When I was a young man, Russell Sobszak taught me my first lesson in life that, to this day, continues to empower me. He was my first boss and the first man in my life that stood on principles and core values. He taught me that I did not have to be perfect, but I needed to strive for it. He taught me that I must put in the work and have integrity.
I did not know it at the time, but Russ was my first mentor, offering guidance and care during the years when I was learning what it meant to be my own person. These days, as a father and a teacher, I believe every child needs a mentor.
As a chief master instructor of Dinoto Karate Center, a family martial arts program in the New Jersey, I have been working with parents and children as young as 3 1/2 years old for more than 20 years. We currently serve over 300 students. Our mission is to “empower our students, help them develop their voice, understand themselves and experience guidance and unconditional positive attention from a caring teacher.” All factors that are crucial for healthy development and, ultimately, mental and emotional stability.
Over the last twenty years I’ve seen the positive influence mentorship has had on my students and my own children.
What Is Mentoring…?
Mentoring…
- is a process of transferring experience and knowledge from one person to another.
- develops a bond and rapport of trust and honesty.
- is “develomental” driven. Focus is on the future. The mentor shares experiences in an effort to positively influence and empower the personal, academic and professional growth of the mentee.
- requires significant time and energy commitment from both the mentor and mentee. It will start our casual, but often builds to a strong fellowship.
I am committed to mentoring…
Research shows that young people with mentoring relationships are more resilient, more likely to set and meet personal goals, volunteer in their community and more likely to be leaders.
As children get older, a relationship with a mentor also helps them learn to interact with other adults. Having opportunities to advocate for themselves and learning how to ask for support are keys to future success in an individuals ability to interact with college professors or employers or in any number of situations when they’re no longer living at home.
As we move forward into our new “normal,” we have improved our program so that we can serve more students. Find out more about our new training model by visit our website at www.DinotoKarate.com.
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” ~ Oprah
