What is Empathy?

What is Empathy?

At True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we believe character is just as important as physical skills. Through our True Character social-emotional learning program, we help students of all ages—from preschoolers to adults in their 80s—develop life skills that build confidence, respect, and community. This month’s focus is empathy, which we define as: I understand how others feel.

Empathy can be simple to understand but more challenging to practice. Some children naturally tune into others’ feelings, while others need guidance to build that awareness. In the studio, we encourage students to be good partners by noticing what their classmates are experiencing: Is their partner smiling? Are they frustrated? Are they having fun? This helps kids shift from looking inward to looking outward, developing awareness that other people’s feelings are real, valid, and important.

We also use scenarios to practice empathy, especially with our younger students: “There’s a new kid in school—how do you think he feels? What could you do to help?” These small exercises train kids to predict emotions, consider perspectives, and respond with kindness.

For our older students—junior high and high schoolers—the challenge isn’t recognizing emotions, but choosing to care. A teenager who stays out late might say, “It’s not a big deal, I was having fun,” without realizing the worry they caused a parent. Teaching them to stop and consider, “How would Mom feel waiting for me?” reinforces that empathy isn’t weakness—it’s respect.

Adults, too, can struggle with empathy in different ways. Some avoid conflict rather than face uncomfortable emotions, while others insist they can handle any situation without considering how their words or actions impact others. True empathy means acknowledging that people’s feelings matter, and those feelings affect not only the individual but the relationships and community around them.

At its heart, empathy is respect, kindness, and awareness. It’s a reminder to look beyond ourselves, to think about how our words and actions affect those around us, and to intentionally choose understanding.

This month, we’ll continue exploring empathy by discussing how our actions and words impact others and how we can use that awareness to make the world around us better. Because when we approach life with empathy, we’re not just recognizing others’ feelings—we’re honoring them.

Thanks for reading, 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 a 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!