Winning team! Photo by Panther Taekwondo Black Belt Academy.

Panther Taekwondo insists on a respectful attitude in all its classes.  Students are encouraged to contribute, and to answer questions and put questions of their own, but at the right time and in the right way. Self-respect and respect for others are inseparable.

When students learn self-control, (which can take a few attempts!)  they notice that they are listened to and that their words have much more effect than when they just let their enthusiasm run riot and make a lot of noise. It can take time and repeated attempts to learn the confidence to hold back and find the right moment to use your strengths in a controlled way.  

Create inner order through self-control

When the outside world outside is disorderly and unpredictable, as it so often is, the ability to create inner order through self-control and focus becomes a powerful asset.

Being in a structured environment is likewise challenging for some young people, but our students rise to it.  Working as a team, supporting each other, taking turns and thinking of the dynamics of the whole situation rather than just doing what you want to do yourself from moment to moment are all emphasised.

Strong teams are built on accountability

This is accountability, and it’s how strong team are built. Awareness of others  – ‘courtesy’ – combines with inner confidence and self-reliance. All around are teachers and other more advanced students to act as role models for this new Panther Taekwondo skill-set.

These are powerful lessons – and it’s never too late to start learning them.  I truly believe the martial arts have great lessons to teach the world.