Traditional Ways

[bushido_man96]

We bow in and out of class, bow on and off the floor, lower ranks bow to the black belts, all bow to the instructor when he comes into the room. Line up in rank order. Answering up "yes sir" when instructed, or when asking questions.

Our traditions are very informal. In all honesty, there's more of a locker room mentality. We bow at seminars because that's how most schools do things and certainly how Pedro does things. But at our school the class usually begins with us circling up and poking fun at one another and telling jokes while doing warm ups. We're attentive to the instruction at all times. We respect everyone equally, regardless of rank. It's very different than most schools, but it works for us.

I like this set up. Perhaps its because I've put up with the rigidity of the "traditional" styles for so long, that I like the idea of something a bit more laid back, where there doesn't seem to be so much ego trapsing about the room.

[ninjanurse]

We have very strict etiquette at our school-Sifu insists that his lineage be honored in this way and I don' t mind at all!

Bow when

...you enter the school

...when you enter the training area

...when you cross in front of the system flags

....when you cross in front of sifu or a higher ranking bb teaching class

...before you approach sifu

...before you leave sifu (this include backing away/not turning your back)

...greeting parents and fellow students

...turning from the front of the training hall

...turning to the front of the training hall

...you begin partner drills and end partner drills

...when you change directions or move forward/back from a line

...you greet each other socially out side the school

We also have etiquette for meals and meetings with each other:

...senior sits to sifus left

...no one sits before sifu does

...no one eats before sifu does

...no one leaves before sifu does

When sifu is not present these rules apply to the senior ranking black belt.

[DWx]

...We also have etiquette for meals and meetings with each other...

I forgot about that for us. At meals, masters sit first, then we can sit. And if we're all seated and one of them comes by to say hello or to join us, stand up immediately and wait for them to be seated or to leave again. Same applies if you're just sitting down talking or whatever.

[Soheir]

In kyokushin:

-We bow when entering and leaving the dojo(?), at the door, the same with the mats.

-We line up by the ranks, when sensei/sempai comes. And bow for sosai, sempai, shomennirei etc.

The same at the end of the class.

-When adjusting a gi, the students turn to the opposet direction and sempai/sensei turns faceing the left corner away from the students.

-We always bow for our new partner. ->and at the end..

-Never wash the belt.

-If you are late, have to wait till sensei/sempai asks you to come, (have to go to 'seiza' at the outline of the tatami).