It Takes a Village: The Power of Positive Role Models For Your Karate Kid

When people talk about the old adage “It takes a village to raise a child,” they often envision a tight-knit community of neighbors, friends, grandparents, aunts and uncles working together. This is absolutely true and a wonderful thing! However, the “villages” of days past are not the same as they are today, with families more commonly living in different areas, more distanced relationships with neighbors, and busy schedules not allowing for as much connection and down time as we used to have. 

Still, however, the role of a supportive team of mentors and role models is as crucial as ever. At our dojo, we fully believe in the power and importance of a strong community and karate family, and we are here to be a part of the “village” for all our students!

Role Models for Strong Character

At the heart of martial arts is the development of character. Discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-control are all integral parts of training. But these virtues are not taught in isolation, nor can they be taught by one single person or instance. They are reinforced and nurtured through the interactions and relationships children build with their classmates, instructors, and friends on the mat.

At BMA, we have a dedicated team of instructors who embody these values in their daily lives and demonstrate them to our students each time they step on the mat. From offering constructive feedback in a positive manner, to competing at tournaments with good sportsmanship, our team demonstrates how to handle success and failure with grace. This modeling is crucial as the children who look up to our STORM Team leaders and instructors learn as much from what they observe as from what they are explicitly taught.

The Importance of Diversity

A well-rounded team of instructors brings diverse perspectives and experiences into the purview of students. This variety ensures that every child can find a role model who resonates with them, regardless of their background, gender, age, or personality. Some children may connect more with a focused, disciplined instructor, while others might look up to someone who brings a sense of fun and creativity to their classes.

On our team, every instructor is trained not just in martial arts, but in child development as well. On top of this, we have current and former high-level competitive athletes, those with extensive teaching experience, academic classroom experience, and more. This diversity enriches our teaching approach and allows students to have an awesome team of role models from which to look up to and aspire to be like. 

Building a Support Network

Beyond the skills learned on the mat, martial arts offer an invaluable support network. Children who might otherwise feel isolated or lack confidence find a sense of belonging within the dojo. This environment is supported by our dojo community, from our instructors, to our awesome parents, to the students who have been with us for many years and genuinely enjoy helping to lift as they climb. 

A positive dojo atmosphere helps build self-esteem and resilience. When instructors and fellow students celebrate achievements and offer encouragement through setbacks, students learn to appreciate their own efforts and value their progress. This support is especially important during periods of growth and transition, whether it’s working toward achieving a new rank, competing in their first tournament, or navigating personal challenges outside the dojo.

Teenagers in particular often benefit from having mentors who understand their unique struggles. Our SKILLZ program is set up specifically to help them to channel their energy positively, and our instructors make sure they have a safe space to discuss their aspirations and concerns.

In the dojo parents can see firsthand how a dedicated team of instructors and mentors profoundly impacts the lives of our students. By embodying the virtues of martial arts, providing diverse role models, and creating a supportive family-style community, we work together to give every child a chance to be their best selves and fulfill their potential. 

So, while the saying “It takes a village” might be often associated with neighborhoods and families, it also rings true at our dojo. And in doing so, we help to build not just skilled martial artists, but confident, respectful, and resilient individuals ready to take on the world.