We took Sadie to a martial arts studio to see if she might be interested in their “Little Ninjas” class. She had already decided that gymnastics was not for her, so we’ve been scoping out our other options. The studio let her go to one class for free, and Dan and I got to sit on the bleachers and watch. Aside from all of the weapons we saw prominently displayed, oh, and then the studio’s oath on a big poster encircled with snakes, and then all of the 5 year old automaton voices yelling ‘yes sir!’ at random intervals, we thought the night went pretty well.
We were strangers in a strange land, I must say. There is a whole culture, an entire lifestyle, that we are totally not familiar with. I think what they are doing with kids is great–teaching them respect and discipline and self confidence and all, but the machismo was a little too much. Of course, this is an award winning gym, and they’ve been on ESPN and all but I don’t think we’re quite ready for it. I asked Sadie if it would be ok if we looked into other martial arts studios, since we wouldn’t be going back to that particular one.
She teared up right away and said, “Will I still get to wear a uniform?” Apparently, that was her favorite part of the experience. For her, it was all about the fashion.
Wow you’ve written a lot since I last looked!
I smiled as I read your writing about karate. My son wants to take it and I have the same questions. I’m thinking that next year we might take it together (which will be great for his ego, as he’s very flexible and I’m very stiff). Good luck finding the right place!
That sounds great. I am currently training towards my black belt in mixed martial arts. I have been a brown belt for approximately 2 years. One of the most important lessons I have learned through being involved with the martial arts involves the process — the journey.
I used to think that achieving belt promotions was the meter of my progress. I watched other students being promoted, while I was not and I became discouraged. I am glad I did not give up on myself or the process, as I have learned that the journey is more important than the destination.
I have heard black belts share over the time I have been training in mixed martial arts, that the belt is merely something that holds your pants up. My Sensei has said at black belt graduations — over the years — that a black belt is a white belt that did not give up.
If you have any questions concerning the arts, please contact me through a confidential email — go to my web site, http://secondchancetolive.wordpress.com and click on the comment / contact tab and fill out the short form. I will respond to your questions.
Have a simply amazing day my friend.
Craig