Etiquette and Rules
The Dojo Rules are compiled based upon those of the Okinawa Karate-Do Association, the Dojo Kun (rules) of the Sekai Ryusyokai, the Dojo Kun of the Kokusai Shinjinbukan, and my personal experience. They are instituted for your safety and protection. Intentional violation of any of these rules can result in temporary, or possibly permanent, expulsion from the dojo. Please endeavor to do your best and set an example for other karate-ka through the observance of proper “dojo kun.” Thank you.
Karate training begins and ends with respect.
Upon entering or leaving the dojo, bow formally and acknowledge the teacher.
Always address the teacher as “sensei” in the dojo and be courteous and polite to your teachers, seniors and peers.
For proper training, your body and training clothes must be kept clean and neat. The fingernails and toenails are to be kept short to prevent unnecessary injuries. Do not wear jewelry or other ornaments in the dojo while training.
Refrain from engaging other students in idle talking and make the best use of the time given for your class. Loud talking and laughing during a training session is not permitted. During the training session, students must work with a serious attitude and complete concentration. Silence and seriousness during a training session minimize injury, indicate respect and ensure an attentive mind and martial attitude.
Do not ask questions of the sensei during class unless given direction to ask. If you have questions, you may go to a junior or senior student during a break, or before or after class. If you are a white belt, ask a green belt, etc. This ensures that the sensei has time to share the most important aspects of the planned class and allows senior students to share what they have learned. For serious questions, endeavor first to learn the answer through continued practice and observation of other students. If a problem can be solved in this way, the answer will become permanent knowledge. Consult the sensei only as a final resort.
Senior students are responsible for ensuring that junior students observe proper etiquette in the dojo and at dojo-related functions. The behavior of each student is a reflection of the dojo and the sensei.
When the sensei calls for training to begin, line up correctly and quickly, facing the “shomen” (front of the dojo) area as required.
Perform the proper warming up exercises prior to training and even if one is training alone.
When the sensei calls for “mokuso” (meditation), close your eyes, breath deeply from the lower stomach, concentrate on the “tanden” (lower abdomen) and clear your mind.
If the teacher is not present, the senior student will start the class when it is time to begin.
While in the dojo, listen carefully and seriously to the advice and instructions given to you. This is how one progresses.
When late for class, always ask permission to enter the training area.
If you cannot attend a scheduled class, call and inform the sensei.
Each student must report to the sensei when they temporarily discontinue their training.
Never leave the class for a break, water or any early dismissal without prior permission from the sensei.
Do not use the training equipment if you are unfamiliar with it unless you obtain permission from the sensei.
Sparring is not allowed without permission.
Do not bring food or drink into the dojo training area without special permission.
Students should bow to each other before and after each practice drill.
Never lean on walls or lay spread on the floor. Stand, sit or kneel only.
Prior to the end of training, all students should do the closing exercises together.
Always thank those who have helped or advised you.
If injured, it is recommended that you still attend class to observe training.
At the end of class, clean the dojo without being asked.
Always remember,
Tai wa kokoru arawasu
(Your actions reveal your heart).