The new student

In a martial arts school, twenty students trained together in balance and unity. They knew the rules, practiced the same techniques, and treated each other with respect. Everyone moved the same, bowed the same, and sparred the same. It felt easy and safe. One day, a new student joined the class. He moved differently. He bowed at different moments, used footwork they hadn’t seen, and even breathed differently during sparring. His techniques came from another background, another martial art. Soon, tension grew.

“He doesn’t follow our way.”

“He’s doing it wrong.”

“He should adapt or leave.” The students went to the teacher and demanded the new student be removed. “He’s disrespectful,” they said. “He refuses to blend in.” But the teacher calmly replied: “No. I brought him here for a reason. Until now, you’ve only practiced respect with those who looked and moved like you. That’s not real respect that’s comfort. True respect begins when we are challenged by difference.” “He’s not wrong. He’s different. And through him, you have a chance to grow. Martial arts aren’t just about repetition and tradition. They are about character, openness, and the ability to learn from everyone, especially those who don’t match your expectations.” “You don’t have to adopt his style. But if you can understand it, you’ll deepen your own. If you can offer him respect, you’ll earn it in return. You all step onto the same mat. Your journey may look different, but you are still fellow students. And in this diversity, there is power.”

Food for thought

• Is it easier to show respect to those who are just like you?
• Can you accept different techniques or styles without judgment?
• Can you learn without needing to be right?
• Are you open to evolving through discomfort?
• Respect isn’t about uniformity it’s about understanding.
• Growth in martial arts, like in life, begins where comfort ends.
• Don’t fear differences explore them. That's the way of a true martial artist.