Self-discipline is a quality that many times seems to elude us.  Even as responsible adults, we find ourselves using our time inefficiently, setting goals and forgetting about them, and avoiding what we have to do because it’s boring or slightly unpleasant.

Think about how much harder self-discipline is for kids, whose brains are still developing.  They’re just starting to learn how to organize their lives on their own and concentrate on completing tasks that may not thrill them, such as a long homework assignment or the small chores they’re assigned to do around the house.  Many of our own issues with self-discipline can be traced back to when we were kids and teenagers; the bad habits we cultivated in our younger years often stay with us as adults.

Why is it important to build self-discipline?

With self-discipline comes self-respect.  We become more effective in the world, we accomplish more, and we’re able to tolerate more boredom and discomfort.  Self-discipline can also save us from damaging choices; with greater self-discipline, we tend not to act without thinking first, and we’re capable of making better decisions about our physical and mental health.  So much of success in life, including school and work, stems from persistence; without the self-discipline to sit down and stick with a task, it doesn’t matter how smart we are, because we won’t accomplish much.

How does karate help develop self-discipline?

• Different research studies (such as this one) provide evidence that many children, even those who struggle with medical issues, experience improvement in an array of qualities such as cognitive functioning and confidence after taking a course in karate.  Improving physical and mental health lays the groundwork for greater self-discipline as well; it’s easier to persist and stick to goals when you believe in yourself and feel stronger.
• Karate teaches patience and persistence. Both kids and adults see that results don’t happen overnight, but only after weeks of training, with repeated practice.
• In karate, students will make a lot of mistakes, but will also realize that mistakes are just a part of learning. Sometimes people procrastinate and lack self-discipline because they fear failure deep inside; by emphasizing that failure is necessary and expected, instead of something to be embarrassed about, karate can teach people to fear failure less.
• Because karate can provide measurable goals, students have a clearer idea of what they’re working towards, and can better set goals in their own lives.
• The instructors are inspiring role models who demonstrate self-discipline throughout the class.

Taking a course in karate then may not only improve your physical fitness, it will also make you mentally stronger and tougher, more willing to fight for your goals and persist in the face of hardship.

For more information or to register, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@gmail.com