At Lewis Karate in Barrie, we believe that real power lies in restraint, not in reaction. As the #1 ranked Karate school for kids, adults, and families in Barrie, we make it our mission to help students of all ages understand and apply the principle of self-control—on the mats, in the classroom, and throughout life.
Self-control, or self-discipline, is what helps us stay true to our values and goals—even when emotions run high. Whether you’re five or fifty, mastering your impulses can change your behavior, relationships, and future.
Self-control is the ability to:
✅ Manage your emotions
✅ Think before you act
✅ Resist distractions or temptations
✅ Make decisions that reflect your best self
In Karate, it means keeping your composure during sparring, following class instructions without being reminded, and pushing through hard drills without quitting.
In everyday life, it might look like:
Every moment is an opportunity to lead your life with intention instead of being driven by reaction.
At Lewis Karate Barrie, self-control is at the heart of everything we teach because it leads to:
✔️ Better focus and learning
✔️ Improved relationships with family and peers
✔️ Greater success in school, work, and training
✔️ Stronger emotional maturity and leadership
Without it, students can fall into impulsive habits, mood-driven decisions, or lack of follow-through. But with it, they gain confidence, clarity, and strength in every area of life.
🥋 Respectful line-ups and bows – Teaching patience and courtesy
🔥 Challenging drills – Students learn to breathe, stay calm, and push forward when tired
🤝 Partner training – Demands focus, safety, and mutual respect
🧠 Sparring control – Encourages precision and restraint, not aggression
These routines build habits of self-regulation that extend into classrooms, homes, and the real world.
When self-control is weak, we see things like:
These behaviors might seem small, but they become habits—and Karate is the antidote to those habits.
We teach our students that building self-control starts with a few simple steps:
Is it emotional outbursts? Procrastination? Impulsiveness?
Anger, fear, boredom, or insecurity?
“I’m not good at this.” “They always get their way.” “It’s not fair.”
🧠 “I am calm and focused.”
🧠 “I choose to stay in control.”
🧠 “I am strong enough to do the right thing.”
This mindset shift helps students replace negative habits with productive actions.
These questions promote reflection, accountability, and growth, all of which are part of black belt character.
Students who build self-control are the ones who:
✔️ Lead others by example
✔️ Handle pressure with grace
✔️ Make consistent, responsible decisions
✔️ Take ownership of their actions
That’s why we say every black belt begins with emotional discipline. It’s not just what you can do—it’s what you choose not to do that shows real power.
Parents often tell us their kids are:
Adults report that they:
That’s the ripple effect of consistent training and structured support.
We challenge every student to take these steps:
📍 Choose one behavior to improve (e.g., procrastination, overreacting, quitting early)
🧠 Identify the thought and emotion behind it
📣 Write one affirmation to say every morning for a week
📅 Reflect at the end of the week—What changed?
This practice builds internal awareness and external discipline.
At Lewis Karate Barrie, we don’t just build better athletes—we build better people. Through every kata, combination, and moment of feedback, our students grow in maturity, respect, and strength.
If you want to help your child (or yourself) become more focused, more respectful, and more in control of their behavior and goals, join the #1 ranked Karate school for kids, adults, and families in Barrie today.
– Shihan Trevor Lewis, 7th Degree Black Belt