Every now and then stepping back to take in the moment reminds me why I commit to be here each day. Watching the kids learn to spar, the giggles, the respect, the help the older students offer the newer ones, it fills me with joy. Seeing these students take a leadership role reaffirms my position. We are all leaders, as each of us willingly steps into the necessary role of the moment, we each grow and learn. The patience they have gained, the perseverance they exhibit, the pep talks they give, it all proves the valuable role martial arts can play in a child’s life. Even the three year olds show great maturity and compassion after a few classes and start to learn the value of the Tenets and the power they have in their body, their hearts, and their minds. Every day is another opportunity to make a difference, to impact someone’s life for the better, and help raise my community
~Master Staup