Self-confidence issues

[Safroot]

That's an amazing thread actually .. I got really touched and inspired by two posts here ... MasterPain & evergrey ...

I know it's a very old thread but it's worth reading

[jaypo]

Welcome to the KF forums. My $.02- I was in your shoes once as well. I started MA because of the way I was treated as a youngster (and my discipline issues!). I was naturally athletic, but very small and weak. So I took up Karate to help me with those things. I found that my confidence did increase a lot, but not to the point of foolishness. I knew MA students that thought they were invincible. I knew my limits. My self discipline also increased. I have ADHD, and Karate helped with it.

When I got back into MA over the last couple of is when I really noticed my confidence increase. Since high school, I have put on about 40lbs of muscle, I am very strong for my size, and although my speed and athleticism have taken a dive (multiple injuries and surgeries), my power and strength give me a pretty good advantage over most people. MA has helped my confidence and discipline in my professional life as well as my family life. And as far as practicality of my art, I'm reminded of a statemetn that Ice T made (kind of silly, but funny)- "when I was younger, I'd scream at people like AHHHH I'll KILLLL YA!!!. Now, I'd whisper to them, "you know I'll kill ya, right!!!!)

The thing to remember in your training is that the belt and rank of others means nothing. Your journey is your own. I would rather be the best yellow belt in the dojo instead of the worst green belt. So you should focus on becoming the best that YOU can be. If you focus on that, everything will fall into place. And once you start seeing the results, the fire will burn even hotter!

[CredoTe]

Yes, great read, great responses from everyone...