Last week, I was watching a group of our students training, their faces showed a combination of joy, strain, and defiance, a good defiance though, the kind you show when faced with a challenge. Seeing this I thought about what really keeps them coming back class after class. One young man, maybe twelve years old, was kicking the punching bag with a determination that lit up the whole dojo. But earlier that day, his mom had shared with me how he sometimes complained about coming to class, saying it was “too hard” or that he’d rather play video games. Yet here he was, pushing through, not for a trophy or a high-five from me, but because something inside him had clicked. It got me reflecting on what true motivation is; what it really means, especially for kids, and how it ties into everything we do here at the dojo.

In my years teaching karate, I’ve seen it time and again: the sparkle in a child’s eye when they first start often comes from the fun of it all, the novelty, the friends, earning a new belt. But that’s external stuff, like the thrill of starting a new adventure. True motivation though? That’s different. It’s that inner fire, the personal “why” that drives you to show up, even on the tough days. For kids, it’s about discovering that doing karate isn’t because mom or dad said so, or to impress the instructor, it’s for themselves, for growing stronger in body and mind.

I remember my own early days in karate,I wanted to quit because of the constant repetition and difficulty of it all. But my father wouldn’t let me quit; he knew what was best for me, even when I didn’t. Over time, I found my own reason: the satisfaction of mastering a technique, the quiet pride in pushing past my limits. It wasn’t about belts or tournaments; it was self-development, building discipline to face challenges without complaint, respect for myself by honoring the process, focus to tune out distractions, and the self-confidence from knowing I could overcome anything I set my mind to. That shift from “I have to” to “I want to, for me”, changed everything.

For our young students, this is crucial. Kids today face so many pulls, screens, school pressures, friends. But when they find their true motive in karate, magic happens. Take that twelve year old I mentioned: after a few weeks, he said to me, “Sensei, I am practicing at home so I can get faster with my kicks.” Suddenly, he’s not just going through the motions; he’s owning his growth. It builds discipline as they repeat katas, not for praise, but to refine their own skills. They learn respect for themselves and others because they start to value effort and results. They learn to focus on what matters, and their self-confidence grows when they notice their own progress.

And it’s not just the kids though, adults in our classes rediscover this too. Maybe you’re juggling work and family, and karate becomes your space to recharge, not out of obligation, but for personal renewal. The key is asking: Why do I do what I do? If the answer is personal growth, then you’re on the right path.

As I wrap up this month’s thoughts, I challenge you: Reflect on your own “why.” For our kids, guiding them to find it prepares them for life beyond the mat. For all of us, it is the fuel for discipline, respect, focus, and self-confidence. If you’re ready to discover yours, come join us at the dojo and let’s grow together.

Willy Strohmeier - Colorado Karate Club