The Value of Respect: a Multidimensional Tenet that creates Success!

Hello all and good Afternoon!

Today I will be discussing in more detail the value of Respect and how by having respect for ourselves and others can lead to such a rewarding and fulfilling life. In defining Respect, we look at it as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements. Here at Yi’s Karate of Vineland, we value the character of Respect and it’s importance with our students. By having this character trait, many of our students can hold a better appreciation and understanding for the things around them as well as the individuals that they have the chance to engage in within their lives. By having Respect, one will:

1. Use Active listening skills: Encourage children to actively listen to their instructors during class. Emphasize the importance of maintaining eye contact, refraining from interrupting, and giving their full attention. This teaches respect for authority figures and cultivates focus and discipline.
2. Follow instructions: Instill in children the importance of promptly and accurately following instructions given by their instructors and others. Emphasize that this demonstrates respect for the knowledge and expertise of their instructors and helps maintain a safe training environment.
3. Respecting training partners: Teach students to treat their training partners with respect and courtesy. Emphasize the importance of cooperation, fairness, and safety during partner drills and sparring sessions. Encourage them to always consider their partner’s well-being and provide support and encouragement.
4. Gratitude and appreciation: Teach children and students to express gratitude towards their instructors, training partners, and the training environment. Encourage them to thank their instructors for their guidance and knowledge and express appreciation to their training partners for their efforts. This fosters a culture of appreciation and respect within the martial arts community.
5. Humility and sportsmanship: Encourage your child to approach their training with humility. Teach them to celebrate their own progress while acknowledging and respecting the abilities of others. Emphasize the importance of showing good sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat, and avoiding arrogance or belittling others.
6. Respect for the art and its history: Share the history and philosophy of the martial art our students are practicing. Help them understand the cultural significance and values associated with Tang Soo Do. This cultivates a deeper appreciation and respect for the art and its traditions.
7. Encouraging self-reflection: Discuss with our students the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement in martial arts. Help them understand that by continuously working on themselves, they can develop a greater sense of respect for their own abilities and the journey of personal growth.
8. Role modeling and mentorship: For our parents and guardians, lead by example and demonstrate respect in your interactions with your child, their instructors, and fellow practitioners. Encourage mentorship within the Tang Soo Do community, where older students can guide and support younger ones, fostering a culture of respect and support.

Respect at Yi’s Karate of Vineland is a very critical trait to have. If a student cannot develop respect for their fellow classmates as well as for their instructors, they will find it difficult to navigate these areas later in life. By having and reinforcing Respect,many of our students can go on to live very productive and fulfilling lives! if you are reading this now and want to know how you can develop respect for your child (or even yourself as well!!) feel free to call us at 856-405-0008 to schedule a lesson with one of our highly trained, Black belt instructors. We are a Black Belt Academy and focus on Respect as part of our Curriculum!

Mr. Lee MSW

3rd Degree Black Belt Instructor