Andrew Green said:
Martial arts, even sports in general, are said to "Build Character"
What does that mean? What is this "Character" we are supposed to be building, and how do we do it? ... So what is it, what actually builds it?
My comments might be similar to what others have already said; perhaps with a different perspective, but I'll say it anyway and see if anyone agrees.
I view this word "character" as being a loose term we often use to describe something more without actually saying it. A person's "character" is how they act in any given situation; their choices, priorities, values. It is your personality traits that people know you by, and that make you unique from most people, and similar to others.
I compare this to the "role" associated with a "character" in a play or movie. An actor reads the description of a character, and then auditions for that part. The actor portrays the character by saying certain lines, and acting in a manner consistant with that "character's personality traits."
What is often left unsaid is that a person's "character traits" can be viewed as good or bad (others here have touched on this as well). We develop our "Character" throughout our lives, from birth, to early childhood, teen years, and adulthood. Any activity, and every person we come in contact with can influence the type of Charater we choose to become (even movies, books, video games, and yes.... the dreaded internet). Some of those choices are conscious, while others, we are unaware of the change or the source of the influence (that's what psycho-therapy is for
).
Anything that we, as individuals, or that society deems as positive, or acceptable behavior becomes desirable as Character Traits. A person might willingly adopt those norms, or reject and rebel against them. While it is true that our environment, circumstances, and peers (or role models) often times influences the psycological conditioning of our brains to behave in certain ways, many people develop good, or bad, character traits despite the influences around them.
There are those who live in the ghetto, and become a person of low character (dishonest, disloyal, etc) because of the lack of social structure, and positive role models. On one hand, all it takes is one positive role model in that person's life to make a difference (a parent, teacher, minister, friend, community leader, etc.), and to help guide, inspire, and drive that person up to a successful life. On the other hand, some people have brought themselves out of adverse conditions irregardless of the negativity around them.
The same is true for positive influences. Most people are inspired by successful role models, or positive comments to boost their confidence, or a good parent or teacher who shows them right from wrong, and why it is important to do the right thing. Yet, even in the best of environments, some people still choose to be evil, or do dishonest and unethical deeds.
I think it is safe to say that the benefit of a positive role model, coupled with challenging, educational, and inspirational activities provides the best influence, and a greater chance of success. An excellent role model can succeed without a proper venue or activity, and a well structured activity can produce positive results even in the presence of poor leadership, but the two together stand the best chance, in my opinion.
Not just "Character," but building "Good Character" is knowing right from wrong, positive from negative, and always choosing to do the right thing. Integrity is the strength of your will power to resist temptation and compromise your ethics, or easily change your values. People develop good character by participating in positve activities, learning from positive sources, choosing to reject negative influences, and conditioning our brains to respond to situations in a manner that is consitant with both our personal values, and core ethics. A properly run Martial Art program, administered under the guidance of a good instructor will tend to yield the best results in my opinion.
CM D. J. Eisenhart
