I LOST SIX STUDENTS LAST WEEK… Because at the Bushido dojo, We Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

A woman came to our dojo to sign her six grandchildren. She loved our training hall and was impressed with what we teach until I asked for our “Warrior of the Day” to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

She called her children off the mats and said she did not believe in the American Flag. I told her that this is a free country and that not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance is the right of a free citizen.

However, as the owner of my dojo, I also have the right to set the testing standards for my students. And one of those standards is that every student must know the meaning of the words to the Pledge of Allegiance to attain their first belt. That is not negotiable!

The reason is that we teach our students the principles of good character. One of those principles is being true and faithful to your word. Too many young Americans today stand for the pledge daily in the classroom, yet do not know the meaning of the words they speak. This is unacceptable because one cannot be bound to the honor of words they do not understand.

Although this is a small community, and having an additional six students would be great, I will not compromise the values we stand for. I feel it most unfortunate, as those children will suffer due to their lack of good values. I can, unfortunately, do nothing for those children. However, those attending my class will learn good values and develop strong character.