Changing the World with Respect

By Amy Krupp, blue belt, CTI BBC Member

While reading the daily news, it’s hard not to get a little bit down about the state of the world. It seems lately that the only news is bad news. I can’t help but think that the world would be a much better place if everyone did their best to treat every person they interact with on a daily basis with respect. Respect is such a simple thing really, but something that can have a huge positive impact on the world.

The dictionary defines respect as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.” I like to think of respect as something a little bit broader than that though. I recently read a story about a father explaining the concept of respect to his children, and I like the definition he gave them. He said that respect is treating something that matters like it matters, and disrespect is treating something that matters like it doesn’t matter. It’s a simple definition, but it really resonated with me. I try to live my life in that way. My family and friends mean a great deal to me, so I do my best to show them how much they mean to me by showing them respect. I do this by showing my love and support, and doing whatever I can to make sure they know that they are valued and important. This can permeate in every aspect of life. You can show respect for your belongings by treating them like they matter- whether that means changing the oil in your car, or sweeping the floor in the kitchen. You can show respect for your studies by listening to your teacher, studying for your exams, and doing your homework. You can show respect for yourself by eating right, getting your exercise, and getting enough sleep. Respect can be shown in every aspect of life.

When you move forward with this mindset of showing respect to everything and everyone, things will start to change. I know that one area of my life that I struggle to show respect is with people who have vastly different political and social beliefs than my own. It can be hard to respect someone who is saying something that completely conflicts with your own moral beliefs. But it’s important to remember that everyone is human. Just because they don’t agree with you on every topic doesn’t mean they don’t deserve respect. You may find that you agree with them on other topics. You may find that they have reasons for believing what they believe. I have found that I can get along with most everyone if I look for common ground, and remember that everyone deserves respect.

The next time you read the news, imagine how almost every negative story could be erased if everyone involved showed respect toward each other. When it comes down to it, we’re all just people trying to live our lives the best way we know how. Everyone is someone’s child, parent, friend, or coworker. Everyone matters. When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter who that person voted for, or where they were born, or whether they think pineapple belongs on pizza. All that matters is that they are doing the best they can. You can do your part in making the world a better place, and in making the news a little happier, by looking for the good in people, and by moving forward with the intention of treating everyone and everything with respect.

Respect

By Nethika Suraweera, Orange Belt

Respect is a way of treating other people. Being nice, polite, admire them and demonstrate high regard for them means respect. Person’s own qualities, abilities and behavior bring him respect. Making ourselves respectful people and learn how to respect other individuals in our society are important aspects in developing a successful and pleasant community.

I grew up in Sri Lanka which has completely different customs and culture than in USA. The way of respecting other people is done in a different dimension in Sri Lanka. I like what I learned there as to how to respect adults, parents, teachers, employers; all the people at a higher level than you with respect to age, education or occupation. But there was lack of respect towards the people at a lower level with respect to age, education, occupation and even based on rich or poor. It was frustrating sometimes, but you have to live like a Roman in Rome. For example if you smile or say “How are you?” or “Good Morning” to a person (that you don’t know) you meet on the street, that is a strange and inappropriate thing to do or even may be a call for danger. When I moved to USA 8 years ago I realized that here people respect everyone more equally. The way they talk and treat to strangers, children, students, employees, how people drive cars; all looked very nice and polite than the place where I used to live. I understand that they may not have deep concerns for other people and I know it is not perfect here. But at least it is way more pleasant and less stressful to live in a place that people have some respect to everyone around them.

So when I moved to USA, I had to learn a great deal of customs, culture and way of respect and speech.  And I am still learning.  As a mother of two young children, I have to learn, practice and teach respect. This is tough and I cannot make mistakes, because I am preparing and presenting 2 humans to the society. Me and my husband work hard to do the right thing for our children and our family. We learn everyday by reading books and meeting people on how to make our children’s lives successful by developing good qualities. Respect and love towards one another is the most important part of it. We must show respect to children, then they learn to respect. The influence we have from CTI is very helpful and valuable to our lives in developing these qualities.

Respect is a beautiful thing that makes people and community a happy and pleasant place. It brings quality and success to our lives and teaches us to be modest, honest and truthful.

The Way to Be

By Lars den Hartog, orange belt, age 12

RESPECT: Noun - A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Respect is to admire someone and treat them kindly.  To respect someone you pay attention to what they say and give them the kindness that they deserve.

To me, respect is kindness and politeness and giving someone what they deserve in a kind way.  Everyone always needs to give everyone respect no matter who it is.  No matter if it is your least favorite teacher telling you to do the worst assignment ever, you need to respect them and do what they are telling you to do.

