Diamonds Under Your Feet.
Goal setting can be a powerful life-changing experience. There are five basic principles behind setting goals that are essential for maximum achievement. First, to perform at your best, your goals and your values must be congruent; they should fit together like a hand in a glove. Your values represent your deepest convictions about what’s right and wrong, what’s good and bad, and what’s important and meaningful to you. High performance and high self-esteem only happen when your goals and your values are in complete harmony with each other.
Second, each person has the capacity to be excellent at something, and perhaps several things. You can achieve your full potential only by finding your arena of excellence and then by throwing your whole heart in to developing your talents in that area. Your area of excellence may change as your career evolves, but all truly successful people are those who’ve found it. You’ll never be happy or satisfied until you find your heart’s desire and commit your life to it.
The Third principle of goal setting is the “Acres of Diamonds” concept. “Acres of Diamonds,” is a talk that was given by a minister named Russell H. Conwell. His talk became so popular that he was asked to give it more than 5,000 times, word by word.
Conwell tells a the story of an old African farmer who became very excited one day upon hearing from a traveling merchant of men who had gone off in to Africa, discovered diamond mines and became fabulously rich. The farmer decided to sell his farm, organize a caravan, and head off in to the vast interior of Africa to find diamonds, so he too. Could drown his life with fabulous wealth.
For many years he searched the vast African continent for diamonds. Eventually, he ran out of money and was abandoned by everyone. Alone and in a fit of despair, he threw himself in to the ocean and drowned.
One day, back on the farm that he had sold, the new owner was out watering a donkey in a stream that cut across the farm. He found a strange stone that threw off light, in the most remarkable way. He took it in to the house and thought no more of it. Some months later, the same merchant stopped for the night at the farm. When he saw the stone, he became very excited and asked if the old farmer had finally returned. No! he was told, the old farmer had never been seen again. Why was the merchant so excited?
The merchant picked up the stone and said, “This a diamond of great price and value.” The new farmer was skeptical, but the merchant insisted that he show him where he had found the diamond. They went out on the farm to where the farmer had been watering the donkey, and as the looked around, they found another diamond, and another, and another. It turned out that the whole farm was covered with acres of diamonds. The old farmer had gone off in to Africa seeking for diamonds without ever looking under his feet.
The moral of this story was that the old farmer didn’t realize that diamonds don’t look like diamonds in their rough form. They simply look like a rock to an uneducated eye. A diamond must be cut, faceted, and polished before it looks like the kind of diamond that is in the stores.
Likewise, your “acres of diamonds” probably lie right under your own feet, but they are usually disguised as hard work, for opportunities come dressed in work clothes. Your acres of diamonds probably lie in your own talents, interests, education, martial arts, schools, city or contacts. They probably lie right under your own feet if you’ll take the time to recognize them and go to work on them.
Welcome! I hope you find what you are looking for. My intent in creating this page, is to guide parents and prospecting practitioners in the methods of TRUE KARATE and its goals and values.
Keeping Your Children Motivated Part II
As a parent, I made a promise to myself, that I will provide
the very best that I can, for my children. The very best however,
at times conflicts with what they want.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for teaching independence to children.
But, life decisions should not be relegated to them. Finding out
what is a life decision, and what is not, is simple and easy. I will
get to that later.
When you enroll your child in a program, that helps them in the long
run, and benefits them both mentally and physically, there will come a time, when
you may find yourself in an argument at best, and a solid resistance at worst, with your child.
They simply say, that they don't want to do the activity and/or they refuse to go.
If the activity is to their benefit, such as tutoring, specific classes or
courses etc, then this a life decision. Karate training, in my humble opinion is one such activity.
Here is when you're encumbered with a big responsibility. You see, you have to
make the decision for them.
"But I don't want to force my child," is the normal answer that I hear time and
again. What the parents really saying is that, they are feeling guilty in
forcing the issue, and are afraid to instill discipline/structure in this manner, in their children.
Others would like to give responsibility in making decisions, to their children.
Education is not one those categories, where they get to choose much, if at all.
So long as you can understand how important Karate training is, and can establish it as part
of their education, there would be no argument.
Establishing rules as to who makes certain decision, is the hardest thing for
some of us parents. We don't give our children leeway, as to school,
studying or proper behavior, why should the ancillary classes be any different.
"I just want her/him to have fun." is a typical excuse in shirking our responsibility.
They can go to Chuck-e-cheese's and movies and Disney parks for fun. Holding fast
to education and training, is at time "not fun!" But will show its merits and value, on the long run.
