Karate Lesson 1: Developing Discipline And Self-Control

My most influential teachers always said the mostpath.
important karate lesson was whatever fostered· All people need some kind of guidance
greater discipline and self control. They wisely pointedfrom a higher authority while they find their own way
out, that with this foundation in place, everything elsein this world. Many young people unfortunately turn
follows in natural order.to gangs to find this kind of brotherhood but a
I'm glad that people have started to ask aboutmartial arts school can offer an alternative solution
discipline and self control in karate, because it is notwith far more desirable results.
inherently obvious how the practice of punches andThe authority figure is of course the instructor and if
kicks can lead to improvement in these areas.he or she has the right charisma and calming
In fact it almost seems like a paradox that thepresence about them, this can be very inspiring to a
practice of martial arts could possibly develop calm,young person looking for some guidance in life.
assured and highly disciplined individuals. Are we allStrong discipline and self-control in this positive but
falling for the hype that is touted in the popularchallenging environment will be natural by-products of
martial arts magazines or is there really some truth tothe overall experience.
the claims of improved discipline and increased· Discipline comes from making a decision to
self-control?commit to something that is deemed valuable.
Just like anything else, lasting change must comeBecoming a black belt in any martial art has many
from within. No matter how much we all think apositive connotations and benefits. There are
person should change they will only change if theynumerous stories of current black belts and even
believe it is necessary and no amount of karatehigh-ranking instructors who turned their whole lives
training will alter this.around through their involvement in the martial arts.
However if you have an individual who hasProbably every martial arts school in the country has
acknowledged that he or she needs more disciplineat least one student on their roster who can attest
and self-control then the martial arts can definitelyto this fact.
help. Also if a parent sees that their child is out of· Self-control comes from having respect for
control more often than they are in control thenone another. One of the core tenets of the martial
martial arts can certainly provide a possible solution.arts is respect and if you want to guarantee a swift
This is how and why a positive turnaround canexit from your karate school then not showing
happen.respect to your instructor and your fellow members
· Martial arts provide a very structuredis a sure way to achieve this. Conversely through
training system and methodology for teaching theunderstanding the importance of respect for
various techniques and drills. Structure is essential foreveryone around us our self-control cannot fail to
improving discipline and just by being exposed to setimprove.
parameters, rules and clear goals a person can beginAll of the above are, in my opinion, some very clear
to understand the importance of discipline.reasons as to how and why the martial arts can
· Learning karate is often very attractive toprovide a very positive and enriching experience to
an unruly and angry individual because it seems likeeveryone who begins their journey on the path to
the ideal method to learn how to hurt and punishself-improvement.
others. If such an individual joins a reputable dojoLet me know if you agree or not about the
(karate school) he will quickly realize that the martialimportance of discipline and self-control. For more
arts are not really about this at all, however heinformation on what the martial arts has to offer
should also realize that many people within the dojoyou, check out my FREE Report, "Karate for
possess exceptional self-defense skills yet showNewcomers: How to Find Out Everything You Need
tremendous self-control. This type of leadership byto Know to Start Your Karate Practice". You will be
example can often have a very positive effect onable to download your copy at
somebody who initially has set off down the wrongGood luck and best wishes on your journey in karate.