Karate instructor to student: It's OK to cry

Karate instructor Sharath Jason Williams stopped his class to give an emotional student an inspirational speech that's gone viral.

[@miguelbarajas1037]

I think most people are missing the point hes trying to make when he is saying black men need to have mental fortitude. He's not saying black men are being held down in America simply because they are black. He's telling the child that rather than give in to fear and hard times, he should push through and excel at life to accomplish his goals. This lesson can be applied to anyone of any race or color. This instructor is trying to change the overwhelming statistics of young black boys giving in to the easy path of crime to avoid the pain of hard work. This isn't about race at all. He sounds like a very mindful teacher, and in my opinion this lesson should be taught by any coach/parent/teacher/mentor in the US. Kudos to him.

[@KenpoKid77]

Well said, fam.

[@nicholaswhs0896]

Finally! A sensible comment. You're absolutely right.

[@DONTHATETHEPLAYA321]

So it's not ok to cry

[@alsyrriad]

Very smart observation man. And a life changing one at that.

[@TheMmiguelito]

I wonder if you'd STILL have to explain or justify this brotha's words NOWWWW?? BECAUSE more are listening to what we've been TRYING to say for centuries but have been gaslighted or invalidated!!!?????

[@ReviewWingsDSP]

I remember my classes. He was simply translating and letting him know “it ain’t gonna be easy, not only being black but just making it”. Martial arts are amazing and boxing are amazing.

[@frummel403]

What a great teacher! This kid is gonna remember him later on when times get rough.

[@CilicianElite]

Funny, they cut out the part where the teacher talks about Jesus.. Hmm

[@mariguana7918]

XD

[@scottjones2729]

....Right! lol

[@allopez8563]

Really? But it does not surprise. It is out with Jesus in all aspects of life because it is somehow offensive. Welcome to the new western civilization.

[@femtohimself71]

because Jesus does not need to be the center of every message. Jesus is not the main point.

[@sullyb23511]

Full video, if you have it, please.

[@EdnaSpoonhands]

We definitely need more teachers like this. Hes tough but caring

[@tonino5]

100% respect! What a great teacher / master. God bless!

[@jwbrooks55]

I can’t remember how long ago I saw this. I always return to it every now and then. You love to see it.

[@tubafats100]

I'm reading these comments, and it amazes me how much it annoys people that a black man is trying to encourage a black kid. If you folks have learned the history of America, you know that law enforcement and the justice system has always been and is still to this day different for African American Men. It is absolutely sad to see people still deny that fact.

[@annaphan7205]

That's how people are, it's easier to shy away from something that is shameful and than to accept it.

[@TheXrythmicXtongue]

+Anna Phan you are very right. it is more comfortable for them so they fight anything that would shake that comfort.

[@TheMmiguelito]

TO ALLLLL OF you that SOMEHOW had any issues with what he was saying: is it okay to have this conversation NOW?? Just curious: considering the recent "shift" in SOOOO MANY people at least WILLING to listen and have some amount of compassion for what we've been trying to say for centuries!

[@TheMmiguelito]

@Clementine? how abooooooouut.. now???

[@doman362]

Great master. Good Human being. Wonderful message(neither denying nor victimization). Also this kid is a good student. Future belongs to all of us, Blacks, Whites, Asians,.. and most important Americans.

[@ibdustin15]

Wish there was more people like this! Great video! I hope his school is even more successful now!

[@magicboyo2110]

As Mr.Miyagi said "there is no bad student only bad sensei" he is a good sensei

[@aandrus2169]

What a wonderful teacher!

[@mrbigg151]

The look on the boy's face when he conquered his fear...priceless! 💯

[@juancarlito1697]

A true man expresses his feelings through visible emotion, and this is a good example of that.

[@TheNightBandit1]

Much respect. The Sensei keeping it real about race in America... and fearless of criticism to come.

[@MichaelMoore-yt3pu]

What happened to free speech??

[@adriansoul7223]

so controversial nowdays to talk about black people being oppressed right..?

[@almondjoy28215]

Beautiful!

[@thomaswalsh2434]

Wow...what a role model.....just what that kid needed at that time...

[@RamZThaMarine]

A great instructor.

[@filthyfew69]

The talk had to go the way it went, The reality of life for a black man in america is fucking hard. You can be the most humble kind person who stays out of trouble just trying to make it and still be looked at twice just because you're black, but you gotta stay on the grind. Show them all that we wont be put in a box.

[@BigJosh01]

This is a true sensi💙💙

[@movienerd202]

This is the talk that every kid's dad gives him....if he has a dad.

[@KenpoKid77]

He's in the full 5-minute video. Even does pushups with the son in his back.

