12/07/2026
I have borrowed this from a fellow martial artist Mark Guv'na Watson
Disrespect in Martial Arts!
Respect is one of the core values of martial arts. It's not just about bowing onto the mats or calling your instructor "Sensei"—it's about how you conduct yourself, your attitude, and the consideration you show for others.
Disrespect isn't always obvious. More often, it's the little things that gradually chip away at the standards and culture of a club.
It can be:
• Giving off-mat tuition while the Sensei is teaching.
• Parents thinking they know better than the instructor and talking excessively during class, distracting both their own child and others.
• Turning up late without explanation.
• Ignoring messages or important group announcements.
• Not letting your instructor know whether you'll be attending.
• Constantly paying fees late.
• Speaking ill of the them or dictating to them how they should run their classes
And one that really gets my back up... Ghosting❗️
By ghosting, I don't necessarily mean leaving the club. I mean simply not responding to messages, losing interest, disappearing without a word and complete ignorance. A quick message to say that you're ok, taking a break, moving on, or that martial arts isn't for you anymore shows respect. It takes seconds and demonstrates good character.
A Sensei works incredibly hard to maintain high standards. What you see on the mats—the techniques, combinations, drills and lessons—is only a fraction of the work that goes into running a successful martial arts club.
Behind the scenes there's:
- Venue hire.
- Stock and equipment.
- Accounts and finances.
- Memberships and insurance.
- Gradings.
- Chasing enquiries and following up leads.
- Planning lessons.
- Travelling to clubs ensuring everything is set up ready for classes
- Organising competitions, events and seminars.
- Administration.
- Cleaning and maintaining equipment.
Plus maintaining their own training & grades to deliver good martial arts.
The list is endless.
Being a Sensei isn't a normal 9-to-5 job. It's long hours, evenings, weekends, and often a great deal of stress—all because a sensei genuinely cares about students and wants to provide the very best environment for them to learn and grow.
Respect isn't something that's demanded—it's something that's earned. A good Sensei earns respect by giving their time, energy, patience and expertise to help every student become better, not just as martial artists but as people. Helping where they are able to.
If you respect your Ryu and you respect your Sensei, then show it.
Communicate.
Be punctual.
Support the club.
Respect the class.
Appreciate the effort that goes on behind the scenes.
And don't just train—help your club to grow. A healthy, thriving club benefits everyone. It means your Ryu will continue to grow, your training partners will improve, classes will remain strong, and the club will be around for years to come.
It costs nothing to like a post, follow the club's social media pages, share an advert, reply to a message, recommend clubs to friends and family, or leave a positive review. Those small gestures make a huge difference and help ensure the future of the club you're proud to be part of.
Your Sensei invests their time, knowledge and passion into your journey.
The least you can do is meet them halfway.
