StefanZ

Re titles, in USA its very common they call the leader "SenseiKruSir" for prof. ie professor. If you have in your country some usual everyday title for a teacher, you can use this instead, if you so want. So for example, here in Sweden male teachers in children school are called for magister. Nowadays it have no connotations any longer its really an academic title... Its just what you call all male teachers. Its of course worse for female teachers - they are called for miss.... So it is nowadays a title of sorts this too...Even if once upon a time miss and magister were a mark the male teachers hold a higher status and also a higher salary - because they were male... Im digressing, but you see the picture: Its formal titles but none of them bears much formal weigh. If the teacher by any reason dont want to be called by the first name, they use this title. But its common the swedish teachers use their first name. YOU can of course use your first name if you are comfortable with it. Its usually the best, but the risk is some few students may misuse the privilege... Just be prepared for it... Good luck!

You ask if you can fight already as beginner or if you must be advanced. In Thailand we often see beginners fight. Even if Thai beginners are sometimes used for easy wins for westerners. Nay the real question, in west beginners usually fights with paddings on belly and shins. Taking them off - and being forced to harden up belly muscles first as advanced. But if you are prepared it will hurt, all belly kicks shin hits, elbow hits - sure. Go ahead. Thais appreciate brave fighters whom fight on although hit and perhaps even bleeding. If you arent experienced but brave and humble its OK. What you should avoid is to gracelessly turn away as soon the beating begins. Thais wont say anything, they will splash water in the face to conceal the tears. But it doesnt look good... Even here you can save your face: compose yourself. Humbly tx the opponent and his trainers. Congratulate and hug your opp... last not least: train belly muscles...