Another one of my pet peeves is—touching gloves. The non martial art sport of boxing use glove touching as a sign of respect toward the opponent, and it was probably the modern times originator of the gesture. The sport of MMA use glove touching, but then, since the only thing in MMA related to the martial arts is its name, it is appropriate. However, in the martial arts, we bow toward our opponents as a sign of respect. The glove touch is nontraditional, not needed, and repetitious. Bowing to an opponent and then touching gloves is similar to meeting someone and saying “Hello! How are you?” “Hello! How are you?”
I have seen the use of glove touching increasing in the martial arts since the popularity of MMA on television. It appears that, because of seeing the gesture used so much on television, new students think it is the way things are supposed to be done. As martial artists, it is our responsibility to correct the behavior.
What do you think about the use of glove touching in the martial arts?
January 6, 2009
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