Discipline and Respect in Everyday Life...

[Melanie]

As a follow up to Discipline and Respect in the dojo and a follow up to Yodas post in Ladies Fighting.

At my severely old age! I have already realised how much discipline makes a difference in ones life.

Years ago in this country - like many others - we were expected to do a minimum 2 years in the Military (National Service). For some people, this was to be the only thing they could have been proud of in their entire lives, for others, it may have been considered one of the worst things to do in their entire lives.

I know that drugs may not have been as prevalent then and attitudes have changed considerably since then too, but with discipline in their lives was there as much crime? I have no idea.

Many people stray when they don't have self respect and self worth, martial arts can offer discipline and noticeable improvements physically. Would it be an idea to encourage more school children to take up martial arts or even the cadet forces in this country?

Opinions and thoughts please. :)

[Spike]

I would be in favour as a portion of schools P.E. being martial arts. A greater respect and knowledge of combat would, I feel, discourage children from maturing into thugs.

[Thomas Vince]

Melanie,
You know I am brutally honest and as "subtle as a brick" as you put it but again I am so impressed with your personal growth in the just the last few months, it makes me smile!
I think that in todays world every child should experience the martial arts and what it has to offer. I have two modest schools with about 280 children and more than half of these parents want to know what the child is doing and how they are progressing. That is a lot of names for me and after I acheived the coveted 5th degree I thought I had also achieved "superlearning", well I was mistaken. I can now tell the parent how the child is progressing and what the issues are, still I am concerned about the amount of parents who do not even ask!
It is becoming a challenge for parents to bring up the chldren properly and people like you and I can find a greater purpose in life by mom and dad to bring up children properly. Here is a student creed that I use in the children classes and it helps me to teach both the physical and mental attitudes required for not just success in the MA's but success in life.

" I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growht or physical health.

I will develop self discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

I will use common sense before self defense,
and never be abusive or offensive.

This is a black belt school, we are motivated, we are dedicated, we are on a quest to be the best, Aasah!"

Children learn through progression as they get goal oriented and understand that through hard work we can produce great results, amoung other things it helps build the philosophy of the MA's into the childrens program.

Yes I know I am long winded but never-the-less,
"womp der it is!"

[KarateKid1975]

Here here! I agree with ya all :)