Last Fearner
2nd Black Belt
TKDmel,
I do not believe you are "totally off base" here. I understand what you are talking about, and I would not question your honor, integrity, or respect for your fellow instructor-to-be by bringing up this question. Over the years, I have trained in schools run by American Instructors who did not receive this kind of customs and courtesies of the Asian culture (not intended as an insult to American Instructors - just some experiences I have had with conflicting procedures and protocol).
Many of the Korean Grandmasters that I have trained with taught a different philosophy, but it must be fully understood to be appreciated by others, and not misconstrued as a lack of respect or an inflated ego. This might be difficult to aptly describe in a brief conversation, but I will list some of the primary points that I was taught to follow in showing respect.
1. The owner of a dojang (sabeom) is in complete charge of his or her school. If any visiting Masters or Grandmasters of higher rank walk in the door, the sabeom would show appropriate courtesy and respect by stopping all activities, bowing to the senior, and introducing the honored guest to others present. The sabeom would be polite in offering the senior rank refreshments, and a private place to relax or talk business. In the office, the senior rank would be offered to sit in the sabeom's chair behind the desk. The offer is made as a matter of courtesy, but is often declined.
2. If the senior rank wants to observe a class, they are offered a chair which is placed on the senior side of the training room. If the visiting Master dresses in Dobok, and is present on the floor, the Sabeom is never obligated to turn over the class to the visiting Master or Grandmaster, but may choose to offer at his or her own discretion (it is usually polite and respectful to make the offer, especially if it is a very senior Grandmaster, but the offer is often declined, and the sabeom is encouraged to teach while the senior rank observes, and offers occasional input - - not harsh criticism or corrections, but suggestions and helpful hints).
3. If the Sabeom is not present at the Dojang, the school is left in the charge of a responsible instructor, senior student, or office manager. Regardless of the rank or title of this person (if any) they are in complete charge and hold the full authority and rank of the Sabeom in his or her absence. If a visiting Black Belt, Master, or Grandmaster shows up, the same courtesy and respect is shown in bowing, but the person in charge should not relinquish any authority over the school, business operations, or classes which have been assigned to assistant instructors.
Most of the above circumstances describe a situation where the visiting senior rank is not a member of that Dojang, but most likely is a part of a larger organization or at least recognized by the senior instructor. In the case of a higher ranking Black Belt of your own Dojang, the policy concerning proper protocol is entirely up to the Sabeom of the Dojang. The owner of the school might choose to hire an office manager who has no authority on the floor, or they might employ a general manager who runs everything in the absence of the Sabeom.
Anytime an instructor, assistant instructor, or instructor trainee is placed in charge of a class, that class is theirs. If a higher ranking instructor shows up, it is up the Sabeom to set the policy for exchange of leadership. If the Sabeom says it is mandatory, then it should be done without question. If the Sabeom forbids it, then it should never be done. If the Sabeom says it is optional, then the instructor in charge should bow to the senior, and either choose to offer the leadership, or ask permission to continue (out of courtesy), and the senior rank would say, "Yes, please continue." Then the senior ranking Black Belt would remain in the room, not as a student, but as a participating advisor.
My policy is that if the advisor out-ranks the class instructor, the senior Black Belt advisor does not line up with the students, but stands to the side and waits until the class is started, then joins in at their discretion.
In my training from Korean Grandmasters, it is an automatic courtesy to offer the class to a senior Black Belt, but it is usually declined because the reason that the lower rank instructor is there is get experience being the one in charge. Senior Black Belts are often recommended not to show up during these classes so as not to undermine that authority. However, if the Sabeom authorizes it in advance, the higher rank would either run the class, and put the junior instructor in charge of certain activities or groups of students, or the higher rank Black Belt would observe in an advisory capacity, and only intervene if their input was requested, or if they saw a correction that need to be addressed (IE: a form that was being taught incorrectly, or some unsafe practice in sparring, board breaking, etc.).
The one issue that I differ with some others on is the chain of command when teaching. While it is true that we can all learn something from even a beginner student, and we should listen to the input of those who are junior, this should not be misconstrued that the junior should "teach" the senior or reverse the role where the junior instructs a class that a senior rank attends. I know that others might disagree with me on this, and I am not suggesting that the junior is not worthy of their position as an assistant instructor, or that they do not have something to offer, but any student, of any rank, should be taught in class only by a senior ranking instructor. The protocol of a class, and chain of command is structured for a purpose, and junior students should never be confused about this issue.
This is essentially no different than a parent giving their child some responsibility, but maintaining the respect that both parents are in charge, and elder siblings must be respected as well. The elder siblings are taught to give the younger child room to grow by not bossing them when parents have delegated responsibility, but the younger child is placed in charge of a task, and never in charge of their parents nor their older siblings. If parents are not present, and an older sibling must take charge to provide for and protect the other children, the younger siblings must never question that authority simply because the parents have given them specific responsibilities.
Now I know that we are not necessarily talking about children in a Martial Art class, but these lessons of life, respect for seniority, and courtesy are essential, and should not be disregarded. Seniors must also respect their juniors, delegate authority to them, and respect the authority that is delegated by those that are senior to both of them. However, I do not believe that a junior should teach a senior unless it is a "specialty" outside the realm of the regular class curriculum (IE: referee instruction where rank is not an issue, or First-Aid/CPR where the junior student is certified and the instructor is not).
As for regular class, the senior rank should always be more experienced, knowledgeable and current on what is being taught than a junior. If not, they should not be in the class, but should seek instruction from their Master until they are brought up to speed. Rank takes precedence over age, wealth, beauty, and popularity. If a Black Belt holds a rank higher than a junior, they should be qualified for it, and the junior should respect that. If the junior is more knowledgeable, then there is a problem that the Master needs to address. Ultimately, it is up to the Sabeom as to who runs the class, and if the junior should defer to the senior or not, then both junior and senior should respect the decision.
This is my opinion on the subject. :asian:
CM D.J. Eisenhart
Something I have learned along the way. 
