At our dojang, every technique we practice has a purpose. Every stance, every block, every strike teaches us something deeper than movement. This week, our focus is on Respect—a word that might seem simple at first, but one that carries incredible weight both inside and outside the training hall.
Lately, I’ve heard that some of our students—and even incoming students—have experienced or displayed early signs of concerning behavior. This is something we take seriously. As martial artists, we are held to a higher standard. Not because we’re perfect, but because we are actively choosing a path that demands discipline, humility, and compassion.
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Respect Is a Gift You Give Without Expectation
A lot of people think of respect as a transaction: “I’ll respect you if you respect me.” But in martial arts, respect is not conditional. It’s a way of being.
When we bow, we are not just showing respect to our partner—we are reminding ourselves to approach every interaction with humility, care, and awareness. Respect is about who we are, not just how we respond.
Think of respect like a light you carry. You don’t turn it on only when someone else is shining theirs at you. You carry it with you no matter where you go, because your light helps others see more clearly.
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The River and the Stone
There’s an old analogy in Eastern philosophy about a river flowing around a stone.
The stone is firm, unmoving, sometimes cold. It represents those moments—or people—in our lives who resist kindness or don’t return it.
The river, gentle and constant, represents respect.
A river does not stop flowing because a stone blocks its path. It doesn’t get angry. It doesn’t shrink away. It simply continues forward—quietly, persistently—smoothing the stone over time.
Respect works the same way. Even when others are unkind, we continue being who we are. Over time, our consistency shapes the world around us.
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Bullying Has No Place in Our Dojang or Our Lives
Bullying is the opposite of respect. It comes from fear, insecurity, frustration, or misunderstanding. But whatever the reason behind it, bullying damages both the person being hurt and the person doing the hurting.
We train to be stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
A truly strong martial artist does not put others down. A truly strong martial artist protects those who need help. A truly strong martial artist chooses kindness even when it’s difficult.
If you have been bullied, know this: you are not alone. This dojang stands with you.
If you have ever acted unkindly, know this too: you can learn, grow, and change. Every day is a new chance to do better.
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Respect Starts With Us
There’s a simple martial arts truth:
We cannot control others. We can only control ourselves.
We bow even when others don’t. We listen even when others talk over us. We help even when others ignore us. We show respect even when it’s not returned.
Why?
Because every time we choose respect, we strengthen our character. We define who we are.
Being a martial artist means holding ourselves to a higher level—not to elevate ourselves above others, but to encourage others to rise with us.
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The Mirror Principle
When you look into a mirror and smile, the reflection smiles back. But if you wait for the mirror to smile first, you’ll be waiting forever.
Respect works the same way.
We choose to smile first. We choose to model kindness first. We choose to be the example.
When we live this way, others often follow.
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Our Commitment as a Dojang Family
This week—and every week—we are recommitting to building an environment where students feel safe, included, challenged, and uplifted.
We practice respect:
In our words
In our tone
In how we treat training partners
In how we speak about others
In how we carry ourselves at home, at school, and in public
Respect isn’t just part of our training. Respect is our training.
Let’s work together to make our dojang a place where every student feels valued. A place where we push each other to be better—not just stronger, but kinder. A place where respect is not just a word of the week, but a way of life.
Week of 11/17/25
Tuesday & Wednesday – Ill Soo Sik (One Step Sparring (13 y/o+)/Long Distance Sparring (children))
Thursday & Friday – Techniques & Bag Work
Saturday – Gobble & Kick Potluck 5-7pm
