Good question.
I got into martial arts to learn how to fight. Throughout the course of my years of training, across a range of arts and cultures, all I found in observing the cultural formalities of each art is that it just provides barriers to honest training. Bow this way in one class, bow another three ways in another class, call a punch this but make sure you don’t call it that, don’t talk to the instructor talk to the next in command, wear the correct uniform, don’t show this logo or flag, know your place, don’t mix with the senior grades etc etc etc.
There are no cultural formalities of any kind in my training group. There are no lines, no bowing, no titles, no uniform, no terminology, no seniority, no pretence of spiritual or cultural teaching. We’re a bunch of friends who get in a room, wear what we want, call each other by our first names, a punch is called a punch, and no one has to observe any form of ritual from another culture. We are there for one reason - to help each other improve.
People say you should show the proper respect, I think respect is shown when someone walks in my door and pays their money to train with me, thats their respect. From that point on I need to show them the respect of doing my job and not wasting their time with superficial bullshit.
Everything else, just exists to uphold someone else’s belief system and support their image of superiority.
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