Ultimate Fighting Solutions, Inc.

Long Island's #1 Self-Defense Program!

7 Steps to make 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER!!!

2010 is almost here, ARE YOU READY?

Every year on December 31 st, we get together and discuss our plans for the NEW YEAR. Unfortunately most of us never fulfill our plans for many different reasons. There are a lot of different reasons why people don't attain the goals they set out to. My motivation for writing this blog post is to provide you with a PLAN to ensure that you achieve all that you deserve in 2010!

Read these 7 Steps a few times and then follow these rules:

LEARN IT - TEACH IT - DO IT

7 Steps to make 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER!!

Step #1- Raise your standards!

Most of us are capable of so much more than we receive but we fall victim to the number 1 killer of all success, COMPLACENCY ! The majority of us just "settle" for a life that allows us to exist rather than to LIVE! This year I CHALLENGE YOU to raise your standards of living, stretch to new levels that make you feel uncomfortable and BREAKTHROUGH your fear of failure and NEVER settle for less than you deserve!

"Most people FAIL in life, NOT because they aim to high and miss. Most people FAIL in life because they aim to low and HIT!- Les Brown

Step #2- Write down your Goals!

GREAT, now that your standards are raised it is time to write down your goals for 2010! When you are writing your goals I have a few suggestions that will help you.

1. THINK BIG!
2. Be CLEAR and SPECIFIC! For ex: Instead of saying "I want to make more money." Be more detailed like "I want to increase my annual income by $25,000."
3. Set a realistic date. If you have not reached your goal by your desired date that does not mean you failed or it is impossible, it just means that you are on the right path and KEEP WORKING! 

Writing down, CLEAR, SPECIFIC and TIME DRIVEN goals makes your path REAL, and is a great way to track your progress and hold yourself ACCOUNTABLE for achieving your goals. 

I also write down my goals in 3 categories: Personal, Professional & Relationship.

Step #3- CREATE an ACTION PLAN!

Goals are excellent on paper but you experience RESULTS when you put your thoughts and ideas into ACTION!

Write down your ACTION PLAN for each goal that you want to achieve. Example: "I want to increase my monthly income by $5,000 by April of 2010." 

Action Plan: "I will implement an effective marketing campaign to attract new Self-Defense students as well as a marketing campaign to book at least 3 seminars a month."

I also break it down week by week, so I know exactly what I have done and what I need to do to stay on course.

Step #4- Build a SUPPORT TEAM!

Build a team around you that will MOTIVATE, EDUCATE, INSPIRE and ASSIST you. Your team NEEDS to be willing and able to hold you ACCOUNTABLE and NOT accept excuses from you. Your team could be anyone in your life that truly wants to see you succeed. Set up phone calls or meetings with your team on a monthly basis so you can check up on how everyone is doing in regard to achieving their goals. 

Step #5-  Turn your goals into "ABSOLUTE MUSTS!"

Your emotional attachment to an idea or goal will for the most part determine if you will attain it. 

Why?

Because our life is not a predetermined path that we can control 100% of all outcomes and occurrences and daily obstacles can cause us to get "distracted","demotivated" or "GIVE UP."

If you want to increase your income, turn that "want" into a "MUST!" 

How do you do this? EASY!

VISUALIZATION!

Visualize what your life will be like once you attain this goal, or visualize what your life will be like if you don't. 

Tony Robbins says "We make every decision in life either to avoid pain or increase pleasure." 

What ever your reason is for NEEDING this particular goal to be met, AMPLIFY it my 1000 and let that overwhelming emotion EMPOWER you to commit yourself and NEVER stop until you achieve it.

Step #6 - Invest in YOU!

YOU, are the single most important entity that you can EVER invest in. I am a loving husband, a truly committed father, as well as a business owner with a loyalty to my students that my colleagues say is "unmatched", but I ALWAYS find time for ME.

How I invest in ME:

1.  I joined CrossFit to keep my body in great health.
2.  I read powerful books that enhance my education and how I feel and perceive the world around me.
3. I listen to motivating and inspiring audio books in the car.
4. I treat my self to things that make me happy ALL OF THE TIME!
5. And so much more! 

