RESPECT
It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For the student who wishes to train in Taekwondo, that step is respect. It is the step which begins the training journey, and which will accompany the student throughout their progress as a student. And in time, they will be able to turn and show others how to take that first, most crucial step.
Respect is learned through action. Psychologist Paul Pearsall has observed that motivation follows behavior, it does not precede it. So even a beginning Taekwondo student bows to the flag and their seniors as they enter the do-chang. The student may be uncomfortable at first, feeling a bit awkward and unsure of the reason for such a tradition. But in time the action becomes natural – so much so that the student would feel something was missing if the student did not bow. The motivation to show respect grows within the student. Through the bow the student communicates silently with their instructor and fellow students that the student is making the connection with the tradition, the art and the history of Taekwondo.
Respect is also learned through focusing on common courtesy. The beginning student may wonder at such rules as keeping their nails well clipped and not wearing jewelry in the do-chang. The student may not understand the importance of keeping their uniform neat and clean. But the student who makes the effort to obey these rules will discover something growing within themselves: respect for themselves, the school, the instructor and Taekwondo as a whole. These rules were never intended to teach respect by themselves, but they do set up the guidelines necessary for a courteous mindset to develop.
Another way the student learns respect is through the step by step process of rank promotion. With each promotion the student feels a sense of accomplishment that fosters pride. The student’s confidence increases, which develops self-respect. Over the months and years of their training, they discover talents within themselves that they would have never dreamed existed. The student begins to see themselves as someone of value, with something real to contribute to others. And they begin to feel a desire to help others, seeing in them the same potential they discovered within themselves. Self-respect nurtures a healthy respect for others. While rank promotion only seems to serve the individual student, the entire school actually reaps the benefit of their accomplishment.Our country was founded on respect. The very wording of the Declaration of Independence reflects a deep respect for each person’s rights, as well as the necessary positions of authority. But for too many years respect towards people and propery has been declining in our country. What it boils down to is people today seem to have the desire to be the authority, not be subject to it. But life simply will not support too many “chiefs” in one tribe. The fact of the matter is that while we each have rights which must be respected, we also have leaders which must be respected. Submitting to authority is not a sign of weakness, it is a demonstration of strength. When the moon tries to shine while the sun is in the sky, it frequently goes unnoticed. Only at night – in the sun’s absence – does it receive admiration.
Ultimately, the student of Taekwondo will find it their turn to teach respect to the newest students. The student will learn quickly that respect is not instructed, but demonstrated. Any teacher who does not respect their students cannot expect their students to respect the teacher. Respect is contagious. To teach it best, show it. Respect is one of the foundational principles of Taekwondo. Through our Taekwondo training, my hope is that the students are learning a healthy respect for themselves, their school and authority.