Comments on: Respect

By: Eric John

Eric John — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:15:16 +0000

Respect and Humility. Two things that get over looked all too often. There is a level of respect at our gym but it is more based on ability. A quasi-pecking order if you will. I’m the oldest guy there and get a certain amount of respect for my knowledge and experiance, but mostly because I can still hang with the young guys. (Except for a couple of the pro fighters). Its not a set rule but most of us slap up before we roll. If a new guy comes in we make a point exchange names before we roll. But I see a lot off the younger and inexperianced guys sometimes not even speaking to each other as we rotate out partners. I don’t think its so much a lack of respect as it is that they are nervous and forgert. I see more disregard for equipment than I do people. Coming from a very disciplined wrestling and Judo background, one my pet peaves is disregard for the mats and equipment. Ticks me off to see gloves and pads laying around the gym and dirt and hair on the mat.

By: Scott Magee

Scott Magee — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:03:37 +0000

I completely agree that respect is important. Too many martial artists become arrogant and don’t show respect at all. They would do well to learn from you!

By: PS 1111

PS 1111 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:47:44 +0000

Love this…helps keep your feet on the ground

By: Ray Yee

Ray Yee — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:19:14 +0000

Could not have said it any better! Respects Always!!

By: Shawn Kitzman

Shawn Kitzman — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:17:23 +0000

I have really stressed the respect thing since I began teaching my 12-18 year old class. We do the same thing in the adult class. Sensei Erik brings up a good point about introducing yourself if you don’t know your partner. Martial Arts can create really strong friendships and you don’t know if the next person you train with might turn out to be a very good friend and training partner.

By: Mike Nauman

Mike Nauman — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:27:56 +0000

Great, we have been dabbling with intoducing bowing. We started with just paying respects to your partners but things still didn’t flow well. We have in the last week or so started with beginning of session and end of session. It has been working real well. And it does stop the chaos I have found.