is it common that your instructor is addressed as sir, or ma'am and theres all this bowing?

Question

call everyone sir, bowing upon entering the dojo, leaving also. he even made us bow to this heavy bag we were kicking. LOL is this normal in modern american martial arts?

Answer 1

Yes in some schools and it largely depends on the instructor. In very traditional martial arts it is oftentimes carried out even further in some ways like the students cleaning the floor before and after class, turning around when fixing their belt or uniform, (much the same way when a gentleman zips his fly when there are ladies present).

At my studio everyone calls me Mr. and/or sir as it helps to keep things on an instructor-student level and helps establish who is in authority. This can be very important when teaching, coaching, and working with a lot of testosterone filled students and fighters that you are asking to turn on and off their aggression at times and keep rampant emotions from running out of control and helps to keep good order and instill discipline.

Answer 2

I am a Black Belt in TKD and teach a mixed martial arts class. The heavy bag bowing is something i have never heard of. But technically you should bow when you enter a school and leave it. That is the way traditional MA's is. My students bow when they enter and leave.The sir/ma'am part shows higher ranks their respect. And remember, what we learn these days might be modern MA's, but they still come from traditional roots.

Answer 3

Bowing to the bag may be a little much, but adressing your instructor with "sir" and "Ma'am" and bowing upon entering the room/mat is actually very common in traditional Asian martial arts.

If you have religious beliefs that do not allow bowing to people and objects, be sure to speak to your instructor and let them know. He/She should have no real problem with it.

Answer 4

Yes it is common in a lot of traditional martial arts, Kung Fu, Karate, TKD etc...

It is all about hierarchy and gaining belt status. This keeps people and kids hungry to get that status and keep paying those monthly dues.

Much of the move more towards MMA has made martial arts more sport which I like instead of all of spirit, chi and inner warrior crap you always hear about.

They always want to give you the idea they have an answer to a question that you are not worthy to get the answer to. Find a good school without all of the junk. I would look to a BJJ or Muay Thai school.

Answer 5

In modern "American" martial arts, probably not. But, if you're talking about real martial arts that have origins in the orient, aboslutely (except the bag thing, I think its a little silly). The way it was explained to me, bowing is no different than a military salute or handshake.

The sir/ma'am thing is more than respect. It is just plain manners. It is sad that people today have no concept of respecting others enough to say "thank you, sir (or ma'am)." I get that there is the stigma that the title is reserved for the "old", but I think that's a load of bunk - I have no problem calling my 5 year old students sir/ma'am, and they have no problem hearing it.

Answer 6

Basically this is all out of respect and since most martial arts originated in Asia, a lot of modern instructors still uphold these traditions.
So it's basically just a respectful, cultural tradition thing!

Answer 7

Yes, it's perfectly normal.

Well, maybe not bowing to the heavy bag... ha ha.

But most popular martial arts came from Asia, and according to their customs, bowing is a sign of respect.

Obviously, "sir" and "ma'am" is a sign of respect as well.

It's just common courtesy, really.

Answer 8

in all honesty it depends on the specific style.

calling your teacher "teacher", "sir", "coach" or sensei/sifu is not unusual in any style- its to be expected as a term of respect like calling your doctor "dr". (except this only applies to his/her direct students)

some have more bowing and scraping than others.

I have never EVER heard of any japanese or korean style (where this is more common behavior) having you bow to the heavy bag.

IMO that is just asinine.

EDIT:
capitalctu, if you think all "real" martial arts are asian then I ask you what were the romans and greeks and egyptians practicing? full-contact parcheesi?

Answer 9

yes. but we also address each other as Mr. and Mrs (add last name) as well as sir and ma'am. we bow upon entering and leaving the dojang and to other students and instructors as a form of respect. my motto: when in doubt, bow. l.o.l. :p when fixing our dobak and di we turn and face away from the flags, instructor, and other students. your not allowed to "slur" your words. for example saying yeah instead of yes. when giving something or receiving something you take/give it with both hands.

Answer 10

the title of sensei, sifu, master, or grandmaster has always been associated in martial arts as a sign of deep respect and honor to instructors throughout history.