Obedience has gotten a bad rap in recent decades. It seems to be an old-fashioned term that connotes compliance with strict orders and edicts, whether they make sense or not, or oppressive submission. Many parents have given up expecting their children to “obey” for fear of stifling their budding self-esteem. Why, then, does obedience seem to figure so strongly in the martial arts, the practice of which is becoming increasingly popular everywhere you look?
Martial Arts: War Skills
The insistence on obedience seems more natural when you consider the origins of the martial arts. According to the oxford dictionary, the word “martial” means “of or appropriate for war,” and in fact, martial arts are fighting sports that were formerly used on the battlefield. These skills that we now learn and practice for recreation, sport, or fitness were ancient skills of warfare.
In our modern military, the fundamental concept new recruits learn is obedience. Soldiers obey their superior’s orders, not because they always want to, or think it’s the best they can do, or agree to it, but because they have learned the importance of obedience. They have to.
In times of war, obedience can mean the difference between victory and defeat, and between life and death. In battle, there is often no time to stop and think about whether an order is a “good idea” or whether you agree with it in principle or in practice. You must obey without question. NOW.
The strict hierarchy of the military structure makes the obedience process simple and unambiguous. Individuals of lower ranks take and carry out the orders of those of higher ranks. It is an orderly system, intended to facilitate both day-to-day and wartime operations. And, for the most part, it serves its purpose very well.
Obedience in the study
Understanding the roots of obedience in the military helps to appreciate the role of obedience in today’s martial arts. The fundamental principles declared by so many training centers and martial arts schools include discipline that develops self-control, orderly conduct, obedience and respect. In fact, isn’t it interesting that the martial arts themselves are often referred to as a “discipline”?
And, similar to the ways the military has organized around ways to facilitate obedience, so has the current practice of martial arts instruction.
For example, the hierarchical structure within a training studio is taken directly from the Confucian view of relationships. Obedience to the teacher is a sign of respect for his position and achievements, of recognizing that he knows more, has more experience and is in a position of authority over the student. Instructors in the highest positions are there because they have the most wisdom and experience to responsibly train their students. In return, students must give them unquestioning respect and obedience. Without this respect, the teacher’s ability to teach and the student’s ability to learn are significantly diminished. And actually, the entire study environment suffers when even one student does not show obedience to the teacher or respect her classmates.
Obedience is for everyone
The effect of disrespect and obedience is not limited to the study of martial arts training. Without obedience, we would have chaos and anarchy. We all have to be obedient at various regular times in our lives, to our parents, teachers, supervisors and bosses, to the police and government officials, to other people in authority over us.
Sometimes we may not agree to an order and other times we may not like to be obedient, either out of principle or ego. But obedience to that directive can be essential to our immediate or long-term well-being. Sometimes the direction we are supposed to follow may not make sense, but we are expected to follow it due to recognition of the authority of the person or position giving the order. To survive and prosper, society must operate in an orderly manner; respect and obedience to authority are critical components in maintaining that order.
conclusion
While most of us today will not be in a life or death situation that requires blind obedience to authority, there are many common situations where deference to someone else’s directive will be required. The obedience lessons taught in martial arts studios around the world are an excellent resource for children and adults alike. So the next time you bow to your teacher, think about this obvious sign of respect, its origins, the underlying principle of obedience, and what could and should say in our modern world.