Today's youth are not like the youth of yesterday. Socializing has taken on a whole new meaning. Kids lack the work ethic of their predecessors. Playing actual sports has been replaced by the latest sports video game. Life is faster. The kids of today are becoming lazier and less focused.
Training in a martial art is essential in creating healthy choices for our children.
An integral part of life and upbringing in Asia, martial arts have
spread throughout the world. A boom in sports-based martial arts' competitions has taken its popularity to new heights.
Discipline
Students achieve increased discipline through routines and hard work.
Emphasis is placed on performing well in school, among other endeavors in and out
of the martial arts studio. Students learn that the only way to do something is
to do it all the way, with 100% dedication to the task. The term “the
only way out is through” encourages students to persevere and focus on the task at
hand.
Confidence
Through martial arts, the student's confidence grows, guiding them through life with the unwavering awareness of right and wrong.
Lack of confidence
can be linked to a number of ill informed decisions or bad life choices. The new found confidence lets students rise above peer pressure, make healthy
choices, and be a shining example of proper behavior.
As confidence grows, the
chances of a student becoming a victim get smaller. Violent predators tend to choose victims
that are unsure of themselves: that lack confidence. This is typical bully mentality, much like
a predator in the wild. A lion will look for the weakest prey and wait until
it has separated from the herd. To a youth, this can be seen throughout the
school yard. There are always kids who won't fit in, who keep to themselves.
This self ostracizing can be attributed to a lack of confidence.
Another bully
favorite is “the loser." This child becomes whatever he or she believes the bully(ies) wants them to be. A bully targets children with low
self esteem and a lack of confidence.
The bully phenomenon warrants further discussion; however, at a later time.
Respect
Children in martial arts learn to respect their parents, their instructor, and
their fellow students. It is stressed throughout the training. Knowing
that they are all there to learn and are responsible for each other’s safety
is a key to teaching respect.
Leadership
Students will develop leadership qualities by becoming an example of positive moral behavior. An example is students helping other students who may be struggling
with the execution of a move; taking the initiative to help others and demonstrating role model qualities.
Self Control
When students are given power through martial arts
training, it is stressed that with this power comes responsibility. The
term ”we police our own” is sacred, and students know that they must exhibit
self control at all times.
Patience
Students are taught patience through repetition. Rather than ask why they must
do a move, they must instead do a move until the answer comes to them.
Repetition teaches dedication to the task at hand, thus creating an environment
for patience to grow.
Improved concentration
Increased focus on the task at hand, while understanding that
power comes from directed intent, allows students to improve
their level of concentration. Meditation exercises are practiced to calm
the mind.
Improved Self Esteem
All of the above attributes contribute to the student’s idea of self worth through achievement. This increased self esteem is a result of a change in self perception and will follow the student through life.
Siu Lum Canada is Winnipeg's Shaolin school. We teach the
Siu Lum style of kung fu. Our training revolves around real life situations and
real life solutions. There is no question that we will not answer.
Watch our video and get a glimpse of what we do at Siu LumCanada.
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