How many times have you heard "Are we there yet?" Most Parents will know what I'm talking about when you hear this common phrase. With on demand television, music, and food, kids have become accustomed to instant gratification. The problem is that when this gratification consumes an individual it can cause terrible destruction. Another word for kids who live life for only instant gratification are called "spoiled". The spoiled syndrome can lead to problems in adulthood as well. Most successful parents understand the importance of going against the grain and teaching patience, perseverance, and hard work as keys to their child's success.
So how is patience taught in martial arts? Most schools or systems in martial arts have a belt ranking system with a black belt as the final belt rank. This is a logical progression for most schools and is the best way of teaching patience. Students know from the beginning that they must earn each colored belt before reaching a black belt. The key with a progressive belt system is that each student must "pay their dues." The progression of belt levels prevents students from relying on getting what they want right away and forces the student to learn patience, hard work, and the value of dedication. In addition, the belt ranking system should also logically progress the student through their physical and mental development. A good example is what would be called a beginner student(student with 1-6 months of training), intermediate student (students with 6-18 months of training), and an advanced student (18-30 months of training). A martial arts instructor expects something completely different from a beginner student than an advanced student. The point being is that the advanced student has demonstrated perseverance, hard work, and patience because he has been studying martial arts for a couple of years. When a student passes from an advanced student to a black belt, his black belt represents the idea of patience and hard work. Most students don't want to become a red belt or advanced student, they want a black belt. When a student earns a black belt emotions can run high for both student and parents because not only was it a commitment on the student's part but the parent's as well. The belt represents the opposite of instant gratification and laziness. It represents diligence, sacrifice, and commitment. It represents the values that kids need in today's society to not just be mediocre but only settle for excellence in school, academics, and life.
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