Respect in the Martial Arts by Richard Hackworth

Respect in the Martial Arts by Richard Hackworth

When you think of things like respect and discipline in the martial arts you cannot forget that “martial” comes from “military” and that our core values and concepts are directly related to our military history and the mission of our schools. The mission of the earliest martial arts schools were to train families and townspeople to be able to protect themselves. These potentially life-threatening skills were passed on to those who showed respect for their elders and an understanding of the responsibilities that come from having suck skills. 

My first contact with military respect was being at a military funeral as a child. I witnessed the feeling of remorse that are bestowed upon a soldier by his fellow soldiers and veterans during the playing of the Taps is derived from nothing other than respect for each other. Although in the army most occasions end with sad events, most feel a sense of respect for the fallen soldier who pays the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

In the Army I was taught respect through action. To treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. We see this same type of respect carried over into the martial arts.

Most of the military customs and traditions are not held to this regard. However, we need to uphold our traditions and customs so that we do not lose the sense of pride and duty. The duties of a company commander in the military are the same as those for a martial arts instructor. 

Being a soldier in the army means understanding the Seven Core Army Values and living up to them. Some of these include respect, loyalty, and honor. Having respect means treating someone as he or she should be treated. In the martial arts we are given these same concepts through the Code of Bushido, the Tenets of Taekwondo, and the Four Pillars of Shaolin. 

The people in the army and in the dojang or dojo are expected to treat each other with respect. They do this since they also expect others to do the same. Another ingredient for respect is self-respect. You cannot respect another if you do not respect yourself. This allows someone to put forth his or her best effort since the Army is a team and each member contributes to the greater goal. In the martial arts it is practiced in the same way. 

Respecting your fellow soldier or student means protecting him in all situations, covering his backside when required and clearing the path for him to complete the mission. This is because when that person completes the task, it equally means that you have completed yours. Therefore, respect in the martial arts just as it is in the army ensures that the jobs of both the seniors and the subordinates are done.

Lack of respect in the martial arts school may hinder development of effective leaders. This is usually accompanied with the lack of proper communication. Disrespect is observed when the seniors fail to do what they were tasked to do and force subordinates to micromanage tasks.

This is where instructors and seniors loose the trust of the subordinate black belts and students. The best way to maintain relationships and respect is to focus on your task and maintain communication in all situations. This way there would be mutual respect and friendships that last for a lifetime would be fostered.

Respect is also important because it instills confidence at all levels of leadership in the school. This is especially the case when there is the respect of all ranks. The martial artist needs to respect their peers, subordinates, and seniors.

This would require one to listen and show subordinate students the proper courtesy. This should be the case even when one does not like the other for any reason.

Being respected by important people in our lives growing up teaches us how to be respectful toward others. Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they’re different from you or you don’t agree with them. Respect in your relationships builds feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing.

Respect is one of the values of martial arts teaching and it is important since it ensures harmony within the members of the school. Respecting the peers, subordinates and seniors is important to ensure that the work is done and that missions of the school are completed successfully. Without respect in the martial arts school, there would not be any success. 

With this kind of thinking, together we can lead the world!

Sincerely,

Richard Hackworth

A Loyal and Humble Student of Martial Arts Practice

P.S. If you want to share your thoughts or ask questions related to martial arts leadership please join us at www.facebook.com/groups/worldmartialartsleadershipgroup 

About The Author: Publisher: Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts Grand Master who’s martial arts career spans four decades of amazing accomplishments. He began working with World Martial Arts Magazine in Korea in 1986 and has been a constant supporter of spreading the traditional martial arts message worldwide. Now he is the Publisher of World Martial Arts Media Magazine. He is the founder and President of the Korean Hapkido Federation Haemukwan, an organization for traditional authentic Hapkido. You can friend him at http://www.facebook.com/worldmartialartsmedia 

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