Confidence – The most powerful weapon in Martial Arts
The strongest quality that any man, woman or child can gain from a Martial Arts program is a higher level of confidence. When your confidence level is higher, your whole world fills with what seems like endless possibilities. That is the real power of Martial Arts. And like anything else worth while, confidence is not something that you can just choose to have. Confidence in Martial Arts is like a muscle. If you work on it, it will grow, if you don’t it will atrophy. And if you try to push it too hard it you will get hurt. You must apply the right amount of confidence to everything that you do and gradually add more and more.
For example, if a child is training in Martial Arts, he or she must gain the confidence to stand up for their self and face the challenge of Martial Arts training. It doesn’t mean that that child has to win every match. Losing is part of the equation sometimes and everyone must learn humility and the value of picking yourself back up again. If confidence becomes ego then disappointment will soon follow.
Confidence in Martial Arts training or any part of life needs to be properly fed and exercised so it will grow strong. A supportive coach, encouraging parents and caring friends all play a role in a child’s confidence. Remember this the next time you talk to your child about anything they are doing well. Tell them how proud you are and how great they are doing at a particular task. This kind of daily encouragement go a long way.
At my kids Martial Arts academy in Houston, Texas, confidence is one of the biggest traits we focus on for our students. The conditioning and technique are all part of the equation. When a child learns how to execute a technical armbar or triangle choke and can train for a long time without stopping, he/she is going to feel more confident. But we are also very encouraging to each child and make sure that they are always happy and excited about what they are doing in Martial Arts class. This has so much to do with how we plan each class and how we talk to each student. We also properly prepare each student for belt promotions so they know what is required of them to receive ranking. When a child works hard, studies the curriculum and puts forth all the effort required to get to the next belt, the confidence they gain when that belt gets put around their waist is incredible.
Encourage the kids. Whether they are your kids or someone else’s. They are they generation that will run the world in the future and, believe it or not, your encouragement can have a dramatic impact on their confidence and even help shape the person they become.
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Confidence can be a fragile thing sometimes. I think in our society today too many people are so focused on winning at all costs that it takes away the enjoyment. It may also take away doing a move the correct way and in the longer run that will do more harm than good. I try to find positive things to say even in a loss. Maybe it was the fact that one never gave up, maybe they did some moves they learned in class correctly, that way the willingness to learn will still be there and along with that the confidence to continue trying. One thing follows another, it is a circular thing.