What Do Martial Arts Do for Us?

Here’s a question. What do martial arts do for us?

Here’s the answer. Martial Arts make our bodies and minds stronger, and it makes our hearts kinder.

In Seichou Karate^® class, we practice exercises and karate techniques that make our muscles stronger and more flexible. This is good.

As we practice those exercises and techniques, our bodies become tired and tell us to rest. However, if we use our minds to overrule what our bodies tell us (“you should take a rest…”), then our minds become stronger than our bodies. This is very good.

As our muscles become stronger and we learn powerful fighting techniques, we often discover that we are stronger than others. In fact, using our superior strength and fighting ability, we might even be able to boss other people around. At this point we must ask ourselves a question that will determine our character. We will become bullies or will we use our special strength, knowledge and skill for good?

We must never use the special knowledge of Seichou Karate^® and other martial arts for violent or criminal purposes. Rather, Seichou Karate^® and other martial arts teach us to use it our special knowledge to uplift ourselves, our families and others in the spirit of good citizenship.

This is the most important thing that Seichou Karate^® and other martial arts do for us. OSU!

For Parents. Please use the following questions to shape a discussion with your child concerning the forgoing essay. Thank you for visiting our KarateKid.me blog.

a. What does “technique” mean?

b. What does “flexible” mean?

c. What does “overrule” mean?

d. What does “bully” mean?

e. What does “character” mean?

f. What does “citizenship” mean?

g. What does it mean to have a strong body?

h. What does it mean to have a strong mind?

i. What does it mean to have a kind heart?

2012 Goals

It’s that time of year again. Yes, we need to think hard about our goals for the New Year.

Are you wondering why it’s important to set goals for yourself? Well, consider that 11 months from now, you’ll go to karate class and your teacher will ask you what you accomplished this year. If you haven’t set a goal for yourself, you won’t be able to answer and you might even feel embarrassed!

It’s good to set goals in order to measure our progress in life. For example, by setting goals we can answer questions like: are we becoming more responsible and are we becoming better people.

If you set and achieve goals, you can feel great about yourself at the end of this year. If you don’t set goals for yourself, then you won’t know whether to pat yourself on the back or to try even harder in 2013.

So, at Seichou Karate® we recommend that all students sit down with their families or friends to identify concrete goals for 2012.

Come on, don’t procrastinate! Think of some exciting goals and do your best to accomplish them this year. OSU!