Can you Imagine a world where everyone is respectful, all the time….I can.
…How would that change your life and your family?
Hello Parents,
The foundation of karate and our lives is always respect. Respect is, in fact, the first and most important lesson in karate and life. Without it our karate is empty and meaningless and becomes pure violence.
Hey mom and dad remember this: “Everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten” Do you also remember this gem… or as many of us have come to know it: “The Golden Rule”…..Treat others as you would want to be treated….or better!
From my experience, there are really three types of respect: self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the institution.
One of the key things to remember before we begin….RESPECT IS A CHOICE.
Self-respect: This is where everything starts. A lack of self-respect will certainly denote a lack of respect for others…you can not have respect for others if you are unable to respect yourself. The first and best way to practice this….A POSITIVE ATTITUDE! What we say about ourselves, taking care of our bodies both mentally and physically and even spiritually are all ways we practice this important character trait. Eating healthy, practicing moderation, exercising both physically and mentally(reading), and making certain our story is the “right one”. It all starts within ourselves.
Respect for others: This is really all about “how we make other people feel” Most parents, and students are familiar with “bucket filling” I am a HUGE fan of BUCKET FILLING!! We have the power in every thing we say, and in everything we do, in every moment of our lives and in every interaction we have with people to either BUILD THEM UP or TEAR THEM DOWN. The point is…It is a conscious choice we make.
Respect for the institution: Quite simply put, this is adhering to the rules in whatever place or wherever we happen to be whether we like it or agree with it is irrelevant. We just SUCK IT UP, rules are rules…This is anywhere, and could be at home, at work, on the road in your car, in the dojo…. wherever…We all play by the same rules for the same reason..RESPECT. There can’t be a set of rules for one person and a completely different set for another. That will never work! We must all respect the rules equally
So the question is………HOW???
- Life is a mirror – What you put out always comes back to you. Parents often come to me saying their child is disrespectful to them, or that their kids are disrespectful to each other? If you want to be respected you have to give it first. You cannot demand a person to respect you. You cannot make someone be more respectful. You cannot get/make a child give you respect. You have to give it first. “Life is a mirror…..” Same goes with gratitude.
- Self control – Our ability to control our emotions and rationalize the situation in order to put into perspective the potential consequences not only for the other person but for ourselves. You are not responsible for other people’s actions and words, but you are fully responsible with how you react to it! Disrespectful behaviour almost always leaves a very lasting scar or negative impression on the people affected by the behaviour including the perpetrator.
- Think…. Think very carefully before we act or say something that might undermine our respect. Then think again!!! What we say and do have very lasting impressions and quite often aren’t easily forgotten or forgiven. Think….Is this something you would want for ourselves or our children?
- Self-regulation – This is the ability to not only moderate our responses to things like frustration, and anger but also to calm ourselves down to avoid an emotional outburst.
Have an Amazing week!!!
Sensei
Keiko Karate – “Actually, we do make Ninjas and Superheroes here………………we turn kids into Ninjas and we turn their parents into their superheroes!”
