How Do We Build Identity in Martial Arts? With Integrity.
We began as Camira Chikara Martial Arts when my parents, Megan and Damian, opened the club in February 2018. Back then, we offered Freestyle Karate (Zen Do Kai) and Krav Maga.
Since then, we've grown into Rising Sun Martial Arts. We've added Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai to our timetable and expanded our training days. This growth has allowed us to evolve from a small community hall club into a permanent premises with a full-time setup. What I personally find more impressive is how we managed this growth without sacrificing the quality of our lessons.
Although each martial art we teach at RSMA is unique, they are all united by our mission statement:
"Rising Sun Martial Arts helps people become more competent on the mats and in life, by combining personal growth with a community that supports and challenges each other."
This mission statement is only part of the equation, however; it comes to life through our core values: loyalty, trust, connection, safety, and above all, integrity.
Integrity is the backbone of good character. Anyone can do the right thing when people are watching. In fact, it's quite easy, as humans have a strong crowd bias. Who you are, and how you behave when no one is watching, is what truly defines you. Would you behave differently if someone was standing over your shoulder to hold you accountable? If the answer is no, you probably have integrity.
At RSMA, we aim to develop integrity by holding ourselves accountable not just to others, but to ourselves. When a coach gives you push-ups to do, you do every rep, even when nobody is counting. When you commit to training, you show up and give your best effort. Integrity isn't something you demonstrate occasionally; it's something you practice consistently.
Integrity is a reliable predictor of long-term success. Many companies say they'd rather have an average performer with high integrity than a high performer without it. People with integrity are genuine, and genuine people are trusted. Trusted people are respected, and respected people tend to build strong relationships wherever they go.
As you train with us, I encourage you to reflect on how you show integrity in everyday life. Maybe you always return your shopping trolley, pick up your rubbish even when no one's around, or resist taking something that isn't yours. In class, it might mean doing every push-up asked of you with the best technique you can manage.
My favourite way to show integrity is by following through when I say I'll do something. A man is only as good as his word, so if I say I'll put the dishwasher on, you can bet it's going on.
A lot of the time, the actions that show your biggest beliefs are the small ones most people don't notice, but you will.
