ABOUT OPTIMISM

Meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist Clubs have been “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” since 1919. Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Club members are best known in their communities for their upbeat attitudes. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place in which to live. There are 75,000 individual members who belong to 2,600 autonomous Clubs. Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects each year, serving six million young people. Optimists also spend $78 million on their communities annually.

The purpose of the dojo Optimist Club of Strathroy, shall be to support and train alumni in the traditional martial arts; focusing on that of a healthy mind, body and spirit, along with a calmer and more peaceful lifestyle. Correct training in the TRUE martial arts, will positively enhance every facet of one's life. In addition to the obvious attributes of a healthier mind and body, self-discipline, self-confidence, increased awareness, coordination, honour, sincerity, respect, loyalty, politeness, veracity, bravery and benevolence, are some of the many qualities that members will develop. These are some of the classical qualities of the samurai code of Bushido. These qualities are the essence of martial arts. It is the venture of the dojo Optimist Club of Strathroy to support and teach these characteristics, so that traditional martial arts continue in the originally intended way thereby enhancing life for the entire community. The organization takes this task very seriously. The martial arts are not a sport or a game. They are a way of life enhancement for the greater good of society as a whole.