Developing a Black Belt attitude: DISCIPLINE

Learn good habits to help you achieve your goals. If you want to achieve something, set out a clear path to achieving that goal. Gradings in martial arts allow students to set a short-term goal, commit to self-discipline by regularly attending class and training hard, then finally attaining the new belt.

Watch your diet and eat good foods. Fast food and junk food taste really good, but you won’t feel healthy from them. Make sure that the body gets plenty of good food such as vegetables and fruit, which acts as a fuel to keep you going. Say ‘no’ to sweets and ‘yes’ to an apple.

Say NO to drugs and cigarettes. Drugs and cigarettes affect the martial artist’s performance. You can’t run or swim as fast and you definitely can’t spar well. Just because your friends might be into it doesn’t make it cool. It is bad for you and will affect your health. Leaders choose for themselves. A martial artist knows that he or she does not need to smoke to be cool. They are happy with themselves.

Study and do your homework. You don’t have to be the best; you just have to try your best. Be your own winner and be the best YOU can be.

Don’t react with anger. Always take a deep breath and ask yourself, “If I get angry, what will the result be? Will I hurt someone? Will I break something? Will I make things worse and get into trouble?” Martial arts is bout learning to control your emotions such as anger, and looking forward to becoming masters in anger management. By being cool and unruffled, we avoid getting upset and work things out calmly, so that everyone feels good about the outcome.

Have a great week, everyone. See you in the dojo.

Robin & Corinne