SELF-CONTROL: Your ability to control your emotions and actions.
Self control is the ability to control your
own actions and emotions. As we mature into adults, we are expected to develop our
levels of self-control. When studying martial arts, self control is essential. We expect our students to
show control of their
bodies when practicing a technique or sparring. We also expect our students to control their minds when
we intentionally make
situations frustrating. Self control will not only help you avoid panic in a dangerous situation, but more
importantly, it will help
you avoid negative situations all together. Practice self-control in the controlled setting of the Dojo
so that you will possess it in
the uncontrollable setting outside the Dojo.
SINCERITY: The honesty and integrity of your intentions.
We say that Sincerity is an honest promise. This means that you are an individual who keeps your word. We all know someone
who often promises things, but rarely delivers on their promises. Conversely, most of us know someone who
rarely fails to keep
a promise. Obviously, we would rather be associated with the one who is sincere. Remember that others also
feel the same
way the next time you have the opportunity to keep or break a promise.
CHARACTER: Who you really are
as a person.
Character is the sum total of personal qualities that make you who you are. We say that a person?s character
is who they are
and what they do when they think no one is watching them. Everyone can be honorable and forthright when
they know the
public is a witness to their actions. We see the REAL person when an individual has the perceived opportunity
to do something
wrong without getting caught. Your character determines if you will do the right thing or the wrong thing.
ETIQUETTE: Using good manners.
Etiquette is the culmination of your personal manners. Etiquette is a generally accepted
code of conduct when dealing with
other people. Those who treat others in the way that they would like to be treated are most often using
good etiquette. In the
Dojo, students exhibit good manners by removing their shoes and bowing upon entering. Students who show
up for special
events, and help keep the Dojo clean are also showing their understanding of etiquette.
EFFORT: The
work that you do.
Effort is the exertion of strength (physical and/or mental) in an attempt to achieve a desired result.
The results gained from effort
are directly related to the amount of effort exerted. Our objective is to require slightly more effort from
our students than they
think they can give. This allows them to slowly increase their ability to sustain maximum levels of effort.