YOU, deserve to live a life of abundance! 

NEVER, EVER FORGET IT!

Step #7- Share!

I know its probably been a long time since someone told you to share, but it is so important. 

Share your EXPERIENCES with others for it will assist them in their journey.

Share your KNOWLEDGE, so others can learn.

Share your TIME with others for your time is your most valuable ASSET, share it wisely.

Share your PASSION, for passion is contagious! 

Share your VALUES, for your values is your foundation of all true success in your personal life as well as professional life.

"I am committed to making 2010 my best year ever, and I strongly encourage you to do the same. We all deserve to live a life of abundant health, happiness and prosperity but it is our responsibility to CREATE the life WE DESIRE!"

Happy New Year

Please share this post with as many people as you can, the 2 minutes that it will take you can GREATLY IMPACT someone's life, thank you.

Committed to your Safety, Health & Success,

Billy Reuter

What are you "MADE" of ? A test of your character.

Everyday we are put in the position do make decisions, some BIG and some small. What you have to remember is that no matter how big or small your decisions and actions are they reflect your inner character.

Read what happened to me yesterday.

Preparing for the HUGE snow storm I went to the grocery store with my wife and daughter. IT WAS CRAZY!! We decided to buy a few cold cuts for the house so I went and took my number which was #389. They just called #360, wow what a wait! It seemed like everyone in town had the same idea that we did. The man behind the counter realizing that I was standing with my 4 year old daughter kept telling me to come up even when it wasn't our turn. He meant well, but I truly believe that EVERY decision you make is a direct reflection of your character and beliefs. 

It might sound extreme but I would have felt like I cheated in a game, or stole something. I would have stole the time of everyone else in line. I thanked him when I finally made it to the counter and assured him that I am grateful for his help. I did however quickly explain my reasons for not "cutting" the line and his facial expression was priceless. He understood and respected my decision.

Now, I know that this is a SMALL story. I believe we are faced with a tremendous amount of small opportunities each day to express our inner character. 

Ask yourself, "What opportunities do I have to show the world the kind of generous, compassionate, fun, intelligent person that I am?"

We are all LEADERS in one way or another, I strongly believe in LEADING BY EXAMPLE! Was that the example I wanted to show my daughter and community, that Billy Reuter thinks his time is worth more that theirs or I will take unfair short cuts to get what I want when it negatively effects other people. HELL NO!

I encourage ALL of you raise your standards on how you believe we should act and correspond with each other and then make you decisions based on your new belief system.  

I wish you all ABUNDANT HAPPINESS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Committed to your SAFETY, HEALTH and SUCCESS,

Billy Reuter

 

WOW!! I had one of the best seminars EVER!!

Today, was a very special day for me personally.

    I had the GREAT opportunity to teach a 3 Hour Women's Self-Defense & Rape Escape seminar to a group of truly AMAZING women!

Now, I have taught many seminars before but today was special for a couple of different reasons.

1.  It was held at the CrossFit Training Center where I train with my wife.
2. We donated every dollar raised to an AWESOME charity that helps children.

I was IMPACTED today because this group of women transformed their mindset and "Personal Power" right in front of my eyes and I am truly grateful to them because that transformation is the reason I started my company. These women were amazing, they learned a bunch of lifesaving education and training strategies as well as they are EMOTIONALLY EMPOWERED to living with the SURVIVOR'S MINDSET!!

I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share my PASSION for education and training with them today.

After reading their testimonials and their experience that they had today, I was almost put to tears. I feel blessed to be in the position in which my PASSION, EXPERTISE, and BUSINESS are all connected my enhancing peoples safety and confidence.

Great Job Ladies, You ROCKED!!!

Committed to your Health, Safety & Success,

Billy Reuter

Elite Self-Protection, Inc.

It can happen to you! DON'T LET IT!!

As a Personal Safety Coach, I feel compelled to tell you my experience last night. I did not witness a violent attack, an argument or anything like that, I was a witness to a HORRIFIC car accident!

