Credo
The Man In The Arena
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“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt
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The 5 Tenants
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Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance, Indomitable Spirit
Courtesy
Respect for others: Roosevelt said, “Its not the critic who counts…”. As a member of any dojo, team or organization you must always respect others. We all have varying degrees of knowledge, skill, ability and experience and all of our opinions should matter. We should all value each other’s ideas, input, contributions and opinions. Always remember to treat others the way we would want to be treated.
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Integrity
Always be honest; be honest with yourself and those in your circle. Be loyal, and forthcoming, accept fault, work on your weaknesses, be transparent and share knowledge instead of hoarding it. When you share knowledge with others it not only helps them, but it helps you grow as well. Ethical conduct is the way we behave toward one another and the way we behave when others are not around. It is a code that we live by and a confirmation of our values.
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Self Control
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Cultivation of self-discipline: Controlling movement, range and timing as you execute techniques is only a physical part of the craft. The rest involves mental and
emotional control. That includes having courage in the face of fear; such as the fear of failure. But the necessary discipline to achieve this is developed through practice, training, study, exercise, research, interaction, participation, growth, and learning continuously.
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Perseverance
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Sincerity in effort: Developing martial discipline or any other discipline comes first and foremost from being honest with yourself and with your own capabilities and motives. It doesn't come from doing things purely for display. Skill only comes as a result of earnest, committed effort combined with understanding and appreciation; “the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again….”
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Indomitable Spirit
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Pay homage to those who came before you and paved the way to success and created the skills you now use every day. Challenge yourself to improve your strengths and diminish your weaknesses, whether physical, mental, and personal; “there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
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Statement of Humility
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Never claim to be a Master of anything other than the Master of your own destiny.
Always be a humble student willing to share and teach
what has been shared with you and taught to you.
As a humble student always remain open minded and willing
to learn new things from anyone willing to share with you.
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Statement of Peace
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"We come to you in peace for we have no weapons.
But should we be forced to defend ourselves, our principles,
our honor, or should it be a matter of right or wrong;
then here are our weapons - our empty hands and feet,
and know that we are prepared to leave you in pieces."
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