Again, let me state, that the activity must nourish the child physically, and
mentally. I am not talking about which team sport they want to try out for a few months,
which movie they want to choose to go to, which cereal to have in the morning,
or which restaurant they want to eat at. By all means those kind of decisions
are not LIFE DECISIONS, and you can let them make as many of those as they want.
Karate classes are not an option, they are and should be considered part of your child's
academic curriculum. If you can only understand, how important a good martial arts
training is to a youngster's development, then you can start to appreciate the
value of your teachers (Senseis).
Remember, when a child starts something and quits, without achieving anything, they
have not learned to be independent, they are CHILDREN. They were just taught (by us
parents), how to quit. And they will do that throughout their lives.
The lesson for them will be "if I nag hard enough, and complain and throw a fit enough
times, I can quit anything." In time, it will be, "oh, this is too hard, I quit."
This will translate to bad performance in school, and in life. CBS news found
that USA is lagging behind in school performance http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/11/26/world/main530872.shtml
We can't blame the teachers all the time. We need to take charge of our children.
Why are the Japanese, and Chinese kids so far ahead of the curve then ours? Discipline
and martial arts attitude.
Finally, when your child is talking about quitting. Ask yourself why? Here are
the top reasons I have found throughout my almost 30 years of involvement in the
martial arts.
1.) Child is a perfectionist or sensitive, and is having a hard time, with certain lessons.
This type of student requires one on one lessons with the instructor, to boost
their confidence and their level of knowledge.
2.) Parents do not pay enough attention to the child's progress. It may or may not include:
lack of encouragement, late arrival to class, late pick-ups from the class,
no enthusiasm from the family.
In this situation, you need to be there for your child. They look for your, look up
to you, and need you, more than you know. Make sure that they are your first and last
priority.
3.) Child lacks proper coordination, motor-skills and physical ability.
The parent must step in and find the courage for tough love. Take the game away, and
stand by their decision.
4.) Child is self-conscious and is afraid that everyone is watching her make mistakes.
The parent needs to arrange to be at the lesson, with a great smile and a supportive
attitude. Additional one to one lessons is required to boost confidence.
5.) child is not used to any form of discipline, structure or format, and has a hard time
adjusting to the class structure.
Your role as a parent has not been fully executed. Seek help, and start setting some
ground rules. Giving structure, and maintaining a rhythm and pace in their lives.
Remember, you are the parent, not their buddy. If your child sees determination from you,
they will react positively. But, if they see any weakness in your armor, they will
seek to enforce their ideals.
Remember: Not all your decisions need to be met with an immediate hug and an I love you from them.
Some of those I love you and hugs will come 20-30 years later.
the very best that I can, for my children. The very best however,
at times conflicts with what they want.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for teaching independence to children.
But, life decisions should not be relegated to them. Finding out
what is a life decision, and what is not, is simple and easy. I will
get to that later.
 |
| Sempai Ashkon Hojati |
When you enroll your child in a program, that helps them in the long
run, and benefits them both mentally and physically, there will come a time, when
you may find yourself in an argument at best, and a solid resistance at worst, with your child.
They simply say, that they don't want to do the activity and/or they refuse to go.
If the activity is to their benefit, such as tutoring, specific classes or
courses etc, then this a life decision. Karate training, in my humble opinion is one such activity.
Here is when you're encumbered with a big responsibility. You see, you have to
make the decision for them.
"But I don't want to force my child," is the normal answer that I hear time and
again. What the parents really saying is that, they are feeling guilty in
forcing the issue, and are afraid to instill discipline/structure in this manner, in their children.
Others would like to give responsibility in making decisions, to their children.
Education is not one those categories, where they get to choose much, if at all.
So long as you can understand how important Karate training is, and can establish it as part
of their education, there would be no argument.
Establishing rules as to who makes certain decision, is the hardest thing for
some of us parents. We don't give our children leeway, as to school,
studying or proper behavior, why should the ancillary classes be any different.
"I just want her/him to have fun." is a typical excuse in shirking our responsibility.
They can go to Chuck-e-cheese's and movies and Disney parks for fun. Holding fast
to education and training, is at time "not fun!" But will show its merits and value, on the long run.
Again, let me state, that the activity must nourish the child physically, and
mentally. I am not talking about which team sport they want to try out for a few months,
which movie they want to choose to go to, which cereal to have in the morning,
or which restaurant they want to eat at. By all means those kind of decisions
are not LIFE DECISIONS, and you can let them make as many of those as they want.