The way that Karma would have it, I was the first on the scene. A truck blew a red light and went head on with a work van. SMASH!! It happened about 500 ft in front of me, wow! 

I called 911 right away and ran to the driver of the truck , he was ok, a little bloody and very SCARED! You see, as many of us do through out the day he was talking on his cell phone and was distracted. He was not a reckless driver speeding up to make a light, he was a driver that made a BAD DECISION! His whole front end was smashed and he was covered by AIRBAGS (these saved his life).

After I knew he was coherent and basically O.K. I went over to the van that he hit. The driver had NO AIRBAGS, and his chest smashed against the steering wheel. He was barley able to speak and he was in a agonizing pain. By this time there were more people assisting and the police, fireman, & ambulance arrived.

The driver of the van hardly spoke english, and I remember hearing his wife on the speaker phone crying and speaking with worry in her voice.

LUCKILY, there was only two people involved and from what I know everyone will be alright. I feel I needed to write this today because, I wanted to show how a SINGLE decision in your life can make a HUGE IMPACT. Positive or Negative.

As a Self-Defense Educator and Trainer, I understand the importance of making choices that could greatly increase your chances of avoiding a potentially dangerous situation later.

Self-Defense is Self-Defense! 

Whether I am teaching my students how to effectively defeat an attacker, eat healthier foods combined with exercise, live with a clear positive mindset or to think about the consequence of a decision before you put it into action, these are all examples of SELF-DEFENSE!

Please HANG-UP, STOP TEXTING and DRIVE CAREFULLY!!

Committed to your SAFETY, HEALTH & SUCCESS,

Billy Reuter

Elite Self-Protection, Inc.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips!

It is that time of year, the malls and stores are overcrowded, and people are in a "Distracted Rush" to BUY-BUY- BUY!

     Although I love this time of year and there is an increase in peoples "good spirit" because of the Holiday's, it is crucial that you follow these safety guidelines to ensure you and your family enjoy a SAFE Holiday Season.

10 Tips to keep you safe during your Holiday Shopping!

1. DO NOT bring a lot of cash with you. If you are trying not to use credit cards, I suggest depositing the money in your bank account and using a debit card for your purchases. (See story below)
2. Try not to shop alone, make an effort to bring a family member or friend with you.
3. Park in a well lit parking spot.
4. Be aware of suspicious people and situations and avoid them whenever possible. (Group of people hanging out by your vehicle)
5. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and ladies keep your bag under your arm.
6. Walk to your car with your car key in your hand.
7. If you feel like you are being followed to your car, get to a crowded place as fast as you can. (Back to the store)
8. If you are doing some late night shopping and you are one of the last cars in the dark parking lot, ask someone to walk you to your car. (Do not be shy)
9. Walk with a purpose and with confidence!
10. Do not be distracted by talking on your cell phone or text messaging someone.

    I educate people in Personal Safety NOT to increase your fear, rather to increase your awareness. Remember to live life with the P-N-P Mindset (Prepared-Not-Paranoid). The Holiday's are a great time of year that allows you to enjoy quality time with those that matter most to you. Live with PEACE in your heart but be aware and prepared to LIVE SAFE!

 One safety tip can save your life, READ THIS. 

This is a TRUE story that I witnessed 1 week ago.

    Last week I was in the Bank making a deposit, when I noticed a women about 60-70 yrs old at the clerk. She was literally counting OUT LOUD the $10,000 cash withdrawal she just made. I was stunned, we are in a crowed bank during some pretty desperate financial times for many and she is counting out TEN GRAND! BAD MOVE!! Anyone could have got in their car and followed that women and violently robbed her of her money. This is why I consider myself an Educator as well as a Trainer, people need to be educated on safe living habits to try to prevent violence from occurring. Of course I watched as she got in her car and drove away and NO ONE followed her (This time).

ONE of the Tips mentioned above can keep you, your family & your friends

 safe this Holiday Season.

PLEASE forward this to EVERYONE in your inbox, and lets have a fun

 & SAFE Holiday!

Committed to your Health & Safety,

Billy Reuter

P.S. If you live on Long Island make sure to sign-up for my "Women's Self-Defense & Rape Escape seminar I am holding on Dec. 12th. 

www.crossfitssli.com

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY!!! 

