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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Concerned or Overprotectice Mother? |
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| Kathy |
| 06/11/04 at 09:25:00 |
| [slm] I am posting this is in this section because I would like both genders' viewpoint. My son's Blackbelt Promotion is this weekend. However, the day has now been over shadowed with disappointment for me. Last night during class one of the moms told us about the initiation part of the ceremony, when the elder Blackbelts hit the new children who are now joining their rank. It disturbed me a great deal. I consider this traditional hazing goes against everything taught to the class in the last four ˝ years. They have a Student Creed which teaches us “to avoid anything that would impair my menpal growth and physical health.” As I write this, I think of the mother’s son, who said his arm was bruised and hurting for three to four weeks after the elder Blackbelts hit him. “I intend to develop self discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others” I do not see how hitting brings out the best in each other, especially a higher-ranking elder to a child. I am concerned about how much self discipline is used. I have watched the birthday spankings and have seen how some wail on others. In the past, if my son was in the spanking line, I stand up and make my presence known, as he knows he is forbidden to hit with force, especially a girl. “I intend to use the skills I learn in class... to help myself and fellow man, and never to be abusive or defensive.” This hazing rite seems to go against this final and most important line of the Student Creed. In many of the articles in the schools excellent newsletter, one point flows throughout. Respact. One of the ultimate teachings of Karate. In today’s world we see too many news flashes of high school and college initiations gone bad. Sure in my day they were harmless pranks of saying “now you are one of us.” The promotion should be the time of honour and respect, when an Il Gup thinks they will now be accepted into the Blackbelt ranks, only to find out they will accept you after they hit you. The world has become too violent and I worry what lessons we are teaching by allowing this kind of condoned hitting. The Blackbelt Promotion should be the cumulative pinnacle of respect. Am I wrong to feel this way? Does my scrawney 9 year old have to go thru this tradition, with grown men in line? I wrote a letter to the "Master" ...awaiting his reply. What say you oh men? is this what life entails for a boy in sports? |
| Re: Concerned or Overprotectice Mother? |
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| Nistar |
| 06/11/04 at 12:21:13 |
| [slm] You have every right to feel this way. However, it is a "tradition" in many forms of Karate. I'm surprised your son did not have to go through this for his brown belt. Respect, boundaries, ethics, and restraint are all a part of Karate's teachings -- and these "hazing" exercises are maintained within the spheres of teachings. Depending on the Dojo.... one is supposed to endure trial of mind, body and spirit before ascending to a higher level. Black belt hopefulls (adult) especially have to go through a rigorous ordeal before being granted the level. But the training (erm... 10 - 15 years) mentally and physically prepares one for this. Now, if your Dojo has youth-belt levels, the Sensei should / will also make sure that the younger groups will not (obviously...insha'Allah) be beaten to a pulp by grown men. The people in the line will have already gone through this ordeal, and if taught according to the rules and morals of the Dojo, may give your son a hard time (but nothing that he shouldn't be able to handle). Insha'Allah. [wlm] |
| Re: Concerned or Overprotectice Mother? |
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| Caraj |
| 06/11/04 at 17:16:56 |
| I agree, this is not cool nor is it in line with the self disapline suppose to be teached. What in the world happened to certificates, parties, ribbons, trophys and award ceremonys? I do not see hazing as a way to teach self disapline. I find you rightfully concerned, NOT over protective. Believe it or not they still do this crap in the navy ADULT MEN on tax payer time and money. When making chief, when crossing certain lines. Like equator, date line, artic, etc. Such goofiness. |
| 06/11/04 at 17:18:01 |
| Caraj |
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