A martial arts parent was asked the question, "Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time running around for your child to do Karate?"
Here is the answer:
“Well I have a confession to make: I don't pay for my child's training or her belts, mouth guard or Gi. Or even for his\hers gradings or championships.
So, if I am not paying for the Karate, what am I paying for?
- I pay for those moments when my child become so tired she feels like quitting but don't.
- I pay for the opportunity that my child can have and will have to make life-long friendships.
- I pay for the chance that they may have amazing Instructors and coaches that will teach her that Karate is not just about techniques and fighting but about life.
- I pay for my child to learn to be disciplined.
- I pay so that my child will not have to tolerate being bullied in life.
- I pay for my child to learn to take care of her body.
- I pay so that my child learns to become a leader; not a follower.
- I pay for the comfort of knowing my daughter will be safe on her first date.
- I pay for my child to learn to work with others and to be a proud, supportive, kind and a respectful Karate practitioner.
- I pay for my child to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that belt or medal they hoped for, despite having practiced a thousand times, but still gets up and is determined to do her BEST next time.
- I pay for my child to learn to make and accomplish goals.
- I pay for my child to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success do not happen overnight.
- I pay so that my child can be in the dojo instead of in front of a screen.
I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for Karate; I pay for the opportunities that Karate provides my child to develop attributes that will serve her well throughout her life, and give her the opportunity to bless the lives of others.
From what I have seen for many years, I think it's the greatest investment in my child's life and a gift the she will forever carry with her.”