Dojo Etiquette

To an outsider (meaning a non Karate practitioner) the etiquette that suurounds the martial arts in particular Karate, seems to be rather strange.
Why do all these people bow down to this person, lots of noises (oss) being said. No one is talking back to the Instructor. I wouldnt put up with being spoken to like that...
Clearly Karate is a Martial Art, so we need to understand what the martial arts are, Martial ways are very often seen in the forces, likened to the way of ."You do as I say" " You try hard all the time" you give respect for everyone and everything and especially your Commanding Officer. Or in Karate terms your Teacher (Sensei)