Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
In history, human history, seniors always held a spot in the tribe, especially in those early historic times if they actually survived to live that long. Many cultures hold and revere their seniors and those seniors often held a status that said, "Tribel Mentor."
Tribal mentors are those experienced, by surviving in the day, in life who would advise the tribe and its younger leaders on that tribes survival. Even today, many of the cultures of the world make use of their seniors in this or some other respected advisorial way.
Breaking it down into the specific, atomistic social realities of the micro-social collective, of the dojo how do we treat those who came before, the senior karate-ka. It should be noted right here and right now that rank is not necessarily the best indicator of a senior karate-ka nor shall it dictate the traits we look to in holding senior karate-ka in the mentor-advisor-teacher position. Trophies, belts, and win-loss ratio's don't really make for this kind of senior karate-advisor, mentor or one who comes before.
Take this quote on Japans cultural vision of their elders, "The Japanese culture values the elderly. Appreciation for elders has been ingrained in families and their children, making Japan one of the most kind places in the world for seniors. ... This arrangement is believed to be one of the many reasons the elderly in Japan live longer than any other population."
"... some cultures treat their elderly with more respect and dignity than others."
“For example, in Japan, seniors are highly respected and even celebrated. Japan even has a national paid holiday called “Respect for the Aged Day” to show appreciation for seniors, and there’s a “no-elderly-left-behind” attitude to celebrate everyone. China and India also honor their elders. Most countries have an appreciation for their elders, but unfortunately ageism is present in some cultures."
In one major culture, "seniors are subject to prejudice and stereotyping. ... While many families and religions honor and value their elders, in this major culture, is one of the places around the world where seniors are not always given the respect they deserve."
"Happiness and longevity, well into the latter part of life in Japan, have been attributed to strong community bonds, family and healthy living that includes plenty of exercise and healthy, low-fat diets. Honoring tradition to care for and respect family members, especially seniors, doesn’t hurt."
Now, as a person of Scottish descent, about 25%, i.e., Scotland and Ireland according to DNA, I find this next extract of interest:
"Older people are valued as asset in Scotland. Their voices are heard and they are supported to enjoy full and positive lives in family settings. Scotland has pledged to hear the elderly, and the cultural thinking, and money, has shifted away from hospitals and toward preventative care. This paradigm shift has allowed this culture to value life, rather than treat ailments."
AND
"Scotland also adapts homes so that people can age and stay in them. Families do their best to care for their elderly loved ones, and keep them as valued members of society. Honoring old age has become a tradition."
Now, how do those who use and teach and mentor in the dojo see the senior practitioners? If we truly want to use that discipline as a micro-social collective that can and would expand out into our daily lives for the betterment of self and the social structure in which we live, breathe and work then this must be considered.
Take a look again at the Scottish, what parts of this tradition do we promote, teach and live in the dojo? Is it something that can be extended out into daily life? How does that promote the "way" and is that an intricate part of applying skills in self-preservation and self-protection?
We in the dojo, martial arts particularly, profess to live and breath the cultural aspects of the martial arts and in many cases it comes down to 'lip-service' as a means to 'sell' the dojo and its programs but what are the realities of that culture and how do we infuse that into our own?
One of the fundamental principles, also given a lot of lip service in lieu of walking the walk and talking the talk in that walk, is philosophies where the practitioner must find, develop and adhere to a cultural belief system that promotes the best of the discipline similar to the proverbial "sportsmanship, honor and respect" also given a lot of lip-service in most cases. Philosophy, i.e., cultural traditions, are critical in developing the non-physical concepts that make a cultural social reality.
As to senior karate-ka as mentors, the only traits we need to consider is their age, i.e., age in that they have lived to the ‘winter years’ that in one culture is recognized as age sixty years and greater. Add in the trait that they have lived honorably and have consistently trained, practiced, studied and understood their martial arts and skills without forcing the connections of the trophies, the accolades, the organizations or the other fluff that many consider the sign of expertise.
If we can see this and bring it to the dojo floor then those seniors all, regardless of perceived status, can achieve contributions that will make our karate, martial arts and dojo/social realities something to be proud of.
If we can see this in others not of our culture directly; not of our blood directly; not of family directly then it will be easy to make it so in our culture, blood family and others of tribal collective that can be a model for others.
In most cases I personally don’t see or perceive a cultural tradition of our elders and that is a shame for in my life I see many of the elders alone, ignored and left to themselves with little or no family and/or social respect and care and concern especially when they read a considerable elder status. How we treat our elders, dojo and home and socially, is a considerable statement to us and our social culture and our humanity.
It is time to let go of lip-service and demonstrate by word-deeds-actions that we value our elders. Example: my wife manages what is called “Friendly Visitors” program where volunteers visit both elders and those who are recovering from some medical situation so they have someone to talk to, etc., once or twice a week for an hour, etc. Add in the meals on wheels program and that is something that should show others how important it is to respect, admire and look up to our “elders!"
For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)
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