I Am JMAC: Dalton

One of the most important aspects of martial arts training is that it’s for everyone. It doesn’t matter what gender you are – and it certainly doesn’t matter how old you are – you can still benefit from training in karate, judo, jujutsu or iaido! Dalton Schotte, our latest I Am JMAC profile, is a perfect example. In 2014, at 7 years old, Dalton started training in Karate. Now, as a young man, he’s still training, still learning, and still growing as a person.

“Dalton's experience with karate at JMAC has been nothing but positive,” says Dalton’s mother Carrie. “I believe Dalton was born confident. However, his training in martial arts has helped him become even more courageous and self-assured.” Even though Dalton has been training at Japanese Martial Arts Center since he was a small boy, that doesn’t mean he isn’t challenged and growing from his experiences.

“Some challenges that I'm still overcoming in my martial arts training are balance and remaining calm while sparring,” says Dalton. “Martial arts has taught me discipline. When I have work to do, I get it done. It has also taught me respect.”

“Nothing rattles this child,” says Carrie, “and I credit the amazing instructors at JMAC for helping instill this very impressive and important quality in Dalton.”

Growing as an individual is important, but training at JMAC also fosters a sense of community and friendship. Training can be intense and when you’re encouraged to do your best and push yourself a little harder, truly wonderful things can happen to a person’s confidence.

“I love training at JMAC because it's fun!” says Dalton. “I especially have a good time with my friends.”

Outside of the dojo, Dalton maintains a wide range of hobbies to keep himself active. In addition to baseball and hiking with his parents, “I enjoy hunting, playing guitar and riding my horse, Hawk.”

So far, Karate is the only martial art Dalton has studied – but that doesn’t mean he’s not interested in trying others!

“Someday I would like to try Judo. My favorite training memory was learned to Judo roll for the first time.”

If you’ve been on the fence about martial arts training or even stepping into a dojo, Dalton has some very simple advice for you: “Just go for it! You'll be happy with your decision.”