Are you building a Strong and Happy Community?

By: Sensei Renee Nolte

Are you building a Strong and Happy Community? Better yet an energetic, dynamic and positive Community?
Grand Master Jhoon Rhee Father of US Tae Kwon Do wisely inserted the statement into his student creed so many of us advocate everyday,

 “To build true confidence through knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart and the strength in the body. To keep friendship with one another and to Build A Strong And Happy Community. Never Fight to achieve selfish ends but develop Might For Right!”
I have come to embrace this creed and live it honestly with passion, however, as the world changes and people evolve, there is a strong need to take the tenets of this creed and mold it to better shape our lives. Communities are often a macabre of different people with varying views and perspectives, differing cultures, traditions and religions. Often times, people can make positive attributes to their communities, while at times contribute negatively. As a martial arts sensei and a vocal leader in my community, I try to bring the tenets of Master Jhoon Rhee’s and define them so that they serve the best interests of my community.

I know you have all heard that negative and positive attitudes are contagious right? What would you rather desire in your community? Of course, the answer would be positive!

Is it going to happen on its own?

Are you expecting another to create this?

Are you a spectator in Life watching the Parade of Life or you a participant?

I suggest that if you are a spectator that you jump down off the curb and say “Hey I want to be in the Parade"! Lead your community through positive messages and works that Quality Martial Arts exemplifies. You can do these works and send these messages every day. I have always been in a service mentality. In fact I can not rest at night unless I know I have truly served another. Simple things even, like mentoring a student, conferencing with parents, and getting involved on a deeper level with their child shows you really care about their well-being, behavior, health, etc. Spending time at schools volunteering in PE classes, leadership classes, school activities, acting as a teacher aide, are other ways that you as a martial arts teacher can positively affect your community with the principles and traditions that each martial arts embodies.  

You can help serve your church with activities or find several churches to share your time with by getting involved in their youth activities or fundraisers. Every time there has been a Nation wide call for assistance I have called upon my students to do what they can and with my time and help. Locally serving the people around you will not only bring greater attention to yourself but to your school as well.
Before you know it you are portrayed as a local celebrity. That is fun! I have been known as "that karate lady” for 10 years now, in multiple communities. Random kids run up to me and hug me. Or I'll spot a child and softly pinch their cheek. The parents look at me really strange, then look at their kid and can see a soft little glow and they know its okay. As I walk away they say in a soft voice "that's the karate lady mom.” I turn back and smile and the mom waves. This has happened so many times and each time it happens it is a neat feeling.

I recently hired a lady at my office headquarters. I was sharing with her my vision and the kind of people I enjoy being around. She looked away and said "Oh, your not gonna like me." I asked her why. She replied “Because I am a negative person". I laughed and said "No your not", then gave her a little push on the shoulder. Throughout her tenure of employment, she has slowly changed each day from a person of negativity to a person who has a more positive outlook on life. Yet, even though much of her change was intrinsic, it was being part of a positive workplace that influenced her to change. She once confronted me a few months down the line and told me how much she enjoyed working here and the positive reinforcements that her supervisors gave her everyday.

My text messaging sign-off reads “Habit 8” instead of my name. If you know what Habit 8 is, good for you. If not, I recommend you read the books by Stephen Covey "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", and "The 8TH Habit." The 8TH Habit is finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs. Such an act is truly dynamic! Think of the following and how it may relate to daily life. Independence is boring, Dependence could be negative, however Interdependence is DYNAMIC! Think of the joy you receive when share a great message with your students, or help others by donating your time, your talent, your knowledge, your smile, and your passion.
I envision a martial arts dojo to be the same way; a place where kids and adults alike not only learn kicking and punching, but rather, a place where they learn how to gain a positive attitude. This should translate into the community as well, as martial arts is not just confined to the dojo, but really is a way of life that should be shared with all members of the community.