[@israelitereign2824]

This teacher I need to shake his hand and praise this brotha he is an inspiration!!!!!!!! We need far more black men in our communities like this man here dead SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@PartTimeJedi]

12 years teaching TKD (old school MooDukKwan) we spar, we make light/med contact, we do not have kids classes, everyone has the equal opportunity to learn. What we teach, especially when making contact or self defense drills is this- Pain hurts, but fear will kill you.

[@Razunkhan966]

great Master Amazing Martial arts .

[@fewcans5311]

It's enough to make a grown man cry

[@oldmate99]

Kid was actually crying cos he broke his wrist, now has permanent damage because coach made him keep going. Nice job team.

[@phorleef]

What makes me want to cry was hearing the teacher tell the young man that as a "Black man in this country...you are going to need mental fortitude", as a white man in this country, I am deeply saddened to hear this from such a fine black American and such a fine man. Looks like my kind have a whole lot more to do.

[@KenpoKid77]

As a teacher in both martial arts and in the public school system, I respectfully have to disagree with you. Quite literally at every school level, I come across young people, Black and otherwise, who simply don't believe they'll ever be smart or successful. They have people demeaning them and calling them stupid and dumb, some from their own bloodline ( I hasten to say "family" because real family wouldn't due that). They need people to let them know they are capable of achieving great things. It's good to know you're compelled to want to help change these things for people of all races...but they also need to see and hear it from someone who is of the same community, culture and race. That applies to white kids just as well as blacks. We like to believe race and culture don't matter, but it's a part of who and what we are as people. It's something we should all celebrate and appreciate, not sweep under the rug and avoid, because that has been part of the problem.

[@KenpoKid77]

As a teacher in both martial arts and in the public school system, I respectfully have to disagree with you. Quite literally at every school level, I come across young people, Black and otherwise, who simply don't believe they'll ever be smart or successful. They have people demeaning them and calling them stupid and dumb, some from their own bloodline ( I hasten to say "family" because real family wouldn't due that). They need people to let them know they are capable of achieving great things. It's good to know you're compelled to want to help change these things for people of all races...but they also need to see and hear it from someone who is of the same community, culture and race. That applies to white kids just as well as blacks. We like to believe race and culture don't matter, but it's a part of who and what we are as people. It's something we should all celebrate and appreciate, not sweep under the rug and avoid, because that has been part of the problem.

[@williamrattley5248]

Something that people have also seemingly overlooked is the teacher told the lad to rely on his brains more than brawn. Intelligence over brute force. A lesson I would like to see taught to everyone, irrespective of race, religion or creed. Something the President of the United States, and the cowardly politicians in Australia could learn from.

[@BroMassGainz]

Yes this was great

[@BroMassGainz]

+Crusade FITNESS In approximately 2 weeks my schedule will be cleared and I'll be posting at least 2 vids a week

[@BroMassGainz]

+Crusade FITNESS In approximately 2 weeks my schedule will be cleared and I'll be posting at least 2 vids a week

[@randomdude756]

when you're in the middle of karate class and remember harambe 😢. we miss you harambe.

[@hoganmann]

Who says we don't teach our children how to become responsible adults

[@tamaralaird3389]

Do you know how we can attend his class?

[@Lawliet734]

To borrow a line from _A League of Their Own_, there's no crying in karate!

[@Efexpe]

As a black man, it is your responsibility to shepard your people. Change the opinions others have that your race is violent. The valley of the righteous man is beset on ALL sides. Blessed is he who shepards the weak through the valley of the shadow of darkness for he is truly his brothers keeper, and the finder of lost children.

[@cra8zykidg]

......the comment section is cancer

[@schest6489]

This guy is amazing 8

[@pancho33pistolas28]

Thats what real martial arts are all about.

[@jrtime228]

None of you got the life lesson here. This isn't about a "black man encouraging a black kid". This is about a master teaching his student an excellent lesson about pushing through fear and complications. As a fellow martial artist, I applaud this man. I have seen a few kids end up like this during training, and this man has to be the one that has handled it the most calmly and truthfully. This is a master I would gladly offer respect to and shake hands with. You all need to stop being so offended by words used and other drivel that hurts your little feelings. GROW UP. If you look back in history, you'll find that nearly all modern racial discrepancies originated before laws were put in place to give equality, with people that thought they were superior to another race. Note: you can reply and complain to me about this post but I will not reply. I have given my piece, now move on.

[@theeglamstrist6894]

Where is this place located

[@Americaninparis2012]

Great video of a man who cares about the children he's teaching. I hate to go negative but who are the morons that down voted this video?

