Photo by Dboybaker, used under Creative Commons licence.

In my last few blogs, we’ve been looking at how – with real self-worth – the need to get involved in gang culture diminshes for vulnerable young people.

Above all, at Panther Taekwondo Black Belt Academy, my team and I want to keep these kids out of harm’s way.  We want to offer them real support and guidance.  To do that, first of  all we have to understand where they are coming from, and how they end up following people in their communities who may seem like powerful leaders, but aren’t a good influence on them.

Have the confidence to see clearly

What these young people need, more than anything else, is to become clear-sighted. And that takes confidence.

When you believe in yourself you can look around you and see who the gang leaders really are. You notice what they’re really about and question whether this gang is a good place for you to be.  Then you can make different decisions, ones that are better and more positive for you and for the direction of your life.

You won’t have to prove yourself to anyone

This is what martial arts training can do. It makes you confident in yourself, deep down inside. It means you don’t have a need to test yourself, or to act tough in front of others. (Acting tough often just means covering up your vulnerability).  Feeling sure of yourself and able to use independent judgement means that you can take real control.

So if there’s an issue arising, you can decide to either act as peacemaker, or to walk away. There’s nothing for you to prove, and no insecurity you have to hide. Martial arts lets you choose your battles. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.