Good manners, common courtesy, and respect seem to be in a bit of a decline in recent history.
With the advent of social media, and the power of anonymity it provides, it is easier than ever to say and do things that you might not do in person. In a society that seems to be speeding up exponentially, people just don't seem to have the time........for patience.
Popular culture is bombarded with examplesof this type of behavior, even our Presidential Debates have taken on a decidedly "Jersey Shore" feel to them. Most of the popular shows, movies, and media are filled with topics, and language that are anything but respectful, courteous, and kind.
As we go speeding through our day, inundated with bad examples, running eternally late, tethered to our devices is it any wonder why manners seem to be in short supply?
In fact manners might be considered one of the great challenges ours and future generations face.Why is that you might ask? Because manners....how you speak to others, how you treat others, how you act to the people we meet, the people we love....and those that we have trouble dealing with is in direct relation to the amount of self respect we have for ourselves, for the respect we have for the people around us, and is a direct reflection of the morals, and principles that guide our lives.
Can you have good manners, and be devoid of solid morals and guiding principles? Of course you can (See: Eddie Haskell), but you cannot have solid morals and guiding principles without having good manners.
Yes Sir, and Yes Mam are the building blocks of something far more important.....Respect.
That is one of the most powerful lessons Martial Arts teaches us. Having an environment, where it is the rule, and not the exception to use manners sets the stage for mutual respect. Having an environment where there are high expectations or consequences for what comes out of your mouth, fosters responsibility. Being held to a high standard of behavior on and off the mats, is a great way to build a leader.
From bowing on the mats, to shaking the instructors hand, looking classmates in the eyes and thanking them for a good class, bowing to an opponent before you fight and hugging them after the match is over, respecting the hierarchy of belts, and being expected to demonstrate and perfect required lessons/techniques, to helping new students.....the list goes on and on and on.
Martial Arts is one of the few places where manners are expected, morals are not just taught, but displayed by the teachers and high ranking students, where respect, kindness, humility, and perseverance are celebrated, encouraged, and taught.....one on one, without screens, without phones, and without apology.
-Joshua Page, Hickory Academy of Martial Arts
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