What subject do you want my opinion on?

[R. Devane]

Hi everyone - about time I posted in this section again. I'm asked a lot of questions regarding the martial arts everyday but to get the ball rolling I thought I'd check with you guys to see if there are any specific areas you'd like me to write about? If not, then you'll simply have to put up with what I conjure up

[dkidd]

I could start the topic with the issue of discipline in the dojo. The example being I recently suspended a student from the dojo for a week for answering an assistant instructor back during sparring. was I too harsh or should this be the norm. All of my Martial Arts training has been built around total respect for anyone who stood in front of me to teach me. On many occasions I was in classes with people with less experience and lower grade than I am and always showed total respect to them. Anyway would love evryone's opinion on this.

[colm]

Hi Declan,to me it seems that there are 2 core virtues of martial arts involved in your scenario: respect and discipline.
Without either, I don't think anybody can become a successful martial artist.
Perhaps you guys need to vet potential students a bit more to figure out their motivations and suitability.

[R. Devane]

But you probably wouldn't pass the vetting process Colm ha ha ha

[colm]

Dammit :-)
Nobody can question the aul motivation though.
I would imagine that having a relaxed and fun atmosphere is difficult to balance with discipline.
I know of some dojos where the instructors are like drill sergeants, with students having to tidy up equipment, sweep floors etc.
For the most part, I enjoy a little bit of banter and am mature enough to have a bit of self discipline.

Speaking of which, I had better get back to work.

[dkidd]

Totally agree with all of teh above. The reality of the full-time dojo is that vetting and turning away students is unrealistic as you need students to pay the bills. That said the instructor (without being overly serious) should definitely not accept any disrespect from students and in particular from teenagers or children. I have never had a real issue with an adult in class at least nothing my Master Ken style kill-face didn't handle lol. It is a real pity that many aprents today expect sports coaches and teachers in general to do their job when it comes to ettiquette and respect.

[colm]

I'd be embarrassed if my kids showed disrespect to anybody.
Mine are reminded almost daily that we train for a healthy body and mind. Any skills we learn are not to be used for bullying, intimidating or bragging.
But if they need to, they will soon have the ability, and always have my permission to defend themselves.
I think some parents may use the dojo as a glorified creche/babysitting service and some of the kids don't really want to attend.
You can see the ones who genuinely enjoy it, they put in extra effort.

Anyhoo, just my 2 cents.

[dkidd]

Great observation Colm I guess the work being done in dojo to instil discipline is not being backed up in some homes. We do what we can.

[colm]