There are simple reasons, and more complex reasons, why etiquette is still strictly enforced in traditional karate dojos. Since I keep getting asked about it, I thought I'd summarize the major reasons why, in my experience, etiquette is so important in the martial arts.
1. SAFETY. I can't overstate this. So much of etiquette revolves around providing a safe and challenging training atmosphere. Don't talk while Sensei is talking, or you might miss something crucial, which could lead to injury. Respect Sensei, and do as he says, even if you don't always understand why; the traditions of the dojo go back generations, and those that still exist have very sound reasons for their relevance. Respect your fellow karate-ka, because that way you can challenge each other without injury, humiliation or other problems caused by a lack of self-control. If you don't respect them, they won't respect you, and things can get ugly very quickly.
2. BETTER TRAINING. You get the most out of your training sessions when you are able to fully focus on your training, and to focus on the aspects that Sensei is trying to emphasize. This means you need to be able to hear him, you need to be able to do sparring drills and combinations as instructed. This is impossible when others are talking or others are screwing off, doing their own thing.
3. SELF CONTROL. Remember that in dojo, we learn fighting arts. The purpose is not to create thugs, who try to dominate and belittle others, and are physically dangerous. The purpose is to build your own strength, mental and emotional and physical. The true martial artist tries to avoid the fight, not instigate it. In some cultures, the greatest man is the one who never needs to fight.
4. COURTESY. All of the above also relate to courtesy. Even as you wish to get the best training possible, so does everyone else in the dojo. Don't ruin it for them by talking out of turn, constantly interrupting Sensei, etc. If you have questions, ask politely, or defer it for after class. Every interruption you make, you are depriving someone else of valuable training time.
5. TRADITION. This is where the Eastern martial art seems to clash hardest with the Western mind. Many Westerners aren't raised to respect tradition simply because it's tradition, and in fact many of us are raised to openly question or challenge many traditions. However, sometimes you lose out on a lot by so doing. Tradition has its own kind of beauty, a way of looking at things through older eyes, different eyes than your own. Following a ritual created 100 years ago not only shows respect for the creator, but ties you to him on some levels. Traditions transcend the boundaries of time, and the physical act of bowing, reciting the dojo kun, etc., allows you to experience things you otherwise never touch. Never underestimate the value of that kind of perspective.
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