Rank and Respect in the Dojo

A friend on FB just posted that when he first stepped into the dojo he felt safe because everyone was wearing the same white uniforms and you could instantly tell a person's rank by the color of their belt. That's one of the things that appeals to me about the martial arts, especially the traditional martial arts. The first precept for learners in World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization is Respect and Manners. In our crazy, out of control world, it's a good feeling knowing that you can expect protocol and decorum. For 1 1/2 hours during class, there is a sense of order and tradition. You can take a deep breath, relax, and know there's sincere appreciation for authority, respect for others, and honor for the hard work and achievement represented by the color of the belt.