Believe In Yourself

Fu-For-You Winter 2025, Youth Student's Column

Youth Student’s Corner

by Chantal Moylan
Fu For You Winter 2024-25

Have you ever tried something in your Kung Fu class so difficult you wanted to give up? Kung Fu is a fun martial art that helps you get stronger, faster, and even more confident. But sometimes, learning Kung Fu can feel tricky or frustrating. That’s okay! Everyone will find something challenging, and the important thing is to keep a positive mindset and try your best. With practice and a good attitude, you can make the trickiest moves seem easier and more fun! Here’s how you can stay positive and manage your hardest challenges in Kung Fu.

When you’re learning Kung Fu, it’s easy to think, “This is too hard!” Maybe you’re struggling with a new kick, or you can’t get a move in your form right. Instead of getting upset, remind yourself that you can do it. Nobody is perfect on their first try—not even the Sifus!

Here are 5 tips to help yourself believe:

  1. Believing in yourself could mean saying, “I’m going to keep trying because I know I’ll get better.” Each time you practice, you’re building your strength, focus, and skills in Kung Fu. Even if you make mistakes, it’s all part of learning. Remember, at Kung Fu, we never say “I can’t” we say “I can try”
  2. To help yourself believe in your abilities, remember something you feel you can do really well. Maybe you have a form or technique you’re really good at. If you could learn how to do that, you can learn new things too!
  3. Sometimes Kung Fu is hard, but it can also be a lot of fun! When you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s easier to stay positive. Think of practice like a game: How many kicks can you do in a row? Can you have lower stances and stronger techniques than the last time you did the move?
  4. If you mess up, don’t worry about it too much, just try again! Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to keep trying. Kung Fu isn’t about being perfect, it’s about doing the best you can do.
  5. Kung Fu isn’t something you have to do alone. We have lots of helpers and instructors there to help you out. If something feels too hard, ask an instructor to explain it again or show you a good way to practice the techniques. Remember, even they needed help when they started! Practicing and working with your classmates can also make difficult things seem easier, or more fun. When you support others, you create a positive environment where everyone can succeed.

Kung Fu is about more than just kicks and punches—it’s about learning new things with a positive mindset and working through challenges. When you believe in yourself, have fun, and work together, you can face any challenge with a smile.

So, the next time something feels tough in Kung Fu, instead of giving up, take a deep breath and say, “I can do this!” Keep practicing, keep trying, and soon, you’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve!