08/20/2026
As kids are heading back to school this week, it is a great time to remember lessons that are learned in the dojo. Not just punching and kicking and blocking--but those unannounced lessons: Patience, discipline, respect, motivation.
At The Karate Studio, our vision is to instill traditional values of respect, discipline, self-control, and motivation in students of all ages, as we strive for perfection in the practice of martial arts.
Respect—
In martial arts, respect for ourselves and others is seen as a basic strength. Respect is a feeling of admiration for someone or something. It expresses our regard for positive and valuable accomplishments.
Respect for each other, for all humans, is valuable and worthwhile. To show this respect, we bow to each other—before class, during class, and after class. “Onegaishimasu.” Please teach me, work with me, allow me to learn from you. Working together helps to reinforce our respect for each other as individuals.
Showing respect for our instructors and seniors as well as our dojo and the style we practice is another way we practice respect. We watch as seniors explain and demonstrate. We ask questions if we don’t understand, and we work to try and follow instructions to the best of our ability, even if they aren’t watching us at that time. Our dojo is a special place and we work hard to keep it clean and follow the traditions that have been handed down from instructor to instructor throughout the history of our style.
Respect for excellence is another celebration; individually as well as through the dojo. Belt systems to rank students are used. To attain the next rank, students must perform in front of their dojo brothers and sisters as well as family members and friends who come and watch. This pressure to perform in front of those who love us adds to our respect for the rank that we attain and the hard work that we put in to get there. We learn and practice self-discipline, self-control, and patience. Every class we participate in allows us to strengthen our understanding of what respect is, how it works, and why it matters.
Broadway Family Karate: “3 Ways Martial Arts Teaches Respect”