One of our advertising partners, Team Ascension, has provided Macaroni KID Brainerd, Little Falls, Long Prairie, Mille Lacs with an article written by one of their Sensei, Gemma Peterson. Read on to see why martial arts is for everyone-- including you!
When I say “Martial Arts”, what first comes to mind? Is it the uniform? Competitions? Maybe “Karate Kid”?
For me, it’s the passion and heart behind it. Karate has never been about who can hit the hardest, or kick the highest. WKC World Champion, Brent Haney, made a point to speak on this; “Being a black belt is being able to take care of oneself, and then being able to take care of others around you”. Which, in turn, means that there are no age limits in regards to martial arts. The lessons remain the same; speak from your heart, work towards your goals, and always lend a helping hand to those in need.
As we grow up, and no matter how old we get, we all experience challenges. It is not those challenges that define us, but rather how we overcome them. The people who walk through our doors are not always looking for a place to fight. In fact, it is often the opposite. They are looking for friends, for community, for a sense of belonging. Many of us have heard the quote, “Human beings are social creatures- not occasionally or by accident but always” (Clay Shirky). He was right. These days, it has become so easy to isolate ourselves. When we do, mental health declines. Video games, cell phones, television… they all take away from human interaction and being present with one another. Being in the same room is not enough, but we must be actively taking part in conversations and growing together as people. One of the reasons we focus on communication at the karate school is so that when we face those challenges, we are not alone.
As it turns out, the world is often a bit kinder with a friend by your side.
Personally, mental health was a true struggle throughout high school and into college. I spent most of my time in my room, and was more connected to the fictional worlds I used to distract myself, than the real life I was supposed to be living. Doctors suggested that I start medication and see a therapist, and nothing seemed to work. Then, one day, I followed my siblings to the gym where they were taking martial arts classes. I had never considered myself athletic, and I wasn’t even searching for any new activities at the time. However, after sitting and watching one class, I saw something that made me want to come back and join in. I saw friendship and genuine laughter, smiles, respect. It was sunlight after rain, warmth after a harsh winter. Slowly, everything began to fall into place. I made wonderful friends, my confidence grew, and instead of letting my life pass me by, I began to live it.
Granted, at first, it feels a bit intimidating. There are so many forms and techniques to think about, that we often stop before we start. We think, “I cannot be bad at something if I do not try it”, and that fear of not being the best, it is our greatest enemy. We all start somewhere, and if we can keep pushing ourselves, little by little, we are going to look back and realize how far we have come. Martial arts is a mindset, it’s excitement over fear when learning something new, it’s choosing to do the right things, even if they are the hardest. Why? So that we grow, and so that as we grow, we bring our families and our friends with us. We build each other up, create community of caring.
It is for this reason that martial arts is for everyone. No matter the age, and no matter where you are right now… If you have ever wanted a place to belong, a reason to smile, or a bit of confidence, martial arts was made for you.
Team Ascension can be found at:
1313 S 6th St
Brainerd, MN 56401
Find them on the web here!
Find them on Facebook here!
Give them a call at (218) 513-5816.