You need to respect everyone everywhere from your pets to the most important person in the world.  A great deal of respect needs to happen in your everyday life at home.  You need to respect your parents no matter what it is that they are telling you to do.  If they tell you to go sit on your bed for the remaining 5 hours of the day, you need to respect what they are telling you to do and trust them and go sit on your bed for 5 hours.  In Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo respect is a huge goal for people to learn.  From just taking your shoes off when walking in and putting your belt on, you are respecting the rules and expectations of being a student at the school.  When people say, “Yes ma’am!”, and go into chareyut they are respecting the commands of the instructor and showing them that we want to be there.

I show a great deal of respect at school.  I don’t cause trouble, I respect teachers and students, and I do the work that is assigned to me to the best of my ability.  When teachers ask me to do something I do it without putting up and argument and that is showing respect.  I also show a lot of respect at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute.  There are occasional moments when I am maybe talking when I am not supposed to but overall I show a lot of respect.  I try my best in class and I learn the things and do the things that I need to do.  I come prepared to class every day (except for the days that I forget my mouth piece and forget my top) and meet the expectations that the instructors have of me.

I need to show more respect to my brothers and my parents.  Overall I am mostly respectful but I need to work on specific issues like following directions that I don’t want to do immediately.  Sometimes my parents will punish me for doing something like bugging my brothers, and I don’t do what they are asking me to do immediately.  They may tell me to go up to my room because I am bothering Knox, and I argue and come up with excuses.  I need to also listen to my brothers and show them some authority because I do the same thing with them, I argue.  I need to listen immediately and show them the respect that they deserve.

Respect for Success

By Mark Scott, red belt

Respect means showing the value or importance of something or someone.  When we respect the law, we show the importance of the law in our society by acting in accordance with its regulations.  To show respect to someone, we show that we value their opinions by asking advice, we show trust by following their leadership, and we accept their faults along with their abilities and talents.

Respect should be used in all areas of our lives to exist in a healthy society.  Showing respect at home should be obvious.  Children should always give respect to their parents.  Parents should show respect to their children when they do the right things by increasing their responsibility and giving them more freedom.  Husbands and wives should show respect for each other by always listening, always forgive each others mistakes, and accept each other faults.  Any lack of respect causes a breakdown which could break up the home.

Respect at work must be shown to both those above, equal, and below in the hierarchy.  When those above make decisions, they must be followed and respected.  If the decisions aren't respected, the leaders will replace the workers with those who will follow and respect the decisions.  Respect must be shown by the leaders as well to those below by rewarding by promotions or monetary increases.  We must respect our equals to work together and make the right decisions which in turn produces the best quality work.

I have and try to show a great deal of respect to my co-workers.  Again and again they show a great deal of imagination to solve problems.  They also produce work of great quality.  I must also try harder to show more respect to the upper management at my work.  While my direct managers seem to make decisions that are easy to understand, the higher management make decisions that sometimes seem to be counter-productive.  Instead of finding fault with the decisions, I should respect those decisions and try harder to understand and follow their leadership.

". . . and we accept their faults along with their abilities and talents."

The Five

By Sally Morgan, 1st dan

There are five tenets of Taekwondo that we practice at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute. During the Silla Kingdom of Korean history, an organization was developed made up of youths from noble families.  This organization was known has the Hwarang, and to be considered for selection, the youth had to be a person of good character and virtue.  The Hwarang were taught arts, dance, literature and the sciences.  They were also trained as warriors in hand to hand combat in order to defend the Silla Kingdom form outside enemies.  The Hwarang warriors were responsible for the development of the Hwarang Code of Conduct from which the Five Tenets of Taekwondo were derived.

• Integrity
Definition:  Steadfast adherence to a strict moral and ethical code.  Honesty and loyality.
How it applies to Taekwondo:  In taekwondo we would never use dirty tactics to win at sparring or to make someone else look bad.  We would never intentionally harm a fellow student.  When implementing techniques in self-defense, emphasis is always placed on the use of only the force necessary to remove the immediate threat and then to get away from the situation.  There is a very fine line between being the defender and becoming the aggressor.  Integrity enables a martial artist not to cross that line.
How is applies outside of Taekwondo:  In everyday life, integrity means knowing right from wrong and always attempting to do the right thing in all situations.  We will come acrooss moments in our lives where we will have to choose to do what we believe to be right or not.  Sometimes doing the right thing is difficult. Integrity is standing up for what is right, even if at times you are standing alone.

