Word of the Month for July is: Confidence

The words under our Bernardo Karate crest say “Confidence is Strength.”  We believe one of the most important life skills a student can develop is confidence.  Developing confidence to make the right choices, confidence to tackle new challenges, confidence to stand up for what we believe is right, is critical in our journey towards a successful life.

The dictionary describes confidence as; a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. Building and developing confidence in a student is something we specialize in at Bernardo Karate.  We recognize that walking into a dojo can be intimidating and trying a class can be a very big step. Our Black Belt Instructors appreciate the courage it takes to try that first class. Once in the dojo, our Instructors stress to each student that their development and advancement will progress at a pace they are comfortable with.  Unlike a team sport, like hockey or soccer, where a player may not receive the same playing time, or may be responsible for the success or failure of a game, martial arts is an individual activity that stresses personal growth and reaching your true potential.

Our Bernardo Karate curriculum constantly encourages students to try and learn new techniques.  With each new challenge our Instructors break down the task and help students develop the necessary skills to succeed.  Confidence is developed when a student overcomes an obstacle by working hard and applying themselves.  Awarding belts or prizes without working hard or sacrificing will only fill the trophy shelf; it will not develop confidence.  In each class, not only is a student given instruction on how best to perform the technique, they are reminded of the skills and traits necessary to succeed.  Hard work, discipline, focus and commitment are just a few examples of what we teach in order to build a strong foundation for success.

Henry Ford once said “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right”.  This simply means that you have to believe in yourself in order to achieve your goals. At Bernardo Karate, students set and achieve goals by applying themselves.  The individual success they achieve creates confidence.  With this confidence they are better prepared to succeed in all areas of their life.

“With the realization of one’s own potential and self confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.”  Dalai Lama