Why are martial arts so good at teaching life skills? We know that have been for centuries, don’t we? Martial artists have always been prime examples of good living, patriotism, and ethics. Values are an intrinsic part of martial arts study. It seems to teach it better than nearly any other method.
The classroom provides you an opportunity to stretch your comfort zone - but with a safety net. This is what I mean…
Let’s talk about the life skill of self-confidence. It’s an important one to develop, isn’t it? It is vital for us when we want to get better jobs, to meet our spouses, to begin new endeavors. Your capacity for success in any of these things hinges on self confidence.
In life, when we stretch our self-confidence outside of our comfort zone we are often in a position of risk. If I want to go for the big promotion at work it requires that I march in to my boss’ office and ask for it! Is there a risk there? Sure! I’m risking ridicule, rejection, maybe even my job.
In the martial arts school it is different. I am in an environment of friends and support. My teachers will require and encourage me to do things that push me outside of my comfort zone - things that stretch my self-confidence.
The beauty though, is that there is a safety net. If I stretch my self-confidence and I fall flat on my face, what have I lost? Nothing. Ultimately I am at no risk whatsoever. So I am able to exercise my confidence, my discipline, my focus, my athleticism, my courage… without real life's painful consequences.
As I go along I am constantly pushed outside of my comfort zone, and this enables me to grow as a person. Not only do I grow, but I do so in a safe and supportive environment. This gives me a competitive advantage in life.
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