• Perseverance
Definition:  To persit in an endeavor or undertaking in spite of counter influeces, opposition or discouragement.  Dedication.
How it applies in Taekwondo:  It’s easy to see how this applies in Taekwondo.  We dedicate ourselves to practicing our basics, poomse, one steps and self-defense over and over again.  We continue to fine tune our skills no matter what level we are at.  When we believe we have finally mastered a certain technique, we come to realize how mush more we have to learn.  It’s perseverance that keeps us going.  When we are tired, sore and feel we can’t do another kick or strike, perseverance gives us that boost for one more, and one more!  Our goal is to strive to be better than we were yesterday and our dedication to this enables us to become a more proficient martial artist.
How it applies outside of Taekwondo:  We will face many different challenges in our everyday lives.  How we face these challenges will have much to do with our perseverance.  What do we do when we fail a test in school?  Do we simply give up or keep trying?  Using perseverance, we will strive to reach our goals, no matter the obstacles.

• Courtesy
Definition:  Enduring respect for good consideration of self and others.  Politeness and humility.
How it applies in Taekwondo:  There are many ways we show courtesy in Taekwondo.  When we enter our school, we remove our shoes as a sign of respect.  We bow when we enter the work-out area and bow to our instructor before and after class.  Our instructor bows as well, showing respect for his or her students. We are taught to show courtesy to our fellow students by the example the upper belts and instructors give. We show courtesy by raising our hands in class before we speak and by listening to the lessons that are being taught.  Courtesy and respect are such a normal part of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo, that we have to remember to not take it for granted.  As we become friends with our fellow students, it’s easy to fall into complacency with these displays of respect and courtesy.  We should always remember that our behavior towards one another is setting the example for those who come after us.
How it applies outside of Taekwondo:  It can be difficult at times to show the same courtesy and respect in everyday life as we do in Taekwondo.  Not everyone in society is respectful and courteous.  People cut us off in traffic, co-workers and school mates can be rude, and even family members can take their bad day out on us.  It’s easy to lash out when faced with less than appropriate behavior by someone else.  However, the best way to diffuse anger is through kindness.  Put the “pay it forward” approach into action.  Inspire someone by showing courtesy and respect.  They then may inspire someone else, and so on.  Being polite, even in the face of adversity requires great self-control, which brings us to our next tenet.

• Self Control
Definition:  The ability of a person to exert their will over the inhibitions, impulses, emotions or desires of their body or self.  Patience and Discipline.
How it applies in Taekwondo:  This means a number of things in Taekwondo.  One being, paying attention at all times in class.  Remaining focus no matter what is happening around you.  It also means practice, practice, practice.  We should always practice outside of Taekwondo on or basics, poomse, one-steps and self-defense.  When we receive criticism by our instructors, how do we react?  Does our attitude become poor, or do we focus on what we are being told, apply it, so we can become a better martial artist.
How it applies outside of Taekwondo:  It can be difficult to come to class after a long tiring day.  Our lives are busy and it would be easy to make excuses for not being there.  When we discipline ourselves to push past the desire to stay  home or do something else instead, we end up feeling better physically and mentally. Outside of our training, it can be tempting to lash out at family member  or a friend when they do something that makes us angry.  Even having the discipline to not have that 2nd can of coke or that 2nd piece of cake, can be really hard.  But if we can keep in mind that having that self-control will only make our lives better, we will stay on the right path and be successful in what we do.

• Indomitable Spirit
Definition:  Having the right attitude and maintaining inner strength regardless of winning or losing.  Not allowing one’s principles to be broken, defeated or conquered.  Bravery and Courage.
How it applies in Taekwondo:  Do you have the will to train, even when you are tied?  Do you keep pushing hard for the next tournament, even if at the last one you did not win?  Indomitable Spirit radiates from the heart.  You probably know someone who has indomitable spirit.  What is it about them that brings out their spirit.  Are they positive?  When they are in class, do they have loud kihaps?  Do you see them pushing so hard, that the sweat is dripping off their body.  Have that spirit in your training.  Ask any athlete in any sport and they will tell you, it’s the spirit that separates the good from the great!  Your spirit alone can push you to the next level.
How it applies outside of Taekwondo:  We all have faced challenges in our lives and will probably have more challenges in the future.  Indomitable spirit alone can play a big part in helping to see you through many life-changing events.  People who look at the worlld with a positive attitude tend to lead much happier lives.  It’s the will to not give up when faced with advirsity,  that is at the heart of an indomitable spirit.  It cannot be measured, but it can be inspiritational.

No matter what your personal preferences or beliefs may be, adhering to the Five Tenets of Taekwondo will greatly assist you in your efforts to strive for new goals and achieve those goals.  You will be a better person and will set a powerful example for those who follow.

