Character Building and Life Skills

As an added value to our self-defense program, our dojo prides itself on being more then just a place to “punch and kick.”  We take our ability to influence and our job as role models very seriously. It is our goal to form a “Triangle of Support” with parents and teachers.  One way that we do this is by having our students bring in their report each quarter for evaluation, good or bad.  Good grades are rewarded with “Dojo Dollars” which can be used towards discounted merchandise, free private lessons and more.  Bad grades are reviewed during a personal appointment with the parents in attendance so that students can learn what changes they can make in order to improve.

We also reinforce our values during graduation time, which is when students are about to move up in rank.  Prior to graduation all junior students must bring home an evaluation form to both parent and teacher.  Both parties must answer a few questions about the students behavior at home and at school and they must sign off on this.  If any “red flags” come up, a personal meeting is setup to review options.  The power to hold a student back from their graduation allows a parent or teacher to help reinforce that their martial arts training and Black Belt Attitude does not stop when they bow out of our dojo doors.  Martial arts is not an extracurricular activity but rather a way of life.  We believe that by forming this partnership of positive support our students will continue to grow and learn, as well as become a success in life. 

In addition to the above, our instructors conduct a “Mat Chat” at the end of each class.  This chat or discussion involves a theme/word of the month.  This theme is also backed up in our monthly newsletter which provides reinforcement activities to learn more about these themes.  Some of our character themes are:

• Focus
• Discipline
• Honesty
• Perseverance
• Respect
• Character
• Integrity
• Attitude
• Commitment
• Confidence
• Patience
• Loyalty
• Cooperation
• Courage
• Determination
• Humility
• Leadership