The Sensei's Job is Character Development
What we ... want is character, and this nobody can give us. It is a thing we must get for ourselves... It is gained by toil -- hard toil. Neither the sympathy nor the generosity of our friends can give it to us... It is attainable; but we must attain it, and attain it each for (ourselves). I cannot for you, and you cannot for me. (Frederick Douglass, 1848)
A 'for real' leader is someone with imagination, self-discipline,time management skills and the ability, courage and stamina to enforce unpopular methods in order to attain popular results. [ Almost anyone can take people where they want to go - that's called guidance.Real leadership involves taking people where they DO NOT WANT to go,while counteracting anticipated impediments along the way, so that survivors appreciate both getting there and participating in the process. ]
Why teach character?
A person’s "character" is the summation of his or her habits, attitudes and attributes. Because those qualities are learned, they can also be purposefully taught. And they should be — because good character doesn’t happen automatically, and it’s too important to be left to chance. The effectiveness and well-being of individuals, their organizations and their society depend on it.
A person’s "character" is the summation of his or her habits, attitudes and attributes. Because those qualities are learned, they can also be purposefully taught. And they should be — because good character doesn’t happen automatically, and it’s too important to be left to chance. The effectiveness and well-being of individuals, their organizations and their society depend on it.
Whose job is character education?
It is always primarily a parent’s job to teach a child how to behave and make wise choices, but other institutions and adults working with young people play critical support roles. However the Dojo us a sanctuary of Character Building.
Isn’t ethics relative?
No. There are many areas in which we legitimately differ: politics, religion, sexuality, wealth, ethnicity, personality, ambition. But there is such a thing as right and wrong. In word and deed, we have a duty to teach each others, and especially the impressionable young, that honesty is superior to lying, fairness to greed and caring to callousness.
But what values should we teach?
The ethical values that define good character are pretty basic. We can all agree what they are. The trick is to express them using a consistent language so that messages about ethics and character resonate across the community, from the home to the classroom to the playground to the workplace. The good news is there is broad consensus on six words that are not political or religious and neatly summarize our common values. They are called the Six Pillars of Character.
These six core ethical values form that form the foundation of good Karate do training.
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
Actions speak louder than words. (facta non verba) The actions a person takes indicate the type of person he or she is - not mere words -- and especially not the words of others spoken about them. Language is just a tool used to adapt to everyday realities. It's not an end in and of itself. Just because someone says somethings so doesn't make it so. Check important things out for yourself.
Birds of a feather flock together - the character of the people with whom you associate will help determine your own character, especially in the minds of those who judge books by their covers. [ This is just one among many reasons why you should stop associating with people who put you in compromising situations through illegal, immoral or unethical activity - as soon as possible. These scumbags (there is no other more fitting term for them) don't have the decency to consider the consequences of their actions on the people with whom they associate and expect their ?friends? to become scumbags like themselves. Those who bring a 'playmate' around when their spouse is not around and unaware are a bad example - friends who don't immediately inform the unaware spouse are not worthy of real friendship. ]