Discipline and Respect: Martial Arts

Courtesy. Integrity. Perseverance. Self-Control. Indomitable Spirit. These words are on the wall at Cutting Edge Martial Arts in Saratoga. You see them when you enter the building. The students see them as they sharpen their skills in tae kwon do and go after the coveted black belt.  A year ago, I never imagined that my kids would be practicing martial arts at such a young age. In fact, I never really thought my kids would be practicing martial arts at all. It’s not something I grew up with as a kid. I only started to learn about Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art with a heavy emphasis on kicks, when my kids came home from camp telling me about their experience with Master Miller. They were instantly hooked, practicing moves in the house. Then Cutting Edge Martial Arts and Master Miller came to their school for an afternoon program, and my oldest daughter jumped at the opportunity. Several weeks later, we arrived at the martial arts school for Lira’s white belt ceremony. Watching from a distance, hearing them shout out the Student Creed that they repeat at the beginning of each class, seeing the discipline and respect between the teacher and the students, watching the precision with which they all did the moves, I was overcome with a sense of astonishment at how truly beautiful this sport is. We signed up for the one month for a nominal fee for the uniform and classes, and soon after signed on for the year, with my second daughter in tow for her white belt shortly after her sister. Now we go twice a week and I could not think of another place I would rather take my girls to learn how to be leaders, strong and tough and respectful. It’s a culture, not a sport. It’s a way of living. These are all things we have learned. We can’t wait to get our sons out there, since age four is the earliest to start in the Little Ninja program. We have the commitment from our girls to try to go for their black belts...potentially four years to reach that huge milestone. This week my girls received their first and second yellow stripe which means they will hopefully able to test for their yellow belts at the next testing period. Aa a parent, I am amazed to see how much respect the teachers get from my kids, “yes, ma’m”, “yes, sir”. The lifelong lessons that the children in this program get is unmatched by many other sports that we have participated in. Many people put their kids in this sport for the safety and protection skills, but I see it as much more. Looking forward to watching them grow up in this sport.


Visit us at www.besporthappy.com for more info on the 35 sports available for kids in Saratoga ages 3-13. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/besporthappy or join our Be Sport Happy Saratoga Equipment Exchange group on Facebook and exchange used sports equipment with other Saratoga families: www.facebook.com/groups/besporthappy. Also find us at www.healtheconcessions.com and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/healtheconcessions.