The Core Values of Martial Arts

Martial arts can be a very powerful art form to learn – the unwavering core values of martial arts go beyond physical strength. While performing well in tournaments and winning competitions is an important goal, martial arts teaches deeper values that are more significant.

Martial arts philosophy has an incredibly long lineage and historical impact, which is intertwined with how classes are constructed. Nine core values have come from this philosophy and are emphasised in martial arts lessons.

1. Courage

Courage is the readiness and willingness to face negative and difficult situations despite feeling fear. Martial arts teach students that courage is necessary to make big life decisions, try new things, and succeed in relationships and work. When students do something out of their comfort zone, whether it be learning a new skill or competing in tournaments, they strengthen their courage. The value of courage is especially important for children as they grow in a world full of uncertainties.

2. Honour

The code of honour is one of the most critical values in martial arts, as it reflects a student’s moral principles. Honour means to live with loyalty, courage, respect, duty, integrity, and selflessness, where a person can live a life they are proud of. In martial arts, honour is a core teaching to encourage students to reach their full potential in all aspects of life.

3. Duty

Duty is a moral obligation to put the ego aside and perform an action. Having a sense of duty is the understanding of what is right and wrong, influencing a student's thoughts and actions. In martial arts, students are motivated by their sense of duty to progress in their training and to have compassion towards others. Duty plays a part in how individuals contribute to their community, especially for young children who are still developing their character. 

4. Respect

Respect is a large part of martial arts. Students show respect by bowing before they step on the mat, to other students and trainers while on the mat, and after they step off the mat. Bowing is a sign of deep respect, exhibiting the willingness to focus on training and having consideration for the space in which they train. In martial arts, respect is the foundation for students learning to be the best version of themselves, reaching their highest potential, and uplifting others. The positive effect of respect is also seen in the home — children who understand the value of respect tend to show it to their parents and have fewer behavioural problems.

5. Benevolence

A person who is benevolent is someone who shows kindness, respect, generosity, helpfulness, and care. Martial arts values go beyond mental and physical strength – it also values and requires students to have a benevolent heart. During martial arts lessons, one of the main focuses for teachers is to teach students the importance of supporting others through kindness and compassion.

6. Wisdom 

When a person is wise, they have good judgment and knowledge to help them navigate difficult situations. Wisdom is a significant part of martial arts core values, teaching students to combine personal growth and mental strength with timeless wisdom. Students are encouraged to look at the larger picture in life and connect deeply with the world around them. 

7. Honesty 

In martial arts, students are expected to act with honesty at all times. Honesty is deep-rooted in the core values of martial arts lessons, which are modelled by martial arts teachers. Students learn how to act honestly by taking responsibility for their actions and understanding how to be honest without hurting others. Parents often struggle to teach honesty to their children because kids typically avoid telling the truth out of fear of consequences. As kids learn the value of honesty in martial arts, they start to live it out at home and in school.

8. Loyalty

Loyalty can be presented in a variety of ways in martial arts. Students learn to stay true and loyal to themselves and put their mental and physical well-being first. Being loyal to yourself means giving relief when you need it and pushing yourself when you can. Another way loyalty is shown in martial arts is by staying loyal to your gym. The importance of community is strongly emphasised in martial arts, and staying constant at your martial arts facility helps to build strong relationships with your peers and trainers.

9. Integrity 

Martial arts builds a strong philosophical foundation on acting morally and with integrity. Integrity means behaving honourably and refusing to engage in actions that contradict a person’s moral code. When students act with integrity, they remain steadfast in their beliefs and adhere to them without succumbing to peer pressure. For parents, knowing that your child has the ability to stand their ground in the face of negative influences can be very reassuring.

Getting Started

At UMF Academy Townsville, we embed each and every one of the above core values in our training to empower children to do and achieve their very best while caring for others. We are devoted to the authenticity of the traditional martial arts philosophy and believe that the pursuit of physical excellence first begins with a strong mind and foundation of steady values. UMF Academy is the only martial arts provider in Townsville that uses the industry’s leading character development system to teach children essential life values. 

If you’re interested in signing your child up for martial arts lessons to instil these core values, reach out to us today.