My idea of courage is the strength and bravery to stand up for someone, even if it’s yourself. When you think of courage like many others, you may think of helping others or doing what others don’t for someone because others either “don’t want to get in the middle of it” or because “It’s their problem” and if you do help, you will be considered other things and names. It always seemed as if the right way was to stay out of it, and not even try to help the person who is getting bullied or something that is happening to them.
Most of my school was like this. People would talk behind my back and to my face. Things were said about my religion, my appearance, and how I was in school. I even believed them. The names, the words that came out of their mouth, I believed every single one. I was also so focused on everyone else I forgot to take care of myself.
One time that really stood out to me was when someone made a joke about God and I had the chance to spread God’s word and stand up for my religion but I didn’t. I even got far from God, and stopped praying and reading my Bible because I thought it “wasn’t cool.” But soon after I started again even though I would still get made fun of.
I was then in class about a week later and there was a visitor. The teacher told us to say hi to Mrs. Andred from Soares Martial Arts. As soon as I heard “martial arts” I got terrified, especially of her. She had a black belt as well so I followed her directions as best I could, but turned out she was extremely kind and funny. After that day, I told my parents and they told me I should try it out, so I did.
I was terrified on the day of my first class. I walked in and it was already very welcoming. They gave me a spot on the huge open mat that they had with around 20 kids. We started off with basics, a simple jab cross or punch with your front hand then your back. I thought it was so simple until I realized there were more steps than you would think are in a punch. When you do a punch correctly it takes a bunch of coordination from your head to your feet.
Everyone was so kind from the teachers to the students. I loved it, and not only did they teach me about karate, but they taught me to have confidence, and how to stand up for myself and others. Then after a few years of karate, someone said something rude to me and I finally stood up for my religion and myself, finally. I started being more myself, even the teachers noticed, but in a good way.
Of course, you don’t have to join Soares Martial Arts to get courage, I guess what I am trying to say is you can find courage where you least expect it. Even though I am still working on sticking up for myself, it’s okay because I am getting better and taking baby steps. At least I am making progress, and that matters the most to me so thank you to my family, friends, and everyone at Soares Martial Arts for helping me reach my goal of courage and for supporting me all the way here, even when I thought I couldn’t do it, to now me being rewarded my black belt.
