Without Respect the Martial Arts are Nothing.
Without Respect the Martial Arts are Nothing. We are living in strange days. Respect in the martial arts is dying. And that began in the late 1980's as sport became the focus.
Today UFC/MMA is a 3 ring circus. Posturing, tough guy / tough chick images and barbaric ring behavior. But this is what always happens in sport. Ego and money dictate the outcomes.
Sad, very sad.... the world has learned nothing.
Anyone remember the Philadelphia Flyers of the early 1970's? No wonder enrollment has been declining for decades.
But it also exist in the young martial artists who are not addicted to sport. They think with their 10 years or so of training they know everything. I was not that way. My first teach would have dropped me had I been disrespectful to him or anyone in the arts. Without Respect the Martial Arts are Nothing.
Without Respect the Martial Arts are Nothing
I recent had a mesage from the SON of a former teacher of mine. When I met this kid he was a small child. Today he is the new crowned KING of what he does. He said to me in a message "if you want to continue to learn call me. Do what is right." Wow, just wow. Ego over the top, and he knows nothing of what I have been doing all my life in the martial arts, including long before he was a thought in the mind of his parents.
And I am kinda shocked his teacher has not cut him off at the knees. No, we will never work together. I left his father for a reason and what I see in him is FAR WORSE.
Without Respect the Martial Arts are Nothing! I wish this kind of thing was isolated. But it is not.
In my Dojo we have a student creed and tenets. It seems this idea is lost today. Back in 2003 I met Grand Master Joon Rhee. He asked me if my Dojo had tenets, creed and a moral code. And of course I did. he say "without these martial arts is simply barbarianism." And what I see often today this simply that.
Of course you need to follow the tenets now just memorize them.
Without Respect the Martial Arts are Nothing in Conclusion
I think my generation has failed a lot in the passing on of the teachings and life lessons in general with youth.
The behaviors I see are disgraceful and truly saddening. The world needs a new paradigm. One of respect and courtesy.
Had this young man approached me correctly we still would not have worked together. But I would at least feel respect for him which I do not.
I myself cannot fix the world. And I am not sure I would even try. But I can personally move forward with proper attidudes and motivation. As for comment of "continue to learn" I have studied his teachers teaching for a long time. And have trained daily in it for 24 years as of now.
And I would NEVER comment or communicate to a senior in such a manner.
If you have a moment checkout our History of the Martial Arts page. Maybe a history lesson would do some good for many who lack awarness and understanding.
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Grand Master Art Mason
