be ready to be shocked and suprised.
I believe that some sort of bow or salute is absolutely MANDATORY for any class. It shouldn't be brushed off as a formality. It is necessary to show respect for your instructor, who is giving you a gift- and to the training partners that are giving their bodies to you to train with. It is a way to build a rapport and as a group, and to honor each other.
It can be as simple as a handshake or a nod, shit, even a joke or a pat on the back...it doesn't need to be a traditional bow or formal homage... it simply needs to be a signal and sign of respect and fraternity.
That aside...I am kind of fond of all of these formal methods. I like the Thai wai, I like the Jun fan salute, the FMA salute, the savate salute, the bow...etc. It keeps a tiny bit of the culture and meaning or though behind the art alive. Done right, with enough earnesty, insight, and self reflection...it can be a powerful tool to understanding the art itself (such as a rammuay or it's equivalent in krabbi krabrong) and can even have value as a...profilactic, preventative means of self defense. (understanding the need to give others a nod, a reminder to keep your cool as well as to keep your own space without infringing or disrespecting others...to keep an air of humility, responsibility, reciprocity, and respect).
|