Justin’s parents got him involved with our martial arts classes for kids because he needs to learn focus and impulse control. He’s only four years old so we expected it to take time, but he is also a really sweet kid who tries his best. We knew we could definitely work with Justin.
Self-discipline is as much of a skill as kicking, punching, and rolling. Just like some students need extra time and help learning physical skills, others need extra time and help learning how to control themselves.
Justin was one of those kids.
Justin’s biggest hurdle was staying on his feet during class. He really enjoyed falling down and rolling around on the mats. So we made a deal with him. If he could stay on his feet for the whole class, he’d get a star patch.
When this goal proved to be too difficult, we broke it down. He could fall down one time and still get the patch. We reminded him every class. His parents reminded him every class. For months, he did not get a star patch.
And then yesterday, he did it! He finished an entire class without falling down! I don’t know who was more excited about his patch – Justin, his parents, or us. He had a huge smile on his face when he showed his mom his patch. We were smiling, too.
You’ve probably heard that Karate teaches children discipline. Why is that important? Many people believe the purpose of discipline is to make children easier for their teachers and caregivers to control. While that’s a benefit for sure, the real purpose of teaching discipline is to give children a tool they need for success in life.
It’s an unfortunate fact that most of the things that are necessary in life are often unpleasant at times to achieve. Having a degree opens a lot of doors but studying for it isn’t usually fun. Living in a clean house is more comfortable than living in a dirty one but washing things and putting things away isn’t fun. Having enough money for food and a place is necessary for survival but working at a job every day isn’t fun.
What helps us achieve the things we desire? Discipline. The ability to set aside what you want in the moment to work toward a bigger goal is the one skill that all successful people share.
Discipline is like a muscle. When we work a muscle, it gets stronger. Same with discipline. Karate and Jiu Jitsu give many opportunities to build the discipline muscle.
Every time a child puts down the video game to come to class, it builds that discipline muscle.
Every time a student practices that kata one more time because they want to earn a belt or win a competition, it builds that discipline muscle.
Every time a student is hot and tired but finishes out the class, it builds that discipline muscle.
At Nishime Martial Arts, we teach students how to kick, punch, block, and roll, but what we really teach is how to build discipline. That’s why students have to earn their belts by showing up for classes and mastering specific skills. That’s why students get stripes as they learn the requirements. And that’s why, sometimes, a child gets a star for not falling down during class.
Well done, Justin. We’re proud of you!