Character Education in Martial Arts
Your Child's M.A.P for Success
Traditional martial arts have long held the development of ones self as being the true ideal behind the physical development of fighting skills. Perhaps the paradox of the martial arts master is that while he has spent many years of hard work developing the physical art he also develops the confidence and self esteem to understand that the years of dedication, perseverance, commitment to his goals and thinking the right thoughts add up to the subjugation of his physical skills to his human intellect and desire to see all in a positive manner. In short, it makes him a better person.
Very often in the west we view the black belt as the pinnacle of success; in reality the Black Belt (Shodan means first step) is the time needed to prepare the physical body for continual development and to have sown the seeds for real character development.
Most every true martial artist we have encountered is a clear minded, caring human being who would prefer to see and share positive traits in everyone.
At Martial Art Concepts we believe that Character Education is part of the balance of teaching the physical side of the martial arts. We believe that character education and training systems should reflect traditional skills and values but with modern teaching methods. Character Education to us is not concentrating on battlefield tactics and warlike strategies, nor is it disguising the building of character to win at all costs.
Martial art has a broader meaning for the community the right character education and physical skills bring confidence and self esteem that can conquer shyness, self doubt, low self esteem and other modern day maladies. Perserverance and commitment are necessary to make it to a long term goal. We use our belt system to break down our goals into quarterly 'bites' leading towards the first achievement of real success - the Black Belt. Character Education is part of that success.
We use words, descriptions, games, puzzles, prizes and mat chats to help our students build positive character tools. In turn we strive to add a constant stream of positive students to our community to build a brighter, better tomorrow for our children and ourselves.
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