[irrawnWab]

Yes, you were out of line by calling him out like that. This is kendo, what the instructor says goes. Furthermore, is it really that difficult to at least try to learn the etiquette since you don't seem to practice it at all? Rather than getting miffed that all of a sudden you have to raise the discipline from zero to 100 is something you should've seen coming. If you're serious about continuing kendo, how do you think it is elsewhere? Do you think that other clubs are going to be as lax as yours? Think about it, if you were to continue as you have been in front of this visiting sensei, what do you think they'll do? Chances are they'll disregard you all as a rag-tag group of wannabe kenshi who can't even get basic etiquette right. You'll then end up with a not so flattering reputation. Best thing you can do is apologize, learn the etiquette, and show the sensei that you all are worth their time.

That being said, the person teaching you all should've been emphasizing etiquette from the start. As b8amack said, if he can't teach etiquette, he shouldn't teach kendo. Not cutting off the red strings screams clueless kenshi. It also means you haven't even prepared the slats properly and I'd be worried about splinters flying around when you practice. If you can't take care of the small details, your kendo will become stagnant and you won't improve. Personally, I think it's time for a serious club overhaul. Start fresh, ask your teacher to emphasize etiquette and have the same expectations as any other dojo. If people don't like it, then tell them it's what is expected at any other dojo so they will either get used to it or leave. Simple as that.