When we were younger, we always admired the Karate and Kung Fu actors on television and in movies. We asked, “Is it really true? Can I hit someone that way and have an effect on the person?” Those are some of the questions that ran through our minds as children which made us very curious about Martial Arts. We wanted to know what the value of Martial Arts were and how could it help us outside of throwing these amazing kicks and punches we saw. Our curiosity took different paths to get there; for George that path did not start till he got to college which is where he took his first Karate class.
Our Journeys
George’s instructor was a professional guy in the community that taught Karate for passion. George quickly realized that Martial Arts provided the same life skill training he received from his Mother. He was very fortunate in that regard and invigorated to hear those parental influences repeated by his Karate instructor. This experience helped him realize that Karate is not about punching, kicking or fighting. It is about developing an individual, and helping them grow to become the best person they can be. Stephanie’s fondness for Karate grew even stronger while she took her own path. She was enticed with the art of being a leader with the passion and discipline to help and care about people.
What We Are Told About Martial Arts
Every advertisement you see for Martial Arts always talk about:
- Leadership
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Discipline
- Self-Defense
These philosophies are very true! Karate has a way of teaching this through repetition; it allows the mind and body time to adapt. Within that process, we realize that we can become leaders by helping others willing to study. We learn honesty through perseverance; you perform all 200 kicks because you realize that putting in the work makes your journey more rewarding. As an individual develops internally, just like anything else, your confidence and self-esteem grows as well. Karate helps those grow mentally and physically stronger. Once a martial artist can understand these doctrines, they are then better prepared to meet the everyday challenges of life; of course they will also have the skills to defend themselves if ever required.
Our Philosophies
We were told separately many years ago that the best way to learn is to teach. We now have the ability and responsibility to share with our students the principles and values which we both have gained from studying Karate for the past two decades. Each student is different and requires a different approach to learning in order to reach their full potential. We understand, as instructors that our students, young and old, comprehend that the respect and discipline they demonstrate to learn and participate in Karate is the same discipline required to be successful in life.
What is Karate?
Karate is an art like learning to play a musical instrument. When you respect it and are ready to devote time to your craft, you will rise to greater heights. We have personally witnessed how embracing the art and living as a true Karate-ka (a person who studies Karate) will benefit your life and the people around you. Through our desire or any instructor’s desire to share their passion of Karate with them, hopefully, students are inspired to do the same. The focus as an instructor is not to develop the person with the best kicks or punches, but instead develop the person with strong character who lives with values and ethics for others and themselves.
Conclusions
Our experience in Martial Arts says “YES, Martial Arts are still very relevant!” Considering today’s society, we have to be thorough, confident and have great self-worth to be successful. Martial Arts provide the pathway for an individual to learn their limitations, and push those boundaries or challenges out the way so that the true powerful and mighty person within them can come alive.
Stephanie and George Whitten can be found at Fighting Tiger Family Karate, located on 6701 Glenwood Ave., Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27612. For more information, call (919) 787-2250 or visit www.ftfKarate.com.
