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WHAT THE STUDENT CREED MEANS TO ME
By Raiden Ikemoto

    Karate is not just a fun sport, it is also a way of life. In karate, we have a student creed. It is a set of rules to live by.

 

    The first line of the creed says, “I will grow every day in Mind, Body and Spirit.” I grow my mind by going to school and reading. For example, at school I do problem solving in math. I also learn more words in reading and learn how to write this in writing. In school we also have homework which includes reading for 20 or more minutes every day. The homework also includes division and multiplication. That is how I grow my mind. I grow my body by doing physical activity, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. I do physical activity by doing sports such as basketball, baseball, skiing, football, swimming, ect. This keeps me in shape and healthy. I eat healthy by eating square meals. I also eat healthy by eating protein after sports or exercising. This helps me grow to be healthy, in shape and tall. I grow in spirit by meditating before and after karate class. I also go for walks and hikes.

 

    The next line of the creed says, “I will be my best in every way and help others do the same.” For example, I try my best in everything I do. I try my best in schoolwork. I help my classmates, but I don’t just give them the answers. I give them hints so they can learn and do their best.

    The next line of the creed says, “I will use my power for peace and always be kind and respectful". For example, I will not try to fight someone. I will only use my skills if someone tries to fight me. I will not throw the first punch. I have done karate for 6 years and I have never gotten into a fight. I also try to help my friends get along by suggesting they do rock paper scissors to resolve a disagreement.

 

    The last line of the creed says, “I will develop Black Belt Excellence through Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit.” I show modesty when I have good sportsmanship after my sports team wins a game by a lot of points. I show courtesy when I hold the door open for people. I show integrity when I do homework, basketball and karate without being told. I showed self-control when I got really mad about when the Celtics lost the championship. I did not show my anger by storming off to my room. I show perseverance when my music  class is very hard for me, but I have to persevere by practicing everyday so that I can get better. I show indomitable spirit when I have to be brave. I tell myself “screw it and do it”. For example, I had this attitude when I did my music recital last year. I had to be brave on vacation when I jumped off a boat from 20 feet into the ocean or when I dropped into a bowl while skateboarding.

 

    Living the student creed helps me to be a better martial artist. It also helps me to be a better person. I plan to continue to use the values in the student creed including continuous growth, excellance, kindness, respect, modesty, courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit.A

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