I spy joy in confidence

Yellow Belt Kellen

I love surprises. Especially joyfull ones. The karate class my kids have been taking is proving to be one of those very things.

Every class at East West Martial Arts that I’ve seen begins with a student pledge that nearly moved me to tears the first time I heard my kids repeating it.

I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health.

I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

I will use common sense before self-defense and never be abusive or offensive.

This is a black belt school. We strive for black belt excellence. We are dedicated. We are motivated. We are on a quest to be our best.

Reading the words is one thing, to hear all the children loudly and enthusiastically repeating the phrases after the instructor is another.

And it’s not just the student pledge that puts a lump in my throat, its the way the instructors focus on a value each week and actually sit the kids in a circle around them near the end of class to talk to these young students about what those values mean and how they show up in their daily lives.

To see and hear my children learning about things like integrity, potential, respect and best effort fills my soft, mushy heart with all kinds of gooey goodness.  On top of which they’re learning how to focus and be comfortable and confident in their bodies.

I am overjoyed to find something for my kids that cultivates such positive mental, emotional and physical growth all at the same time. It inspires me. Just from sitting in the room watching, I believe I leave there walking a wee bit taller.  And, if I’ve let myself be really present, I find I’ve realigned myself with my life goals.

I will develop myself in a positive manner…to bring out the best in myself and others…and never be abusive or offensive. This is a totally awesome life. I strive to live fully every moment. I am dedicated. I am motivated. I am on a quest, to be my best.