I would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our students of the traditional martial arts values. Martial arts creates the opportunity to turn weakness into strength. A great lesson for martial arts, is that when we hold and carry negative energy in our hearts, minds, and bodies, we become burdened by toxicity. We tense up, we freeze, we lack fluidity and flexibility of movement. Martial arts training conditions the mind, and the body to remain calm under pressure, to relinquish tension and let the breath calm us, in order to remain focussed and in control of fine motor reflexes and create or wait for the opportunity to strike. The martial artist must remain relaxed for this process to occur, and conserve his or her energy to enable an efficient strike. If he doesn't, he gasses out in the ring, and also in life. Martial arts teaches us controlled aggression and points us to the important life principle of counter striking, where we learn to stay calm and relaxed and hang back until an opponent strikes and reveals an opening.

For thousands of years, mastering Martial arts has involved a lifelong journey of continuous self-improvement, both mentally and physically. Through the practice of Martial arts, we can develop self-confidence, resilience, courage, and discipline, and build integrity.

Below are some of the quotes that I encouraged my students to read every morning to help develop a healthy mindset.

Resilience – Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.

Respect – Respect is a reflection of your character.

Empathy – We rise by lifting others.

Fairness – Fairness can change the world.

All Martial Arts Instructors have a responsibility to be a role model for their students, to teach and empower them to be greater Martial artists than themselves.

Sifu Damien Chaurémootoo

www.empowertactical.com