“I look around today and feel saddened. Many students of martial arts do not have respect for their teachers. All they want to learn is punching and kicking. This is not martial arts, it is only fighting.” ??
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Martial Arts is steeped in tradition and principles. People are often drawn to the practice based on this adherence to a high moral code of conduct.
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Students and instructors are expected to follow this moral standard both inside and outside the dojo. At the Shuri Dojo, we ask all our students to conduct themselves in a way that is becoming of a true martial artist.
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It is not enough to simply learn the movements, one must embody all the tenets of karate that have been taught for generations before us.
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Instructors should consider each student’s ability to follow these “rules” when determining readiness for belt promotion or leadership.
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For the Shuri Dojo, maintaining our integrity is of the utmost importance. Our students are a representation of what we teach. We take this very seriously. We teach our techniques, kata and drills etc. properly before we move on, we do not promote unless a student is ready, we do not reward ego or poor conduct, we set the example.
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Integrity by definition is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
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Martial arts teach responsibility for one’s actions. Being accountable requires a humble spirit that is not afraid to be honest. Always be honest with yourself and others, dishonesty is never rewarded.