05Principles · 01 of 08 · Character

Respect

WSKF teaches that respect is earned, not a right. Students learn it in how they treat their instructors, their training partners, their elders and themselves.

See how we teach this in class All eight principles

01In the dojo

Respect is earned, not a right.

Every WSKF student is taught to respect the older and wiser members of the community. Alongside that, they learn that respect has to be earned, and that the way to earn it is to be a good role model.

It starts with awareness. Students are taught to stay aware of their attitude and their actions at all times.

A senior instructor adjusting a kneeling black belt student in front of the World Shotokan Karate-do Federation banner and the Japanese flag, with students seated around the mat

02In practice

How respect is practised

An older black belt shaking hands with a younger student, also wearing a black belt, on the mat
  1. 01

    Towards instructors

    Students learn to address people correctly and to treat their instructors with respect. Good manners and dojo etiquette are part of training.

  2. 02

    Towards training partners

    Karate teaches students to move at high speed and full power without hurting the person in front of them. That control is how students show respect for each other, and for themselves.

  3. 03

    Towards elders

    Children are taught to respect their elders and others, in the Japanese way.

  4. 04

    Towards yourself

    Respect includes self-respect: staying aware of your own attitude and actions, and being a role model others can look up to.

03Beyond the dojo

Respect beyond the dojo

“Parents and students realise that the true value of Shotokan Karate is not just the fighting and self-defence, but rather having a strong work ethic, good morals, principles, self-control and respect.”

Learning good manners and addressing people correctly sets the stage for positive behaviour, in the dojo and out of it.

04Train with WSKF

See how we teach respect in class

Come to a class and see the principles at work. At most of our clubs the first class is free, with no obligation to join.

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05Related principles

Respect rarely stands alone. It depends on self control, and it shows in good manners.