Newbi question - bowing to your sensei

[sensei8]

Outside of the dojo? No...never! Inside of the dojo? Yes...always!

[GeoGiant]

Thanks for the advice. I know my question may have sounded silly to some more experienced ppl but I'm an order / operation type person so if "x" is supposed to done, I will always do it.

I've been working out at my dojo for the last 7 months and i didn't know anyone before I started there so I'm a little apprehensive about asking non-technique questions (I'm not sure why).

[Throwdown0850]

Uhm... no, that's just geeky. Inside the training hall, use the cultural norms of the training hall. Outside the training hall, use the cultural norms outside the training hall. Don't bow. Wave maybe, or say hello.

Agreed.

[WireFrame]

We never bow outside the dojo, why would we? We DO however have the odd pint or two.

Actually, even in the dojo, we bow to begin and end training, begin and end a partner session, and when any section or kata begins and ends... but never just as a "greeting".

[DWx]

I wouldn't. I don't think the sensei would probably expect you to either. Wave, say hello and be polite and there should be no problem.

[ninjanurse]

Wow, a little surprised here. I have always been taught, in each of the arts I have studied, that one takes on the life style of the art in and out of the dojo. This includes the etiquette of the school and therefore bowing to sensei at the gas station is not only appropriate but expected of all students.

[JAKEHE3078]

Noooo!!!!!

[white owl]

Nope! I do not bow outside of the dojo. When I first started out I found myself bowing and addressing them as sensei 's outside of training but it changed.

[sensei8]

I believe that bowing to ones Sensei OUTSIDE of the dojo isn't determined entirely by culture and the like. Yet, more by ones own value standards and the like.

I know that my Soke and my Dai-Soke would be very upset at me if I bowed to them outside of the dojo, especially if I did while we were at the local Wal-Mart or 7-Eleven. To them, the bow must be justified as to the means.

When in Rome....or not.

[GeoGiant]

All good advice. Thanks!