When I was first starting martial arts, one of the lessons my instructor would tell me is that it’s better to earn something rather than be given something easily.
Anyone who’s been through life’s challenges, the set backs, the difficulties, know what that teaching means.
In martial arts, it’s pretty evident by the type of challenges you face. I know for me personally, I learned the most lessons through failure.
However, failure is a step towards something greater, and it’s what makes martial arts so enjoyable. Whether it be trying to perfect a high kick, or pull off a submission you’ve been drilling for months, it all comes together and the learning happens when you see the hard work pay off.
There are very few black belts (at least legitimate ones) in martial arts today, mostly because we live in a culture and society that’s very impatient.
One of the things that people often tell me when I teach kids classes is how patient I am with beginners. I can tell you that I was not born patient. But martial arts helped me develop patience. So when you see me teach your kids, you’re seeing years and years of patient practice in action.
What’s more about martial arts is that while physical skills are going to happen, the change in the heart and the soul of the individual is what makes it such a unique activity.
You develop virtues, like humility, fortitude, patience, charity, and so much more.
So what’s the best thing in life? It’s overcoming challenges. It’s what we as human beings were made to do. Not in a virtual reality world of video games and social media, but here on the mats.
Until next time!
- Taylor Kelley
- Owner / Head Instructor Functional Taekwondo DFW