Courtesy is a big part of the martial arts. We bow in before class, bow after class, bow to a partner before we spar, and bow after we finish. We are expected to be courteous to one another in class. We say “yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, and no ma’am”, but what about when you are away from the dojo? Do you say “yes sir/ma’am” when you are speaking to your parents, bosses, teachers, or other people? You should.
Courtesy is lost on most people today. When you are courteous, you stand out in a very good way. I have been complemented many times through the years for my courtesy. When you are in a store most people do not say “excuse me” when they walk by someone. Something as simple as saying “excuse me” when walking by someone makes a very good impression on others.
I want all of our students, young and old, to be considered courteous people. Be courteous on purpose. At first, you have to try to remember to be courteous to others. Let someone go in front of you in a line, say “excuse me” when walking by someone, say “please” and “thank you”. Basically, you want to treat everyone the way you want to be treated.
As I said, this will be harder at first, you will have to try to remember to be courteous. But the more you do it, the easier it gets. Once you get to the point where you are courteous to others without even thinking about it, you will have reached your Black Belt in Courtesy.
Please comment and let us know other ways we can be courteous!
