| Have you ever walked into a karate school and | | | | 5. DON'T take karate etiquette too seriously. A |
| wondered what all of the rigid hierarchy and | | | | bow is simply a form of greeting, just like a |
| bowing is all about? Are you currently a new | | | | handshake in the West. Some martial arts schools |
| member of a karate studio and are wondering | | | | embrace traditional values, others don't. It's not a |
| what all of the foreign words and chanting | | | | big deal either way. Your decision to join a |
| means? Or are you an avid student who still | | | | particular school should be based on the quality of |
| wonders what it all means when you enter your | | | | their martial arts programs and on their customer |
| "Mini Martial Arts Experience" every Wednesday | | | | service, not on their chosen rituals of etiquette. |
| evening at 6pm? Lots of people share your | | | | 6. DON'T give up your spiritual values or religious |
| confusion and many people wonder if it is all | | | | beliefs. Just because you start learning about |
| necessary. | | | | some mysterious Chi force or miraculous feats, |
| Here is your quick cheat sheet to "The Dos and | | | | don't suddenly think that you have found the |
| Don'ts of Karate Etiquette." | | | | answers to all of your unanswered questions. |
| Depending on your karate school and style, some | | | | While karate can provide some very enlightening |
| or all of the following may apply: | | | | wisdom and inspiration, you should always |
| 1. DO show respect to your instructor and fellow | | | | remember why you first enrolled in the martial |
| members while you try to find your place within | | | | arts. It was probably to learn self-defense, to |
| the group and see if the school matches YOUR | | | | improve your health and fitness, or to join in with |
| goals and has YOUR best interests at heart. If | | | | a worthwhile activity together with your child. I |
| the school does meet your expectations then | | | | doubt that you wanted to join a pseudo-religious |
| continue to train there and continue to show | | | | cult. |
| respect to the instructor, the club members and | | | | 7. DON'T think that your instructor is some |
| the traditions of the style. If the school doesn't | | | | transcendental guru or sage, or even a demi-God. |
| meet your expectations then get out of there | | | | He's not! He is just another human being like you. |
| faster than Bruce Lee coult throw a One-Inch | | | | He happens to be very good at karate; you may |
| Punch. | | | | be very good at playing the piano, singing a song |
| 2. DO open your mind to different ways of doing | | | | or telling a joke. Recognize that all people have |
| things. For the most part karate practices and | | | | strengths and weaknesses - even karate |
| methods have been transmitted down through | | | | instructors! |
| the generations and as such carry a lot of | | | | 8. DON'T forget the value of humility. Despite my |
| cultural-specific traditions. In many ways these | | | | rather light-hearted look at karate etiquette, it is |
| traditions help to accentuate the overall benefit of | | | | still important to be respectful in a martial arts |
| the "karate experience", in some ways they | | | | environment and not to be too outspoken. As |
| serve to distract you from your main goals for | | | | with anything "actions speak louder than words" |
| beginning karate in the first place. Be sure to be | | | | and all too often members of martial arts clubs |
| clear about why you want to start karate. | | | | get into trouble by speaking out about things that |
| 3. DO try to learn more about the background | | | | they don't understand too soon. It is better to |
| culture of your chosen martial art. For example, | | | | give your chosen art a fair chance and to let your |
| Karate is originally from Okinawa, Taekwondo is | | | | efforts in class initially do the talking until you feel |
| from Korea, Kung Fu is from China. By knowing | | | | that you have reached the point of being |
| where your art originated you can begin to learn | | | | accepted and are able to ask intelligent questions. |
| some basic cultural knowledge about your chosen | | | | To many people martial arts are a completely |
| style. Your instructor should be able to help you | | | | foreign activity and it takes some time to |
| find material for this. | | | | acclimate themselves to the specific culture and |
| 4. DO your best to follow the directions given by | | | | nuances of the art. Give karate a chance and |
| your instructor and to fit in with the class, at least | | | | don't deliver yourself a killer blow without first |
| while you are in the discovery phase of seeing if | | | | paying your dues. |
| Karate is for you. You will probably have lots of | | | | So there you have it. These are "The Dos and |
| questions and depending on the situation it may | | | | Don'ts of Karate Etiquette." |
| be bad timing to ask your questions in the middle | | | | If you need more help with this or any other |
| of the class. However, make sure that you ask | | | | karate subject, please be sure to download my |
| your instructor and other club members about | | | | FREE Report "Beginners Guide to Karate". You will |
| things that don't make sense or that are | | | | find out how to download it at |
| confusing before you go home. They should be | | | | Good luck and best wishes on your journey in |
| more than willing to answer your questions and | | | | karate. |
| offer help. | | | | |