When Sempai Greg asked me to consider writing a guest blog I immediately said “Yes.” Not only was it
a complement to me, I saw it as a “duty” because my teacher had asked me to do something. I guess
that’s just the Navy Chief in me…always do what is asked of you to the best of your ability. In the Navy,
we had “Core Values” which we strived to live by…”Honor, Courage, and Commitment.” I tried to live by
them every day and to teach them to those that were junior to me. You see, as a Chief, I was responsible
to train, motivate, and care for those of lower rank than me. I see a similar pattern in martial arts and
especially at our dojo.

Anyone entering the dojo can’t help but see the Maryland Martial Arts sign which in essence
incorporates our “Core Values”…”Focus, Discipline, and Respect.” Sempai Greg discussed them in his
recent blog as well. In our world today, maybe more than ever before, it’s important to know what
you’re about, and what those that are around you are about as well. As students at the dojo we become
a type of family. We have trusted leaders who teach and mentor us, and who truly care about what
is best for us. We also have a fabulous student fellowship who also cares about one-another and who
supports each other as we train, progress, and grow.

Focus, discipline, and respect are so much more than words. They are a code to live by that improves
the lives of individuals and the group as a whole. By focusing on these values, we grow into the type
of person that we would like to be. We learn to set goals, we live up to the high standards that are set
by ourselves, our parents or partners, and by our trusted instructors. We also learn that “With privilege
comes responsibility.” Advancing in our belts is a privilege, and we must be ready to accept not only
increased status or prestige, we must also maintain a posture of modesty and humility. Our dojo honors
the respect of all towards one-another. With the PRIVILEGE of advancing to a new belt rank, comes the
RESPONSIBILITY to help others learn and grow as well. As we grow in our own skills and confidence,
we must pass on our knowledge to those of lower rank. The concept is one of unity, of caring for each
other, and for the group as a whole.

Accepting and embracing our core values gives us a code to live by. We learn that our privilege and
responsibility span much farther than our friends, classmates, and our school. For example, having
the privilege to own a pet means having the responsibility to care for the pet. Having the privilege
of taking karate lessons means having the responsibility to work hard and try our best in every class
that we participate in. And much more than this, we begin to see that the concept of “privilege and
responsibility” expands far beyond our immediate lives. Having the privilege of living in the freedom
of our country means having the responsibility to live the best lives that we can. We learn to care for
others less fortunate than ourselves, to have concern for our community, our nation, and our world. We
are martial artists, and we are so much more! When we take a moment to reflect on all that we are and
that we have, we see that we are privileged people and thus, we have much responsibility for ourselves,
our family, our community, and our world!

Osss!

Sempai Nan

I started my training in the Adult class at Maryland Martial Arts in 2008 and it has taken me down this amazing journey of self awareness and self discipline. I have noticed that Martial Arts has encompassed my entire life. I am not only a Martial Artist, but I am a portrait artist too. My portraits are called "Pointed Portraits" are done one dot at a time using a style called Pointillism. You might be asking yourself, "how does this relate to martial arts?" Well, it's pretty simple. Focus, Confidence and Discipline. 

Let me explain further:
Focus - Believe it or not, anyone can draw a portrait, with enough focus. Think about your Kata as a portrait. It takes many steps to get to the end of the Kata, and you don't learn it all at once. The entire Kata consists of many intricate pieces and you must focus on each one individually until it forms a larger piece. Portraits work the same way, especially Pointed Portraits. With practice and focus, your portraits will get better and better, just like mine did. The same goes for Martial Arts.

Confidence - As I said before, anyone can draw a portrait, but most people say, "Oh no, I am horrible at drawing." Well, you're not. Think about something you are great at. Were you always great at that or did you have to work at it to become great? Did you learn to walk before you were crawling? The truth is, I was embarrassed of my portraits at first. I didn't think they were good enough to show anyone else, but after practice, practice, practice, everyone wants one of my portraits. The more you work hard at something, the more confident you will become. This is something that I've always known, but now I truly feel it. Martial Arts has greatly improved my confidence and it shows through my portraits.

Discipline - Discipline is not something that comes naturally to all, but don't worry, as your focus and confidence builds, so does your self-discipline. Just look at our black belt students! When it comes to pointed portraits, discipline is extremely important. First of all, how could I do anything if I wasn't healthy?  If I was unhealthy, then I wouldn't be able to do the things that I love doing including portraits. I was pretty healthy when I first started Martial Arts, but I'm even more healthy now, and Martial Arts is what gave me that kick to improve my health. As for portraits - they are a long process. Some of my portraits take over 100 hours!!! I must have discipline to finish each and every one.

So what's the point? The point is, Martial Arts isn't just about punching and kicking. Both Kids and Adults alike learn many important life lessons training at Maryland Martial Arts. It doesn't matter if you're 5 years old or 50 years old. Training at Maryland Martial Arts will improve your life as it has mine. 

How has Maryland Martial Arts helped you? Please comment below! 

~ Sempai Greg