How many people in this forum teach or have heard Ethics and Morality taught in their martial arts classes aside from religious implications?
Morality and Ethics are different from religion and I feel that they are subjects that should be taught in the classroom. Religion in the Martial Art classroom detracts from intention of the class, which is to teach someone how to defend themselves if a situation arises, however Morality and Ethics enhance the study of the Martial Arts because it not only teaches the students when it is right and good to use their skill and it also teaches them how to become better leaders and to have a strong character.
I've studied Goju-Ryu Karate, Tang Soo Do, Ninjitsu, Hapkido, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo and more for many years at a time and found that it was quite interesting how they claimed that they taught the students respect, integrity, and built character but never once were these topics discussed. I think morality and ethics are the instructors of Martial Arts responsibility. Who else is going to share that?
Schools? I know none of that was covered in any classes I took in school. Teachers are more interested in keeping the kids quiet and out of trouble than in being moral or ethical compasses.
Churches? This is something that the church should cover, but it seems more and more that churches are focused on telling the congregation how much God loves them and cares about them instead of telling them what is expected out of them as a human being.
Parents? These are the other people that should have the responsibility, but you can't teach what you don't know.
Role models? The Heros of the kids are sports, movie, or music stars. More often than not these heros show a serious lacking in character, morality, and ethics. Drugs, lack of integrity, and immorality run rampant.
Who is left? You are! If you teach or even are a senior student in a martial arts class, your juniors look up to you and look at you for guidance in all aspects of life. Your actions are under scruitiny and it will have an impact on the next generation. Ethics and Morality are a large part of what a warrior is all about. You have the right and the responsibility to let your students know where you stand on these issues. You have the responsibility to ensure they know what respect, integrity, and honor is all about. Make sure that you teach it in more places than bowing/shaking hands/calling elders "Sir" or "Ma'am".
Respect:
A man is stopped at a stoplight and a car pulls up next him blaring rap music so loud that the car seems like its bouncing with the rhythm. The man looks towards the car with annoyance. When the light changes he drives down the road and pulls into a gas station to get a gallon of milk. When he is almost to his car, the driver of the other car bashes him in the back of the head with the butt of the pistol and then points it to his head and shouts "Respect me, FOOL!"
This is an example of respect going awry. We all know who has the problem with respect. The first "respect infraction" is when the one turned up his music so loud. Loud music is a sign of disdain and a serious lack of respect towards all those around them. A person has the right to listen to what he wants to listen to, but his right can not infringe on anyone elses rights... In this case its the other drivers right to NOT listen to the music.
Then he has the misconception that he deserves to be respected. Why must the other respect him? He hasn't earned respect in any way. Having a gun and using violence doesn't teach respect for the person, instead it lowers the respect for the person. The only respect is for the gun or for the violence. When it comes to respect it is something that each individual should earn, but it should be automatically given all others. I'm saying that I respect you right off the bat because you've done nothing for me to lose that respect, but I don't expect you to respect me because I need to earn it. That is what respect and humility is all about. Give freely, but never expect anything to be given to you. This ties in perfectly with the next attribute of Honor; Obligation.
Obligation:
If anyone gives you anything you are obligated to repay it in some form or another. A simple rule to live by is that nothing in life is ever free... If someone gives you something without obligation to repay in some form, you should be indebted to them doubly because of it. If you can't repay the debt to them, repay it to another person or two. If everyone learns this simple principle, life would be so much better. When you give, don't expect it to be repaid. Just like respect, you should give things freely, but earn what is given to you.
Obligation and the workplace; This is an issue that I have run into time and time again. People discuss work with me and tell me that they don't work as hard as they could because they don't feel as if they are getting paid as much as they should be. This especially happens when someone finds out that someone else is getting paid more than they are. This shows a serious lack in character. You are being given something... money for performing a service. You agreed on the amount of money and so you are obligated to perform that service to the best of your ability. If you think you should be getting paid more, go look for a job elsewhere. I don't even believe in asking for a raise. If your boss thinks you deserve to make more, he'll give you a raise (if he's honest). If he's not honest or you need more money, go find another job. The only case to ask for a raise is when a change in your life situation means that you can't survive with how much you are getting paid. Then you go to your boss and let him know that you need more money or you are going to have to leave the job in search of a better paying one.
