TMA Role Models: Meet Jae
In this edition of TMA Role Models, we meet Jae and discover why they took up martial arts and how training has helped them overcome bullying, build confidence and develop valuable life skills.
Jae is an active member of Tring Martial Arts Academy and currently holds the record for the highest number of training sessions completed in a single week, attending an incredible 11 classes. They are also training to become a TMA Instructor.
At this time of year, it can be tempting to consider giving up martial arts due to the challenges of moving to a new school, increased workloads and additional commitments. However, the reality is often quite different.
Take a moment to meet one of our TMA Role Models. These students continued their martial arts training throughout their school years and achieved remarkable results both inside and outside the dojo.
Jae
1. How old were you when you started training and why did you choose martial arts?
I started training when I was 17 after a recommendation from a teacher at school. They suggested that martial arts might improve my confidence and mental wellbeing while also helping me build a social circle outside of school. It seemed like a positive way to deal with bullying and develop greater self-belief.
2. How has martial arts training helped you at school?
The feeling of accomplishment after a hard training session has definitely helped me become more productive with my schoolwork. My routine often involves attending a class at TMA and then completing my studies afterwards.
This does not mean I prioritise martial arts above education. Instead, I understand how each supports the other. School and martial arts do not have to compete for your attention. In my experience, combining both has been the most beneficial approach.
3. How do you balance homework and training? Has martial arts helped you become more organised or cope with the stress of moving to a new school?
Martial arts has had a significant positive impact on my performance at school. The discipline developed through training encourages self-motivation, responsibility and good study habits.
Training also provides an outlet for stress, making school life feel more manageable. As a result, I have experienced increased confidence, better focus and improved performance both academically and personally.
4. Did you ever feel like quitting training?
Yes. New commitments at home made it feel as though I did not have enough time and that martial arts could no longer be a priority.
However, with support from the instructors at TMA, I came to realise that in order to support and care for others, I also needed to make time for my own wellbeing. Martial arts gives me the opportunity to stay healthy, have fun and enjoy myself.
The feeling of giving everything you have in a class is something I cannot replace, which is why quitting was never the right choice for me.
5. If you could give one piece of advice about balancing school, work, home life and martial arts, what would it be?
Remember that no matter how much you want to succeed at school or work, you can only perform at your best when you are healthy, happy and motivated. Your martial arts training deserves to be valued and respected as part of that balance.
By looking after your physical and mental wellbeing, you give yourself the best chance of succeeding in all areas of life. And along the way, you might just become an amazing ninja too.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering stopping your training, or if you are a parent concerned about increased homework, changing schools or time pressures, please speak with us.
Over the last twenty years, we have seen these concerns arise time and time again. In reality, maintaining a healthy balance between education, wellbeing and personal development is often more important than people realise.
School. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
That is not a healthy long-term routine.
Schools may offer a range of sports and activities, but few activities teach respect, discipline, resilience, self-confidence and perseverance in quite the same way as martial arts.
Martial arts is not simply another activity. It is an investment in personal growth that can benefit young people throughout their education and beyond.