Furuya Sensei posted this to his Daily Message on March 14, 2005.
Do you remember the children’s game, Simon Says? In the game, nobody was supposed to move until the leader said, “Simon says” and if you were out if you did. All black belts in the dojo must constantly play Simon Says. What this means is that beginners and white belts all closely observe the black belts and imitate everything they do. Many black belts are not aware of this and often make mistakes before, during and after class.
If the seniors practice hard, the other students will copy them and practice hard. If the seniors are arrogant, the students will become arrogant. If you pick your nose, all the students will begin to pick their noses. If we are humble and respectful, they will all imitate and copy us. It is just like Simon Says, in a way - they will follow all of our Simon Says instructions.
A black belt is a special honor and a great privilege as well as a big responsibility. Part of our training as black belts is to always put our best foot forward in everything we do. It is, of course, not only for the sake of the other students who look up to us and will imitate everything we do, but for one’s self as well. In everything we do in Life, work, at home and at play, Simon Says, “Always put your best foot forward.”