The Three Qualities of a Black Belt

At the Quest Center we believe that there are three qualities that a black belt must have. These qualities are not just for the Dojo, but must be taken into every aspect of your life in order to attain your goals and dreams. They are as follows:

• Self Discipline - is the ability and courage to understand what is the right thing to do. For our younger students we explain this by telling them, "When mom tells you to do it, it is discipline. When you do it on your own it is self discipline".
  
  
• Focus - is using your eyes, ears, and brain to concentrate on the here and now. It is very easy to get distracted by what happened earlier today at the office, or what is going to happen when you get home. Many of us think about being at home while at work or school, and about work or school while at home. This is obviously not a very well balanced way of living. By being in the here and now, you can put yourself not only out of the way of danger, but into situations that will assist you in achieving your dreams and goals.
  
  
• Respect - is the understanding that you have something to teach everyone, and that you can learn something from everyone. This is a trait that seems to be sadly lacking in this day and age. In fact, there seems to be a growing trend to be deliberately disrespectful. By learning to respect others you begin to respect your own life and the value of life around you. We do not have to fail in life, we only do so when we choose the wrong path.