The meaning and use of "OSU!" pronounced UUHhhsss!

[Sensei Rick]

I have heard that the "sir" or "ma'am" thing doesn't even go on in BJJ schools. I have heard that they are very informal. Which would be a nice change.

Well, careful what you wish for. Without formality you lose too much of the MA… you lose the DO of the art. Without the respect you are just fighting. That is why there is a bow before a fight. That bow is saying that you respect the person and understand that this “fight” is about training or sport and not about any ill feelings for your opponent.

When you are in a very formal school it may appear to the outside observer that you don’t have any personality. But to be obedient, to use words like sir or ma’am, requires higher character. It looks opposite. It shows that you have personality and that you are a good student.

It may start with informal greetings, then ends up with people training in their underwear and not respecting their rank. It can be a type of anarchy. The encroachment of student’s not giving and receiving respect in your school can lead to the personality of your school changing. The attitude of the students change, either that or you will attract the type of students that are disrespectful. I have posted about these problems in BJJ schools that I have attended

What harm is there in a polite greeting. You will not change in anyway. The worse that can happen is that you will be labeled as polite and respectful.

[bushido_man96]

I don't really agree, Rick. Again, these formalities are a cultural thing, and whether they are done or not doesn't really take away from what you learn.