Memorial Day & Martial Arts

Some of our students may know that when I was younger, my father was in the Army and stationed in Hawaii. When I was around 5 years old, he received a promotion and was able to choose the location where the ceremony would occur. He chose to receive his rank at the USS Arizona Memorial, a special structure that straddles the sunken hull of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Inside the memorial is a wall inscribed with the names of the 1,177 soldiers who lost their lives on December 7, 1941—the day that will live in infamy.

Being only a small child, I think my parents were worried I would run amok during this special ceremony in such a sacred place. But even at a young age, I could tell this place was different. It is a place where people served, died, and are now honored. As I grew older, this memory stayed with me.

This Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to share this story with the students of Trinity Martial Arts. One of the purposes of our training is to mold ourselves into people who serve others. Whether that is by learning the skills to defend ourselves, our friends, and our families, or by learning kindness, courtesy, and respect so that we can be a light in our communities, martial arts should help shape us into better people.

The soldiers we honor on Memorial Day are the ultimate examples of what it means to be role models and leaders, as they gave the greatest sacrifice they could for their loved ones, communities, and nation.

This is why we train in martial arts. Not to break the most boards, win the most tournaments, or become the world’s greatest fighter (though those are all great things). We train to grow, improve, and strive to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be. And when we begin becoming that person, it shines out into our communities and beyond.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day.

Interested in doing more than just another after-school activity? Trinity Martial Arts in Hopewell Junction teaches traditional martial arts and practical self-defense skills to students in East Fishkill and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Reach out today to schedule your free trial class and begin your martial arts journey.