Obligation

In every dojo there is always a heirarchy, either overtly expressed or implied. At the top of that heirarchy is the head instructor. If you stick around long enough, and very few people do, you'll notice that people age.

People get older. When the head instructor is unable to teach any longer -- is when you find out the real core of people. The senior students who were the most respected and revered -- are sometimes the first ones willing to abondon the dojo they spent decades in -- at it's greatest time of need.

Are they obligated to stay and help? Yes. Because if they are a serious student of the traditional martial arts, they understand that they were obligated to their instructor in a very serious intimate way, the very moment that instructor decided to take them on as a student.

But what happens if they leave? Well, you learn the value of the student. It's good to have a healthy respect for everyone in the dojo. But those that are worthy of the greatest amount of respect -- won't reveal themselves until the instructor needs them to.

There are no women in the dojo

To understand the words that I'll write here -- you'll need to understand the way that I think. I learned a long time ago -- that there are no girls in the dojo. What does that mean? It means that there are no excuses for not being able to do something -- just because you're a "girl." Us girls, love playing the "girl" card when it's convenient. I have no patience for those types of women. Don't get me wrong -- I revel in skirts, high heels and lipstick and cooking for my husband. But in the dojo, it's different.

Don't come to me and tell me you're not strong enough, or that you'll break a nail. Cut your nails and do some push ups. There is no whining and no excuses. Yes, you are a girl training in martial arts. Some things will be harder for you -- other things easier. But mostly, you'll have to try harder and be better to earn the respect of your fellow dojo mates. No whining. No complaining. No girls in the dojo.