When I was 12-years-old, I attended my first International Training Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Chuck Norris System karate. My brother was a green belt in the system and this was my first exposure to the sport. When I was there, I fell completely in love with martial arts, as millions of people do worldwide. A week after we came home from the conference, I was so inspired that I joined the next week at Presti Karate Centers in Niagara Falls, New York.
The Chuck Norris System has truly benefited me in so many ways since my first day of karate on July 15, 2009. Since the day I walked in the Presti karate studio as a white belt, I felt at home. Karate has definitely shaped me into the mature person that I am today. Without the Chuck Norris System in my life, I have no clue who I would be because I know that I would be a completely different person without it.
Today, I can proudly say that after six years of intensive training, I am now a second degree Chuck Norris System black belt. Martial arts has affected millions of individuals across the world for centuries, including mine. No matter what style of martial arts a person takes, their lives have been changed for the good because of it.
1. Respect
As a student in martial arts, I am required to be respectful to my masters, teachers, classmates and quite honestly everyone. Respect is essential because it demonstrates that you value others as individuals.
2. Discipline
3. Integrity
Integrity to me means having a strong moral compass, doing what is right and not taking the easy way out of any situation. It means working extremely hard and earning every single thing you get by making righteous decisions. An example is moving through the ranks of a person's karate career, working hard and walking the walk and talking the talk.
4. Honesty
Honesty plays a large part in many lives across the world. This concept has taught me to be true to myself and others. I walk with confidence because of my honesty and karate training.
5. Courage
Courage to me is the ability to try something that may be unusual or difficult for them. Showing strength during hard times is one of the many things I thank my martial arts training for.
6. Perseverance
This has taught me to never give up on my dreams. No matter how hard the journey is to achieve my goals, I will work as hard as I possibly can to reach my destination.
7. Self-Defense
I possess the ability because of my karate training, to defend myself if someone ever tries to harm my life. I feel extremely blessed.
8. Supportive
"I will always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own." -- Grand Master Chuck Norris
9. Loyalty
Loyalty has strengthened my ability to trust in others and be there for them. Loyalty has also allowed me to grow closer to people and to form relationships that positively impact my life and theirs as a whole.
10. Strength
