March Week 3: RESPECT – The Foundation of Character in Karate


Respect: A Core Value in Karate & Life


"Respect a man, and he will do all the more." – John Wooden


At Lewis Karate Barrie, we teach that respect is the foundation of strong character. As the #1 ranked Karate school for kids, adults, and families in Barrie, we believe that respect is more than just being polite—it’s about how we treat people, property, and the world around us.

Martial arts instills discipline, self-awareness, and responsibility. Respect is not just about how we talk to people—it’s about how we behave, the choices we make, and how we care for the things around us.


Have you ever left a mess for someone else to clean up, slammed a door in frustration, or refused to share something when someone needed it? These small actions show whether we are truly respectful or just pretending to be.

Karate teaches us that every action matters. Respect begins with how we treat our dojo, our instructors, our classmates, and our personal belongings.


Why Respect for People & Property Matters


In our kids and adult Karate classes in Barrie, we emphasize that respect must be practiced daily:

Respecting Others – Treating instructors, classmates, family, and friends with kindness and courtesy.

Respecting Yourself – Taking care of your body, being disciplined, and believing in your abilities.

Respecting the Dojo – Following training traditions, keeping the dojo clean, and maintaining focus.

Respecting Property & the Environment – Taking care of personal belongings, public spaces, and shared areas.

Respect isn’t just about how we act in class—it’s about how we behave in our homes, schools, and communities. When we respect the things and people around us, we show maturity, responsibility, and strong character.


Respect in Action: How We Show It Every Day


🥋 In Karate Class – Bowing before training, keeping focus, and supporting teammates.

🏠 At Home – Cleaning up after yourself, helping family members, and using kind words.

🏫 At School – Listening to teachers, treating classmates with kindness, and following rules.

🌎 In Public Spaces – Cleaning up after yourself, being mindful of others, and respecting public property.

Karate students are not only judged by their skills—but also by their attitude, effort, and respect for others. A person who leads with respect gains the trust and admiration of others.


Ask Your Child:


  1. Have you ever slammed a door? Did you think about how that might be disrespectful?
  2. Are you willing to share your toys or snacks with someone else?
  3. If your friends started damaging public property, would you stop them or join in?


At Lewis Karate Barrie, we believe that respect is the foundation of leadership, confidence, and discipline. If you want your child to develop these values, enroll them in our kids and adult Karate program in Barrie today!

– Shihan Trevor Lewis