Respect

If people had to choose something that is lacking in the world these days, most people would agree that there is a lack of RESPECT. The respect that used to be automatically given to people in authority (teachers, police officers, clergy) seems to be gone and without it, the world automatically becomes a scarier place.

Respect is a huge part of the martial arts and it is extremely important that it remains that way. How wonderful it is that there is a place you can go where the longer and harder you train, the more respected you become. That after years of faithfully coming to class and trying your best, you become awarded with one belt after another, as your hardwork and dedication is shown around your waist and in the titles you earn.

In order for this practice to continue, we must not become lazy in the dojo. We must constantly strive to show respect to each other and to the Senseis. We've talked in class lately about what it means to show respect. The Question of the Month for October is "What are 3 ways that we show respect to each other and to the Senseis?" Most students can automatically think of three. Other students may show respect in numerous ways and they may not realize that they are doing it. For anyone who is having trouble coming up with three ways on paper, I've compiled a list for you. (Hint: I've taken most of these out of your handbook under the page titled Karate Etiquette).

Ways we show respect: Bowing (when entering or exiting the dojo; to our partners; after addressing or thanking the Sensei; when stepping on or off the training area), using the titles Sempai or Sensei when addressing someone of senior rank, being on time for class, going behind a class quietly to get to the changerooms, warming up quietly before your class starts, not talking when the Sensei is teaching, putting your hand up when you have a question, arriving with a clean gi, following the rules of no jewellery and no gum in class, sitting properly in class, being a good partner, helping to take care of the dojo (putting your sparring equipment away neatly) and working hard in class (this is our favourite one!).

We train in an atmosphere that is fun and friendly. By giving each other the respect we've earned (and everyone is entitled to respect for simply showing up to class!) we also create an environment that is safe and healthy. Showing kindness and consideration makes us all feel good. Now go put your answer in for the Question of the Month; the prize is a good one!

Happy Anniversary to Us!!!

October 1st marked the one year anniversary that Mark and I have owned Perth and District Martial Arts. What a year it's been! Looking back over the last year, there have been too many amazing moments to even count. From seminars to gradings to our big tournament, we sweated through many an awesome class, we broke boards, did some weapons training and had (what some people might think) a little too much cake. All of this would never have been possible without the fantastic students and their families.

Running a club has been a lot of work and we've certainly learned a lot over the last year. We've changed and grew with our new responsibilities and we believe we've become better people. Our love for karate has continued to grow and we love getting to share that with so many people on a regular basis. Our goal when we started was to bring as many opportunities to our students as we possibly can and with our new programs, the World Kobudo Federation and our new affiliation with Karate Ontario, I think we are well on our way to achieving our goal.

However, we certainly do not run this club by ourselves. Luckily for us, our instructors are friends that we have trained with for almost ten years. We are so lucky to have each of them and we feel that we really have an amazing team. Sensei Bruce, Sensei Cathy and Sensei Tom have been with us every step of the way and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

Now....back to our anniverary. We thought it only seemed fitting to celebrate with a party. We took over Alley Cats Bowling Alley for three hours and while some of us proved that we can do more than just karate, others had a great time alternating between which gutter we threw our ball down. We topped off the party with a gift for the students: 8 student's names were chosen from a jar to get their "Revenge on the Sensei" by throwing a pie into the face of their chosen Sensei. This (we're not sure why) was a HUGE hit with the students. Well, I have to admit, when it wasn't me sitting in the dreaded chair, was laughing as loud as everyone else. I hope the students got their fill of revenge because it might not come around again for a long, long time. At least until we all get the remainder of whip cream out of our noses and ears. :)

Thank you once again to all of the people who make Perth and District Martial Arts such an amazing place to be. We are very grateful to you all. xoxo