Rajni Named Instructor of the Month

Great classes start with great instructors. This month, we want you to meet one of our newest, Rajni, our instructor of the month. You may have already taken one of her classes or seen her around the dojo, but here's a little more about her.

We also have a school picnic coming up, congratulations for everyone who tested and a few schedule changes to know about.

Meet Rajni, our instructor of the month

We asked Rajni a few questions. Here's what she said.

What's your ideal Sunday? "Coffee, work out, followed by a huge brunch!"

What do you like most about teaching kickboxing? "The empowerment and positivity that it gives to each student."

What's been your favorite part of moving to Santa Barbara so far? "Meeting an incredibly open, helpful, and friendly mix of culturally diverse people. The people here live consciously and it is great to see!"

Her answer about teaching says a lot about what we look for in an instructor. Technique matters, but what makes a class worth coming back to is how it makes you feel: stronger, more positive and more capable than when you walked in. That's what we believe great instruction does, and it's why we're proud to have Rajni on our team.

We look for instructors who care about every student in the room, not just the ones who pick things up quickly. A great instructor notices when someone is struggling, finds a way to help and makes sure everyone leaves feeling capable.

Our school picnic at Manning Park

We're having a school picnic at Manning Park, and you're invited. Bring your family, your friends and your favorite snack. Sensei Christian is happy to answer any questions.

We believe the dojo is more than a place to train. It's a community, and a picnic is a simple way to get to know the people you see on the mat every week, and the families behind them. Kids who train in different classes get to play together, and parents get to connect.

Those connections matter more than they might seem. When students know each other outside of class, they encourage each other on the mat. The dojo starts to feel like a second home, and that's when training really sticks.

Congratulations to our testing students

Congratulations to everyone who tested for a new rank this past month! We saw great passion, intensity, focus and energy from all of you.

Testing isn't only about the new belt. It's a chance to show what you've practiced, handle a little pressure and finish strong. Every student who stepped up showed that effort pays off. If you're working toward the next color belt promotion this fall, keep an eye out for paperwork deadlines and talk with your instructor about how to prepare.

A new rank is a milestone, not a finish line. The students who grow the most are the ones who come back the next week and keep working, whether class feels exciting or ordinary. Progress doesn't come from feeling good. It comes from showing up.

Schedule updates and Parents' Night Out

A few classes are moving. Our Jiu-Jitsu classes on Mondays and Wednesdays are moving from the evening to midday. Our early morning Bands class on Tuesdays and Thursdays is moving a little earlier. All other classes stay the same.

Parents' Night Out continues on the second Friday of every month. We'll be playing fun mat games and having a great time, as always. All kids need to register ahead of time online.

And if you have a few minutes, voting is open for the Independent's Best of Santa Barbara. We'd be grateful for your vote for Best Martial Arts Studio.

As someone once said, "August is like the Sunday of summer." Enjoy it, and we'll see you on the mat.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us using the form below, and we'll be glad to help.