The martial arts are known to enhance the abilities of students beyond just the physical. Growth can be seen in many areas such as self esteem, confidence, focus, self-defense, self-control, discipline. The positive changes students achieve in martial arts is significant. However, the positive effects do not stop there, an inspiring teacher, mentor, coach, or trainer can forever change a student’s life.
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A mentor is someone who possesses wisdom and is able to guide an individual on their path to success. A good mentor is someone who not only leads by example and communicates in a positive manner, but also offers constructive feedback and motivates others by living what they teach.
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I constantly warn my students, particularly children and young adults, on the dangers of alcohol, drugs, smoking and the necessity for eating healthily. How can I be taken seriously, and my lessons be effective, if my students see me smoke, drink, do drugs, get fat, lie to them, or be deceitful? The best example for others, is to live your life as a constant example.
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There are legitimate instructors, who can positively effect and alter the lives of their students, particularly the youth. Unfortunately, there are also those, that do not.
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Instructors become role models in martial arts which can give students the ability to obtain confidence, focus, leadership skills, respect for others and oneself, self-discipline and self-defense. These instructors might be one of the only positive role models a child, or young adult, has in his or her life. Or they might be the person a teenager listens to for advice, since words of wisdom often seem more important coming from someone who isn’t a parent.
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Be a good role model, a good mentor, live your life as a constant example…. Practice what you preach. ??