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8:42 pm
July 7, 2008
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Grasshopper
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| Member | posts 5 |
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Greetings Earthlings,
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that as we move forward in our quest for higher belts, more refined poomsae, the perfect roundhouse, or tournament gold, we seem to have lost some sight of our most basic protocols.
Back in 1998, the last days of the old “wrap around” style uniform, and the year yours truely first slipped into said garment, all students entering the training hall would bow before going in, and bow again when leaving. It was also common to see students bow when greeting instructors, or even higher belts. This is a simple show of respect that is all too often overlooked.
Although guilty myself of not always giving my instructor the curtesy and respect of a bow, it has always been part of my entry and exit to the training hall. (even when in jeans and T shirt)
My wicked ways shall be righted however, and a new leaf turned in the next training period, will be bowing like a grasshopper possessed. If you make a point of it too, maybe this most basic of respectful greeting will become the norm again.
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4:03 am
July 8, 2008
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Roy Khoh
| | Canning Vale, Western Australia | |
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| posts 163 |
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Yes. Simple greetings are a habit.
I liken it to saying "hello". There are certain social situations where you would walk into a room and greet a person/people with a smile, a "hello" and a handshake (or cheek-press). It is the same with the humble bow. In return, the person being greeted reciprocates in the same manner.
In our world, it is also a sign of respect when a junior walks up to and bows to a senior. My interpretation of junior and senior is two-fold:
- If you are younger, you are a junior (if they are older, they are senior)
- If you are lower rank, you are a junior (if they are higher rank, they are senior to you)
I remember being in Hobart, Tasmania in 2005 for the Australian Taekwondo National Championships. Walking through the streets of the city, a Korean woman spotted Kim Seng and faintly called out from across the street. She briskly walked across to meet Kim Seng and bowed. They chatted a bit, of course. Turned out she was a 5th Dan Black Belt and a referee for that Nationals also. Now THAT'S the kind of etiquette/respect/mannerisms that should be displayed.
We'll be keeping an eye out young Grasshopper! Now you must walk the talk!
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9:34 am
July 9, 2008
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Roy Khoh
| | Canning Vale, Western Australia | |
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| posts 163 |
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I just had training tonight.
The only “extraordinary” bow (outside of being commanded to during class) was from Jason Byrnes at the end of class. He was the highest ranked student, and at the end of handing the cards out to dismiss the class, he bowed to me. I returned, of course.
I couldn't remember anybody else bowing extraordinarily at the beginning/start of class. Despite my having mentioned the need to (about a month ago).
Shane, maybe you need to come to the Rockingham class to show the students how it's done 
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7:37 am
July 14, 2008
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Jason Byrne
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haha Roy you noticed!
I don't know if you've noticed but usually when I enter the hall/gym where we train I will bow as well. It's a habit that was put into me when I first started taekwondo and I have kept it with me.
I do notice that not as many people bow any more these days. I was wondering if they had stopped it at training, but now I see it is just a forgotten art.
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8:32 am
July 14, 2008
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Roy Khoh
| | Canning Vale, Western Australia | |
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| posts 163 |
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As far as I know, we have not stopped it at training. Not sure if we ever started it.
Like most things in life, nothing is ever compulsory.
You don't have to breathe, you just do because you want to live. You don't need to wake up, you just do because your body has rested enough (or someone decides you've rested enough). You don't have to get out of bed after a good night's sleep, you just do because you need to go to the toilet.
You don't have to bow when entering the gym/hall, you just do because it's good manners, good etiquette and shows a sign of respect for your club, your school and your instructor.
Let's hope people start remembering this.
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8:41 pm
July 28, 2008
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Roy Khoh
| | Canning Vale, Western Australia | |
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| posts 163 |
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I may not show up at training for a while, so I have to mention it here and now.
Grasshopper, I noticed the bows at entrance and exit of the hall. It was about 5 days ago so I cannot remember correctly whether there was any between the two of us. I think there was, difficult to remember because I would have been bowing back or at the same time.
Anyway, keep it up. Others will notice and catch on.
It only takes one person to start a trend … or in this case, restart one!
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11:19 am
July 29, 2008
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Grasshopper
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Thanks Roy,
Yes, whan you arrived for training, we bowed to one another.
Tonight, Tuesday 29, when I arrived, Elanie gave me a bow. I feel really bad now, because I didn't return it, no disrespect was intended at all, just that I have a lot on my mind and she took me a little by surprise.
Thanks Elanie, I'm bowing now.
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7:56 pm
August 9, 2008
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Roy Khoh
| | Canning Vale, Western Australia | |
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| posts 163 |
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I applaud the efforts of all involved. Especially the ones who expressed their wish to restart and show their respect.
I have personally noticed that this simplest of greetings is catching on, again, within some clubs.
Well done!
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