Blog
Tell Somebody Who Cares
In the martial arts there is complexity and there is also simplicity. Complexity for the people who want to take their training to a higher level purely for the indulgence of the art. Simplicity is the bread and butter stuff. Complex techniques will not readily work unless drilled many times over and even then there is no guarantee of victory in a real situation. The problem is people spend many hours trying to make the complex techniques work because the quick and easy ones don't require much training which lacks passion with the martial arts.
We must also remember people like the martial arts for the challenge and self defence is only a little part of it. Of course this is going to vary depending on the individual. A person who is a security guard is more likely to want to do it for the I do like to teach some of these complex moves purely to see what is out there; I do stress that and say 'enjoy it for what it is'. The last thing is an Instructor to be responsible for one of their students to hurt someone or themselves as a result of being told what to do by the Instructor. As an Instructor I like to make sure students ENJOY themselves because this is the key motivating factor for improvement. There’s nothing better than a student coming up to you at the end of the class to say how much they have enjoyed themselves and looking forward to the next one. I don't think any student would go up to an Instructor and tell them how good their Instructor is. I might even get it via SMS or Facebook. I look at every student as an individual and try to analyse and see what motivates which is what I enjoy the most.
GA
10 Reasons for Training Martial Arts
I put a few things together to remind ourselves how good we have it in the martial arts. I've also posted this on a new page on the website.
1. Learn Life Skills – One of the greatest aspects of martial arts training is the life skills it instils in students. Focus, courtesy, respect and goal setting are just some of the basic to be gained.
2. Fitness – Martial arts training provides a great opportunity to get in shape and enjoy doing it!
3. Self-Defence – In today’s society, we want to know our children are safe and we can protect our families if necessary. Martial arts curriculum will enable children to understand what to do if dangerous situations occur and give them the confidence to deal with tough issues such as bullies and stranger awareness.
4. Family Bonding – It’s an experience the whole family can enjoy together. What other activities offer this type of opportunity? Martial arts is a wonderful and positive activity for the young and the young at heart. The entire amily can go through the process of earning belts and learning something together.
5. Individual Achievement – In the martial arts, nobody sits on the bench! Unlike some other traditional sports, martial arts training is not a team activity. Martial Artists strive to become better than they were the day before and not be judged by the performance of the person standing next to them. Individuals are challenged and pushed to achieve their own personal best.
6. Social Network of Positive People – The saying goes, “It takes a community to raise a child.” Martial arts is a great way to surround yourself with positive influences that will have a lasting impact on your family.
7. Achieve Goals – The built-in system of earning belts teaches setting and achieving goals and itinstils the discipline of hard work. The rewards will last a lifetime!
8. Carry on a Tradition – Martial arts training has been around for centuries, so you become a partof something special and to help carry on the tradition and philosophies.
9. Learn about Life Skills – Training is a great way to learn skills which will help or influence life in a positive way.
10. Have Fun – There are many serious sides to training; however, the best part of training is how much fun it is.
GA
Take the Challenge
Martial arts is a pursuit in life teaching many things. There is also the sporting aspect, as in football, however, everybody in the martial arts is treated equally unlike in ball games ie if you don’t compete or don't do well for the team, then nobody wants to know you. The Instructor is always there for you, not just during the season.
People, particularly kids, need to be roughed up a little to experience and be aware of the various elements of the environment. As parents, we tend to be too overprotective and shield our kids from
these elements. However, nearly all parents want to know if their child can swim in the deep end of the pool. Martial arts kind of pepare kids for this sort of thing (including adults).
The worse thing anybody can do is to give up the martial arts because it takes a special kind of person to take up that challenge in the first place, but it takes an even more special person to not give it up. What do we think of someone giving up a uni or TAFE course? It’s a sign of failure regardless of the excuse. I have been told by many students, if it wasn’t for their Instructor and parents giving them enouragement, they would not be where they are today.
My incentive for doing the martial arts is about doing the things I don't think I can do. What I also really enjoy about the martial arts is the people who have stuck it out with me for a very long time. Hope to see many more.
GA