[@fearlessali2852]

It's much more Harder to be Woman than to be A Man in this world , anywhere.

[@ZackSuru]

In America ? You must live in another world then. The delusion is strong with that one. LMAO

[@steviesiganoff]

A good guy

[@tomislavv2635]

Very nice and truthful comment. Although not just for "this country" and not just for black people.

[@ardon3499]

Im a 24 year old white man and I don't get why it matters that the teacher brought up race. I'm a recovering drug addict and have several felonies for theft. The way I see it he could've easily been talking to me. He might have just as easily said "Its going to be hard for you to have to live with being a felon in this country". I can't change my past and sometimes I cry when I'm feeling regret at the hurt I've caused others and the mess I made of my life for so long, but then I work through it and move forward. I admire the teacher's compassion towards this young man. I like seeing him push the student toward improvement and eventual success too.

[@TheSaintFrenzy]

White or black.....Karate is just so good for kids. Kids learn so much more than just Karate.

[@nachonajlevelasquez6812]

Very good and funny videos bring a great sense of entertainment!

[@anotherdayisforever]

Lil badass!

[@seanjohn864]

this instructor has made news before

[@BlueGuise9]

Cool!

[@tinaloveseddie]

BOW TO YOUR SENSEI!!🎌

[@Nairod2]

Its hard to be human in this time on history, The color of your skin has nothing to do with that.

[@mariguana7918]

I'm with you there

[@KenpoKid77]

Ideally, yes...in actual reality, not so much.

[@Nairod2]

Rohan Davey The prisons of the mind are worse than the chuckles on your ankle. And in a time of Universal censorship it is easier to live than To Be… This Corrupted and Twisted society is made for those who like to follow, for those who don't contradict the Authority of any institution. But at the same time This society rejects anything that does not fit into one of those pre-established molds. With so many contradictory Ideologies is ridiculous to think harmony can be achieved by forcing everybody to accept the Irrationality and delusion some individuals perceive as reality.

[@TheXrythmicXtongue]

if it is hard to be human than of course race matters. Because every race is human. To ignore the plight of one person and say "everyone has problems" is jaded and extremely apathetic and you'd do better to say nothing at all and remain in solitude for the remainder of your life. Your statement helps NO ONE. Either fix a problem or walk away but do not patronize someone's struggle by siphoning them off as a commonality.

[@KenpoKid77]

Well said, friend.

[@anonymoushack9453]

Parent sending kids to martial arts class to become a better person and have strong mind. In the real world, it's going to be hard and unfair...

[@cgram75]

Anyone else notice the little guy in the lower left laughing every time this poor kid fails to break the board.. If you re-watch the video and focus on that little guy it kind of changes the tone of the video.

[@KenpoKid77]

Yeah, there's always one in every class. When I see that in class, I stop and let everyone know right there, we don't do that. If you don't want people to laugh at your mistakes, then don't do it to others.

[@benjaminjames2994]

I love this guy! But the fact that CNN edited out the part where the teacher talks about Jesus 🤦🏼‍♂️ Wow…

[@Whispurer]

Why is there just a load of floating karate suits?

[@alphatoyouromega1475]

I wish that all brothers were cut from this MANS cloth....WoW!!!

[@kelvinsalvodon5793]

Wilson is his last name not Williams

[@Simon0]

this is like in kickboxer when JCVD kicked down the tree.

[@Kingsolowings]

and then he realized the kid broke his hand....

[@rturp23]

man i dont agree with the whole "being a black man..." part, but god damn people. Its like every comment I see is talking about that one part, and that some how discredits the whole video. Again, i agree that every person (black, white, etc..) growing up in this country will need mental fortitude and needs to use their brains, but just because in this small part of the video he didnt say all people, he only said "being black" makes you say "Fuck this guy then" or "fuck this video". Im pretty sure the message that he is explaining to the kid applies to all humans of that age.

[@danielasmus6502]

Fear does not exist in this dojo! Pain does not exist in this dojo! Cobra Kai!🐍🐍🐍

[@riverjordan7x754]

Aug 7, 2010

[@ychilds99]

I would never send my child to this school. The child's fist is obviously hurt and should be treated.

[@distone2480]

ychilds99 you know nothing. If you was at war. You would just sit there and cry?

[@bareknucklefun3628]

This is kinda a load of shit cause you shouldn't cry you should Express tears and pain thru technical body language to put everything into your movements hold your tears flow that energy into your opnent physically show them how you feel

[@bobbic1182]

He actually did teach him how to channel it next time. Beautiful lesson imo.

[@saraalo8376]

Black panther is crying again

[@Princess2Warrior]

And to think MMA-People think breaking boards is a joke/stunt..

