Character building in the Martial arts?

[gregimotis]

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Many people in the martial arts cite 'character building' as a primary goal in training. Particularly in childrens classes the idea that disciplined training and respect for the instructors and other students can translate into everyday life. But does it really, or are enforced rules of respect in the gym/dojo shed as quickly as the clothes people train in?

Improvement of the students character is an idea almost taken for granted and while I agree with the concept, I'd like to hear the thoughts and expeirences of people here on the subject. What is it about martial arts that improves a person? Why budo rather than soccer, for instance. What changes have people actually seen or felt?

In short: How do the martial arts improve character (besides just that my sensei said so) or is this as much a myth to some of you as the Dim Mak touch?

[Thai Bri]

I think its a myth I'm afraid. Any past time could do it, if the person teaching the child purposefully tried to instill favourable qualitise into him/her. It all dates back to the tales of the Shaolin Temple, and Master Po prattling on with his wisdom - the less intellectually able mongst us presume that this must mean that learning fighting arts must make you philosophical - automatically!

It is also a much used (and flawed) reason for performing katas/forms. Oh yes! they are somehow "character building"...... bullshit.

That doesn't mean that a person could not learn to be a better person from a Martial Arts instructor. It just isn't automatic. I mean, look at the massive egos in the MA world - a right bunch of Divas.

[osopardo]

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is this as much a myth to some of you as the Dim Mak touch?

Whaddayamean, "myth"?

[osopardo]

You learn how to win with humility, loose with grace, work patiently for long-term goals, be persevering, control your emotions, gain perspective of yourself in context to others (I'm better than some -most are are better than me), etc.

But the whole character-building thing can be applicable to any sport - very dependent on the coach, sensei, instructor, etc.
I don't believe it's particularly associated with martial arts or for that matter any other sport with a focus of violence. You hear this b.s. often said about american football but not so much about baseball. Why? are they trying to justify something?

[dbok1]

Gregimotis,

This is a good question but a very general one as well, and oviosly as we can already see your gonna get all kinds of responses back. But since you posted it in the Muay Thai/Kickboxing forum, I'll address it as such.

I can't say for everyone but I would have to say Yes, and I think that I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't start training when I did (15yrs ago).

As for myself, I fell in love with Muay Thai from Day one, not just the fighting aspect, but the training, the culture, everything that had to do with it. I know consider it part of my life. And I can tell you as a fact, that when I teach the students understand that and also show a sign of respect to the gym, to the instructors, even before entering the ring they pay repect. All those things I just mentioned are a sign of Charater building.

I don't think it should be a "primary goal", but the people who really understand will pick up on it right away. I'm not going to address the kids statement....but I think you understand my point. If you love the sport, if you have repect for your instrutor, for the gym......that in itself is a sign of "charator building".

[gregimotis]

But the whole character-building thing can be applicable to any sport - very dependent on the coach, sensei, instructor, etc.

I think what sets MA apart in some cases is the respect protocol enforced in many gyms. Yes sir/maam, bowing to partners, that sort of thing would be silly in other sports but is expected (usually) in the MA.

It's my feeling that the general lack of civility I see in society tends to build on itself - 'that person was a jerk to me, now I'm irritated and more likely to be rude to you'. I further feel that if a person acts a certain way (i.e. with politness and respect) he is more likely to begin to feel that way. Therefore, a person who acts respectful may begin to feel moreso, whereas a person who habitually is insulting to others trains himself to have contempt.

[delbert]

I feel that you may as well sneer at someone as not respect them. Especially when you first work out with them. You know in the first 30 seconds whether you are teacher, student or equal. I personally prefer to bow in and out of a workout with all as Ajarn Chai dictates. It is habit for me and I say the same to my students.
I just had my student doing sets of 50 pushups for not bowing(Hes going to see Ajarn next month).
People outside of our culture may say it is weird, but half of them have never been respected either.

[Wolfe]

as someone who had a tough childhood, i would have to say that martial arts and as mentioned any sport will imporve a persons life in many, many ways.

its only a myth if you decide that it is.

[Trace]

Many people join a martial arts academy for the purpose of learning self defense, or to learn how to fight. But hopefully, with proper instruction, they will come to realize that martial arts encompasses so much more. Learning how to fight and defend one's self is such a small aspect of martial arts in the scheme of things. If the student receives proper instruction, after time they realize that the real goal is perfection of character.
Accomplished martial artists don't feel the need to "prove anything" or pick fights. If they are confident and aware of their fighting abilities, there is no reason to have to prove it. But this takes confidence and good self-esteem. People can develop and improve this through practice, dedication and positive attitudes.
Children are not inherently bad; their behavior reflects their upbringing. A good martial arts instructor provides the child with a positive role model (and sometimes they don't have good role models at home!). The instructor sets examples and also clarifies that their knowledge of the martial arts is to be used responsibly.
Studies show that many children who participate in a traditional martial arts program show improved behavior in respect, focus, discipline, mental awareness, and attitude. Parents can attest to this. I think that the personalities of the instructor and the child BOTH factor into whether the "good behavior" -- respect, discipline, etc. -- becomes a general part of the child's life beyond the walls of the martial arts class. Excellent martial arts instructors are able to impact the children's behavior in a positive way outside of the school. In my opinion this might happen only about 50% of the time.

[Damian Mavis]

Holy frak, wow. Of course martial arts build character. If I wasn't molding bad kids into good kids I'd get absolutely no satisfaction from my job and quit.

I get kids coming to me crying every single class because their overprotective mother raised them to be spineless victims, after a few months with me they never cry and stop running to mommy every time they bump their shin.

I get other kids screaming at me and giving me the finger their first class, years later they are my best, most disciplined young students and act the same way outside the dojang.

For myself, I was very fragile and soft, martial arts changed my life and made me strong enough to really live.

Hey I see it happen everyday and I know what martial arts can do for people, especially children.

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD