Why We Get Kids Moving

Negativity seems to be everywhere these days, beetween social media, email, television, and countless other platforms, we are constantly surrounded by stories of despair, turmoil, and negativity. Unfortunately, all of that noise can have a huge impact on our moods, our mindset, and how we approach our daily lives.

At First Choice Martial Arts, we believe in a saying often used by Tony Robbins: “Emotion is created by motion.”

Think about that for a moment; even the word emotion contains the word motion. The way we move our bodies can have a powerful effect on the way we feel. Tony Robbins often demonstrates this with a simple exercise, as he will ask someone to slump their shoulders, hang their head, speak in a monotone voice, and notice how they feel. Then he has them lift their head, put a big smile on their face, start moving their arms, clap their hands, and enthusiastically yell, “YES!”

The difference can be almost immediate, as their energy changes, they feel more confident, more alert, and more ready to take on whatever is in front of them. Luckily we see the same thing every day in our karate classes!

Students line up at the beginning of class and one of the first questions they might hear is, “How are you guys feeling today?” The answer is usually a loud, “GREAT, SIR!” From there, we get their bodies moving and we might start with a fast exercise, loud counting, or something that creates energy and excitement, but there is a reason for that. A student may have walked through the door a few minutes earlier looking tired or distracted, but once they start moving, counting and participating, you can often see their entire attitude change as they perk up and become ready to perform to the best of their ability.

I also see this when children come into the dojo for their very first karate lesson. Sometimes a child arrives nervous and anxious; they may be holding onto Mom or Dad, sitting on their lap while we talk, and you can see how difficult it is for them to let go and try something new. Other children walk through the door, bow onto the mats, start moving almost immediately, and within minutes they are smiling, participating and enjoying themselves.

It always makes me think about the difference. One child is already in motion, while the other is sitting still under the comfort and protection of their parent, but once we can get that nervous child onto the floor and moving, very often their emotions begin to change too. In a world where our children are surrounded by so much noise, negativity and distraction, I think it is important to teach them to focus on the things they can control...... AND they can control their effort, their attitude and how they carry themselves.... AND sometimes, simply getting their body moving is the first step toward changing how they feel.

So the next time you hear your child counting extra loud in karate class or enthusiastically yelling “YES, SIR!” or “NO, SIR!”, remember that there is a purpose behind it. We aren't just training their bodies but we are also trying to strengthen their minds, build their confidence, and teach them how to put themselves into a positive state so they are better prepared to handle life's challenges.

After all, our goal isn't simply to create better martial artists., it is to help today's students become tomorrow's Black Belts, Leaders and Role Models!

And remember the saying often attributed to Dolly Parton:

“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”

Sensei Chris

First Choice Martial Arts