Discipline as a Team

Discipline as a team

Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social-emotional learning program called True Character. I’m Master H, the owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education, and we’ve developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students, who are three or four, and our oldest student, who is 85. This month, we’re talking about discipline.

We’ve discussed defining discipline and strategies to remain disciplined. Today, we’re exploring what discipline looks like within a team.

Teams that require discipline:
Some obvious examples are firefighters, park rangers, and military personnel, where teamwork and discipline are essential to success. But teams closest to home, such as families, classrooms, and small groups, also rely on discipline to function effectively.

Discipline in a family team:
At home, families work together as a team. Tasks like setting the table, cleaning the kitchen, or folding laundry are examples of collective effort. In our house, we emphasized that teamwork is essential to achieving shared goals and maintaining harmony.

Discipline in a classroom team:
In school, classrooms function as teams. When everyone participates appropriately—listening, asking questions, and staying focused—it creates an environment conducive to learning. If one person disrupts, the entire team’s progress is affected.

Examples of teamwork and discipline:

• Collaborative cleanup: Whether it’s tidying up after a project or cleaning up after family game night, everyone working together ensures tasks are completed efficiently. Putting items back in their proper place also helps the next team member locate what they need.
• Offering help: Awareness of team needs is crucial. If a family member is busy, offering to help with their tasks, such as loading the dishwasher, demonstrates discipline and teamwork.
• Taking responsibility: Younger team members can learn discipline by identifying tasks themselves. For example, asking children to find and complete three cleanup tasks helps develop awareness and teamwork skills.

Fostering teamwork in children:
Children tend to focus on their needs and desires. Encouraging them to see the bigger picture helps build discipline and empathy. Teach them to open their eyes to what needs to be done and how they can contribute to the team’s success.

Core elements of team discipline:

• Awareness: Being mindful of what the team needs.
• Responsibility: Getting work done before leisure.
• Empathy: Supporting and caring for others on the team.

When we practice these values, we strengthen our ability to work together effectively and achieve our shared goals.

Thanks, and I’ll see you on the mat!

True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.

We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.

Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!