SELF-CONTROL – LESSON THREE
The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
~ Charles Darwin
Self-Control: is an act of will
The skills you learn as a martial art student can make you feel like you have power over your peers, friends and family who may be weaker than you are. This can be a dangerous weapon if you do not know how to use self-control. It is important that you learn how to use self-control in all situations in your life including in school, at home and practicing martial arts. You need to know how to control your actions and take control of yourself.
For some, self-control may be working techniques as carefully and solidly as possible to the level of the other students you are training with. It would not be right for a black belt to spar with a new student at a black belt level. It is best to have the self-control to work with, not compete with them. Also, self-control means refraining from showing off to other peers.
Ask yourself:
- If someone says to you “So you’re a martial artist? I bet you cannot break this!” – what would demonstrate your self-control as a response?
- When training with someone who is a lesser belt than you, how can you show you have self-control?
- How does self-control and partner practice relate to each other?