, Share It
A former ballerina rediscovers her passion through karate, and asks: have you found what lights a fire in you? Live it, love it, and share it.
Managing Stress
Everyone deals with stress. We can't control every stressor, but we can control how we react. Five simple, healthy ways to manage stress.
2016
Out of My Comfort Zone
A mom watching her son's karate class decides to try it herself in her mid-30s, and learns that life is too short to be afraid of trying new things.
What Did You Take?
It's not coffee or a pre-workout drink. Most people don't realize they have the power to make themselves feel good, but it takes practice.