Respect

By Thomas Ma, purple belt

We all use it at one time or another; it’s hard to get around.  This word, I assure you, isn’t one that means bad.  People have a tendency to like what this word means, someone even made a song about it!  As a noun, this word (defined by Google) is: “A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.”  As a verb, and loosely translated: a way of showing that fancy definition by Google above.  No other phrases sum up what this word means but “the Key to Life” as Dave Chief said.  This word, ladies & gentlemen, is respect.

If you really think about the word respect, there really is no better way to sum it up than saying that it is the “Key to Life”, as many things are.  If you think deeply about the meaning of this word, it ties into your friends, family, and other people because respect may be one of the only things keeping you together.  I don’t want to sound like one of those people teaching about Karma and stuff like that, but it’s sorta true.  Every feeling we have always has at least a fine thread of respect in it, whether it be a feeling of happiness, envy, or even hate.  Everything we do in our whole life has just a tint of respect, to all the respect physically/mentally possible.

Respect isn't a onetime only thing; it should be used at all times.  Respect also isn't a one-place only thing because we should use it everywhere, even if people are giving you a hard time, because the people who aren't don’t deserve your disrespect.  For example, school and after school activities all should have respectful teachers/chaperons, whether we know it or not.  It’s only right that we show respect back, the good way.

Good things happen when good things are done (I guess I just did pull out a Karma thing…), so when you show respect, you’ll get something in return.  The more good things you do, the more the good things pile up for you, so showing a great deal of respect can’t hurt, quite the opposite in fact.  We all know that we should be nicer to someone than before because the only good that come out of mistreating someone is no, nothing, nada.  So remember to forgive someone this weekend!  And be a better person.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Kids Bowing for Respect

By Eileen Lindner, red belt

Respect is one of the tenets of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo.  Respect is also an important quality or character aspect in all areas of life.  Miriam-Webster online defines respect as a noun as: an act of giving particular attention; high or special regard; the quality or state of being esteemed.

Personally, I see respect as a measure of courtesy, an everyday behavior that is hard to quantify because it is in everything one should do.  We respect teachers and parents, we respect the laws: both civil and natural.  Respect for speed limits – or paying close attention to them - illustrates both: I respect the speed limit for both personal safety – an accident can be a natural result of reckless driving – and for the example it sets with other drivers around – civil responsibility.  I also respect speed limits to avoid paying a ticket – which embodies both personal and civic consequences.

I respect those older than I because they have more experience and maybe more knowledge; I respect those younger because of their excitement and hunger for knowledge and experience.  I show that respect in my work, since my supervisor is a little older than I am; but those I serve are much younger. I hold them both in high regard and admire them. I am respectful of their opinions, their ideas and suggestions; but am responsible for what is ultimately decided.

I want to be respected for what I know, what I do, and who I am.  Some believe that respect must be earned to be valid.  I understand that it is easier to respect someone who behaves in such a way to deserve it; but I also believe that it is necessary to respect even those who don't act in a respectful manner.  Perhaps it is even more important to act respectfully toward those who may not “deserve” it.  To lead by example often promotes the most growth.  I often struggle to show respect, instead of sarcasm, to those individuals; but when I am able to pay attention to them, to hold them and their ideas in a careful manner, they respond with surprise, as if waiting for the sarcasm; but then with mutual respect, courtesy and sometimes change their behavior to be an example to others regarding kindness and respect.  Often adults think they need to earn the respect of teens; but what is really needed is to accept everyone for who they are and spend time learning from them as much as teaching them.  Respect means no personal agenda – just act in the best interests of all.

The poem, “Respect – The Key to Life,” by Dave Chief, is a beautiful representation of a world where respect is constantly considered; where self-control and understanding can lead to “balance & harmony.”

A Very Special Flag

Last Camp MSK, each of the Campers wrote a letter to a former Moo Sul Kwan brown belt and one of GM Sautel's first students at his first teaching assignment, the Perryville MSK.  His name is Robert Jones and he is now a Lt. Colonel.

Col. Jones was serving in Iraq at the time of the letter writing. Every few days a few letters were mailed to Col. Jones and the impact on him and his fellow soldiers was enough for them to send us a very special flag.

At Camp MSK '11 during the final demos for our parents, family members and friends, Master William R. Jones, brother of Col. Jones, presented this special flag and a plaque explaining the situation.

The plaque reads:

Flag of the United States of America

Presented to

The Students of Colorado Taekwondo Institute

This American Flag was flown over the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation New Dawn on Veteran's Day 2010.  Thank you for your support of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen presently deployed.

Joseph R. Allen, CSM, USA  Command Sergeant Major, United States Forces - Iraq

Lloyd J. Austin III, Commanding General, United States Forces - Iraq