Should parents bow when entering martial arts school?

Question

My children have started taking Tae Kwon Do lessons. I know that students are supposed to bow when entering the school and when leaving as well as following other school rules. But are parents supposed to follow the same rules at the school? I want to show the teacher proper respect but I don't want to look foolish either. The Tae Kwon Do Master is great with the students but doesn't say much to me. I want to make sure I don't offend him.

Answer 1

unless the teacher askes you to you dont really have to but it is a sign of respect so it it always a good idea to bow when entering a dojo well at least it is if you know they are teaching well.

Answer 2

My Tae-kwon-do class has an area for the training, and an area for the adults to sit and watch. When ANYONE enters the training area, they must bow, or it is disrespectful.

Answer 3

Technically no. But it would show respect towards the instructors and it would set a great example for your child. It also depends on your school, some don't and some do so I would ask someone from your dojang. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Well I did Tae Kwon Do for about 6 years when I was younger, so I remember all too well the parents wondering if they should follow the students behavior :)

Is there a viewing area separate from the actual training area? (usually there is, at least there were at the three schools that I trained at) Because if there is, then technically you don't have to bow since you're only there to watch your children and not to participate.

It might differ from school to school, but usually if you're not a student, you don't have to bow.

But like the other answers said, it wouldn't hurt you at all to bow, but there's no prolbem at all if you don't

Answer 5

Have you ever said much to the TKD instructor?

I would say no you don't have to bow. You are not the student.

Answer 6

Don't take your kids there. Just trains them to be bullies of the world to solve all problems with violence. Take them to the library instead to improve their mind. Educationally, don't turn the next generation into a 3rd world country.

Answer 7

students should bow when entering and exiting the training area but if you do not take classes there or are not taking a class at that time you do not have to bow.

Answer 8

No thats retarded by that logic everyone including the mail man or pizza delivery guy should!

Answer 9

Yes to show respect to the master

Answer 10

parents should respect the master as much as the kids respect the master. they r doing a good thing for ur kids by teaching self-defense and proper discipline. u should bow, to show him respect. there r probably very few people that have discipline like most masters and they r helping us by teaching discipline. so bow each time u enter/leave the dojan

Answer 11

Unless you want to do it for your kids, I don't think you should have to bow.

On the other hand, parents who have taken martial arts in the past would very likely bow anyway, because they already know the reasoning behind it (courtesy and respect for all martial arts.)

I don't currently take classes myself, but I've gone to a few seminars not long ago and I bowed upon entering the dojo because I understand the respect involved.

Answer 12

Most teachers don't expect parents to bow, but it can't hurt to be polite.

Answer 13

I would never expect parents to bow. I have taught since 1973 and I've never had a parent or family member bow. The students are expected to bow before stepping onto the training area and when stepping off of it.  

Curious...... I have visited a Tae Kwon do school near by and was very surprised to see how they bow. They face the training area when entering the training area. However it blew me away to see that when they leave the training area they bow facing away from the training area.  We were always taught that it was rude to do that. It seems to be standard procedure at that TKD school?  Weird!

Answer 14

it aint gon hurt u..so just do it...u aint got nothin 2 lose

Answer 15

well yes if the teacher bows to you then you do the same back.. also show respect buy calling him sir.. thats what we do..

Answer 16

no u dont pay to go there u pay for ur kids to go there its not like ur trying to be rude its just not ur custom and nobody should make u feel like u shoud change!

Answer 17

I say no if you are not taking classes there you should not be expected to bow.

Answer 18

You are certainly on the right track.  You are doing your best for your children and that is to be congratulated and honored.  

The bow is a sign of respect to the school, the owner, the art, and the other students.  Traditionally the bow is done only when entering and exiting the training area.  This does not include the store area or the parents viewing area.

With that said, it is up to you if you wish to bow when entering the school.   I would actually suggest asking your children to teach you how to bow.  This will give them the opportunity to show Mom something that she doesn't know, and shows them in another way that you support them completely, and wish to honor the school, the art, and their teacher.

Good Luck, and from an instructor, thank you for showing the initiative for your children.

Answer 19

nope   you don't

Answer 20

I don't think so. Its not their way of life, it is their kids. I think only people part of that lifestyle and sport should bow.

Answer 21

just bow down when u enter and leave the school

what is the worst that will happen?

Answer 22

I've been to several different schools in a couple of different countries. In the schools that I've attended you only need bow if entering the training area (You wouldn't, for example, bow before entering the lobby as that is often where the rest rooms are located and it has no significance). If the Dojang master is Western then they probably won't be offended if you don't bow at all.

Answer 23

No, just the students.

Answer 24

A great question...Technically it is entirely up to you.  Although you are not a student and you are not obligated to adhere to the customs of the school, it does set a great example for your children.  As parents, we are responsible for teaching our children proper behavior and social skills.  Our children emulate our actions and if you show the proper respect to their Master, they will follow your lead.

One of the other "answerer's", jumpingrightin, has it all wrong and does not realize that Tae Kwon Do is founded on Five Tenets or principals.  Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.  Not one of the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do, if properly adhered to, is contributive to turning your children or anyone else's into bullies.

In fact, by bowing to the Master you are reinforcing the Tenet of Respect.

Answer 25

I certainly don't expect my students' parents to bow but I can tell you that it is nice when parents are aware of the rules and encourage their children to follow them and also use common sense in relation to those rules.  Things like turn your cell phones to vibrate or silent mode and take your cell phone conversations outside; if you have Mary's little three year old brother with you keep him under control and from running out on the deck or work out area and bring something to keep him occupied during older sister's class; try to have your child there ready and on time, etc.  In some ways you have a business and financial relationship with him as well as something else in that you are entrusting him with the welfare of your child.  Some forethought and common sense will be greatly appreciated by the instructor and will say volumes about you and the type of person you are and at the same time help keep his studio a better place for your child and others to study martial arts.