Our lessons are both physical and ethical in nature. S.T.A.R. in the Martial Arts mirrors this dual nature of our schools. The curriculum is consistent with our own beliefs, teaching goals, and the karate do principle at the heart of our school. When taught with such an emphasis, children developed better skills in making life decisions than their peers who were not studying the martial arts. In serving our role as Sensei, we must, for the good of our students and ourselves, show exemplary moral conduct and impart ethical values to those who train under our authority.
Character education is an essential element of our teaching.
But to be effective and not adverse, it must be presented consistently in every class. Moral instruction in the dojo means a systematic, integrated, imaginative curriculum of character building lessons centered around themes and repeated for effect. As teachers of the martial arts we not only have the responsibility to impart values in our students but the opportunity to do so. Because they respect us, children listen to what we say. We must use this power wisely.