Why and when to bow ……………..
For thousands for years, the symbolic bow had universal meanings depending on the occasion. It was a way to communicate in lands where every village had its own language. It was a way to say hello or goodbye, to seal a contract, and, most important, to show respect. Eyes looked downward on a bow to be humble and to show trust. Eye contact was a less formal way to greet before trust was earned. Hands lightly slapping the sides showed that no weapons were in the hands or robes.
Today, we bow in class to show that we are ready to give 100 per cent, to show respect and to initiate and acknowledge the process of thinking before acting during training. It has no religious significance. Students often are confused about the proper bowing etiquette. It’s really very easy. Here are a few tips:
- Stop, think and bow toward the instructor or class before walking onto the workout floor. To show respect bow even if the room is empty.
- Bow toward the instructor or class when you leave the workout floor.
- Always bow when an upper belt rank has helped you.
- We bow at the beginning of class either standing or kneeling. The students bow to show respect and willingness to learn from the teacher, and the teacher bows to show respect for the students.
- You always bow before and after working with a partner. You bow to show respect for your partner’s skill, to show your cooperation and pledge concentration on safety and technique.
- Bow before and after speaking to your instructor.
- Always start and end a form with a bow, even if you are not being observed. Bow when demonstrating to an audience.
- Only bow at Karate class. Your friends and co-workers won’t understand.
Parent and spectator etiquette
Please no coaching from the sidelines. Parents, relatives, and friends are welcome to watch but are not permitted to yell, to instruct, direct or coach. It is very distracting to students, instructors and other spectators.
Constructive spectator cheering at appropriate times is encouraged.
Please do not remove a student from class, for any reason, before it is formally over. You wouldn’t take your child out of the game before it was over. If it is absolutely necessary to leave before a class is over, let the instructor know before class starts.
Do not discipline your child in any way during the time they participate in class. Often parents feel the urge to yell from the sidelines to get the attention of the student. Please resist this temptation. It is very distracting and embarrassing to the student.
Do not rush to your child’s side if they are injured. Alert the instructor of your presence and stand back. The student will usually be back in class quickly if the parents stay in the background.
Rank etiquette
- It is not proper etiquette to ask an upper belt to fight. It is proper to ask an upper belt for help with technique.
- Do not question or try to correct an upper belt.
- For safety, do not try to show off to an upper belt while free sparring.
- Please do not interrupt upper belts while they are instructing or speaking to someone.
- Do not raise your voice or be disrespectful to an upper belt.