Karate classes are not an option, they are and should be considered part of your child's
academic curriculum. If you can only understand, how important a good martial arts
training is to a youngster's development, then you can start to appreciate the
value of your teachers (Senseis).
Remember, when a child starts something and quits, without achieving anything, they
have not learned to be independent, they are CHILDREN. They were just taught (by us
parents), how to quit. And they will do that throughout their lives.
The lesson for them will be "if I nag hard enough, and complain and throw a fit enough
times, I can quit anything." In time, it will be, "oh, this is too hard, I quit."
This will translate to bad performance in school, and in life. CBS news found
that USA is lagging behind in school performance http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/11/26/world/main530872.shtml
We can't blame the teachers all the time. We need to take charge of our children.
Why are the Japanese, and Chinese kids so far ahead of the curve then ours? Discipline
and martial arts attitude.
Finally, when your child is talking about quitting. Ask yourself why? Here are
the top reasons I have found throughout my almost 30 years of involvement in the
martial arts.
1.) Child is a perfectionist or sensitive, and is having a hard time, with certain lessons.
This type of student requires one on one lessons with the instructor, to boost
their confidence and their level of knowledge.
2.) Parents do not pay enough attention to the child's progress. It may or may not include:
lack of encouragement, late arrival to class, late pick-ups from the class,
no enthusiasm from the family.
In this situation, you need to be there for your child. They look for your, look up
to you, and need you, more than you know. Make sure that they are your first and last
priority.
3.) Child lacks proper coordination, motor-skills and physical ability.
The parent must step in and find the courage for tough love. Take the game away, and
stand by their decision.
4.) Child is self-conscious and is afraid that everyone is watching her make mistakes.
The parent needs to arrange to be at the lesson, with a great smile and a supportive
attitude. Additional one to one lessons is required to boost confidence.
5.) child is not used to any form of discipline, structure or format, and has a hard time
adjusting to the class structure.
Your role as a parent has not been fully executed. Seek help, and start setting some
ground rules. Giving structure, and maintaining a rhythm and pace in their lives.
Remember, you are the parent, not their buddy. If your child sees determination from you,
they will react positively. But, if they see any weakness in your armor, they will
seek to enforce their ideals.
Remember: Not all your decisions need to be met with an immediate hug and an I love you from them.
Some of those I love you and hugs will come 20-30 years later.
Keeping Your Children Motivated.
In my years as a teacher, I cannot recall ever coming
across a parent who did not love their child. The simple
fact that they enroll their child in a legitimate martial arts
program, is proof enough.
The care and the concern that we
have for our children, is the root of our very existence.
We strive to be good parent, but we are not perfect. We
make mistakes that may affect our children in a negative
way. However, if we are smart enough to learn from our mistakes,
and wise enough to learn from mistakes of others, we
may make it yet.
There are some issues that cause a child to lose motivation
towards their martial arts training, and quit this wonderful
and rewarding activity. All of which can be easily prevented
or remedied. Let’s look at these few issues closely.
1.) Arriving late for class, causes the child to be nervous,
embarrassed, and disoriented. Instead of arriving with
excitement and comfortable state of mind, the student
arrives in a nervous and apologetic mode. They have a hard
time focusing, and feel like they are not able to learn. They
feel guilty, and in time this will lead to desire to quit.
If you are continuously late, the child will interpret that as if
you don’t care. Your children do anything to impress you,
and if you don’t care, they won’t either.
Solution: Arrive 5-10 minutes early. If by some chance you
are late a while, come in with your child, and talk to the
instructor, or call ahead, and take away the concern and
the worry from your child. Do not make a habit of being
late. Timeliness is a strong way of promoting discipline.
2.) Improper uniforms. Karate gi is cut larger to fit comfortably.
If you have a uniform that needs to be tailored, do it
right away. Improper uniform size, hinders the student from
moving freely, and prevents them from learning properly.
This will cause frustration and leads to negativity.
The proper care of the uniform is the first lesson in discipline of karate.
In taking care of our uniform we show respect for ourselves.
Solution: Make sure that their uniform is in perfect size by
the upcoming class. Uniforms and belts are responsibility
of the child after the first TIGER LEVEL test. Up to that
point, you should look after them. After washing the uniforms,
teach and help your child to fold their uniform properly,
and with their belt put it in a specific place. If you
receive a patch or an emblem, have it sewn on the uniform
in its proper place, immediately. In time they will do
these tasks habitually. Show that you care, and your child
will care as well.
