At Infinity Martial Arts, we believe true strength isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about how you carry yourself, especially when things get tough. That’s why this week, we’re focusing on two powerful leadership traits from the fourth row of Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: Poise and Confidence. These aren’t just martial arts skills—they’re life skills that help students stay calm, act with intention, and believe in themselves in every setting: at school, at home, and in class. 🧘♂️ What Is Poise? Poise is about staying calm and steady, even under pressure. It’s the ability to: Think clearly in a stressful situation Act with purpose, instead of reacting with panic Keep your emotions in check, even when things go wrong Stay true to yourself and your training In sparring, for example, a student might feel nervous—heart racing, adrenaline pumping. But with poise, they learn to breathe, stay focused, and move with control. That’s the kind of calm confidence that separates a martial artist from someone just throwing punches. And it doesn’t stop on the mats. Poise shows up when students take a test at school, try something new, or speak in front of others. It’s the mindset that says: I’ve got this. 💪 What Is Real Confidence? Confidence doesn’t mean being loud or showing off. Real confidence is quiet, earned, and unshakable. Coach Wooden said it best: “Confidence comes from being prepared.” That’s exactly what we teach at Infinity. Confidence isn’t something you wish for—it’s something you build through hard work and repetition. When students practice consistently, they begin to: Trust their training Believe in their ability to improve Approach challenges without fear Walk into any belt test, drill, or performance with their head held high Confidence doesn’t come from hoping it will go well—it comes from knowing you’re ready. 💚 Why It Matters for Kids & Teens Poise and confidence help students: Navigate stressful situations without shutting down Speak up with clarity and courage Handle setbacks with grace Trust themselves—and stay grounded under pressure Together, they give students the ability to be calm AND courageous—a winning combination in martial arts and in life. 🥋 Life Skill Challenge of the Week: This week at Infinity, we’re asking students to: Handle the next difficult moment with calm, confident body language. That might look like: Standing tall during a tough sparring match Holding eye contact during a belt test Speaking clearly during a school presentation Staying steady when giving or receiving feedback Focus on eyes up, shoulders back, breathing steady—because when your body shows confidence, your mind follows.