The HARMONIOUS WARRIOR site is so named to point out that there are things worth fighting for when it comes to kids. At the same time, in the end we must achieve some harmony if we're to get anywhere. The site's primary purpose is to serve as a reference point for all those interested in reaching more pre-, early-, mid-, and late-adolescents. In other words, it's about spreading hope for kids and all who work with them, worry over them, and want the best for them.

The Harmonious Warrior site seeks to grow this hope in three areas: school (including home schools and religious school settings), the martial arts, and recovery from deep past hurts. These areas get most of the ink on the site simply because they are where I personally have the most experience. But they also merely mark good starting points. Others may be spurred to contribute their own experiences and ideas, either by contacting me or through their own sites. In the education of kids after early childhood (eight years and older), my own two books and a few select articles set out many anecdotal ideas for being successful in working with all kinds of kids in many learning environments. At the heart of these ideas is the age-old idea that there are four main approaches to learning, teaching, classroom management, and even life itself. Whether we are trying to teach math or martial arts, kids will come to any subject from one of four main avenues-as will the instructor. Much of the misunderstanding, myriad 'discipline problems', and much of the lack of progress in learning which seems to plague us in the classroom, dojo, or at home is actually just a failure to recognize a mismatch of perspectives and expectations. This is sometimes seen as a clash-an unharmonious meeting-of learning and teaching styles.

In the hope of making learning and teaching more enjoyable and reachable for everyone, The Harmonious Warrior site offers the following click-through option for adults to take a free self-test (Self-Observation Survey) to determine which of the four views they favor, or expect from their child or child's teacher. Click here to take the survey, a new page will open, then choose Teacher (Adult) or Student version.

Armed simply with the understanding of the different learning, teaching and management styles, and their possible conflicts, we could end much of the current friction and student 'failure' evident in many classrooms, including our home and religious school 'classrooms'. And many parents who labor over why their obviously bright child is not doing well in school may come away with renewed hope and a solid direction for change.

Martial Arts teaching and learning will benefit when we understand the four natural differences in expectations and needs. This would help instructors and students understand why some seem to 'get it', while others-often very gifted at the art-unaccountably drop out. This is critical if adolescents are to stick with the martial arts, potentially a huge benefit which the Harmonious Warrior site later explores. And learning the four approaches before teaching a new martial arts student or group could avoid untold frustration for instructors.

The third thrust of the website deals with the fact that many, many kids struggle with things in their pasts which cause them deep pain and regret, and so which color their day-to-day choices. With just a little coaching, they can develop a more healthy view of the past, have a more peaceful present, and anticipate a more hopeful future. A separate Harmonious Warrior page is offered as a launching pad for someone seeking more ideas in this area.