Confidence

Confidence 

The Martial Arts Perspective:

When new students first come to our school we ask them why they are here.  We want to know what motivated them to walk into our dojang.  Not only does their answer help us to further develop our black belt curriculum, to be something that resonates with our students, it helps us to understand the individual student very quickly.

And while there are many things that bring a student to us, the overwhelming majority cite "Confidence" as their main motivator for joining us.  By our reasoning, this indicates that an overwhelmingly large number of people feel that they lack confidence in their day to day life.  It also means that walking in to our dojang, and asking us to help them develop confidence, was probably one of the most nerve wracking and difficult things they have had to do.  Telling a stranger that you lack confidence is not easy!

A most rewarding part of our job then becomes watching a student's confidence evolve.  If I were to present a picture of the average white belt student to you, I would describe a student that has their head bowed slightly, their shoulders slumped in a little.  They may shuffle nervously from foot to foot or stand on one leg with the other tucked hesitantly behind.  They do not know what to do with their hands.  Maybe they swing them back and forward, or pull on their sleeves or shirt hem or tap their fingers together.  Their body is not still or attentive and they are so worried about their surroundings, and the impression that they give off, that their focus is not engaged at all.

But an amazing thing starts to happen to this student.  A few belts in to the curriculum and their physical presence begins to change.  Shoulders are straighter and the head is higher.  They are making eye contact and listening attentively.  Their feet, after many hours of kicking practice and balance skills, are unerringly planted in a solid stance.  They smile and engage in conversation, answer questions and ask for help unapologetically.  They begin to understand that not knowing something does not mean that they will never know it.  They have confidence in their ability to learn.

By the time this same student has reached black belt level, they have truly embodied the concept of confidence.  Confidence is not about comparing yourself to other people.  Confidence IS about being comfortable with exactly where you are at yourself.  Confidence gives you the ability to look at yourself not in comparison to others.  Confidence is knowing and accepting that you have much to learn.  Confidence is opening yourself up to learning.  Confidence is asking for guidance.  Confidence is listening to the people around you.

For the Student:  

How can you develop confidence?  Although praise and motivation from your instructors can contribute, true confidence is created and maintained by accomplishing challenging tasks.  Confidence is earned.  Look back at your training and realize how much you have already developed in this short time, the skills that you have mastered, the boards that you have broken.  Those experiences have earned you the right to be confident in your physical, mental and emotional strength.

Remember how nervous and unsure you felt when you first walked in the door of the dojang?  Now, you stride in and greet your instructors and fellow students with a smile and anticipation.  You are not afraid to walk on to the mat or yell your loudest when you perform your kicking or punching.  You are not nervous about testing anymore, but excited to be moving on to a higher belt and new curriculum level.  You are beginning to develop true confidence.

The success that you have had in Taekwondo should encourage you for your potential for success in other activities.  Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, try new things, and develop new skills.  

Apply the confidence you have earned in Taekwondo to each new challenge you face.

© Mountain Taekwondo 2014