Life rewards you in direct proportion to your ability to contribute.
2 August 2024
Sensei Jon Davis
In the process of building superkids, the synergy between martial arts training and parental involvement plays a pivotal role. At our dojo, we believe that nurturing the value of contribution in children not only helps them grow into well-rounded individuals but also strengthens the fabric of our community.
Martial arts is more than just a physical activity - it's a way of life that teaches discipline, respect, and the value of contributing to something greater than oneself. In our dojo, children learn that every action has a purpose and a consequence. Whether it's helping a fellow student master a technique or participating in dojo clean-up activities, they begin to understand that their contributions matter.
Life rewards you in direct proportion to your ability to contribute. The quality and quantity of your contribution determine the rewards you will receive. Life not only rewards you in proportion, but also rewards you in kind.
If you make a valuable contribution, life will reward you with things of value.
If you contribute love, life will reward you with love.
Contribute respect, and life will reward you with respect.
Contribute trouble, and life will reward you with trouble.
Lots of people don't understand why they are getting the results they are getting. They never seem to realize that their results are the right results. They represent the sum of all their contributions... both in quantity and in quality. By grasping this concept, success becomes simple: contribute more, and you will receive more! But remember that you must plant the seed before you can harvest the crop. A contributor doesn't mind giving effort, time, or money without immediate reward. Like the smart farmer, they understand that they're planting seeds that will produce fruit in the future.
Some people never begin to plant because they expect immediate rewards. Imagine a farmer who failed to plant, insisting that the harvest come immediately. When a person experiences good fortune, it is the result of seeds already planted.
Rise Above the Crowd
Some people say, "I'd do more if they paid me more." Or, "I'd be nicer if my spouse was nicer." A simple truth ensures success in any situation: Do MORE than people expect of you.
If your coach expects five laps, do six.
If your teacher assigns ten problems, do twelve.
If you are supposed to sell twenty-five per day, sell thirty.
Life becomes easy when you do more than people expect. Do more, and you will rise above the crowd.
Parental Involvement: The Catalyst for Growth
Parents play an essential role in reinforcing these lessons outside the dojo. By actively participating in their child's martial arts journey, parents can provide support and encouragement, creating a seemless extension for the dojo's teachings into everyday life. Here are a few ways parents can contribute to this process:
Modeling Behavior: Children learn by example. When parents volunteer at dojo events, help with community service projects, or even take up martial arts themselves, they demonstrate the importance of contributing to a cause and being part of a community.
Encouraging Responsibility: Assigning children age-appropriate responsibilities at home such as chores or taking care of pets, parallels the discipline they learn in martial arts. This helps them see the value of their contributions in maintaining harmony and order in their surroundings.
Celebrating Contributions: Acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest contributions can boost a child's self-esteem and motivate them to continue giving their best. Whether it's a high-five for helping set the dinner table or a special treat for assisting in a dojo event, positive reinforcement goes a long way.
Building a Community of Givers
When children see their parents and dojo instructors working together towards common goals, they begin to understand the power of collective effort. This sense of community and shared purpose fosters a culture of giving, where children feel valued and empowered to contribute.
As they grow, these young martial artists carry forward the lessons of contribution into other areas of their lives. They become more empathetic, responsible, and proactive individuals, ready to make a positive impact in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond!
Building superkids is a collaborative effort that requires the combined forces of martial arts training and active parental involvement. By instilling the value of contribution, we not only help children become better martial artists but also compassionate and responsible members of society. Together, we can nurture a generation of superkids who understand that their contributions, no matter how small, can make a big difference.
Let's continue to work hand-in-hand to create a brighter future for our children, one contribution at a time!
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