Respect in Tang Soo Do

As we come up to Graduation and our next Dan Shim Sa, we talk a lot about belts and rank in the Do Jang, and those markers of achievement are important for structure and progress. But there’s a much bigger, more exciting truth about our community: martial arts is for everyone, and our ability to adapt and show respect makes our training environment truly special.

A Culture of Respect: Beyond the Bow 🥋

Respect in Tang Soo Do is one of our bedrocks. The bow we share isn’t just a formality; it’s a constant reminder of the culture we maintain. It means showing respect for the art itself, the Do Jang as a training space, our Instructors and most importantly, our training partners.  This respect is universal and offered to everyone.

Age vs. Seniority: Understanding the Difference 🤔

Old & Young Martial Artists

It’s key to understand the difference between physical age and rank seniority in our world, as they don't always align!  For us, seniority is about dedication, knowledge, skill, and time on the mats — that’s what the Belts show.  Age is simply how many years you've been on the planet!

In the Do Jang, we always respect seniority and rank regardless of physical age. You may find yourself bowing to, or taking instruction from, someone significantly younger than you who holds a higher rank. It’s an essential lesson in humility and recognizing that effort and mastery transcend traditional age-based hierarchies. We respect the rank and the hard work that earned it.

Accommodating Our Differences 🤝

We pride ourselves on offering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to train. The unique perspectives and physical differences each person brings actually enrich everyone's experience.

We are all built differently! We have varying levels of flexibility, strength, speed, and energy. Our Instructors accommodate these individual differences through modifications and regressions. We always ask you all to give your best for where you are on your personal journey. If a kick is too high for where you are now, kick lower, but work on making sure your technique is still spot on.  If you aren't quite able to do a full press up yet, practice a regression - your arms don't know the difference! 

When you work with a partner who is different from you — taller, shorter, younger, older, or with a different ability level — your technique must adapt. You learn efficiency, empathy, control, and how to apply techniques without relying purely on size and strength. Our differences make us better martial artists and better people.

Let’s Keep the Respect in Tang Soo Do Flowing! 🌟

The bow

My challenge to everyone this week is to maintain that high level of respect for every single person you train with. Be accommodating, be a patient partner, and recognise the value of our differences. 

Let’s continue to build a space where everyone feels they belong, contributing to a supportive community that makes every single student feel like a star!

Stay awesome

Kyo Sa Nim Kerry McAtkin