In my studio, we took great pride in working on all kids to have a great attitude and develop responsibility, and respect for others. There are benefits to the martial arts training for everyone, even if they never use their martial art skills in a self- defense situation. We required our kids repeat our Martial Arts Creed every day in every class.
Honesty in the Heart, means don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t cheat, do things
to help your friends, neighbors, and family every day. We then would ask every child about what they did previously to help their family. If they did nothing to help, the instructor would then ask the class, “What do you think this guy should do here right now, because he did nothing to help his family?” I would then ask the class. “Should we set his hair on fire?, Should we body slam him? Or should he do 10 push ups?” The push up option was the obvious choice, but the possible punishment for doing nothing to help was a great deterrent to establish a reason to help around the house and create family participation. Many times parents would report to me that their child would come and ask them what they could do to help around the house. The parent would be excited that their child thought ahead to make sure they were not going to have to do extra sit ups or push ups when they came to class! The parent was doubly excited to realize that their child was now interested in helping around the house because of this requirement that National Karate had implemented.

Strength in the Body, means no drugs, no smoking, no alcohol, getto bed on time and eat everything your Mom puts on your plate! Many timesI had heard a Mom tell me that because of our Creed, all she had to say was.
“I know someone at the karate studio who will want to hear that you did not eat your vegetables!” That was effective, and it sure does not hurt to have a discussion about drugs and alcohol to children by people other than parentsor school officials. The importance of good role models in your child’s life is immeasurable. Television constantly sends the wrong messages about how to deal with others, how to live your life, treat your family, or do what you want no matter what others may think!

Your child will respect the karate instructor because he should demand it!. Answering “Yes sir” and “No sir” is a great way to start. A good karate instructor will insist on this response. This should be maintained in the home as well. You love your child, but he is not your buddy! He must do what you say to maintain discipline.

Knowledge in the Mind, means listen to your teacher, get yourhomework done on time and make the best grades that your school gives out. I required that all of our kids brought in their report cards to show me. If their grades were above average they then would qualify to get a red stripe on their belt. If a child brought me two good report cards in a row, the child would then earn an “Academic Achievement” patch for their uniform. Kids who saw these awards given out wanted them and would try harder in school so that they could earn one. It’s a win-win deal! To help establish responsibility in every child, they must understand that it gets done because they do it. If they don’t stand up to a bully, or take the trash out, or turn in their assignment, the end result is always accountable to them.
It is widely known, but not very well advertised, that the martial arts as a physical activity for children is probably the top exercise program for developing the core values of self-worth in children and adults. means listening to your teacher, getting your homework done on time, and making

By Jim Butin