WHY MARTIAL ARTS OVER SPORTS?

I love sports, and I never pass up a chance to try and convince a student to try out for any and all team and individual sports. I began playing sports, specifically baseball, by the time I learned to walk. It dramatically helped me learn martial arts faster and easier. And, the opposite is true. The deeper I learned martial arts, the better I played sports. However, there are a couple major things to consider if one must choose between martial arts and sports and both aren’t an option.

Many students have come to me AFTER attempting playing a sport, or two or three. The issue is that if you aren’t good at a sport, you don’t play, or get much playing time. Martial Arts on the other hand, is all about competing with your former self. You’re attempting every day to be better than you were yesterday. You don’t have to be the best in the class to participate. You just have to show up and provide effort, something anyone can do if they simply choose to do so.

Showing up and providing effort are essentially all that is needed to improve and succeed. Another element that is often overlooked is how Martial Arts can develop the skills necessary to be successful in life. Specifically as it relates to goal setting and overcoming failure. ALL students will fail at some point in their martial arts experienced, and one can’t help but build character when they recognize their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Also recognize the impact of having, “Obtained a Black Belt in (your style)” is on a resume.

The first three interviews I went on in college the interviewer spent a vast majority of the time asking me questions about my martial arts experience and how impressed they were with that accomplishment that so few have attained. Employers love seeing prospective employees accomplish seemingly impossible tasks that most haven’t even attempted. On a related note, I write at least one reference letter for current and former students each year. I’ve written letters to get a students into a college or a prestigious summer camp, for job referrals, and even Military advancement, just to name a few. The power a martial arts family and training has in one’s life is immeasurable!