Feel the Positivity!
This semi-regular post will attempt to highlight positivity in the martial arts from around the world. Unfortunately, it is far too easy to find negative stories on the internet. Positive ones, however, are harder to find. Let’s recognize and celebrate those martial artists and schools who are doing good things in their communities, as well as, making great accomplishments.
If you are putting on any kind of event, workshop, or seminar, feel free to post it at http://www.martialartscalendar.com It can bring attention to your event and is free to use! Go ahead and check out the site to see what is going on in the coming months near you!
You can see the last installment here.
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
In what used to be run down row housing, a dojo has risen up to provide the youth with positivity. Munir Bahar is offering an education in Karate, training, and stillness to combat the drugs and killing in the area. He built the space by hand and has partnered with a neighborhood after-school club. The young boys come there to train and learn with the intent to keep them from going down the dark paths that consume too many of the youth in the area. Please keep doing this great work, Mr. Bahar!
Queensland, Australia
The art of Pencak Silat is alive and strong in the land Downunder! 13-year-old Olivia Gehle has created quite the resume’ despite her young age. She has multiple gold and silver medals in various regional and national championships and plans to add to that collection. She will be traveling to Indonesia next year to receive special training. In addition, she will be representing Queensland again at the National Pencak Silat Championships. Keep up the training and hard work!
Winsford, Cheshire, United Kingdom
The local Modern Kenpo Karate Association is trying to infuse new life into the town center for the upcoming holiday season. They are currently building a grotto to be donated to the city to help create a “winter wonderland.” All of their time and effort are donated with nothing in return. Their hope is to revitalize their community and bring people together.
Ramat Gan, Israel
Here is another study highlighting the benefits of the traditional martial arts. This meta-analysis out of the Bar-Ilan University focuses on the violence-reducing benefits of martial arts training. I find it interesting that only traditional martial arts showed a reduction in aggressive tendencies. “Modern” martial arts, however, showed a potential increase in those same tendencies. Interesting reading for sure!
Bangkok, Thailand
We have an article here detailing the author’s journey into the martial arts. Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra delves into the world of Brazillian Ju-Jitsu in Thailand and how it can benefit women. Specifically, how it can help them when being sexually assaulted. In addition, she highlights the benefits of the bonds of friendship that typically form during martial arts training.
If you know of any good examples of positivity in the martial arts, please post them in the comments below!
As always, embrace positivity, my brothers and sisters!
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