Word of the Month – Character Wk 3
Character
Week 3
“Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
Translation for Adults
Character and reputation are often considered sepa- rate qualities of one’s life, but they are so closely related that they may become indistinguishable.
Probably the best example of this is the person who pretends to be everyone’s friend (the shadow), but actually he or she talks badly about them behind their backs. Although initially others may think this two- faced individual is genuinely being nice, eventually his or her true character will be exposed (the tree). Always try to keep your shadow behind you, so others see and benefit from knowing the real you. To achieve a Black Belt reputation, you must have a Black Belt character.
Translation for Kids
Your reputation is what people think of you. That is the shadow in the quote from Abraham Lincoln. Your
character is who you really are. That is the tree. At first, character and reputation may seem to be separate qualities, but they are so closely related that they seem to merge together. If you want people to think you are kind, then you must be kind all the time. If you want people to think you are trustworthy, then you must be trustworthy all the time. Your character is the real you, and that is what you want others to see all the time.
That means you must have a Black Belt attitude every- day and everywhere you go.
Class Discussion for Kids
- What are some qualities that you want to define your character, the real you?
- What can you do to make sure that others recognize those qualities in you?
The Rochester Kung Fu & Fitness was founded in 2005 by Master Paul Gruschow, Rochester Kung Fu & Fitness’s lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need – specialized for their age group – for school excellence and later success in life.
Rochester Kung Fu & Fitness’s adult program is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape) or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Rochester Kung Fu and Fitness has a large family program, where families can learn martial arts and character in a friendly supportive environment. Where families together can improve their physical development with their Kung Fu and improve their character and learn lifelong skills as a family.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Rochester Kung Fu & Fitness or call directly at 585-413-0835. You can also visit our website at Greecekungfu.com.
About Master Paul J. Gruschow: Paul is a Ninth-Generation Master of the 7-Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu System under world renowned Grand Master Raymond Fogg and the United States Kung Fu Exchange Federation. Master Paul Gruschow sits on the board of the United States Kung Fu Exchange Federation as well. He has been teaching martial arts for over 20 years and has created many top internationally ranked competitors. Master Gruschow is a motivational speaker and educator and teaches seminars in bullying, self-defense, and martial arts training, around the world.
The Rochester Kung Fu & Fitness is located at 2496 West Ridge Rd, Rochester NY 14626.
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