[@kronhertz4956]

It is a joke. Why break boards? What did the board ever do to you... Martial arts that are taught in your average gym have no real world applications. In reality your enemy will not fight according to "the rules" or follow the same techniques as the ones students are taught to counter. Read Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder's book to get a better understanding of real world violence/encounter.

[@Princess2Warrior]

I would agree that martial arts taught in virtually-all MMA Gyms are useless - but anyone who _assumes_ that techniques taught in Karate or Kung Fu schools are useless, are *overlooking* the fact that Karate and Kung Fu techniques *were used on **_Battlefields_** reliably for **_thousands of years_* - _and proper techniques hinge on blocking, evading and striking the enemy's weak-point quickly_ - *So*, anyone who says that Karate or Kung Fu are useless is _untrained_ and is selling you a pile of horse crap. *Also -* Breaking boards isn't a gimmick - it's useful to develop the ability to crush an opponnant's bones, if need be.

[@Barracuda487]

Who are you referring to when you say MMA people? There are several MMA fighters with Karate training & backgrounds.

[@kronhertz4956]

Barracuda487 It's simple she has no idea what she's commenting about. One clear evidence would be her example of martial arts that are used on the battlefields over a century old! This is 2016, people do not fight with honor and integrity like they before. Otherwise the war on Iraq would be like the American revolutionary war whereby we would be taking turns to shoot each other. Princess2Warrior has never been in an actual stressful combative scenario. Her knowledge is from textbook lectures and rehearsed mentor to student practice whereby the instructor would tell you his overall gameplan and strategy so students would know what to expect.

[@kellerr13]

No it's not. Tough it up!

[@samanthavolpe183]

His last name is Wilson*. Not Williams like in the video itself. Do better :).

[@jcups14yodoll62]

How about you shut it

[@RussiaNukesAmerica3]

It's ok, kid..the 2016 U.S. presidential elections r in November, the results of which will leave a lot of grown women and men crying.

[@merlijndorgelo7639]

Yeah, trump crying will be one hell of a sight...

[@merlijndorgelo7639]

Yeah, trump crying will be one hell of a sight...

[@richardwatkins2499]

This is a sad video. In the original, the instructor says many incredibly important things to this young boy. It's how men should talk to boys! Unfortunately. for the purpose of political correctness, the message where the instructor tells the boy about Jesus is edited out! Our society has tried to edit out the name of God. Look where it has taken us!!

[@henrylandrum6079]

Hi

[@lvcaster9082]

..... maybe I should cry but I don't know how to cry. I want someone to tell me cool stuff like that. I'm everything but romantic. hold my hands no

[@NESA79]

More of this CNN.

[@vimalthilak]

Nice video sir, I loved the way you spoke to the kid about the reality that exists in the world.All people are descendents of Adam and Eve, the people have different looks and colour is because of the topography and climate of that land, all are equal in God's eyes. But discrimination does exist where some race consider themselves superior. In the Bible it tells us that God jugdes people by their heart and their ways rather than looks. So love our Christians bro and sisters unconditional and also the fellow human beings.The Zionists jews, government s and Satanists are the one's who had seeded the venom in our hearts, so that we are divided. I ask everyone to not fall for it.

[@abdelll9737]

Totally missed the point of the lesson CNN.

[@ame7272]

The entire world can see with both eyes that the US is the racist country on the face of the planet, i don't understand how self deceiving works or what good denying the undeniable is but believe me you look worse when you deny it. Actually by denying it you are not stopping it and making it worse, if you are not raciest that's wonderful and hopefully many people will follow you, but the majority of your country are racist and that's a fact.

[@EYTPS]

The rare moments when CNN actually reports good news.

[@brennanrr1958]

this is bs its hard being a mexican in this country

[@yawoelevn]

+CHIEF_ T 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Funny

[@goudagalindo1790]

+MP USMC SRT 😃

[@mamzersdream1]

You have dual citizenship?

[@mamzersdream1]

Guada Galindo No. I'm not asking you. And lose the "lol." The early 2010's are over.

[@neworld2.073]

You should matbe pack and go back to Mexico if it is. At least you have another country you can call home, ramirez

[@kylekiesewetter6735]

Can do without the race card tho my teacher doesn’t tell my son he’s white becareful lol but awesome video

[@chrislee6875]

Wish my sensei was half the man this guy is. I was 6, and begged my dad to enrol me in a class after watching bits from the movie karate kid. It was during my 2nd time there in a class full of older kids and those who were experienced. After being made fun of by a few students during warmup for looking like a special-needs kid, Sensei had the class of 30 or so fall into the square formation to perform kick sequences that I just couldn’t grasp. He grew irritated, singled me out and berated me for “not listening to him”. He moved on to the next sequence and proceeded to do the same, although this time with a condescending laugh. The students (and 2 parents watching the class) followed suit and laughed as well. I was reduced to tears, left the floor, and was chastised by my dad in the foyer in front of everyone for being a huge wimp. Similar to the young student here, I was unable to catch my breath from crying for the next 15 minutes. I was driven straight home and put to bed at 7:30 as punishment. Still to this day I never once attended another martial arts class.

