Respect is consideration or regard toward a fellow human being. Everyone should be given respect. Basic respect is shown with patience and tolerance. More respect is shown with recognition, appreciation and maybe friendship. The highest level of respect is too honor, esteem, pay deference to, often with affection. What level of respect would a MA instructor have? A teacher who adheres to a set of moral, mental, and physical standards deserves a higher level of respect. A teacher earns this high respect because of his/her attaining these goals.
However, this respect is not permanent and can be lost quickly. Because to be a good instructor, he/she must maintain if not improve. But we know all know even teachers make mistakes. Respect can be regained just as quickly with humility and changed ways. Most everyone wants to be forgiven. Does everyone feel they are sorry, truly sorry and mean it? Only God knows what is in their heart if they cannot have humility and say I'm sorry. It is not very difficult to forgive someone when they are truly sorrowful at hurting you. In fact, it is easy to forgive then. But why should an instructor or any of us apologize for our mistakes? Because, the more someone is hurt in this world, the more they are distrustful. Distrust leads to wanting their own way or thinking only of themselves. They disregard thinking of others, how they may be hurt from their actions and more of this way of thinking is then propagated in a never ending circle.
A good instructor should be open to different and especially overwhelming opposition to his viewpoint. Each instructor should ask themselves, could I be wrong, should I make amends? A teacher is watched by both students and parents alike and they are learning whatever is taught, intentional or not.
Having humility could be the difference between high respect (earned) and the base level of respect granted any human being. Would you give respect to a bum on the street? You cannot judge his circumstances why he/she got there. But for the grace of God go I. It could be you. If that person was shown respect that he is worth something, he might gain courage to become better.
Respect and humility are closely related. After all, is it not easy to admire and respect someone more when there is humility in the presence of strength?
This was part of what was written for my 2nd dan test for a required paper by my instructor who is a 5th Dan, specifically with him in mind. He asked for a paper "What are the requirements for becoming a good instructor? He had no comment on my paper at the end. He has yet to apologize to me for a series of mistakes, though I have forgiven him and have to continue to forgive him. I respect him as well as anyone and while in class I bow to him as martial arts courtesy, but not as a teacher who I can honor or trust. He professes humility but shows none. This is not just my viewpoint in my school - many have left.