3.) Follow the Academy Rules, along with your child. Listen
to what they have to say. Use the Academy Rules and practice
it at home, toward each other. Children pick-up on your
enthusiasm and manners.
4.) Withholding karate lessons as a means of discipline/punishment,
is a true and time-tested method to alienate your child from karate.
Trust me when I tell you, that this will never work. By taking the
academy out of the equation, you take away your most powerful ally.
Solution: Never use Sensei’s name to intimidate a child.
Your child and I have a different level of courtesy and respect.
Fearing me, will only ruin my ability to influence them positively.
As a Sensei, I am here for you and your child. Without proper respect,
there is no inspiration. Without inspiration, the desire to improve will cease.
The academy and I give a positive anchor to the children,
we accentuate the positive, and from that vantage point, we overcome
the negative. Whatever the problem may be, withholding your
child from class is not the solution.
5.) Monetary issues, can always be remedied. Do not interrupt
the training that you or your child need in today’s world,
over monetary issues. There may be ways to continue. Ask!
Also, at times parents forget who is listening. When
children overhear the parents concerns, they too feel responsible,
and at times guilty by coming to Karate, and spending the money
for tuition. This should not be their concern.
Solution: Tuition should be discussed in absolute privacy
Quitting should be the last option.
across a parent who did not love their child. The simple
fact that they enroll their child in a legitimate martial arts
program, is proof enough.
The care and the concern that we
have for our children, is the root of our very existence.
We strive to be good parent, but we are not perfect. We
make mistakes that may affect our children in a negative
way. However, if we are smart enough to learn from our mistakes,
and wise enough to learn from mistakes of others, we
may make it yet.
There are some issues that cause a child to lose motivation
towards their martial arts training, and quit this wonderful
and rewarding activity. All of which can be easily prevented
or remedied. Let’s look at these few issues closely.
1.) Arriving late for class, causes the child to be nervous,
embarrassed, and disoriented. Instead of arriving with
excitement and comfortable state of mind, the student
arrives in a nervous and apologetic mode. They have a hard
time focusing, and feel like they are not able to learn. They
feel guilty, and in time this will lead to desire to quit.
If you are continuously late, the child will interpret that as if
you don’t care. Your children do anything to impress you,
and if you don’t care, they won’t either.
Solution: Arrive 5-10 minutes early. If by some chance you
are late a while, come in with your child, and talk to the
instructor, or call ahead, and take away the concern and
the worry from your child. Do not make a habit of being
late. Timeliness is a strong way of promoting discipline.
2.) Improper uniforms. Karate gi is cut larger to fit comfortably.
If you have a uniform that needs to be tailored, do it
right away. Improper uniform size, hinders the student from
moving freely, and prevents them from learning properly.
This will cause frustration and leads to negativity.
The proper care of the uniform is the first lesson in discipline of karate.
In taking care of our uniform we show respect for ourselves.
Solution: Make sure that their uniform is in perfect size by
the upcoming class. Uniforms and belts are responsibility
of the child after the first TIGER LEVEL test. Up to that
point, you should look after them. After washing the uniforms,
teach and help your child to fold their uniform properly,
and with their belt put it in a specific place. If you
receive a patch or an emblem, have it sewn on the uniform
in its proper place, immediately. In time they will do
these tasks habitually. Show that you care, and your child
will care as well.
3.) Follow the Academy Rules, along with your child. Listen
to what they have to say. Use the Academy Rules and practice
it at home, toward each other. Children pick-up on your
enthusiasm and manners.
4.) Withholding karate lessons as a means of discipline/punishment,
is a true and time-tested method to alienate your child from karate.
Trust me when I tell you, that this will never work. By taking the
academy out of the equation, you take away your most powerful ally.
Solution: Never use Sensei’s name to intimidate a child.
Your child and I have a different level of courtesy and respect.
Fearing me, will only ruin my ability to influence them positively.
As a Sensei, I am here for you and your child. Without proper respect,
there is no inspiration. Without inspiration, the desire to improve will cease.
The academy and I give a positive anchor to the children,
we accentuate the positive, and from that vantage point, we overcome
the negative. Whatever the problem may be, withholding your
child from class is not the solution.
5.) Monetary issues, can always be remedied. Do not interrupt
the training that you or your child need in today’s world,
over monetary issues. There may be ways to continue. Ask!
