At Delaware Hapkido, we start each lesson by verbalizing our expectations:

• be respectful

• be responsible

• be safe

We have found that having high expectations benefits our students. Expectations facilitate a fun learning environment where each student contributes and grows personally.

Sometimes our habits are hidden. We do certain things out of habit without considering the possibility of improvement. It's like we are on autopilot. Self-analysis can help us identify opportunities to improve habits.

People that are unreplaceable understand that their obsession with quality and getting results will eventually lead to opportunities.

Before you join or enroll your kids in any martial art school, you must identify the motivation for the decision.

We need to be gracious and take advantage of teaching opportunities. As we work with mentees, we must creatively share knowledge - superior mentors balance listening and teaching.

As a high school principal, I observed students with tremendous work ethic. To be successful, they prepared in advance for upcoming tests. Cramming was not a part of their strategy. They knew that to get into the college or career of their dreams, they had to do well on academic tests. For that reason, they worked hard and prepared in advance.

Although it is simple, the rewards of courtesy are big. People notice. You will stand out from others, but the best reward is knowing that you are making an effort to be considerate.

The self-discipline of endurance is a life skill. It is not always the most talented person who succeeds. The people with a can-do attitude and the mindset that they will not stop until they reach their goal will achieve the most exceptional results. They will also know what it feels like to earn it.

Criminals do not care about the victim. They are more like the wolf, and they will seek someone who appears to be weak. Because of this, you should choose to study and practice self-defense strategies.

Your words are important and powerful. If you think or speak in a fatalistic (no win, lacking confidence) way, your thoughts and words may lead to less than satisfactory results. If you talk and think positively, you have a better chance of influencing yourself and others – especially if you have a plan and skill.

During martial arts instruction, instructors at Delaware Hapkido often use the term short circuit. As used in our self-defense language, a short circuit is an action that changes the attacker's attention. An electrical short circuit can also require attention.

The strategy of actively avoiding problems includes observing people. What behaviors do you see?

When you find yourself in an area that does not feel or look right, make a wise decision. It may be best to leave.

People who observe patterns of criminal behavior and prepare can become less of a target.

Do not be an easy victim. Look for ways to avoid problems, and teach others the strategy of locking vehicle doors.

As a mentor, using effective teaching strategies is essential. There are countless teaching strategies proven to work. When teaching a new safety life skill, sometimes you have to be direct - "Don't touch the top of that hot stove!" However, orders combined with sharing why the information has value will have a better chance of changing behavior.

I had a plan for the day. I was ready to go. I knew that my schedule permitted a lot of focus on my weekly goals. Nothing was going to get in my way - I was going to get things done.

Always try to learn from documented criminal situations to avoid becoming a victim.

Situational awareness includes knowing what is going on in your community. Knowing crime patterns will help you prepare.

Lifelong learning provides a foundation of knowledge. With knowledge, a curious mind, and a mission, chances for success expand infinitely.