Respect

The first and last lesson of aikido, the Japanese martial art of harmonious movement, is respect. Respect flows from the teacher to the student, from student to student, and from the student to the teacher. Without respect, there is only form. That's just not enough for me.

I've practiced aikido for 30 years. Twenty years ago I received a black belt. It's a lesson in humility and a great responsibility. You are told with your black belt your training has just begun. The responsibility is to share that knowledge received with others who have shown themselves ready and worthy to receive the training. Worthiness is simple to assess: is the student willing to give and receive the techniques of aikido with respect? Readiness is also easy to assess: does the student want to learn?