Nothing
Lasts Forever
August of 2009 will start my 37th year in Martial Arts. I’ve seen schools come and go, as well as instructors. I’ve seen students receive their Black Belts then disappear, to never even practice martial arts again. How can you control something like that? The answer is… you can’t.
People are people; everyone takes martial arts for a different reason. Some need self-confidence, some self-control, sometimes their parents sign them up to learn self-discipline, some come to control their anger or aggressive behavior, while a few come because they are fascinated by it and have always wanted to take martial arts classes. All of those reasons are ok. Not everyone who practices martial arts will become a Black Belt, even fewer will become instructors. When I started only about 2 out of every thousand students would go on to become a black belt- even today it’s about 2-3 out of every one hundred. Martial arts have always had a high rate of turnover, it probably always will.
Most schools feel like they are competing with other schools for students. That’s partly true, but most competition comes from all the various activities that are out there for kids, men, and women. YMCA’s fitness centers, youth sports programs, Jr High-High School and College sports, Dance, Gymnastics, Golf, Tennis, Football, Baseball, Track, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball… It’s a wonder that people can still find time to take martial arts.
Why do they? Because it’s different than any other sport or activity and will enhance the martial art student helping them to achieve more in any other sport that they want to excel in.
I had a mom sign up her High School son to make him a better Football player. They were not interested in belts promotions, weapons forms, or competition. Did it work? He went on to win the Outland Trophy and have a long career in professional football.
Our school has turned out 25 police officers, 4 lawyers, 3 doctors, 2 marines, 1 army ranger, 1 navy seal, 4 teachers, 2 Special Forces, and many other successful professionals who have all called me and thanked me. They said that it all started right here; back when they trained with me when they were kids or young adults.
Martial arts work, and develop successful people because it teaches: focus-control-balance-distance-timing-coordination-reflex-conditioning-agility-self confidence-respect-honor-perseverance-patience-dedication-trust-and integrity.
It gives the student a work ethic and the tools to achieve their individual best at whatever field they choose to pursue. The Martial Art Student learns to be a winner in life. If you can touch or change or enhance a child’s life, then you have really done something with your own.
Will it last forever? No-nothing does. Except… on my black belt is embroidered Hebrews 13:8 -“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” That is the only constant there is. As for the journey, I’ve found that the destination is not as rewarding as the actual trip to get there. Enjoy the ride. As for me? I’ll drive for as long as I can and I’ll try not to run out of gas.
The one opponent that no man ever defeats is Father Time. Train Hard. The clock is ticking.