4 Weeks on Integrity
Here are 4 discussions on Integrity for 4 weeks that you and your child can talk about together.
Week One:
As parents are first responsiblity is to help develop the character of are children. It is not enough that they execute a perfect sidekick, perform the best at forms, or dominate competitors in the sparring ring. If they have not internalized the values of the martial arts-SELF-DISCIPLINE, HONESTY and INTEGRITY, COURAGE, CAMPASSION for others-then they have not developed into a true martial artist. Discuss with your child the importance of integrity to the martial artist. Ask them how this value is important, not only in their martial arts training, but also in other areas of their lives.
Week Two:
"Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light or look the world in the face."-Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Roman Emperor,(161-180).
It is unfortunate that in today's society, many look upon the notion of integrity with skepticim and ridicule. The principles of the martial artist are not always "in vogue." However, they are the principles that will allow individuals to live lives of meaning and accomplishment. Ask your children what type of temptations they face that would encourage them to abondon their integrity. Ask them how they deal with those siuations and then ask them how their martial arts training reinforces their integrity.
Week Three:
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company." -George Washington, first president of US (1732-1799).
Who we spend time with will impact our character and our integrity. They will either encourage us to do those things that strengthen our integrity, or they will encourage us to do things that will undermine it. Discuss with your children the importance of choosing good friends in order to protect one's integrity. Ask them to think of examples of how they can help their friends build their intergrity and character.
Week Four:
"He who merely knows right principles is not equal to him who loves them." -Confucious
Is it enough to merely know what is right? Or is more expected of the martial artist? Forms are an excellent example for this discussion. Many will perform all the correct movements, but the true martial artist learns to value the form for the discipline and focus it produces. They spend time perfecting each technique because they understand the importance of integrity in their efforts. Encourage your children to think about why they are practicing these techniques. Ask them to identify what they learn from putting their fullest effort into perfecting each movement and ask them how they can apply that to other areas of their lives.
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