scout76
5th September 2007, 23:17
I recently started training in a traditional Shotokan dojo, but was surprised when several students were "cheering" for their friends during free sparring. Comments such as "C'mon Chris..." or "Go get your point, so-n-so".
I got my shodan in 1989 and I've been in numerous dojos as I've moved around the country over the years, but I've never encountered that before. Is this common? I was always taught that as a spectator, your job is to observe and learn - either learn what is being done correctly or incorrectly; but to cheer?
Don't get me wrong, I don't insist on people bowing to me or even calling me Sempai or Sensei. I consider myself a traditionalist mostly by training standards, so formality really isn't a big deal to me.
Just curious to hear the thoughts of others on this.
Thanks,
Brian Eubanks
I got my shodan in 1989 and I've been in numerous dojos as I've moved around the country over the years, but I've never encountered that before. Is this common? I was always taught that as a spectator, your job is to observe and learn - either learn what is being done correctly or incorrectly; but to cheer?
Don't get me wrong, I don't insist on people bowing to me or even calling me Sempai or Sensei. I consider myself a traditionalist mostly by training standards, so formality really isn't a big deal to me.
Just curious to hear the thoughts of others on this.
Thanks,
Brian Eubanks