ETIQUETTE:

So, how do we know the ‘right thing to do’ at any given moment? There are two answers to that question. The first would seem to be quite simple; follow the rules! However, to quote General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it!” That’s especially true for fidgety, energetic children trying to be quiet and attentive in class! We know that’s hard to do, but we’d like all our students to remember that it takes less time and trouble to do things right than to do the pushups!

The second answer was stated perfectly by none other than Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, “Always let your conscience be your guide.” Emily Post, the well-known ‘Diva of Etiquette’ says, “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners.” In karate class, being sensitive to the feelings of your classmates includes things like not laughing when someone makes a mistake on their form, being quiet and staying off the carpet when a class that isn’t yours is in progress, keeping your attention on yourself instead of trying to point out what others are doing wrong, not gossiping or whispering about other students, etc.

Being sensitive to the feelings of your instructors is also of primary importance! Your teachers are here because they truly believe in the Martial Arts ability to improve everyone's quality of life, and all of us—Master Mailman, Gary, Chris, Rechelle, and Dahrla - truly care about all of you! Knowing how to be sensitive to our feelings is easy; be respectful by working hard to show us that you care about what you’re learning here, and follow the rules!

Remember, if you always do the right thing, you will succeed at all things!