How do you apply the "martial way"?

[Tiger Claw]

Dunno never had that happen at any of the schools i've been to /shrug.

[darrianation]

That's good, thank you, I can use that as a good starting point. What happens to a student if they stray from the path? IF they stray far enough (perhaps beating up someone for no reason outside the dojo) are there consequences in the dojo for this? I assume for lesser offenses, teh sensei or sempai talks to them and explains where they went wrong?

-Hikage

Well this really depends on the instructor. In Karate this type of behavior is strongly discouraged but there is no real set precedent. It really is up to the individual instructor to deal with this.

I feel you have to develop a policy before hand (before any student goes astray) based upon your own individual ideals as an instructor and the prevailing values of society in which you live. Then apply it consistently to all your students.

Your student’s need to know right off the bat what is expected of them both in the dojo and outside the dojo. They need to know there are consequences to their actions and what they will be.

If you apply your policies inconsistently your students can become confused and you can end up with a mess on your hands.

Remember they can get themselves hurt or someone else hurt. Theoretically you could be found responsible in the eyes of civil law. You must protect yourself as well.

I personally would take every individual act and consider the circumstances but if my student was a behavior problem he may be warned or asked to leave depending on the circumstances but only you can make that decision for you school.

I cannot give you the exact answer because they are individual. The best advice I could give to anyone is to lead by example, be fair, and be consistent.

[HtTKar]

I realize I'm resurrecting a dead thread, but this thread is important.

Many of the people that you are worrying about causing problems are at the dojo for one main reason. To get away from all the crap they deal with in their lives. Your dojo is their sancuary. Like religion, people forget the importance of what they do, unless they are reminded constantly. In our dojo, or teacher is always giving encouragement to those doing good. The people not doing so good see these people as models. The only time he uses negative reinforcement is when people speak while he speaks. Even then it is not spoken directly, but rather to the whole room. If he sees one person doing something the right way, while another does the same thing incorrectly; He will encourage the person doing the right thing. The person doing it incorrectly then learns without having a negative experience.

I have a busy life, and sometimes my day doesn't go so well. The other day I walked into my dojo to order new sparring gloves, walked up to my instructor and said "Hi, I was wonder.." at which point he smiled, bowed and said good morning. I started to speak again. and he once again smiled, bowed and said good morning. It lit my day up. I did the same as he did and realized that I would have to come into the dojo with a pleasant attitude at all times.

So as corny as this sounds. take it for what it's worth. If you want good students. Smile, don't take your frustrations out on others. Positive reinforcement and make your dojo their sancuary. Always smile, remember you're supposed to be having fun. Once people realize they dont have to prove themselves inside your dojo..a little bit of that might carry with them for the rest of the week.

[Hikage]

Good post.

-Hikage

[Mad_Mally]

A good book

A good book about incorperating the martial arts into your everyday life is "Living The Martial Way" by Forrest Morgan. It's a great book.