OP-ED
My 2 cents on...
Being A
Young Grasshopper
In this exclusive series,
our guest columnistsparents weigh in on the
issues that are closest to
their hearts. This month,
actor and martial arts
aficionado Robin Leong
explains why he believes
every child should take up
martial arts.
By Robin Leong
Today’s children have so many options
when it comes to leisure – iPads,
iPhones, Xboxes, etc. They live in a
society where things are easy, and
easily accessible. Now, wasting
time playing video games or surfing
Facebook is a sort of exercise for them.
As a result, a lot of these children are
dependent on these virtual addictions.
As a parent, what can you do?
The answer is simple. Help them to
find a hobby in their lives that they will
enjoy and will allow them to express
themselves while getting fully fit and
mentally focused.
What could this hobby be?
Martial arts, of course!
In the world of
Chinese martial
arts, respect is
paramount, not
just to learn but
also to honour
your parents,
elders and
teachers.
All the different forms of martial arts
are fantastic hobbies and wonderful
sports. They inculcate self-defence
techniques in the practitioner and
also build one’s physical and mental
discipline. In my opinion, the most
important aspect of martial arts is its
ability to help create mental strength
and confidence in people, especially in
children. The physical benefits are just
the cherry on top of the cake!
Mental strength helps children to
be self-disciplined and focused, and
introduces structure into their lives.
It also builds their confidence and
prepares them for life. I always tell my
students that they must always develop
good training habits (work ethic), as
it doesn’t only help them to excel in
kung fu but also assists them in getting
better grades in school and building
better relationships with family
and friends.
Most importantly, it
teaches them one
important quality.
Respect.
“Respect yourself and others
will respect you.” Confucius
To fully understand the
importance of learning
a martial art, one must
learn to respect oneself
and others, especially
to elders. Nowadays,
many children forget about
38
Family & Life • Nov 2013
authority. They feel that they don’t
need to answer to anyone except
themselves. This creates a lack of
respect that frustrates parents.
In the world of Chinese martial arts,
respect is paramount, not just to
learn but also to honour your parents,
elders and teachers. Learning to
practice diligently while showing
respect to those who are teaching you
equips you with the qualities needed to
succeed in life.
For example, there was one child who
had anger management issues and
constantly talked back to his parents
and teachers. Initially, he didn’t even
want to join the programme and had a
haughty, snobbish attitude for the first
two weeks.
Something changed shortly thereafter
though, and he actually began to
participate in the exercises. I could tell
he was directing his anger towards the
punching bags. He used the classes as
a form of release and slowly, he began
to learn respect and most importantly,
control. He also started channelling his
anger in positive ways.
Now, according to his Mum, he’s
currently studying in the States and
is doing very well. It is stories like
this that motivate and inspire me to
continue doing what I’m doing – helping
children become not just martial artists
but better people.
What else does martial arts impart?
Balance. Confidence. Chi.
“It does not matter how slowly you go
as long as you do not stop.” Confucius
Exercising is always wonderful for
the body, but learning a martial arts
takes exercise to a whole new level as
it teaches you to discover your chi. Chi
is the inner energy force that everyone
has. You j W7B