Since the first day of Jiu Jitsu class, or any martial art for that matter, we are taught to show respect: to our instructors, and to one another. It is touted that one of the benefits of sending a child to learn a martial art is the discipline and learning to respect their elders.
In this environment, we see civility, an acknowledgement of appreciation for a variety of things; teaching a new technique, training with someone, (at least this is true for me) competing at a tournament and the person gives their all.
I guess what surprises me is the complete lack of respect outside of this environment-we’ve all witnessed it, and may have even been an active participant: cutting someone off, stiffing someone a tip, terrible things spewing out of your mouth in a heated frenzy while driving. It happens, we’re human, and life does indeed go on. There can also be a lack of respect within the jiu jitsu community, most certainly, but that’s pretty few and far in between. Unless that’s an everyday occurence for you. Which in that case, I am sorry to hear.
Back to my rambling, I kind of wish that everyone would be involved in some sort of martial art, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, anything really, where a level of respect is required. While it wouldn’t solve all the world’s problems, I think people wouldn’t be so quick to step all over other people.
Or maybe assholes are just assholes and nothing short of a supernatural event will change them. But, I have a little more hope in people than that.
What do you think?
A Skirt on the Mat 
I think that people tend to flip out while driving, as an example, because your car is a fairly anonymous place. The likelihood that you’ll be held accountable for being a total dickwad on the road is pretty slim.
In a judo or jiu jitsu setting, however, you can only be a prick for so long before someone puts you in your place.
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