Dear Student/Parent,

As school has just begun, I have observed and read statistics that confirm the many benefits of karate.  Most of you are already aware of the fact that someone who earns their black belt is already a step ahead of the majority of the population because of the discipline, self control and indomitable spirit demonstrated just to make it to that level of achievement. Students have added confidence and their grades are typically higher than the average students. Many of us have seen this with our black belt teenagers who have done those last minute demo’s for new potential teenagers.  It is easy for them to join us because our students are a great example of the way parents want their teens to be; respectful, courteous, confident, leaders, and good students.

Some of the proven benefits of karate include:

1. Safety

Martial Arts students tend to be safer because they possess these skills; better self defense skills, more strength and physical ability, less likely to get into a fight, more aware of dangers and tend to avoid these areas or threats, and more experience dealing with physical contact.

2. Better Grades

Due to improved concentration, focus, perseverance, discipline, self control, and expectations students grades are higher than the norm.

3. Less Likely to be Bullied

The Martial Arts student is less likely to be bullied because they have the confidence and won't put up with it. They are strong and know how to avoid and/or talk their way out of threatening situations. They learn to be Leaders, not followers.

4. Overall more successful

This goes back to all 7 tenets and the leadership skills that they learn here at Middleburg Martial Arts. They have peers and role models with high standards who set goals and have high expectations. They tend to have better time control, self discipline and indomitable spirit. They learn positive thinking and the importance of believing that they can do things. "If you think you can, or you think you can't, you are right."  We study many popular philosophers and success coaches in our GOLD meetings which help us to stay focused.

5. Healthier

Want to live longer and have a lower chance of disease? Just having a physical workout 3 days per week will improve your odds dramatically. You will not only be physically healthier but your mental attitude will improve from the physical workouts as well as the philosophical approach we take. Meditation will also improve one's state of mind. Your physical appearance will also look better because you will be stronger and in better shape. You will tone your body and feel better. People who work out regularly live longer!

6. Better Careers

The leadership skills, codes, tenets and the improved confidence will help you to make better career decisions. These traits are also the traits an employer looks for when promoting people.  Employers look for people who show our seven tenets. When I was a Regional Executive I looked for a history of success in my potential managers. Having the perseverance to earn your black belt certainly gives you that winning edge. It proves you aren't a quitter and you are driven to a goal. THIS IS A TRAIT THAT MANY PEOPLE LACK. WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THEY QUIT.

7. Less Likely to get into Trouble

Because of the confidence you will have, and the peer group who you will become friends with, there is a lower chance of getting into trouble in school or with the law. You will be a leader rather than a follower and therefore less likely to follow the wrong crowd. Most people want to feel a part of a larger group. Some kids choose gangs while others choose a well run Do Jang. The first of our tenets is integrity. These tenets are drilled into our heads so we will remember them when we are confronted with tempting or difficult decisions.

8. Lower incidence of Drugs

Students who practice karate or most sports are less likely to do drugs, drink or smoke than your average "couch potato." This keeps them healthier and out of trouble. It is not socially acceptable to be a user and then to attend karate classes. We care too much about our fellow martial artists to let this happen to them.

Overall, you will see these benefits in the students who attend classes regularly. Our grades on the average are better then students who don't do Tang Soo Do. Our attitudes are overall more positive and respectful, and our health is superior. These are just some of the traits I have noticed in our students. School teachers love our students because you are so respectful and try your hardest. I am very proud of our teenage black belts who run last minute demo's for groups of potential teen students. Anyway, kudos to you parents who are taking martial arts or encouraging your children to stay with it and become Tang Soo Do winners and leaders. We actually have more children who complete their goals in karate then adults who do because of parental influence. Sometimes as parents we need to encourage our children to do the right thing even if they don't feel like it at the moment. We teach them to be winners by setting the example and by not letting them quit when the going gets rough.

With my degree in child psychology, I know from my past experience (including counseling troubled teens, serving as a probation officer for teens, dealing with the foster care system and with drug addicts), that it is much better to prevent our children from going down the wrong path rather than trying to fix the problems later. I have found that the martial arts is one of the best ways to help them along a very positive path and am pleased that you have chosen this path as well.

Tang Soo!

Ms. Jan Lappin