05/21/2026
Story Time!
At Alexandria Martial Arts, we use stories to teach life skills because stories are how human beings remember lessons.
For thousands of years, lessons have been passed down through stories around fires and by mentors guiding young students. Jesus of Nazareth taught with stories. Some of the greatest fictional mentors; Gandalf, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Dumbledore, Optimus Prime, and Aslan have helped us grow through our challenges, adversities, and setbacks by hearing their lessons and guidance. They are fictional characters in books and movies but many of us still carry their voices and lessons in our head throughout life. ("Do or do not, there is no try.")
That’s why we created Hero Land.
Alec the Viking is the wise guide helping students climb toward Black Belt Mountain. He is Big Ole's little brother, but you can find Big Ole on our shield. Erik, Liv, and Ivar represent different stages of childhood development and leadership growth. Captain Blusterbeard represents the negative self-talk, fear, doubt, and excuses we all battle inside ourselves.
This lesson is about confidence and perseverance:
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The Stone of Strength
After several hours of hiking through the Forest of the Apprentice, Alec and his heroes came to a small clearing surrounded by tall pines. In the center of the clearing sat a group of ancient stones, each marked with old Viking runes.
“Heroes,” Alec began, “These are the Stones of Strength. To be ready for the next part of the climb, each of you must lift your stone before we move forward.”
Ivar stepped forward first. He bent his knees, grabbed the stone, and with a strong breath lifted it from the ground. Liv stepped next. Her body trembled at first, but she focused and strained. Then, she lifted it as well.
Then it was Erik’s turn. He took a deep breath, planted his feet, and pulled but nothing happened. Not even a wiggle. He tried again but his hands slipped and he fell backward on his bottom in the dirt. Erik’s face turned red. “Maybe I’m not strong enough,” he thought to himself. Then… a memory flashed through his mind.
Weeks earlier, Erik had been walking by the docks in Hero Harbor. One of Blusterbeard’s Vikings had struggled to lift a heavy rope. Blusterbeard had laughed loudly. “Pathetic!” he barked. “Perhaps some Vikings belong in the Land of Almost! Almost strong. Almost useful. Almost good enough!”
Erik blinked and shook the memory away. “I don’t want to feel ashamed, defeated, and small. I don’t want to end up in the Land of Almost,” Erik thought.
Alec quietly knelt beside him. “Erik… what’s happening in here?”, tapping gently on Erik’s head.
Erik looked down. “I’m afraid I can’t do it.”
Alec smiled. “Confidence is believing that every effort makes you stronger, even if you fail.”
Erik took a slow, deep breath. He planted his feet. Focused his mind and heart. Bent his knees. Tightened his grip and started lifting. At first… nothing. Then…The stone shifted. He was able to continue to lift to get his hands under the stone, then his knees. Eventually after a lot of hard work, heavy breathing, and sweat he was able to lift the stone to his chest.
Alec smiled proudly. “You did it, Erik.” He looked at all three heroes. “Confidence does not come instantly, it comes through effort and failure.” He pointed toward Black Belt Mountain. “It comes from trying again… until small victories become great ones.”
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That is the mission of Hero Land:
Impact.
Growth.
Leadership.
Helping young heroes believe they are capable of more than they thought possible.
****** (Author's Note) ******
This image is AI generated. (Not very well I might add, but it will do.)
The story and lesson is not.
I (Josh) write each story, then use an AI tool to help make sure the story is succinct, logical, and supports the lesson I want to teach. The AI tool is like using a mechanical tumbler to polish rocks, rather than polishing them by hand. The words, lesson, and style are all mine - the AI tool helps with the flow.
