A while back I surveyed the martial art class I was teaching.  The young  faces were so eager to learn and excited. Granted, we played a lot of games and incorporated skills and techniques into the games that made learning fun. I couldn’t help but think that it would be so wonderful to see life through the excited eyes of a child. Would not that change your perspective about everything?

They are small leaders. In class, we gave them the chance to step up and lead warm ups or stretches, no matter what belt rank they were. They may not have been perfect, but they were courageous. I never want any of them to go through life afraid to speak up or afraid to stand in front of a group and believe in themselves. It is part of life training more than martial art training, but it falls into the same bucket.

Sometimes their belts were not tied properly, or their uniforms fell open, or they constantly shifted their body weight impatiently while waiting.  I reminded the upper belts that they were the examples, and they quickly straightened up and showed focus. Some of the other younger students followed suit, and they learned from each other.

There are so many life lessons that unfold that can be applied to life. How many times have you shifted your focus, or not listened to the good advice of someone else, due to being stubborn? Part of learning is knowing that you will make mistakes and not everything can be accomplished on your own. Some level of teamwork is required whether in a marriage, a friendship, with co-workers or martial art students. You cannot do or know everything, so take the time to learn.

Learning from each other is probably the greatest gift that martial arts offer. There is an instructor, but camaraderie in a class is so important. I remember years ago going to class and looking forward to spending time with the other women who were learning right alongside me. We had a bond that was tight, like the children in class had with each other.  We stepped up and lead by example.

We had the same exuberance that I see in the children, which reminds me that everything comes full circle.  White belts are prepared to learn they physical lessons of martial arts, to accept their errors and faults, and to improve. They learn without much thought and do what is necessary to move up in rank. The mindset of the true martial artist, however, does not develop until much later when they recognize that martial arts are more than choreographed moves.  Martial arts and life parallel each other.

That, my friends, is the biggest lesson of all.

xoxo

Andrea

_______________________________________

Pick up my motivational books and stay inspired!

The Martial Arts Woman https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X