Just like in many different sports and martial arts, discipline is an essential component of karate training. Self-discipline is one of the most important and useful attributes an individual can posess. This is true not just in sports but also in everyday life. Self-discipline also plays an important role in a child's growth and development, helping them create a sense of individuality, and promote self-sufficiency and decision-making skills.
Discipline can be expressed in a variety of different ways. At times it can be seen as the ability to obey rules or a specific code of behavior. This therefore becomes a sign of inner strength and control. Self-discipline can also be seen as the ability to persevere with your decisions and goals with a determined and unwavering mindset. This skill is one of enormous value and can help you keep committed and focused on set goals until they have been accomplished.
There are many benefits to be seen from having good discipline. Being disciplined allows individuals to accomplish more and become more productive, allowing them to continuously reach new goals and heights more efficiently. It also plays an important role in the development of a good work ethic and helping in building self-confidence.
As karate often takes years to master, a person's discipline can become one of their best and strongest assets. Playing a pivotal role in training, discipline is essential in order to maintain a focused and determined attitude throughout an entire lesson and similarly, as progressing through the belts. As each level becomes increasingly harder, being disciplined allows students to persevere with their training and continuously better themselves.
A student's discipline is also intertwined in their methods of training. This means that a student with a high level of discipline will be able to train effectively whether in the dojo with an instructor, or training alone at home. An example of this, is when 'drilling' particular sections from a kata that the student is learning. At times this process can be difficult and frustrating, however a disciplined student will overcome those emotions in order to perform that kata at the highest degree.
However, discipline in karate not only applies to training and determination, it is also implemented into fighting styles. This means that during a kumite round, a disciplined fighter is able to compete confidently, knowing that they are able to spar effectively and strategically, but also with enough control that they will not hurt their opponent.