SIGN-UP NOW & TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!

Martial Arts vs. Self-Defense

This might ruffle a few feathers so let me start by saying that I mean NO disrespect to anyone out there or their particular martial arts systems.

    I want to start by saying, I, Billy Reuter am a Martial Artist. By that I mean that I personally enjoy learning the traditions ,old school katas and I could easily go to Thailand, Japan or China and have a BLAST visiting some cool temples.

     However, although I enjoy these things, 99.99% of my training is Reality Based Street Survival. Don't get me wrong, about every 6 or 7 months or so I will throw on some "Old School" training music and blast off my Kempo Katas and some times you can even catch me going through some of my old Kung-Fu forms that date back over 1500 years ago.

    I do this because I have an eternal love and passion for Martial Arts. I have taught thousands of students in various styles of Martial Arts over the years and I have discovered some very discomforting actions taking by the "Masters" of the industry.

    I have come to the conclusion that "generally" Martial Arts is not synonymous with Self-Defense. Although I know a lot of traditional martial artists that are GREAT fighters, I am coming from a student education and training standpoint. I STRONGLY believe that when a student comes to a school desiring life saving training to defend the life of him/herself and their family, they deserve the training that they require. I have always leaned towards that "street" applications of every technique of every style that I have studied.

    However, about 10 years ago I decided to invest, research and commit myself to being a vehicle for my students for REAL Self-Protection! WOW, it is a different world! My eyes where opened to a whole new way of learning, training, thinking and teaching. My results as a Self-Defense Coach have been profound!

    In my opinion if REAL Self-Defense is something that you want to learn then I suggest the following people for they have both played an integral part of my creation of the I.M.P.A.C.T. Street Survival System. I am eternally grateful to both of them, not just for my own personal gain but through them I have become an Elite Coach for my clients and I am constantly sharing their principles in my seminars and workshops.

1.  Mike Lee Kanarek:  Creator of the HaganaH System ( F.I.G.H.T.)
2. 1. www.fight2survive.com
3. Tony Blauer: Creator of the S.P.E.A.R. System (PDR, and a lot more)
4. 1. www.tonyblauer.com

    Martial Arts training has truly benefited my life in SO MANY WAYS outside of the fact of my increased fighting ability. There are A LOT of Martial Art Schools that are imparting some AMAZING life enhancing values to their students. I encourage ALL instructors to humbly look at your program and ask yourself if their is any room for some Self-Defense evolution. Believe me, when I first decided to get Certified in the F.I.G.H.T. Program with Mike Lee Kanarek I had to drop my ego and make a decision that was based on my students well being not my personal pride as a Martial Artist. I am so thankful that I did, Mike has literally shifted my mindset when it comes to training and teaching. Thank you Mike.

     Tony Blauer, in my opinion is the authority on SURVIVING THE AMBUSH, and much more. I am also evolving everyday as a Coach and a eternal student of this material and Mike Lee Kanarek and Tony Blauer will ALWAYS be my top resources for education and training.

    I encourage everyone to look at your training and remember that "Every technique can work once"- Tony Blauer. Don't get caught up on forcing an application for the sake of tradition, remember that the true survivor is the one who has the ability to constantly and effectively adapt and evolve to their fast changing environment. 

I am looking forward to receiving some feed back on this subject.

A very special thanks to Mike Lee Kanarek and Tony Blauer for you have paved an awesome path for Self-Defense Instructors to follow that will allow us to better serve our communities across the world.

Committed to your Health and Safety,

 Billy Reuter

P.S.- Train Hard, Train Smart & NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME A VICTIM!!!!

7 Tips to NOT bingeing as you shop!

It's here, THE HOLIDAY'S

What a GREAT time of year, well ok, maybe a little crazy but it is still GREAT!!

It happens every year, hours of shopping, the malls, the lines, the traffic, the returns, the STRESS and the WEIGHT GAIN!! 

