Let me tell you a quick story about a students I had a few years back.
Actually, it was about 12 years ago, I had a mom ask to speak with me privately.
She wanted to tell me that we saved her child’s life.
Now at the time, I had been teaching martial arts full time for about 5 years.
I had heard that statement before.
But, it was usually because they had used what they learned in class to prevent a fight or in a self defense situation.
But this time it was different…
Mom began by telling me the original reason she brought her son to Synergy Martial Arts in Odenton was because he had very low self confidence and self esteem. Her son was 12 at the time and in 6th grade, middle school.
This young man was the target of some serious bullying. It was not only limited to just school but on the bus and in his neighborhood too.
Bullying had taken its toll on this kid.
This is the part that floored me.
His mom told me, with tears in her eyes, that the boy wanted to kill himself. Take his own life due to the severity of the bullying.
He simply couldn’t take it anymore.
I was shocked. I had never had a parent approach me with that before.
His mom continued to tell me that martial arts had changed his life for the better. Over the last 6 months she had seen an amazing change in him. She said he went from quiet and introverted to outgoing and happy.
Mom was so thrilled. He loved taking martial arts so much that it had brought the smile back to his face that she had missed.
Martial arts training had built his confidence to new levels. It skyrocketed his self esteem.
Just those two things alone made his life change forever. He developed a better opinion of himself.
Had a “Can Do” attitude. He was no longer afraid.
Mom says that after a few months he would laugh with the bullies when they were coming down on him. He was no longer an easy target.
He no longer cared what they said about him. What they said just bounced off him.
She said it was 100% his martial arts classes at Synergy Martial Arts in Odenton that changed his life. It made him see just how amazing and special he really is.
And that what matters is how you see yourself. Not how the world around you sees you.
Here is my favorite part…
I love to give a special message after class. One I hope the younger students listen to and take to heart.
Sometimes its hard to know if they are really listening. After all , they are just kids.
But…
There was one specific message he really took to heart.
I actually remember teaching that lesson. I actually still teach it today.
What was it you ask….
It’s a simple message.
Don’t let someone steal your joy or your positive attitude and good spirit.
The only opinion that matters is yours. Believe in yourself, believe that you are the best and you are.
Bullies just like to steal your joy because they cant get theirs. They are unhappy with themselves. They only win if you let them. Don’t let them.
It is so simple, but if you listen to it, really take it to heart. It is life changing.