Martial Arts Helps With Motivation
Life Lessons from a Karate Master
Martial Arts Lesson #1
Recently, I performed a 100-board break to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at a Karate tournament. It was one of the hardest things I have physically endured in Martial Arts! I’ve broken many boards in my 40 years of Taekwondo training; some were easy and some were hard. At this event, some of the boards were simply just very hard pieces of wood. I hit them and they just hit me back. During the event I was never afraid I would not finish but I was starting to worry my body would give out. I was smashing boards while at the same time planning on how I was going to finish breaking them if my arms stopped working. Every time one broke I breathed a sigh of relief and then went on to the next board. “Just keep moving”, is what I told myself. Don’t think about how it feels, just keep moving.
Mind Over Matter Lesson #2
Since that time, many people have asked how you prepare for something like this. For the most part, for this event of breaking 100 boards, I knew it was going to hurt and I knew I was going to be practicing mind over matter. I knew I could break boards with my elbow strikes but what I needed to practice was my mental strategy soI made a decision. I was going to do it. There was no turning back. It was really that simple. When you challenge yourself, you learn things about yourself and when complete, your confidence soars. I have recently been made aware of this lesson again as I have been teaching my Ultimate Self-Defense class. We spoke about what to do if you do find yourself in a situation where you must defend yourself; first you must have already made the decision that you will not be a victim and that you will not give up until you are safe. Again, have the mindset, “Just Keep Moving.”
You Can Do This Lesson #3
Because of this, I hope as new challenges arise for me in martial arts and in life, I will remember how strong the mind, my mind, can be and then use that strength to my advantage. Make yourself a promise today that in the hard times, whatever the challenge, you will persevere and “Just Keep Moving!” All it takes is making it through something difficult once to give you confidence that you can do anything you set your mind, too.
With Encouragement,
https://www.facebook.com/amanda.olson.587
Master Martial Arts Instructor
Amanda Olson
olsonsma@olsonsma.com
423-926-9161
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, Amanda, Keith and Katie Olson
olsonsma@olsonsma.com