March Week 3: RESPECT – How We Treat People, Property & Our Dojo

Respect: A Core Value in Jiu-Jitsu & Life


"Respect a man, and he will do all the more." – John Wooden


At Gracie Humaitá Jiu-Jitsu Barrie, we teach that respect isn’t just a part of Jiu-Jitsu—it’s a fundamental part of becoming a strong and disciplined individual. As the #1 ranked Jiu-Jitsu school for kids, adults, and families in Barrie, we believe that respect must be practiced in everything we do—from how we interact with teammates to how we care for our dojo and surroundings.

Jiu-Jitsu is built on discipline, self-awareness, and responsibility. Respect in martial arts is not just about bowing to instructors; it’s about taking care of the spaces we train in, being kind to others, and treating personal and public property with care.

Have you ever ignored rules, left equipment on the mats for someone else to clean up, or misused something that didn’t belong to you? These small actions reflect whether or not we truly understand respect. Respect isn’t something we do only when people are watching—it’s a habit we develop through conscious effort.



Why Respect for People & Property Matters

In our kids and adult Jiu-Jitsu classes in Barrie, we emphasize that respect should be part of everyday life:

Respecting Others – Training with control, listening to instructors, and being a supportive teammate.

Respecting Yourself – Showing discipline in training, taking care of your health, and making smart choices.

Respecting the Dojo – Keeping the mats clean, following traditions, and treating the academy with care.

Respecting Property & the Environment – Taking care of belongings, public spaces, and community areas.

Every action reflects our level of respect. If we treat small things with care, we will handle bigger responsibilities with the same level of maturity.



Respect in Action: How We Show It Every Day

🥋 In Jiu-Jitsu Class – Bowing to instructors, controlling techniques, and appreciating training partners.

🏠 At Home – Keeping personal spaces clean, using polite language, and helping family members.

🏫 At School – Listening to teachers, respecting classmates, and following school guidelines.

🌎 In Public Spaces – Cleaning up after yourself, following rules, and respecting property that belongs to others.

A great martial artist doesn’t just show respect in the dojo—they carry that same discipline and courtesy everywhere they go.


Ask Your Child:

  1. Have you ever slammed a door? Did you think about how that might be disrespectful?
  2. Are you okay with sharing your toys or snacks with a friend?
  3. If your friends started damaging public property, would you stop them or join in?



At Gracie Humaitá Jiu-Jitsu Barrie, we believe that respect is the foundation of leadership, confidence, and success. If you want your child to develop these values, enroll them in our kids and adult Jiu-Jitsu program in Barrie today!

– Professor Trevor Lewis