Gratitude : A Technique Worth Practising

This past week, I was watching Sensei Josh and Sensei Noah teach a class as the beginners were learning their new form, and at one point, Sensei Josh asked Sensei Noah to step up and perform his form for the kids. The idea was simple, show the students what their training could look like if they truly decided to give their all.

Sensei Noah enthusiastically jumped up, paused, and began performing Line Fighting Number 1 with 100% intensity, precision, power, focus and effort. When he finished, the kids, and even the parents in the lobby were speechless, as the dojo went silent for a moment while everyone processed what they had just seen.

Sensei Josh then asked the kids to perform their forms, and what happened next was a sight to see. Each student had been inspired by Sensei Noah and tried to emulate the intensity and effort they had just witnessed. You see, Sensei Noah wasn't trying to show off, but he was giving his all for the benefit of the students around him, knowing his energy and effort could inspire them to raise their own level.

And did it ever!

The students gave that energy right back and began performing at a level we hadn't seen from them before.

As instructors, we can motivate and inspire our students to do more than they sometimes think they can. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch a reserved student become more outgoing, confident and stronger in the way they carry themselves, and for us, giving ultimately comes back tenfold.  

Over the years, we have truly come to understand what having an Attitude of Gratitude is all about, and every Thanksgiving comes a time where we get to reflect on what that means not just as martial artists but also in our everyday lives. We want the lessons we teach at First Choice Martial Arts to go far beyond kicking and punching because becoming kinder, respectful, disciplined, and grateful are much bigger aspirations we should seek.

Sometimes that means helping someone who is struggling, thanking a parent for bringing you to class, encouraging a training partner, listening to your instructors or simply appreciating the opportunity to step onto the mat and train.

So, this Thanksgiving weekend, take a moment to appreciate the people who support you, the opportunities you've been given and how far you've come. Then ask yourself what you can give back, because being thankful will help you recognize just how much you have to offer others, and will only solidify what being a Karate student is all about.

From all of us at First Choice Martial Arts, we wish our students and families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sensei Chris