This Month we are going to discuss the Attitude of Never Giving Up. Some times we may feel like giving up and that is ok. When this happens we need to go back to the reason we started in the first place. Some times people want to give up because they feel something is impossible to do or that Something is going to take to long to achieve.
Back in the 1950’s in competitive running their was talk of running a mile in under 4 minutes. Everyone thought it was impossible until a Man named Roger Bannister did it in 1954. Then something crazy started happening Other people started running four minute miles because they saw it could be done. It just took someone strong to believe they could do it. Once someone proves something is possible other people are then able to do it.
It Martial arts it takes a long time to get to black belt. Especially at Dragon Gate. Thats because of my belief system. It should not be about just memorizing techniques. You should be able to move your body like a black belt. You should be able to do your techniques correctly and you should understand how to use your techniques. You should also have a understanding about the martial arts, The different styles, techniques, and the origins of the different styles. Because it takes so long, sometimes students want to give up. But my belief is that if they don’t give up and they stick it out they will have the abilities and the confidence to accomplish anything in life. Our Goal is to teach the students to never give up. But more importantly is to teach the parents to never give up on their kids. If your child is training in a Real Martial Art. Their will come a time, maybe even more than once that you will need to push them to keep them from giving up. Many times I hear from former students that I wish my Parents would of made me stay in Karate. and Their Parents response is well you were driving me crazy you did not want to go. And the kids Response is well I was a kid of course I drove you crazy. Don’t let children make important decisions that when they are older they are going to resent you for. Together we can show them that Martial Arts is a way of life. Not just punching and Kicking.
Its important to not give up at things. We are creatures of habit. The more we give up The easier it gets to keep giving up. And one of the ways we learn confidence is that when something is hard and we get through it we realize we are able to do it. Before Lance Armstrong won his tour de France Bicycle races. He had Cancer. I’m sure that was pretty rough. But after going through that and beating it. Racing against another Person in a bicycle race did not seem so hard after facing Death. He won race after race. Its all a mindset. Isn’t this the type of Never Give Up Attitude we should all strive for.
Thank you
Shihan Mike Iannone
