Respect

There is a lot that a person should get out of training in the martial arts. Everyone who begins training is always looking for something specific but ultimately what they will get is a reflection of their instructor's values. If you want to learn how to fight, there are schools who will teach that, in fact it does not even have to be a martial arts school. If you are training to learn discipline, any activity that takes time to master will give you that.

This is where we get into the difference between training in the martial arts and studying a traditional martial art. Only traditional martial arts actually teach respect. Yes, many non-traditional martial arts require respect to be shown, but there is a vast difference between understanding respect and showing respect. From the moment a new student first enters a traditional martial arts school, their perspective is constantly being honed so that not only do they know how to show respect but they actually value respect and recognize the value it brings to their lives.

Discipline and respect are the pillars upon which kung fu is built and learning respect has more to do with true self defence than any kick, punch, or throw.

“Knowledge will give you power, but character - respect.” - Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973)