Martial Arts training offers tremendous benefits beyond self-defense and physical training. Notable benefits include improved fitness, discipline, respect, honor and integrity. This is evident by the way a Martial Arts student walks, talks, and acts. A Martial Art student’s behavior is different, they are confident and focused.
As a mother or father, aren’t these the characteristics you want to see in your child?
Martial Arts training can help your child be a better student and likewise can help you be a more confident, focused person. Training as a family offers meaningful time together and a rewarding experience for you and your child.
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Not every child is an athlete
As much as we want our children to be active and learn to be team players, some children just don’t want to play organized sports. And instead of having them sit at home playing video games or watching online videos, you know they need more physical activity than they get at school. Your child can train privately, in a class setting, or even as part of an After-School program. Training is fun and hard work. Your child can make new friends or train with existing ones.
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Black Belt Character
One way to tell a good school from a not-so-good school is to see if it incorporates the physical and mental benefits of the Martial Arts, this is traditional teaching. Be forewarned, just like in the Karate Kid movies, there are still schools that focus only on fighting and competitions, elevating aggression to the detriment of the Martial Arts.
The combination of physical and mental training in every type of Martial Arts contributes to developing character. UMAC teaches both the physical and mental aspects of Taekwondo and prepares a person to live with Black Belt character.
Black Belt Character is based on learning to live by the tenets of the Martial Arts which is gained through the physical training required to achieve Black Belt rank. The five tenets of Taekwondo are: Integrity, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit, Respect, and Perseverance.
A student becomes a true Black Belt when they integrate these tenets into their everyday life and use the tenets as personal rules to live by. This is not a quick-fix solution but one that requires hard work, perseverance, and focus. And to me, the value is priceless.
Martial Arts training teaches thinking positively, finding solutions, staying focused and persevering. This experience builds confidence in your abilities and strengthens Black Belt character. Black Belt character benefits everyone!
I wrote a book called “It’s Not About the Belt...You Don’t Need a Black Belt to Act Like One” which goes into more detail on living a Black Belt life. I envision a day when entire communities embrace these ideals. Would that be utopia? Maybe.
And summer is a great time to try out Taekwondo and enjoy a great summer camp experience.
Look for my blog providing insights on "Living a Black Belt Life". Please share this with your friends and family.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve you.
Master Chris Berlow
UMAC Briarcliff
914.945.7100