This is the time of year that people put on the "Holiday Pounds." Trust me you are not going to gain that much weight on ONE day of Thanksgiving or ONE day of Christmas Eve & Christmas, or a few nights of Chanukah. It is the SEASON of the holiday that causes the unhealthy weight gain. 

Why?

    We are SOOOO busy that we only have time to snack on foods that are quick, easy, affordable, filled with SUGAR, loaded with Unhealthy FAT and that have almost NO Nutritional Value AT ALL! We eat at the Drive Through, or at the food court in the mall. 

So what can you do, PREPARE!!

Here are the 7 Tips to NOT  bingeing as you shop.

1. Make HEALTHY food choices all day for you and YOUR KIDS, before you go shopping. 
2. Bring healthy snacks with you that you either bought or prepared at home. See below for some great suggestions.
3. Stay hydrated and bring your WATER with you as you shop.
4. If you shop before dinner, have dinner mostly prepared for when you get home. This way you just have to pop it in the oven. This will prevent the "let's just stop and pick something up" choice.
5. Eat a complete HEALTHY dinner before you go shopping. You will feel better, and be less likely to snack on the junk. ( Make sure you still bring some healthy snacks)
6. Schedule your shopping to a few days a week and only for a few hours and try to most of your shopping online.
7. As always, USE YOUR SELF-DISCIPLINE!

Quick Snack Ideas:

•  Trail Mix: Almonds, Raisins,  Walnuts, and some dried fruit.
• Cut up fruit and/or Vegetables.
• Healthy LOW SUGAR cereal.
• And use your best judgment on any snacks that you enjoy.
• Bring bottled water with you.

What other ideas do you have for healthy "Shopping Snacks?"

Live Health,

Billy Reuter

Happy Thanksgiving!! 5 Tips to make it a Healthier one, plus 5 min fitness routine!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

    I hope all of you enjoy your awesome day with those that matter most to you. Remember even if you can not spend today with your family and friends, give them a call and express your gratitude. A single phone call goes a long way.

    I also encourage all of you to do a 5 minute exercise routine before the craziness of the Holiday, it will not only make you feel GREAT but it will kick start your metabolism to assist you with ALL the food you are going to eat today.

5 Tips on how to make today a HEALTHIER Thanksgiving:

1. Start your day with the exercise routine listed below. 
2. Eat small meals through out the day.
3. Drink plenty of water through out the day.
4. Start only with a little bit of food on your plate, so you don't feel obligated to finish a packed plate.
5. Use your self-control! I would be a hypocrite if I told you that I am not going to eat a piece of homemade pumpkin pie, in fact thats all that I'm thinking about. I encourage you to put your strong self-control into ACTION and taste dessert DO NOT DEVOUR IT!!

Thanksgiving Fitness in 5 minutes:

5 Exercises , 1 Minute each and DO NOT REST IN BETWEEN.

Exercise 1: Burpees for 1 minute.

Exercise 2: Air Squats for 1 minute.

Exercise 3: Push-ups for 1 minute.

Exercise 4: Sit ups for 1 minute.

Exercise 5: Hold a Plank position for 1 minute.

Now grab some water and enjoy your holiday!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Billy Reuter

Attitude of Gratitude!

    Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holiday's, because it reminds us to take a moment and reflect on everything in our life that we have to be grateful for. I personally live everyday with the "Attitude of Gratitude!"  This allows me daily to express what I am grateful for; family, health, friends, career, opportunities and so on.

    I encourage you to ALWAYS look at the opportunity in every situation and express your gratitude for the opportunity. If someone goes out of their way for you or there is someone in your life that constantly brings you joy in some way, tell them that you appreciate it.

    Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I encourage you to express your gratitude to your family and friends. The words Thank you when used to much could lose its effect.

 My recommendation is BE SPECIFIC:

•  To Mom: "Thank you for your hours of preparation and cooking to give us such a wonderful holiday."
•  To a Store employee: "Thank you for taking your time to help me, I know that the holiday season is a busy one."
• And so on...

Write in the comment area of this Blog what are you MOST grateful for this year?

Have a fun, healthy & safe Thanksgiving!

Increase the PEACE,

Billy Reuter