Also, at times parents forget who is listening. When
children overhear the parents concerns, they too feel responsible,
and at times guilty by coming to Karate, and spending the money
for tuition. This should not be their concern.
Solution: Tuition should be discussed in absolute privacy
Quitting should be the last option.
Importance of Competition in Karate Training.
To spar or to Compete, has been one of the major topics in karate schools, magazines, and among the parents and practitioners alike. It is at times a cause of much anxiety amongst parents and students.
Competition is only one facet of our multi-faceted art, and arguably its youngest. Sparring too, in its current form is a newer facet of martial arts training. These two elements carry a substantial part in today’s training of the arts. Martial arts competition are the test of the athletic skills that can be developed by a martial artist, and carry only a partial potency of the martial arts techniques – control, safety and limited techniques, being the subduing factors.
Therefore, skills developed for competition, only partially contribute to actual self-defense skills, for which martial arts were originally designed for. In inspiring us to athletism, competitions provide certain benefits, which would not be easily learned at class time. Amongst these experiences are, camaraderie amongst athletes and teammates, the exhilaration of the actual competition against another athlete, the ability to perform in public, short term goal-setting, and finally experiencing Karate at a larger level, then the dojo alone.
All of these do much to enhance esteem and confidence, in one’s self. Competitions are at times unfair, and subjective. However, it largely depends on which competitions you go to. Academy of Karate strives to participate only in those competition, where a standard method of judging is used, and the judges are properly licensed.
The major goal of any competition is for us to find our own strengths and weaknesses, and enhance and reduce them accordingly. Overcome our anxieties and apprehensions, and to develop in to a better overall martial artist. Therefore, first and foremost, competition is an internal struggle. Second it is a test of skill, speed, timing, and above all spirit against strangers. There is a difference in preparing for competition, versus practicing in class.
Competition is only one facet of our multi-faceted art, and arguably its youngest. Sparring too, in its current form is a newer facet of martial arts training. These two elements carry a substantial part in today’s training of the arts. Martial arts competition are the test of the athletic skills that can be developed by a martial artist, and carry only a partial potency of the martial arts techniques – control, safety and limited techniques, being the subduing factors.
Therefore, skills developed for competition, only partially contribute to actual self-defense skills, for which martial arts were originally designed for. In inspiring us to athletism, competitions provide certain benefits, which would not be easily learned at class time. Amongst these experiences are, camaraderie amongst athletes and teammates, the exhilaration of the actual competition against another athlete, the ability to perform in public, short term goal-setting, and finally experiencing Karate at a larger level, then the dojo alone.
All of these do much to enhance esteem and confidence, in one’s self. Competitions are at times unfair, and subjective. However, it largely depends on which competitions you go to. Academy of Karate strives to participate only in those competition, where a standard method of judging is used, and the judges are properly licensed.
The major goal of any competition is for us to find our own strengths and weaknesses, and enhance and reduce them accordingly. Overcome our anxieties and apprehensions, and to develop in to a better overall martial artist. Therefore, first and foremost, competition is an internal struggle. Second it is a test of skill, speed, timing, and above all spirit against strangers. There is a difference in preparing for competition, versus practicing in class.
Why is Karate So Important in Development of Character.
 |
| Shihan Hojati's Family 2005 |
The reason that karate instructors, are so driven, is that they are instructors, not
coaches. This is because karate is not a sport, it is an art form, and should be part of every child’s educational curriculum.
In Japan, every child at the age of six or younger, is introduced to martial arts.As they get older, they move from one martial art to may be one more. If the child is not good for martial arts, then he/she is handed-down to “western sports.”
Being in martial arts is an educational necessity, and a privilege. In the United States, generally the situation is reversed. Most athletic people are encouraged to practice western sports, and those who don’t fit the norm, are introduced to martial arts, so they have something to do.
When the child that lacked coordination, social skills, teamwork,concentration, agility, and stamina, learns that from karate, he/she is pulled from karate for the sake of the team sports. The true potential of the child in an art form is forsaken for the sport, and possible social status.
Karate takes time, and teaches physical attributes, such as flexibility, stamina, coordination, timing, agility, fitness, offers competition and promotes lifetime physical fitness,and let’s not forget self-defense. In this, it meets and surpasses any western sport.
But, karate also teaches perseverance, dedication, loyalty, taking pride in one’s work, confidence to try new things, expand one’s comfort zone, as well as dedication to family, and being just, fair and forgiving. In short it teaches leadership. In this, no other sport and activity can match or meet what karate teaches. Your karate
instructor knows this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)