The Value of Mutual Respect and Well-being in the Karate Dojo 

A student learns many things in Karate, from blocks and strikes to Japanese counting. This material is often what the public focuses on when they think of the martial arts.  In addition, when we are testing students we look at what physical techniques they are supposed to know, as well as some history of the art.  However, nothing learned in a dojo is as important as understanding the value of mutual respect and well-being. Without it, everything else is merely a tool to be used for selfish purposes.  With it, one’s world can be changed. 

To understand the importance of mutual respect and well-being, you must first understand what it means.  Respect is about more than simply doing what the sensei asks, although that is a part of it.  According to wikipedia.org, respect is “the acknowledgment that someone or something has value; the showing of thoughtfulness and consideration; to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with: to respect a person's privacy; to relate or have reference to.”  There are several ways to show respect: through language, body language, and by behavior.  In the dojo, we call the head instructor “Sensei,” which means “one who has come before.” We may also call the head student “Sempi,” “sir,” or “ma’am.”  Children are asked to address adult students by Mr. or Ms. rather than the more familiar first name.  In a traditional dojo, bowing is a use of body language that shows respect.  Students bow to the Shomen before entering the dojo, and before and after class bow to the Shomen, Udanja, and the Sensei. In addition, before starting any formal exercises the students will bow to each other.  These are all formal ways that Karate students show respect to the martial arts, their instructors, and each other.   

Respect is also shown and taught in many informal ways as well.  When a new white belt is fumbling over what seems to be the simplest of exercises, those students who have been a part of the dojo do not mock or laugh at the new student.  Rather, they help and encourage the white belt until they are able to grasp the technique. This does not only apply to new students; some people clearly have a more natural physical ability than others.  It may take two blue belts a different amount of time to learn a new kata, for example, or one may be able to remember goshin waza with only one demonstration while another needs to see it three or four times.  In every action, from paying attention to the instructor to lining up for class on time, students have the opportunity to show respect for the dojo, their fellow students, and themselves. 

If students are working with partners, they show concern for each other’s welfare. They help each other learn.  Students can be simply reminded of the importance of helping their partner learn the exercise, use good technique, and only then apply some resistance.  This is often summed up by telling the partner to “be a good uke.”  Then when it is time to trade who attempts the technique, the other partner will do the same.  In this way they practice showing that they value mutual well-being, and both students are able to benefit and learn together. 

Knowing the importance of mutual respect and well-being is not something that every student automatically brings to the dojo.  Rather, it is something that must be taught, reinforced, and continually demonstrated by the sensei and current students.  Whether they want to be or not, higher ranked students are role models for new students entering the dojo.  Social norms are learned from those who are familiar with the expectations for behavior in any environment.  This includes the dojo.

 In addition to informal teaching, sharing formal teaching responsibilities is also a very important part of mutual respect and well-being.  It may feel repetitive, and working with children that have a very limited attention span can be a challenge.  However, having experienced students participate in the teaching process is vital to the success of the dojo, and of the continuation of the martial arts.  Without people being willing and eager to take on the responsibility of sharing their knowledge, it will be lost.

 Unfortunately, the kind of positive environment many dojos strive for is not found inside every dojo.  In some places, the attitude is more about showing off how strongly you can work any technique, often at the expense of fellow students.  Instead of people who are having trouble being encouraged, they are mocked. Instead of focusing on helping everyone learn, people are only concerned about their own well-being.  There is no opportunity to learn from more experienced students, and in the end everyone loses.

 For better or worse, the attitude found in a dojo often carries out into the outside world.  Respect for others leads to respect for self.  Continuous competition for self leads to selfishness in one’s life. Teaching others karate techniques leads to the ability to teach other subjects as well.  Practicing techniques without regard for your partner’s safety leads to bullying anyone smaller or weaker than yourself. 

Practicing and understanding the value of mutual respect and well-being is not simply an exercise in politeness.  Rather, it is essential to the survival of the martial arts as a way of life.