My most influential teachers always said that the most important karate lesson was the one that fostered the most discipline and self-control. They wisely pointed out that with this foundation in place, everything else follows its natural order.
I’m glad people have started asking about discipline and self-control in karate, because it’s not inherently obvious how punching and kicking practice can lead to improvement in these areas.
In fact, it almost seems like a paradox that the practice of martial arts can develop calm, confident and highly disciplined individuals. Are we all falling for the hype being promoted in popular martial arts magazines or is there actually any truth to the claims of improved discipline and greater self-control?
Just like anything else, lasting change must come from within. No matter how much we all think a person needs to change, he will only change if he thinks it is necessary and no amount of karate training will alter this. However, if you have a person who has recognized that they need more discipline and self-control, martial arts can definitely help. Also, if a parent sees his child out of control more often than he is in control, then martial arts can certainly provide a possible solution. Here’s how and why positive change can happen.
· Martial arts provide a very structured training system and methodology to teach the various techniques and exercises. Structure is essential to improving discipline, and just by being exposed to set parameters, rules, and clear goals, a person can begin to understand the importance of discipline.
· Learning karate is often very attractive to a rebellious and angry individual. because it seems the ideal method to learn to hurt and punish others. If such an individual joins a reputable dojo (karate school), he will quickly realize that martial arts is not really about this at all, however, he must also realize that many people within the dojo they possess exceptional self-defense skills but display tremendous self-defense. control. This type of leadership by example can often have a very positive effect on someone who has initially taken the wrong path.
· All people need some kind of guidance from a higher authority as they find their own way in this world. Unfortunately, many young people turn to gangs to find this kind of brotherhood, but a martial arts school can offer an alternative solution with much more desirable results. The figurehead is, of course, the instructor and if he or she has the right charisma and reassuring presence, this can be very inspiring to a young person seeking guidance in life. Strong discipline and self-control in this positive yet challenging environment will be natural byproducts of the overall experience.
· Discipline comes from making the decision to commit to something that is considered valuable.. Becoming a black belt in any martial art has many positive connotations and benefits. There are numerous stories of current black belts and even high-ranking instructors who changed their entire lives through their involvement in the martial arts. Probably every martial arts school in the country has at least one student on their roster who can attest to this fact.
· Self-control comes from having respect for others. One of the basic principles of martial arts is respect and if you want to guarantee a quick exit from your karate school, showing no respect to your instructor and fellow students is a sure way to achieve this. On the contrary, by understanding the importance of respect for everyone around us, our self-control can only improve.
All of the above are, in my opinion, some very clear reasons why and how martial arts can provide a very positive and enriching experience to anyone who begins their journey on the path of self-improvement.
Let me know if you agree or disagree about the importance of discipline and self-control. To learn more about what the martial arts have to offer, check out my FREE Report, “Karate for Newcomers: How to Find Out Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Karate Practice.” You can download your copy at http://www.freekarateinformation.com/investigator.html
Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate.