Know Who You Are – Life Lessons from a Master Martial Artist
“Know Who You Are” – Martial Arts Teaches Awareness
One of the nice things about this world we live in is that there is such a variety of people to get to know. You can usually find folks who are very similar to you and just as easily you can find those who are the direct opposite. This keeps life interesting and there is always something to learn. The difficulty, however, is that when trying to figure out how to live your life, there is no one-size fits all plan. You must figure out what works for you. Everyone has a time of day they are most productive. The trick to being the most productive and therefore your most successful self, is to know how you best operate. Find the actions, the time of day, the best set-up, the most effective learning environment for you to do your very best whether it is an academic, athletic or career goal or task.
Martial Arts Lesson Learned from a Child
I was recently reminded of this from a young Taekwondo student here at Olson’s Martial Arts Academy. At a special event she was the only one who couldn’t complete the physical feat requested by the instructor. She was obviously upset but held it all together pretty well. A few days went by and she was still on my mind. As I spoke with her about the disappointment, she seemed to take it all in stride as part of the learning and growing process. To conclude the conversation I asked, “So, everything is okay?” She replied, “Yes, I just went home, took a little alone time and all is well.” I had to smile and knew that in fact, everything was going to be okay.
I was Impressed
Even though this person was very young, she knew what she needed to do in order to get over a disappointment and move on. It impressed me and I thought how fortunate she was to have learned this at such a young age. She will always have that tool to use when life gets tough and it will serve her well. She knew who she was. The question today is, have you taken time out to learn who you are? Do you know how you operate and under what circumstances and conditions when you can be your best self? If so, set your day, week, event up so you can be at your best. You are in charge of you. If not, seriously set aside some time to think this through and make sure that you, as this young person did, “Know Who You Are.”
Everyone can Learn from Martial Arts
Incidentally, I believe martial arts training, like no other activity can really teach you things about yourself like nothing else. Martial Arts takes guts, commitment, perseverance and focus. You can meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life with those qualities. One reason I really love what I do. So much to learn and share.
With Encouragement,
Amanda Olson
From the Olson Family
We would first like to say, “Welcome!” It is our goal to provide the best martial arts training in a safe and encouraging environment. As a family we have devoted our lives to not only training the physical aspects of martial arts to thousands of people but the mental and emotional aspects, as well. Our goal is to help each student achieve Black Belt and Beyond. The reason for this is that we know from over 40 years of experience teaching martial arts that when a student experiences the awarding of a Black Belt, they soar with confidence.
What it Takes to become a Black Belt
It takes commitment, perseverance, goal setting and a strong work ethic to earn that belt. Even at a young age people know that a black belt in martial arts means something important. It shows you don’t quit, you don’t give up. That you have what it takes! Once you’ve done that, you know you can do anything you set your mind to: like getting into a great college, starting a career, making the team, anything you want. We love to hear the success stories of our students after they have gone off to college and started lives and families of their own. However, we are not surprised by their success. We already know they have what it takes to live their dream.
Character Development
Another goal we have as a family is to support families and help reinforce the qualities of character you desire for your child to have. Our proven character development and leadership program includes lessons from making eye contact to handling conflict. Also, speaking up and showing confidence ,as well as, standing strong for what you believe is right. Our desire is to train black belts who are not only highly skilled in the art of self-defense but who are kind, compassionate, confident citizens of our communities. People who have a strong work ethic and will show “Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Respect”, everywhere they go.
Let us Partner with You!
Because of this, we want to partner with you, the parents and families, in helping give your child a strong foundation in values, to be able to stand up for themselves and others, to make good choices, and to live a healthy lifestyle. Please don’t hesitate to speak with us if there is ever a point where we can help with question or concerns from motivation to troubles with bullying. We are committed to helping each of our students live a happier, safer and more confident life.
Sincerely,
Glenn Olson, Amanda Olson, Keith Olson and Katie Olson
olsonsma.com
olsonsma@olsonsma.com