Many people suffer from a lack of self-worth (how much a person values himself or herself) and self-esteem (what one thinks of himself or herself). These are debilitating conditions that affect every aspect of a person’s life.

One is not born with a lack of self-worth or self-esteem; this is brought on by the conditions of the environment one is raised in and can continue throughout life. However, these conditions can be overcome and few activities can repair, nurture and develop self-worth and self-esteem like training in a traditional martial arts school.

Classes at the Chinese Martial Arts Center are structured to provide a training environment where students slowly learn to overcome their physical limitations. As they learn and improve in different skills, their self-confidence begins to grow.

Training is progressive, which means that the student is challenged to kick higher, punch faster, react quicker, do one more push-up, or get a little deeper into the stretch. The instructor both prods and encourages the student along and as the student becomes aware of improved physical and mental attributes, a sense of accomplishment begins to emerge. This sense of accomplishment is the foundation that nurtures self-worth and builds self-esteem.

Our goal is to empower our students, to teach them that they are stronger than they think they are, both physically and emotionally. Each accomplishment in class instills in the student the “YES I CAN” attitude and this carries over to all aspects of daily life.

Mind you, there is work involved here, but nothing worthwhile and lasting is achieved overnight!