"I love our profession. I’m extremely proud to call myself a Martial Arts Instructor. I believe that one of the most important factors that will increase our student’s success in Martial Arts, or anything else for that matter, is our own belief that our students can succeed." Hanshi Dave Kovar
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Do you remember your first “white belt' moment” – a moment or epiphany early in your journey when things clicked into place for even an instant and you realized for the first time “I can really do this!” or “Martial Arts is for me!”?
For me, I remember clearly my first lesson: my instructor taught me a two-hand chest grab defense called Kimono Grab. At the time there was a bully at my school that was making life unpleasant for me and many of my friends. Although I never had to use it, I clearly remember the moment of learning that technique, thinking it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen, and instantly feeling more confident and empowered. I was hooked and never looked back.
I’m sure you have a similar “white belt moment” or “ah-ha” where everything clicked into place for you emotionally, mentally, and physically. What was it? What was its lasting impression on you? How did it steer you towards your current path as a professional martial artist?
There may not be only one white belt moment that we remember either. Many moments may have combined together to set you on your path and purpose. Just as you can remember this moment or series of moments, what is so wonderful about what we do is that we all are creating similar memories for others every day with our students, families, even for ourselves!
It’s important to remind ourselves of these types of moments – the sparks that ignited our passion, or the reasons why we fell in love with the lifelong journey of Martial Arts. This week, reflect on the following questions and share them with your team, your students or your friends:
- What prompted me to start training?
- What was my first “white belt moment?"
- What goals did I want to achieve at that time?
- What goals do I still have today?
- Who was that positive person who guided me along my martial arts journey?
- Are you that positive person for your martial arts students?
- Would I be the same person now if I did not train at all?
- What does it mean to me to share white belt moments with my students?
- What will nurture my instructor enthusiasm with my martial arts students so every class feels as exciting as my first class?
