What is the common practice at the beginning of a WTSDA training session?

At the beginning of a WTSDA training session, the common practice of bowing and acknowledging instructors and fellow students is rooted in the respect and tradition that is central to martial arts. This gesture serves multiple purposes: it fosters a sense of community within the dojo, establishes a formal atmosphere for training, and demonstrates respect for the knowledge and experience of instructors. Additionally, recognizing fellow students promotes camaraderie and mutual encouragement, which can enhance the group dynamics of the class. This practice sets the tone for the training session, reminding everyone of the values of humility and respect that are fundamental to martial arts training.

Warming up exercises, acknowledging personal achievements, and reviewing previous lessons, while all valuable components of a training session, typically occur after this initial acknowledgment. Therefore, the act of bowing is an essential foundational step that reinforces the spirit of martial arts training.