I walked through the door of the dojo I now call home five and a half years ago. I was an awkward 14 year old teenager, in the summer flux between junior high and high school. Having no intentions of staying the martial arts for long, I simply signed up for a class nearly on a whim and began going twice a week. Through the ups and downs of my time at Stayton Self Defense I've learned a few life lessons.

1. Different kinds of power

Every person has their own strengths and talents. In the martial arts world, one person may have raw power, another might have speed and agility, while yet another might have patience to wait for the perfectly effective strike. All have the potential to be equally effective, though all are different approaches. This applies to people in general as well. We are a unique bunch of humans, but we are all valuable and armed with our own set of abilities. Never underestimate someone simply because their strengths are different than yours.

2. Do more work!

A favorite phrase often thrown around the dojo. It's motivating and empowering, particularly in the right context with correct understanding. No, it's not to say that you're not enough. It does however mean you need to keep pushing through. Break through the walls and press on. Growth comes from work (and sweat, and bruises, and sets of fifties). You are capable of far more than you think.

3. Consistency is better than flashy

Sure, the super-cool, amazingly high and awesome kick is well, cool, but it shows little of one's actual skills. Yes, it's pretty awesome and a good skill, but there's far more value in practicing the basics over and over. You practice until you don't get it wrong. Hours upon hours of the same kicks and punches until you hit your target every time. It takes an incredible amount of discipline to train consistently, but it always pays off.

4. Never insignificant

The headmaster of the dojo mentioned this almost in passing and I've never heard more of his heart than in the that statement: "no one is ever insignificant." As a young woman, student, and child advocate, this resonates with me like little else. No one is insignificant. As a Christian, this is also something that should weigh heavily in mind. All are created in the image of God, with purpose and innate value. You are significant.

My few years of training have shaped who I am today. They've changed the way I think about the world, the way I see people, the way I see myself. My instructors pushed me through walls I couldn't have imagined. I'm so very thankful for their investment in me over the years.