Martial arts and movement · The practice
Show respect with a training partner
Definition
A partner is not a prop. Respect is how you control force, listen, and leave them safer than you found them.
The lesson
If you train with someone, the lesson is concrete. Match their level. Stop when they tap, stiffen, or go quiet. Do not make their mistake your joke. Thank them for the risk they took so you could practice.
If you have no partner today, practice the same conduct with the person beside you at work or at home. Control your voice the way you would control a grip. Do not win the moment at their expense. The mat only makes visible what the kitchen already knows.
With one person, give them the safer, more careful version of your strength. Ask if you went too hard, and believe the answer.
Using a smaller or newer person to feel capable.