Respect please!

Respect for the martial arts is about respect for the Instructor, school and the persons you train with.  This is why BJJ have a motto LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR.  One of the message this conveys is that the martial arts is not just about the individual, it is about everybody.  We train together and help each other, to get better. 

Many times, there are individuals who forget respect at the expense of others, to feed their ego; this happens in full contact fighting and BJJ.  Professionals don't do that because their motivation is not driven by ego and they have respect with every person in the room regardless of ability, so why isn't it there in amateur groups?  One of the main reasons for this may be the culture settings based on competition.  Competition is good and those who do not compete can at least gauge their ability with those who do.  I get great value paying someone to wrestle because the trainer is there to help me, not themselves.

People and schools have to be aware or reminded that not all people who walk through the school doors are there to make a career out of martial arts or there to be treated as training props.  Schools are for everyone who has interest in the martial arts and wants to do their best.  In a nutshell, for a school to become professional, Instructors need to be professional.
GA