Jhoon Rhee International`s Web Site

by Jhoon Rhee and Chun Rhee

The first thing that comes into most people's minds when they hear or see the word "Martial Art" is probably an image of Bruce Lee or Jean Claude Van Damme furiously defending themselves against ten attackers.

Today the word "Martial Art" has been associated with academics, and these same people become confused at how such a "violent" activity could positively contribute to improving a child's performance in education. Unfortunately, Hollywood focuses on the physical half of the Martial Arts and rarely presents the other half, which is self discipline.

This self discipline is the backbone of any Martial Art. The movie Karate Kid superbly illustrated this aspect of the Martial Arts. Anyone who desires to become a true Martial Artist, whether s/he is practicing Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Wu shu, or Judo, must first develop self discipline. So, what is the link between Martial Arts and Education?

The word discipline can be broken down into two basic ingredients: Attention and Respect. The two corresponding Korean commands are Chariot and Kyung-nay. Attention and Respect are the two most important mental attitudes needed for learning. If we look back to our days in school, we can remember those teachers who we gave attention and respect, we learned the most. Whereas, from those teachers who we did not care for, we learned very little. This principle of Attention and Respect is especially emphasized in Martial Arts training; without it, a student will not progress in the Martial Arts.

Knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart and strength in the body are three basic foundations that must be balanced to develop a truly confident and happy child. Children, however, are not mature enough to appreciate the true value of neither knowledge, nor honesty; but they value strength highly. Most children greatly admire Black Belt Martial Artists for their physical ability to defend themselves. The unbelievable popularity of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" among our children is proof of this. It can be said without argument that when you envy someone or something, being like that person or thing is highly desirable. Therefore, the Martial Arts can be used as a tool to teach children the mental self-discipline necessary for the physical discipline in Martial Arts. This mental discipline can thus be applied to other areas in the child's life, including education.

For a young child beginning in the Martial Arts, the Martial Arts instructor is a permanent fixture in the young person's life, especially when the student spends three or four years working toward the black belt. The instructor spends great amounts of time working with individual students. From this quality time together, they develop love and respect for each other.

Over 75% of the students at the Jhoon Rhee Institutes are children and they are responding positively from the discipline training. From this observation, we have come to the conclusion that Martial Arts teachers can have as much influence on children as any other professional. We are convinced that Martial Artists, with this heroic image, can motivate our young people to enhance self-discipline that is indispensable for building character and wisdom in children. We can build confidence in academic children by teaching them black belt skills, so that they can stand against bullies. This way, we can help our children to reverse the peer pressure from bullies which has been a root of social decline.

The Martial Arts is more than a sport, an art, or a method of self defense; it is a way of life. Those who practice the Martial Arts with devotion will discover that their outlook on life changes a great deal. This process involves a great effort to unify the mind, body, and spirit and a deeper understanding of the dignity of humanity. Increased self confidence, self worth, drive and level of accomplishment received through Martial Arts are only a few of the benefits; ultimately, it will lead you to a happy life which is the end purpose of every human being.

The guidance, interest, and leadership provided by heroic Martial Arts instructors have changed the lives of many young people for the better. Instead of high school dropouts, drug addicts and thieves, these young people now make positive contributions to our society. The steady, dedicated training a student receives in the Martial Arts can redirect a young life to positively contribute to themselves, their families, and their country. The Martial Arts can be the basis of our children's total education.