The Dos and Don’ts of Karate Etiquettes

If you have ever been to a karate school, you will be surprised to find a form of rigid hierarchy prevailing in such institutions, with quite frequent bow-down movements.

It will also be strange to hear certain utterances and chanting of foreign words in all karate centers. Certain confusions will continue to haunt you, even after becoming a karate student and passing through initial phases of martial art. Many people share such experiences and even raise apprehensions on the need of such activities.

It is quite appropriate to apply a check list on "The Dos and Don’ts of Karate Etiquettes" here, to discuss the issue in detail.

• Do show respect to your instructor and fellow members.

It is for you to find out whether a particular school would meet your needs and interests in karate. If it does, you can join the group and show respects to the instructor and other club members and uphold the traditional values of the martial art.

If the place does not seem to suit you, sever all connections and quit the venue quickly.

• Do open your mind to different ways of doing things.

Most of the methods and practices followed in karate are traditionally acquired and transmitted through different generations. As such, the traditions motivate you to the values and benefits of karate. The traditions always serve you to stick to the clear goals you seek to gain from Karate.

• Do try to learn more about the back ground culture of the chosen martial art.

It is important to know the cultural back ground of every form of martial art, so as to have a proper idea on each chosen style. Karate originated from Okinawa, Taekwondo from Korea and Kung Fu from China. A karate instructor can brief you on this in detail.

• Do follow the directions of your instructor.

Initially when you get acquainted with karate, several doubts may emerge in your mind, but avoid seeking clarifications in the middle of the class. But each doubt and confusion should be got clarified either from the instructor or the other members of the group.

• Don’t take Karate etiquette seriously.

Bowing is a traditional style of greeting in karate, like a handshake in western style. When choosing a martial art school, your decision should be based on the quality of programs rather than the customer service and etiquette.

• Don’t give up spiritual values of your religious beliefs.

You get enrolled in karate classes to learn the techniques of self-defense and to remain physically fit. When you benefit from some miraculous feats of Karate, it is no indication of any mysterious hand behind it. Hence don’t imbibe with the idea of abandoning your own religious faiths and fall under the influence of another religious cult.

• Don’t think your Instructor is a mystery man.

Never find your instructor as a transcendental guru or sage. Like any other form of art, he may be great achiever in Karate; he is not a semi-God but only a human with a different skill.

• Don’t forget the value of humility.

Martial art environment should be treated with respect. Hence one should not be too outspoken by speaking out everything that he does not properly understand and grasp.

For the people of different foreign origins, it takes time to get acquainted with the culture and true value of Karate. Until you are mature enough in karate, never get into trouble by over-enthusiasm and rash acts.

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