First things first: Respect

    I have a simple philosophy on what makes a good martial artist or martial arts school. It all comes down to one word, Respect.
    What exactly is respect? Looking it up in the dictionary you will find there are many uses and definitions of respect. It's a sophisticated word that can be used as both a noun and a verb. The simplified definition that I use is; To treat people, animals and yourself with kindness.
    When I teach karate, the most important lesson that I hope for all my students to learn is how to be a good person. Secondly, is how to be good at karate. Being a "good" person to me means being a person full of kindness who others admire. I call that being respectful. 
    Building respect starts in the dojo. Here are just some of the ways a student in karate can be respectful.
Ways to show respect in Karate:

• Saying Osu! (yes, I understand and I’ll do the best of my ability) or Yes, Sir/Ma'am!
  
• Lining up shoes neatly at the door (according to rank)
• Bowing politely (hands on hips, eyes cast down, bend at waist, done slowly)
• Not being disruptive in class (listening and only speaking when asked)
• Meditating silently before class
• Quietly getting changed in changing rooms  (also keeping clothing neat & organized)
• Caring for your uniform (folding it nicely, making sure it is clean for each class)
• Saying Arigato! (thank you) or Arigato Gozaimasu! (thank you very much) to your teacher
• Calling your teacher(s) by the proper title (Sensei in most cases)
• Being kind to other students (being a good Uke and Tori) Not deliberately hurting them
• Offering a polite greeting (to other students, your Sensei)
• Bringing your success notebook to class
  

Respect doesn't stop at the dojo. It is something that should become a part of who you are in life. Here are some ways to be successful outside of class.
Ways to show respect outside of Karate:

• Saying Yes/No, Sir or Yes/No, Ma’me (when an someone calls you or asks you a question)
• Holding a door open (especially for parents, elders, women)
• When a senior enters a room, give up your seat to honor them
• When someone is talking (especially an adult, elder or instructor) stop talking, stop moving and listen. Wait for breaks in the conversation to ask a question or say what you have to say. Do not interrupt.
• When you meet someone new, look them in the eye, smile and give them a firm handshake. (A firm handshake is a nice squeeze, not finger crushing!)
• Use polite manners (look people in the eye when they are speaking, say please if you want something, say thank you if you are given something)
• Look for ways to help and serve others (help carry something, help pick up if they dropped something, hold the door if someone’s hands are full, help clean up if something is disorderly, make it your mission to find at least one way to help someone each day)
  

Note: This list doesn’t cover ALL ways to be respectful, but it should give you a good start. Feel free to add other ways to be respectful. Most importantly, try to practice respect every day. Before long, it becomes who you are.