Obligation and Integrity: This two go hand in hand because you are obligated to be honest. Unless you live on a deserted isle or have really messed up in your life, there is someone that looks up to you. Because they trust that your word is honest and correct, you are obligated to them to make your word honest and correct. This applies in the workplace too. If your boss asks how much time it will take to get the project done, don't pad it, but tell him the truth. In looking for a job, don't tell them you have experience in something when you really don't. In the world of the martial arts, don't tell parents that you teach respect, integrity, and character when you really don't. Don't tell them you teach self defense when all you teach is aerobic kickboxing. Don't tell them that your class costs $50 a month when you have hidden charges like promotion tests, belts, and etc. If you can't tell, I think it is very decietful to tell someone that they have to earn a rank but turn around and charge them the promotion test. As an instructor I know that it doesn't cost much to get the certificate and the belt. I am glad to provide those for free to my students because they are already paying for my class, I am not going to charge extra for something they have earned with sweat and a little bit of blood. If you can't handle the costs of the belts and certificates, raise your monthly price to cover the costs of running your school. It might not attract as many people, but at least you're being honest when you tell people how much it costs to take your class.
Character:
What is it? I've looked all over but can't really find a good example of what character is all about... so I'll give you my point of view: "Character is the manner in which you respond to pressure."
A person with good character will demonstrate these characteristics; Authority, Service, Truth, and Potential.
-Authority: A person with good character will be a natural leader. When pressure is applied, he/she will take charge and act with authority while others only contibute to chaos.
-Service: A person with good character will put others before him/her self. He/she will lead, not for the glory, honor, or prestige, but will lead because it benifits others.
-Truth: A person with good character will be true to him/herself. He/she will do what he/she believes is right and will not sway because of the opinions of others. Always steadfast and sure.
-Potential: A person with good character will recognize that he/she has potential and will leave the comforts of the habits most of us get into in order to realize their fullest potential. He/she will be openminded enough to learn, but will not compromise personal beliefs.
Put all of these together and you've got about 1/100th of what being a warrior is all about.
Your opinions?
Morality and Ethics are different from religion and I feel that they are subjects that should be taught in the classroom. Religion in the Martial Art classroom detracts from intention of the class, which is to teach someone how to defend themselves if a situation arises, however Morality and Ethics enhance the study of the Martial Arts because it not only teaches the students when it is right and good to use their skill and it also teaches them how to become better leaders and to have a strong character.
I've studied Goju-Ryu Karate, Tang Soo Do, Ninjitsu, Hapkido, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo and more for many years at a time and found that it was quite interesting how they claimed that they taught the students respect, integrity, and built character but never once were these topics discussed. I think morality and ethics are the instructors of Martial Arts responsibility. Who else is going to share that?
Schools? I know none of that was covered in any classes I took in school. Teachers are more interested in keeping the kids quiet and out of trouble than in being moral or ethical compasses.
Churches? This is something that the church should cover, but it seems more and more that churches are focused on telling the congregation how much God loves them and cares about them instead of telling them what is expected out of them as a human being.
Parents? These are the other people that should have the responsibility, but you can't teach what you don't know.
Role models? The Heros of the kids are sports, movie, or music stars. More often than not these heros show a serious lacking in character, morality, and ethics. Drugs, lack of integrity, and immorality run rampant.
Who is left? You are! If you teach or even are a senior student in a martial arts class, your juniors look up to you and look at you for guidance in all aspects of life. Your actions are under scruitiny and it will have an impact on the next generation. Ethics and Morality are a large part of what a warrior is all about. You have the right and the responsibility to let your students know where you stand on these issues. You have the responsibility to ensure they know what respect, integrity, and honor is all about. Make sure that you teach it in more places than bowing/shaking hands/calling elders "Sir" or "Ma'am".
Respect:
A man is stopped at a stoplight and a car pulls up next him blaring rap music so loud that the car seems like its bouncing with the rhythm. The man looks towards the car with annoyance. When the light changes he drives down the road and pulls into a gas station to get a gallon of milk. When he is almost to his car, the driver of the other car bashes him in the back of the head with the butt of the pistol and then points it to his head and shouts "Respect me, FOOL!"
