In 1968, something fascinating happened in an elementary school in California. Psychologists Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson told teachers that certain students had shown signs of great potential based on an intelligence test. But here’s the secret — those students were randomly selected.

A year later, those “chosen” students showed remarkable improvement in both performance and attitude.

Why?

Because their teachers believed in them. Their positive expectations changed how they interacted, encouraged, and supported those students and that belief helped the children begin to believe in themselves. This is the well-known Pygmalion Effect — the idea that expectations can become reality.

At Lion Martial Arts, every child is “the chosen one.”

Inspired by this study, we take a different approach. We don’t choose a few to believe in — we believe in every child.

At Lion Martial Arts Taekwondo, we pay close attention to each student’s personality, mental well being, and behavioral patterns. When a student struggles to focus, becomes easily frustrated, or has trouble cooperating, we don’t see it as a problem — we see it as a clue. Every behavior tells a story about how that child learns, feels, and grows. Our job is to understand that story and guide them forward in a way that fits their unique pace and path.

A Story — “A Small Change, a Big Difference”

A few months ago, there was a student who often said, “I can’t do it.” Whenever they made a mistake, they wanted to give up.

One day, an instructor said gently,

“It’s okay. You’re doing great. Mistakes are part of learning.”

That simple encouragement stayed with the student. After that, they began trying again — not perfectly, but with courage. Two months later, the student started participating with more confidence and showing a stronger sense of determination. What changed wasn’t their technique — it was their belief.

That’s the true modern form of the Pygmalion Effect: a teacher’s sincere belief lighting a spark within a child’s heart.

Growth Begins with Belief

At Lion Martial Arts, our instructors go beyond teaching kicks and forms. They aim to understand each student’s character, emotions, and learning style. Through observation and communication, our team continually shares insights and explores what types of encouragement work best for each individual.

Our goal is not only to build strong martial artists,

but to nurture self-driven, confident, and mindful individuals who carry belief and discipline into every part of their lives.

Because when a child learns to say, “I can do it,” they’re not just breaking boards — they’re breaking their own limits.