Ask most people what courage looks like and you will probably hear about a superhero or a firefighter. This week at Canadian Black Belt Academy in Bolton and Tottenham, our Message of the Week offers a different picture:
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
We love this quote because it describes two things we ask of every student, kid or adult, in every class.
The Courage to Stand Up and Speak
Using a strong voice does not come naturally to everyone. For a child, answering a question in front of the class can feel like a very big deal. For an adult starting karate for the first time, so can asking to see a move again. That is why karate gives students so many small chances to practise. They count out loud, answer questions with confidence, and make eye contact when they talk to an instructor. Over time, the quiet student who whispered in their first class starts to speak so the whole room can hear.
That voice travels with them. It shows up when a child asks a teacher for help, when an adult speaks up at work, and on the first day of something new.
The Courage to Sit Down and Listen
The second half of the quote is the harder lesson for a lot of kids, and for a lot of adults too. Listening takes courage because it means accepting that you still have something to learn. When an instructor kneels beside a student to fix a stance, that student has a choice. They can get frustrated, or they can listen, try the correction and get better.
Here is what listening looks like on the mat:
- Keeping still and quiet while an instructor explains a new technique
- Taking a correction without making an excuse
- Watching a classmate who has it figured out, and learning from them
- Letting a partner finish their turn before starting yours
Knowing Which One the Moment Needs
A black belt mindset means knowing when to speak and when to listen. Standing up for someone takes a strong voice. Hearing a friend out when they are upset takes patience. Every time you or your child ties a belt and steps on the mat, you practise both, one class at a time.
Two Minutes of Silence on November 11
Wednesday, November 11 is Remembrance Day. When Canadians stop for two minutes of silence, we are sitting quietly and listening to the stories of those who served. It is a good day to share this week’s message with your family.
A Question for This Week
Parents, at dinner or on the drive home, ask your child: “When did you speak up this week, and when did you listen?” Then share your own answer. Adults, it is a good question to ask yourself too.
Come Try a Class in Bolton or Tottenham
Whether you are looking for your child or for yourself, we would love to meet you. Canadian Black Belt Academy welcomes kids and adults from Bolton, Caledon, Tottenham, Beeton and New Tecumseth. Your first class is free. Contact us to book a time that works for you.