Why Respect to Superiors is Important

I started learning Aikido nearly a decade ago. When I first started, I was surprised by the amount of hierarchy and respect to superiors there was in the dojo (class.)

If someone joined the class even one day prior to you, that person would be your senior. You would need to bow a little lower when performing the traditional Japanese style bow. And while bowing, you would need to stay down until your senior got up from his bow. And the same was true with the instructors. Every time, the instructor offered some pointer or suggestion, class etiquette demanded that you gave a quick Japanese style bow as a sign of gratitude for the instruction provided.

Having just returned from an MBA in the US, I found all of this bowing and 'kotowing' quite unnecessary and almost offensive. After all, we were all equals. There was no need to show so much deference to our seniors.

However, over the years, as I have progressed through the ranks I have realized the value of such respect and deferment to seniors. At the upper echelons, the art is almost dangerous. If your partner does not offer the right kind of support, feedback and responses, either of you could get seriously hurt. And given the tense situations that can sometimes arise, it would be a problem if two moderately trained Aikido practitioners got into fisticuffs. In such an environment it's important for everybody to know who is in charge and who has the final say.

Also, as I have become a 'senior' and found other 'juniors' bow to me (very occasionally), I have found that it creates a weight of responsibility inside me. I feel the need to reach out and help new entrants.

A similar situation arises in the traditional Indian style of prostrating before elders. In India, when you meet your elders, you traditionally bend down and touch the elders' feet as a token of respect. The elders traditionally offer their blessings to you wishing for your long life or early marriage. This act actually creates a subtle psychological pressure on the elder whose feet are being touched. The elder now feels responsible for the safety, growth and success of the youngster.

On the other hand, I have found that there is very little deferment in organizational settings in the US. At MBA school, we referred to our professors by name. At work, we referred to our bosses by name.

So which system works better?

It depends. In martial situations (martial arts, the military) or emergency situations (fire brigade, computer emergency response teams, surgical theaters), it's best if there are clear hierarchies and a culture of 'inequality' (where you know who's boss and who's your senior.)

In creative endeavors (software development, art, music) a culture of equality probably works better.