| My most influential teachers always said the most | | | | · All people need some kind of guidance from a |
| important karate lesson was whatever fostered | | | | higher authority while they find their own way in this |
| greater discipline and self control. They wisely pointed | | | | world. Many young people unfortunately turn to gangs |
| out, that with this foundation in place, everything else | | | | to find this kind of brotherhood but a martial arts school |
| follows in natural order. | | | | can offer an alternative solution with far more |
| I'm glad that people have started to ask about discipline | | | | desirable results. |
| and self control in karate, because it is not inherently | | | | The authority figure is of course the instructor and if |
| obvious how the practice of punches and kicks can | | | | he or she has the right charisma and calming presence |
| lead to improvement in these areas. | | | | about them, this can be very inspiring to a young |
| In fact it almost seems like a paradox that the practice | | | | person looking for some guidance in life. Strong |
| of martial arts could possibly develop calm, assured | | | | discipline and self-control in this positive but challenging |
| and highly disciplined individuals. Are we all falling for the | | | | environment will be natural by-products of the overall |
| hype that is touted in the popular martial arts | | | | experience. |
| magazines or is there really some truth to the claims | | | | · Discipline comes from making a decision to |
| of improved discipline and increased self-control? | | | | commit to something that is deemed valuable. |
| Just like anything else, lasting change must come from | | | | Becoming a black belt in any martial art has many |
| within. No matter how much we all think a person | | | | positive connotations and benefits. There are |
| should change they will only change if they believe it is | | | | numerous stories of current black belts and even |
| necessary and no amount of karate training will alter | | | | high-ranking instructors who turned their whole lives |
| this. | | | | around through their involvement in the martial arts. |
| However if you have an individual who has | | | | Probably every martial arts school in the country has |
| acknowledged that he or she needs more discipline | | | | at least one student on their roster who can attest to |
| and self-control then the martial arts can definitely help. | | | | this fact. |
| Also if a parent sees that their child is out of control | | | | · Self-control comes from having respect for one |
| more often than they are in control then martial arts | | | | another. One of the core tenets of the martial arts is |
| can certainly provide a possible solution. This is how | | | | respect and if you want to guarantee a swift exit |
| and why a positive turnaround can happen. | | | | from your karate school then not showing respect to |
| · Martial arts provide a very structured training | | | | your instructor and your fellow members is a sure |
| system and methodology for teaching the various | | | | way to achieve this. Conversely through understanding |
| techniques and drills. Structure is essential for improving | | | | the importance of respect for everyone around us our |
| discipline and just by being exposed to set parameters, | | | | self-control cannot fail to improve. |
| rules and clear goals a person can begin to understand | | | | All of the above are, in my opinion, some very clear |
| the importance of discipline. | | | | reasons as to how and why the martial arts can |
| · Learning karate is often very attractive to an | | | | provide a very positive and enriching experience to |
| unruly and angry individual because it seems like the | | | | everyone who begins their journey on the path to |
| ideal method to learn how to hurt and punish others. If | | | | self-improvement. |
| such an individual joins a reputable dojo (karate school) | | | | Let me know if you agree or not about the importance |
| he will quickly realize that the martial arts are not really | | | | of discipline and self-control. For more information on |
| about this at all, however he should also realize that | | | | what the martial arts has to offer you, check out my |
| many people within the dojo possess exceptional | | | | FREE Report, "Karate for Newcomers: How to Find |
| self-defense skills yet show tremendous self-control. | | | | Out Everything You Need to Know to Start Your |
| This type of leadership by example can often have a | | | | Karate Practice". You will be able to download your |
| very positive effect on somebody who initially has set | | | | copy at |
| off down the wrong path. | | | | Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate. |