Hey can you hand me that?

Here in America, we hand things to each other all the time without regard for how we do it. Clothes, food, money, left hand, right hand, sitting, standing, passing by. But have you ever thought about how you hand something to someone? How you are standing? What your hands are doing?

In Taekwondo and Korean culture it REALLY matters! Respect for others according to seniority is a pillar of Korea's Confucianist traditions. Seniority is based on age, position in the family, job position, being a teacher, etc.

How you deliver or receive an item demonstrates your respect for the other person. Handing or receiving something with only one hand, or without a simultaneous bow is considered disrespectful.

So here's how to do it right: just remember to stop, stand, use both hands and bow. When you give or receive something small enough to use only one hand (i.e. a pen), make sure your other hand is below your elbow or forearm (palm up), as if the weight of what you are giving is so heavy that you need both hands to support it. As the item is transferred between people, give a bow to the person. Remember, the depth of the bow corresponds to the seniority of the other person. The more senior they are to you, the deeper the bow.

To show even more respect, especially to an elder, use two hands to receive the item as you bow, regardless of the size of the item.

A simple custom, but one that visibly demonstrates the courtesy, respect, discipline and humility that make Taekwondo people great!

Until next time, train hard and I'll see you on the mat!