Discipline, To be or Not To be!
One of the most fundamentals tenants of Martial Arts is the concept of Discipline. It is one of the most difficult attributes to teach and for some students hardest to grasp'; perhaps because it is more an idea than a tangible quality. However, Discipline in its self can not be ignored; life demands it. Discipline sets the tone to a productive and structured life and to think different; is as Socrates described it," An undisciplined life is an insane life".
Unfortunately, a large segment of society does not value the importance of this increasingly needed attribute. For example, I have witnessed in the current workforce employees, by far lack discipline, and as a result they are disengaged and under-productive. Many employees have the belief that as long as they show up late or on time work will complete itself. The same is true for Martial Arts; many students come in with the attitude that as long they show up they should be able advance to the next belt level. The idea of a Strong Work Ethic is not seen as a desirable attribute to many. Sadly, a culture of instant gratification is clearly upon us.
Discipline as difficult as it is to teach and learn it can only be put into action by practice. Again, to think that discipline is an unimportant attribute for children and people to learn is a misnomer. We at SoMA have developed tools to foster and encourage appropriate thinking patterns, for example setting attainable goals, guiding students through the learning process, and celebrating their personal achievements inside and outside the studio.
Zig Ziglar once said, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals". Equally important is the fact that we Parents need to stay more Disciplined then the children in our care because if we don't this world will take them from us! Sifu Gonzales
