The knowledge that looking to that which is within each of us and seek to improve both weaknesses and strengths is the top one for me. They also trained me to seek out and achieve both technical and tactical proficiency that makes us far and above all others in combat.
My time as a Marine provided me the opportunities to seek out responsibility and develop that to high standards that reflect the best of leadership and the Corps to those who look to me for guidance. All decisions and actions were to be sound and timely teaching us that all our decisions have far reaching repercussions involving lives.
We Marines develop an Esprit de Corps that translates to such things as honor, loyalty, accountability, unselfishness, judgement, integrity, initiative, courage, dependability, bearing, decisiveness, endurance, enthusiasm, justice, knowledge, tact to name Marine traits common to all Marines.
Marines taught me to seek out responsibility but more important to take responsibility for all my actions both good and bad. They provided me the knowledge to make sure that all tasks are fully understood and then accomplished with the highest degree of efficiency. Marines taught me to work in a team environment and to ensure all tasks were in accordance with the capabilities of subordinates.
Needless to say it was ingrained as if I were born this way and that translated well into my world of karate training, practice and instruction. You can expect this from any and all Marines. More so today then in my day and that is such a bonus to both the Corps and Society. Thanks God it is our society for which Marines protect and defend!
Go HERE: http://www.montney.com/marine/esprit.htm
Go HERE: http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/schools/corporals/SH/0201.htm
When you review the second reference you will see many of the indicators of a leader of Marines that apply to instructing in martial systems. Attention to details, devotion to the discipline of karate, proper conduct in and out of the dojo, promptness, adherence to standards of cleanliness and an ability and willingness to perform effectively and instruct in that same light. Like Marines a good martial instructor will have enormous self-discipline and consistency. Just read and compare.
I would say that anyone could use these standards to find a good Sensei even if the one they find is not a Marine, active or not. These are the types of traits I would want in any Sensei I studied under and lucky me all my instructors, almost all, have been Marines too.
Some might say, "But I don't want a military type atmosphere in my martial art training." I can only say that if they are a Marine like me they learn to make the adjustments. One of my best moments after leaving active duty was when I stopped by a hot dog stand. I stayed to talk to this person for a while when they finally asked me what I do for a living. I said right now I am looking but I just left the Marines.
They complemented me that although my Marine showed my demeanor and such didn't convey it like a military thing, etc.
It was like saying I left the militarism behind but remained the Marine I was but as a civilian like all the rest.
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