What is Courtesy?
What is Courtesy?
Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social emotional learning program called True Character.
I’m Master H, the owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education, and we’ve developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students — two, three, or four — and our oldest student, who is 86.
In our True Character program, we define courtesy as:
“I am respectful, kind, and use my manners.”
As we begin exploring what courtesy looks like, we help students connect it to real-world situations. Courtesy can look different depending on where you are—at the library, at the grocery store, or even at home—and each setting gives kids a chance to practice being kind and respectful in action.
Courtesy in Everyday Places
For our younger students, we start with simple examples.
If you’re in the library, what does courtesy look like? Using a quiet voice, walking instead of running, sitting to read, and being gentle with books.
At the grocery store, courtesy might mean holding the door for someone, waiting patiently in line, or saying “thank you” to the cashier.
As students get older and take on more responsibility, we talk about courtesy at home. When parents come back from the grocery store, courtesy means helping carry in the bags instead of watching from the couch. In my own home, our kids wait for a quick message—“We’re on our way home!”—and come out to help unload and put everything away. These small acts of kindness are simple ways to show courtesy and respect.
Beyond Politeness
For adults, kindness and respect are second nature, but for children, it helps to break down what they look like in action. Courtesy isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you.” It’s about the way we treat people—being patient, waiting our turn, smiling, and listening before we speak.
Sometimes, we even act out the opposite behavior—running, shouting, or being selfish—just to make the point clear (and get a few laughs). It helps kids understand that courteous behavior isn’t about rules for their own sake—it’s about creating a positive environment for everyone around them.
Practicing Courtesy in All Situations
Courtesy also shows up in how we handle winning and losing. Everyone enjoys winning a game, but losing is a chance to practice patience, respect, and good sportsmanship. Taking a breath, shaking hands, and saying “good game” shows maturity and control—core parts of being courteous.
By learning and practicing courtesy, students are also strengthening other character traits like respect, empathy, self-control, and responsibility.
When we put it all together, we become the kind of people who make the world around us better—one small act of kindness at a time.
See you on the mat!
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.
We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.
Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!