Thursday, February 13, 2014

Seminar Etiquette

Etiquette - the art of knowing how to behave. At a martial arts seminar featuring multiple martial arts, it is a valid question. Different arts have different customs, and when visiting another person's studio, it might be difficult to find out how they do things.

Having planned seminars like this, taught in them, studied in them, and been around a lot more than most, let me share some insight:


Uniform / Belt
Wear your typical uniform and belt. If you practice more than one martial art, wear the uniform / belt of one particular art. No need to put on a white belt, or do anything silly.

If you have access to multiple uniforms, a white uniform typically is best.

If you are a black belt, have a plain black belt to wear. Don't get caught up in the "keeping up with the Jones'es" act of trying to wear your most outlandish belt or uniform just to show off.


Line Up / Come to order
Observe for a second how the members of the home studio are lining up, and fall in as instructed, or at the lower ranking end of similar belt colors.

Korean schools will call you to order and bow in with commands of "Cha Ryot! Kunye!"
Japanese schools will call order and bow in with "Kiyotsuke! Rei!"

There may be additional words in there, but the gist is the same: "Come to attention! Bow (show respect)!"


Practice
Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Martial Arts Twist: BECAUSE they are going to do unto you in just a few moments!

No need to go crazy, or use super amounts of strength to accomplish your task. Just follow the instructions and have fun!


Stick to the subject matter
Seriously, if you have something to add, see one of the organizers, and ask about being a presenter at the next seminar!


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