Kindness Matters

When I laid out the curriculum for my new martial arts studio in 2010, I decided to experiment with the systems that I'd been taught as traditional instruction methods. Within each level leading to black belt it is customary to recognize steps toward the next level with a piece of tape on the belt. This is a symbol of recognition, awarded to those showing proficiency in areas of the curriculum such as basics or self-defense movements. Not long ago, a serious martial arts teacher would have rolled their eyes at the notion of including elements like acts of kindness in their requirements for advancement, but I was interested in testing what I'd been learning from less traditional sources. I knew that random acts of kindness would have benefits on their own, but I decided that I wanted to talk about them with our group, and how they make us feel.

I began to require an act of kindness, followed by a letter or drawn explanation from every student for every belt level. This act would be recognized on all belts with an orange-colored tape and was required for advancement. The orange-colored tape had just as much to do with promotion to the next belt as kicking or sparring. My goal was to get students and parents to understand that training in martial arts is more than self-defense or physical fitness. Over ten years Champion Taekwondo's students generated thousands of random acts of kindness. I know the impact that had on our community because it was taught to me over and over as those affected shared their stories.

Every note that came to me in exchange for that orange bit of tape meant something different to the person on both sides of the kindness. As I read these notes about the specific act of kindness at the end of class... I could feel the energy of the room lift. Everyone (almost) enjoyed the orange stripe moment to shine for different reasons, and there were a few that dodged the spotlight altogether. I've gotten notes on letterhead and scrap papers, drawn-out, and brief- all types. All of them said the same thing to me, they might have been about doing a chore or spending time, or a secret in-depth kindness ninja practice... but for ten years strong, I always saw the same thing. Kindness matters. It was just as important in my curriculum as burpees, and in some cases more transformative to the individual. 

 Cultivating these opportunities for people is an ongoing act of kindness. Sharing it acknowledges my interconnection with others and the world. It sustains my belief in the good within myself and the world. It makes me feel good. When I feel good, I do good. Try spreading some kindness and see what happens!