Thoughts on RESPECT and TRADITION in Muay Thai and martial arts in general...

I LOVE Muay Thai and I love being a STUDENT in the art.  One of the biggest most life impacting learnings in studying martial arts has not been a punch or kick...it has been RESPECT.  In my time training I have discovered the importance of respect for myself, respect for others, and most importantly respect for my TEACHERS.  Without this understanding it makes it difficult to learn and train properly and effectively.  

Often students come to martial arts for the physical benefits, however it is the benefits to the mind and spirit that will bring long term physical and overall well-being.  It is important to focus on these aspects and the rest will fall in place.  If there is too much focus on the physical then the mind will grow weak and be unable to support the body which will then break down much more quickly.  Strong mind, strong spirit, strong body.

Joining a camp or martial arts school is not like joining a gym or health club. Martial arts training is steeped in ancient traditions designed to benefit mind, body and spirit. Martial arts are of military roots and this is why there are common formalities that foster a respectful and dutiful atmosphere.  Martial arts training support you to be calm, control your behavior and respond to the challenges of life in a relaxed manner. It is here that you can look in the mirror and learn about yourself.  Your training should be focused on competing with yourself and not other students and especially not your instructor.  Always listen to your Kru or instructor or coach as they know how to get the best out of you, they see you bigger than you see yourself so it is important to follow their direction and instruction respectfully and politely.   Passing on knowledge of the art and it's traditions is considered something very serious and sacred. The camp or dojo is like a family and the instructor is considered the head of the family. Do not get insulted if your instructor corrects you or speaks in a harsh tone of voice. It is better to be corrected by your instructor than to hear sweet and pleasing words in order to keep you happy but that doesn't get your training or technique to grow and improve.  This is not martial arts. It is the instructor’s job to demand the most from you. When an instructor corrects you, gives you directions or has you work with another student, do not argue or get offended. The student should not take it personally. The best way to respond is to control your personal feelings and concentrate on improving your technique and self discipline. Students who apply themselves will later have revelations regarding the teachers actions which will help lead them to a greater understanding of martial arts and life.

Why do we wai or bow? Bowing can sometimes be misunderstood in Western cultures. It goes far beyond simple respect, although this is a fundamental aspect. Bowing is not religious, just as shaking hands is not religious.  Bowing has nothing to do with subservience or superiority since the other person always bows back. It’s purpose is to help promote a right attitude and a mind that is calm, concentrated and focused, and not caught up in self importance, opinion or agitation. The importance of right attitude cannot be stressed enough in any true study of martial arts.  Right attitude and consistent training will lead to success on and off the mats.  In other words, check your ego at the door.

When it comes to respect we tend to treat the people and things we respect with great care. Respect for the camp or dojo, instructors, equipment and fellow classmates should be common sense. There is a general level of respect that should be shared between those that we train with.  We have to trust each other and communicate with each other.  I can’t say this strongly enough, it is VITAL that we TRUST.  We are striking, throwing , and doing other techniques of extreme discomfort to each other.  We have to trust that our partners will use control and precision in their techniques.  If we do not have the proper respect for each other we might not take our endeavor with the seriousness required.  Mutual respect is so important in the martial arts and it cannot be understated.  

Understanding that you do not already know all there is to know is very important in martial arts.  If you feel that you know all there is to know, it would be impossible to learn anything new.  Martial arts is an ongoing journey and I don't believe anyone can ever stop learning....there is always more to learn.  A cup that is already full can hold no more.  So it is important to empty your cup and clear your mind every time you bow and enter the training area.  Do this and you too will grow to LOVE Muay Thai and martial arts.  

Kup kun Ka and Respectfully,
Anna Nguyen