Respect is one of those hard to define qualities that can often be seen both by its presence and its absence. When it is present, it shows in the actions of those people who have it for other people. You can see it in how they treat the other people and in how they respond when asked or told to do something. When it is absent, you see it in the same way but the actions will be negative.
When respect is given, people sometimes go out of their way to do what the respected person wants. They don’t mind doing the things asked nor do they expect anything in return.
Giving respect sometimes comes because of who the person represents, not necessarily the person him- or herself. This kind of respect is shown by standing when the President of the United States enters a room. You may not like the man or woman themselves, but you show respect to the office they represent. This kind of respect is given to the people training you in martial arts whatever their title.
Respect also has to be earned. There are things you can do to earn respect of those who might be under your authority or simply those you encounter every day.
One way to earn respect is to be sincere. Mean what you say and stand behind what you believe. Speak from your clearly and strongly held beliefs. People can sense when you’re doing this and can also sense when you’re speaking what you think they want to hear.
Let your actions be the same no matter who you may be with. Be careful not to give in to social pressure to treat different people differently. Whether you come in contact with the president of a corporation or the janitor who cleans the floors, treat them the same.
Compliment other people’s actions, accomplishments, and ideas instead of superficial things like looks or clothes. Make your compliments sincere and not just saying them because you think it will cause them to like you or give you something.
Earn respect by being kind to all people. Open doors for others. Let them go before you in the check-out line. Smile and give a greeting to others. Small things like saying please and thank you will earn you the respect of others.
Respect can be earned by not making excuses. If you make a mistake, own up to it instead of putting it off on someone else or something else. Don’t hold on to mistakes but learn from them and do better.
Let go of anger to earn respect. Forgive others when they wrong you and go on with life.
These few ways of behaving will make a difference in how much respect you get from others. Giving respect where it is due will earn you respect in return.
Giving and getting respect is an integral part of your martial arts training. Shifu Raymond Ahles at Blue Dragon School of Martial Arts is ready and able to help you in practicing the basics of martial arts and in becoming the best you can be in the martial arts. He will monitor your training and sparring and make suggestions when he sees some area in which you may be lacking. Contact him at 201-385-3130 today and get started or started again!
