What Do Martial Arts Do for Teens?

Teenagers are busy these days. So, why should they take time out of their busy schedules to study martial arts?

The answer is simple. No matter what your goals are, martial arts training will prepare you to succeed because they will make you physically and mentally strong and will empower you to be compassionate.

For example, in Seichou Karate^® class, we practice exercises and karate techniques that build strong, flexible muscles. So, in the first place, our training will give you the power and endurance to study, work or play hard for long periods of time.

Next, Seichou Karate^® is rigorous and many times during class when your muscles tire or you’re out of breath, you’ll want to take a rest. At those moments, your brain should kick in and override the natural tendency to quit. Your brain becomes stronger each time it overrules your body. This self-discipline is necessary for success in any field of endeavor.

Finally, as we develop great physical strength and powerful fighting skills, we often discover that we are stronger and more assertive than others. In fact, by virtue of our superior strength and fighting ability, in many situations it’s possible for us to intimidate others. This is a critical fork in the road that determines our character. Will we become bullies or use our special strength, knowledge and skill to achieve good in the world?

Seichou Karate^® teaches us that we must never use our special knowledge for violent or criminal purposes. Rather, we must use it to uplift ourselves, our families and others in the spirit of good citizenship.

Once we have developed a strong body, strong mind and a kind heart, we are prepared to strive toward the achievement any goal. In fact, the process of working toward our goals becomes more rewarding because we are confident that we are making our best effort and are behaving ethically. We also increase our chances of success because we are going about things in the right way. Ultimately, we will not achieve every goal or dream that we might desire. However, this becomes less important than the process of living our lives fully with family and friends whom we treasure.

This is the most important thing that Seichou Karate^® and martial arts do for us. OSU!

The Way of the Warrior

Earlier this week a photograph went viral of several U.S. marines engaged in conduct unbecoming of professional soldiers. It’s on the Internet and news agencies all over the world are talking about this incident.

When questioned about this matter, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta called the behavior “despicable.” In response, a leading U.S. politician has said that Mr. Panetta was wrong to have characterized the behavior so harshly.

I disagree with the politician because throughout history warriors and soldiers have always been held to high standards of behavior. This might sound strange when the job of a soldier is to fight and, sometimes, to kill. However, it is true.

Soldiers operate under strict laws and non-legal codes of conduct. Very simply, they must never abuse civilians or enemies whom they have defeated.

For this reason, it appears, that Defense Secretary Panetta is correct and that the politician is ignorant both of the law and of history.

Similarly, when students come to Seichou Karate® Dojo we entrust them with special knowledge. They must never use this special knowledge in violent or criminal ways. Instead, this knowledge is intended to help them make the most of life’s opportunities and to deal effectively with its challenges.

Above all, the special knowledge that students acquire at Seichou Karate® Dojo is intended to help them to live boldly, honorably, and to enable them to help others to do the same.

OSU!