Martial arts is an amazing and wondrous journey of self-discovery and growth. Karate is unique in it's ability to meet every student exactly where they are at physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and then move them forward from that place regardless of their age or their motivation for starting. From that place, through the application of effort, they discover things about themselves they didn't know. They encounter obstacles in their training that have to be overcome. They come face to face with who they really are.
Confidence is gained through competence. In each area, as a student learns to overcome their challenges on the training floor they learn how to apply those same lessons in other areas of their life outside of the studio. Over time they will develop a maturity and presence that can only come from knowing themselves and being comfortable with who they are. Once one learns how to "be", they will "do" the things necessary to "have" everything that's important in their life. This is the journey of martial arts and it is unique and different for every student.