“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And just like anything else, through hard work.”
-Vince Lombardi
We are raising our children to be leaders. We want them to grow up and be successful in this world. We want them to make a difference and help shape the future. But how do we teach kids to be leaders?
One way to develop leadership skills in your child is to practice martial arts. At IMAA, we have seen many of our students go on to be excellent leaders. We believe that our core values, our creed, and our way of teaching are all excellent tools to help shape up-and-coming leaders.
What Qualities Make a Good Leader?
The Center For Creative Leadership lists ten traits that make a great leader.
- Integrity
- Delegation
- Communication
- Self-Awareness
- Gratitude
- Learning Agility
- Influence
- Empathy
- Courage
- Respect
At the beginning of every class, our students recite our creed, which is rooted in traits like the ones listed above.
I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health.
I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
I will use common sense before self defense and never be abusive or offensive.
This is a black belt school, we are dedicated, motivated, and on a quest to be our best.
At Innovative Martial Arts Academy, we also follow four core values and connect all of our teachings back to our lessons. Those values: Integrity, Discipline, Focus, and Perseverance are what help to shape the future leaders of our world.
How Our Martial Arts Program Teaches Leadership
The core values that we possess at IMAA are woven through everything we do at our dojo. We uphold our core values, and we expect our students to do the same. Through modeling and teaching, we show our students the importance of having integrity and what it means to be a person of integrity.
At IMAA, we teach our students to have discipline when it comes to their martial arts training. You can not advance in your martial arts if you’re not a disciplined student with focus. Through the practice of martial arts, students learn how to set goals and follow through with completing each goal that is set. As they advance in their belt rankings, they become more disciplined. They develop a strong sense of self awareness that is used to achieve goals.
Martial Arts teaches students how to show respect. In our dojo, students bow to their instructors, listen, and show respect to their fellow students. Students support each other in achieving their goals, this promotes a sense of community among students. Supporting each other in achieving their goals also instills empathy in our students.
At IMAA, our instructors are excellent communicators, we are clear and precise with our directions. Students learn the importance of good communication, and how to be good communicators as well as listeners.
Not only does training in martial arts take hard work, but it also takes courage. Our students demonstrate a tremendous amount of courage- to set high standards for themselves and to try and achieve their goals!
Great Leaders Emerge
At IMAA, we have a commitment to our core values and our creed. It is the fabric that weaves us together and allows our students to reach their martial arts goals. It is no wonder that our students emerge from our dojo as leaders.
Want to Read More About Martial Arts?
Take a look at some of our other articles about martial arts and IMAA’s course offerings. Check out the following related blog articles:
Try A Class!
At Innovative Martial Arts Academy, our Martial Arts training offers men, women, and children the opportunity to challenge their bodies and minds without the threat of injury and intimidation. Take on the best training in disciplines like Aikido, Kenpo Karate, and Kali, and build your skills one day at a time with the help of our dedicated instructors.
We are proud to serve families across Wake Forest, Wakefield and the surrounding area with a rewarding experience that can set you or your child up for success in all aspects of life. If you’re interested in learning about our martial arts program, contact us at 919.562.4663, or visit our website.
