NEWS AND REMINDERS
Mini Camp Registration is OPEN!
Schools are closed Monday, February 19th
Join our camp!
Ages 6-10
9 am to 2 pm
at Mills Reservation
$99 per camper
Final Days to Donate Coats!
We have been accepting new or gently used unstained coats for all ages in our lobby
(no accessories or clothing at this time, please)
FINAL DAY TO DONATE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3RD
Thank you to all who have donated and spread the word about our coat drive!
Student Portal
Remember, you can find student resources,
like the class signup page and student event calendar within your student portal.
Visit the student portal page on our website.
The password is listed in student communications.
CLOSURES
There will be no kids or adult classes on Monday, January 15th, 2024
in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
BLOG
Moral of the Month: Respect
Has your child displayed any of the dojo morals lately?
Please shout it out to us so that we may join in lifting them up.
There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self. – Henri Amiel
You may hear the word respect come up often in the martial arts world, and for good reason. Respect—the acknowledgment of the inherent value one and everyone around us possess—is fundamental to the practice or martial arts. It is closely associated with humility, gratitude and acceptance, and makes us better, more compassionate people, to ourselves and others.
As individuals progress through their martial arts journey, they discover that respect is not just a set of rules but a profound mindset that shapes their actions both inside and outside the dojo. Respectfulness builds character and goes beyond politeness. It cultivates a strong sense of discipline, integrity, and responsibility. Respect also fosters discipline. Through the practice of respecting instructors, peers, and the art itself, students internalize the importance of self-discipline.
Additionally, a culture of respect creates positive and inclusive spaces. When students treat each other with respect, it establishes a sense of camaraderie and teamwork by which everyone feels valued and encouraged. And by acknowledging and appreciating differences, practitioners may develop a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the human experience. This not only enriches their martial arts journey, but contributes to the growth of a more inclusive society.
Respect in the dojo is embodied by many different practices and protocols. The traditional bow in martial arts is not just a formality; it symbolizes humility and respect. The act of bowing signifies acknowledgment of the knowledge and skills being shared, as well as a commitment to learn and grow.
In sparring, respect is evident in the controlled intensity of the exchanges. Peers demonstrate consideration for their training partners, which builds trust, ensures a safe and constructive learning environment, and enhances the quality of training sessions.
Through the acknowledgment of rank and experience, students also learn to respect the journey of their peers, seniors, and instructors, recognizing the dedication and effort each individual puts into their practice.
Practicing respectfulness in our daily lives can be done in many ways. We can, for one, lead by example. By treating everyone with consideration, actively listening, providing constructive feedback, and demonstrating humility, we create a standard of respect that others can follow. Rituals, not unlike the bow-in, serve as tangible reminders of to uphold the morals we value. Even the act of gratitude fosters respect; the implicit acknowledgment that we are beneficiaries of others’ knowledge, efforts or support fosters trust, positivity, and humility, key components of respect.
The cultivation of respect in the martial arts world is not just a practice; it's a transformative journey. By embracing respect as a core value, individuals not only become skilled martial artists but also compassionate and resilient members of society. We all benefit from the enduring power and impact of respect—a force that propels us toward personal and collective excellence.