This is an example of respect going awry. We all know who has the problem with respect. The first "respect infraction" is when the one turned up his music so loud. Loud music is a sign of disdain and a serious lack of respect towards all those around them. A person has the right to listen to what he wants to listen to, but his right can not infringe on anyone elses rights... In this case its the other drivers right to NOT listen to the music.
Then he has the misconception that he deserves to be respected. Why must the other respect him? He hasn't earned respect in any way. Having a gun and using violence doesn't teach respect for the person, instead it lowers the respect for the person. The only respect is for the gun or for the violence. When it comes to respect it is something that each individual should earn, but it should be automatically given all others. I'm saying that I respect you right off the bat because you've done nothing for me to lose that respect, but I don't expect you to respect me because I need to earn it. That is what respect and humility is all about. Give freely, but never expect anything to be given to you. This ties in perfectly with the next attribute of Honor; Obligation.
Obligation:
If anyone gives you anything you are obligated to repay it in some form or another. A simple rule to live by is that nothing in life is ever free... If someone gives you something without obligation to repay in some form, you should be indebted to them doubly because of it. If you can't repay the debt to them, repay it to another person or two. If everyone learns this simple principle, life would be so much better. When you give, don't expect it to be repaid. Just like respect, you should give things freely, but earn what is given to you.
Obligation and the workplace; This is an issue that I have run into time and time again. People discuss work with me and tell me that they don't work as hard as they could because they don't feel as if they are getting paid as much as they should be. This especially happens when someone finds out that someone else is getting paid more than they are. This shows a serious lack in character. You are being given something... money for performing a service. You agreed on the amount of money and so you are obligated to perform that service to the best of your ability. If you think you should be getting paid more, go look for a job elsewhere. I don't even believe in asking for a raise. If your boss thinks you deserve to make more, he'll give you a raise (if he's honest). If he's not honest or you need more money, go find another job. The only case to ask for a raise is when a change in your life situation means that you can't survive with how much you are getting paid. Then you go to your boss and let him know that you need more money or you are going to have to leave the job in search of a better paying one.
Obligation and Integrity: This two go hand in hand because you are obligated to be honest. Unless you live on a deserted isle or have really messed up in your life, there is someone that looks up to you. Because they trust that your word is honest and correct, you are obligated to them to make your word honest and correct. This applies in the workplace too. If your boss asks how much time it will take to get the project done, don't pad it, but tell him the truth. In looking for a job, don't tell them you have experience in something when you really don't. In the world of the martial arts, don't tell parents that you teach respect, integrity, and character when you really don't. Don't tell them you teach self defense when all you teach is aerobic kickboxing. Don't tell them that your class costs $50 a month when you have hidden charges like promotion tests, belts, and etc. If you can't tell, I think it is very decietful to tell someone that they have to earn a rank but turn around and charge them the promotion test. As an instructor I know that it doesn't cost much to get the certificate and the belt. I am glad to provide those for free to my students because they are already paying for my class, I am not going to charge extra for something they have earned with sweat and a little bit of blood. If you can't handle the costs of the belts and certificates, raise your monthly price to cover the costs of running your school. It might not attract as many people, but at least you're being honest when you tell people how much it costs to take your class.
Character:
What is it? I've looked all over but can't really find a good example of what character is all about... so I'll give you my point of view: "Character is the manner in which you respond to pressure."
A person with good character will demonstrate these characteristics; Authority, Service, Truth, and Potential.
-Authority: A person with good character will be a natural leader. When pressure is applied, he/she will take charge and act with authority while others only contibute to chaos.
-Service: A person with good character will put others before him/her self. He/she will lead, not for the glory, honor, or prestige, but will lead because it benifits others.
-Truth: A person with good character will be true to him/herself. He/she will do what he/she believes is right and will not sway because of the opinions of others. Always steadfast and sure.
-Potential: A person with good character will recognize that he/she has potential and will leave the comforts of the habits most of us get into in order to realize their fullest potential. He/she will be openminded enough to learn, but will not compromise personal beliefs.
Put all of these together and you've got about 1/100th of what being a warrior is all about.
Your opinions?