[@jonesp79]

Great lesson until he told the boy he was going to be a black man vice just a man. Why can't we just teach children that they will become adult men and women without teaching them about color or race.

[@jl47983]

where da white guys

[@BushidoBrown76]

"Race baiting".... Give me a break. I love that as a black man that everyone can bring up my race except me. You act like he is teaching hate.

[@Soundafek]

Trol lalalalalalalala

[@hanjieli1903]

First

[@nickylup9566]

98 view

[@Thyalwaysseek]

Warriors don't cry, tell the boy to sit down and gather himself and then when he has control over his emotions to try again...you break down and allow emotions to control you in battle you hand victory to your enemy.

[@tslmiami6288]

Harsh but true

[@Miglefigle]

We’re not in the Middle Ages. Stop inflicting such strict gender rolls on children. He clearly said in the video you have to deal with such emotions when your young so that when your older you can push them to the side. So essentially he’s upholding y’alls beliefs but is creating a safe space for children to deal with such emotions now.

[@RetoniumOfficial]

I believe that aint the way to do it though

[@biraqobamba2798]

“warriors” bro what?? it’s not that deep

[@raymondfair7822]

Wuss

[@rafaelvazquez5844]

Hey Donald Trump need him very "badly".

[@boob19791]

Why bring race into it? Was it a black only class?

[@Superpsychicsonicsol]

classic cnn lmaoooo

[@jonwood6101]

excellent except for the Raciest and Religious overtones, no place for these things in a Dojo,ever.

[@cacolate]

Was I the only one who laughed at that cry ? 0:10

[@boydoll3934]

Would not want this man around my kid passing on his self-defeating philosophies.

[@ProfessorLogics]

You lost me at "black man".

[@yawoelevn]

well get lost then.

[@merlijndorgelo7639]

Why? Was the logic to much for you?

[@ProfessorLogics]

Merlijn Dorgelo If it is polarizing CNN is right on top of it. This video was slanted to black men. It is what CNN is great at. The more I watch CNN the more RACIST I become. I know I am not the only one. CNN has become a tabloid.

[@DevAngelo]

+Professor Logic if this made you "more" racist, you were already lost.

[@ProfessorLogics]

jakegibson No. I find racism to be the answer.

[@DONTHATETHEPLAYA321]

No it ain't ok to cry,that's the issue today with these folks,everybody cryin and acting and being weak......

[@paulbrosco281]

A welcomed twist on race bait propaganda. With the "thug v. white" theme overplayed, it was a smart move to pit whites against a different demographic within the black community. By leveraging a third-party video, in lieu of the low quality, choppy footage they produce themselves, they can bypass various criticisms. Finally, a young crying child will always draw more sympathy from viewers. It's a decent job overall, but its lack of complexity keeps it from earning an A grade. B-

[@fuskiss]

Kid probably broke his hand...makeing him hit the board again is child abuse...Interesting how people want to be treated as equals but then raise their children to live in the past like it defines them!

[@biraqobamba2798]

the boards are made for children he was fine

[@jsiszero]

up until he said black he lost all of my respect. this is a race bait news piece.

[@scottjones2729]

I know right. Lord forbid these people teach there kids the truth about life and how things work in our beautiful country.

[@christisablackman2023]

If he had said for get the past forget 400yrs of oppression by the devil white race I'm sure he'll be acceptable to you. white people hate the truth 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tslmiami6288]

+Pray4war144k Pray4War truth whites were the first slaves in history. The word Slave comes from Slav, Slavic people, white as fuk slaves. News flash, Africans were not the only people ever enslaved.

[@scottjones2729]

+tslmiami Sir there's absolutely NO COMPARISON. The TransAtlantic Slave Trade was catastrophic.....mentally, physically and geographically. It LITERALLY changed the world. Furthermore the so called "Africans" did not create systematic racism in THIS COUNTRY against Whites it was the other way around. Lets try to stay in context here.

[@bruceeferry940]

Why is it that blacks seem to believe they have a monopoly on misery? Perhaps you should do some research on white slavery.

[@SoCalFreelance]

"To be a black man in this country" - professional victims