The 7 Virtues of Bushido, Part 2: Respect

Recently a small cardboard sign appeared on the dojo wall over the half-fridge at my dojo. I see it every time I go for water or use the bathroom. I read what this little sign said about the virtues of Bushido and began to wonder: It’s one thing to talk about integrity or courage, but how do these seven virtues apply to real life on the mat? What do these words actually mean? How do these virtues show up at a dojo? Do I see them in action? Where do I experience them in myself or in others? I decided to explore each of these principles to see whether, how, and where they have come alive for me in my training. So over seven posts, I will briefly explore each of these virtues and the commentary below it. I’ll quote the commentary, pull up a dictionary definition, and then add a thought or two about how this might work on the mat.

NOTE: For those interested in learning a lot more about Bushido and its history as well as where these virtues come from (Nitobe Inazō), check out the following Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido to begin your exploration.

2. REI (Respect)

"True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are courteous even to their enemies. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also by their dealings with others."

Dictionary definition: To feel or show esteem for; to honor. To show consideration for; avoid violation of; treat with deference.

How does respect manifest in a dojo? Here are a few things I like to do to demonstrate the esteem I feel toward my training hall and my practice.

• I show up regularly, a few times per week, on time and ready to work to the best of my ability.

• My dues are always paid in full.

• I wear the proper uniform, clean and in good shape.

• I bow in when I enter the mat, and I bow out when I leave.

• I follow all the rules of the dojo.

• I follow instructions in class and pay attention. Sometimes that’s challenging, but I keep coming back to the work at hand even when I feel distracted or am foggy-brained.

• I try to treat my fellow students with respect in order to offer us both training at the level we both need. This applies whether I am teaching or partnering with a classmate. I try to avoid patronizing any fellow student in any way.

• I always give the best I have, even though that changes from day to day or from minute to minute.

• I ask questions when I feel unclear about instructions.

• I do my best to show consistent respect for all my instructors.

• I avoid random talking on the mat as much as possible and especially during class.

• When the mat needs cleaning or some other housekeeping job becomes obvious to me, I take care of it without being asked.

• I help out in other ways whenever I can, like cleaning up after events.

These are a few of the ways anyone can show respect for their dojo and their training. Do you have any other ways that you demonstrate your gratitude?