Courtesy: The Quiet Power of Helping Others

Courtesy Mindfulness, December 2025

At the dojo, we talk a lot about courtesy because it’s one of the foundations of karate and of a good life. Courtesy is the simple, everyday habit of treating others with respect and kindness.

In our training, helping others isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s something we practice every day. We believe in living a balanced life, and being of service to others is a key part of that balance. Over time, our goal is for courtesy to become second nature for our students; something they do without even thinking about it.

Helping others can be big or small:

  • Helping keeping the dojo clean by picking up toys
  • Showing up on time to birthday parties and meet-up with your friends
  • Helping a neighbour shovel their driveway or racking their leaves
  • Contributing to a local charity or community initiative

No matter the size, your actions speak loudly.

Helping Others Through Douvris Martial Arts

Douvris Martial Arts is proud to give our students many ways to practice courtesy and helping others, both in their daily lives and through organized programs.

Striving 4 Excellence Program

Our Striving 4 Excellence Program is introduced to children ages 4–6 (tykes) and 7–12 (children) as they begin their martial arts journey. These workbooks:

  • Teach goal-setting
  • Reinforce life skills
  • Highlight a powerful “Word of the Month”

Words like respect, courtesy, and courage are explored not just as definitions, but as real behaviours students can choose every day. When students understand these words, they gain the power to live them.

Here are some simple, everyday ways to show courtesy and help others:

  • Be present for your peers. Listen when they talk and show that what they’re saying matters.
  • Ask about someone’s day. A simple “How’s your day going?” can help someone feel seen and cared for.
  • Hold the door for someone. It’s a small gesture that can brighten someone’s day and often inspires them to pass it on.
  • Offer to help with a task. Help bring in the groceries, help hand out papers in class, or tidy a shared space. Little things make a big difference.
  • Include others. Invite a classmate to play at recess or join in a game. Inclusion is one of the kindest forms of courtesy.

Courtesy isn’t just a word we talk about; it’s a practice we live, on and off the mats.

To learn more about our karate programs and our Striving 4 Excellence Program, visit douvris.com.

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