Basic dojo rules and etiquette
how traditional martial art's practices empowers students.
Karate was popularised from Japan and as such is inherently filled with the culture’s language, training attire, tools and ethical practices. We feel it is very valuable to include many of these traditions to not only enhance the training experience of students or to foster cultural appreciation, but help them develop self discipline and self respect.
Your sensei and class leaders will help guide all students through these processes.
Because karate begins and ends with respect…
The list below includes a combination of Japanese classroom culture and basic karate etiquette. While some of the following points will mature organically, others should be adopted immediately.
Students bow to the front of the dojo upon entering the training area and say “Onegaishimasu”, meaning “please teach me” or “please help me”.
When addressing the instructor in training, students should call them “Sensei” [teacher]. Class leaders are addressed as “Sempai” which means “senior”.
A karate uniform is called a karate-gi and is to be worn at all classes. Students should always maintain personal cleanliness. The uniform must be kept clean and tidy.
Always bring a water bottle to class.
When an instructor gives a student advice or correction, the student should listen sincerely and respond with a “hai” (yes) or “thank you”. If another is receiving advice, listen intently - the correction could also apply to you.
When pairing off with another student, it is polite to bow to each other when you begin and end the joint activity.
On leaving the dojo, students should face the front of the training area, bow and say “Arigato Gozaimashita”, meaning a very polite thank you.
Dojo oath
The dojo kun is a set of virtues that karate students are encouraged to learn (sort of like what scouts have). They are simple philosophies that promote the development of positive personal and social qualities. Some dojo would recite these pledges before training. We simply ask that you read them, understand their value and try to apply them in your daily life.
Please read these with your karateka(student) and help then absorb these wonderful values.
“We, the students of karate-do, strive to fulfil these pledges:
1. The dojo is a sacred place where everything begins and ends with respect and good manners.
2. Train your mind and body to make positive contributions to family, community and cultivate your moral sense.
3. Be modest in your ways, courteous and make efforts for the development of good character.
4. Do not be obsessed with youthful exuberance, but endeavour to acquire the spirit of improvement.
5. Always be taken to learn and guide and remember to remain as innocent as you were as a novice.”
How to tie my karate belt
While tying your belt correctly might seem a small detail, it does in fact have an impact on our psychology. It is the small actions that make up our attitudes and behaviours. By developing a methodical, intentional and present approach to an action, we improve at it.
See this video on how to tie your OBI correctly.
How to care for my karate uniform
We encourage students of all ages to learn how to take care of their karate uniform. Folding laundry is one of those self-care tasks that is deeply connected to helping children learn to take pride in ownership and develop a sense of personal responsibility. The more practice they get, the more confident and competent they will feel, and the more willing they may be to take on other self-care jobs.
Starting and finishing a class
Classes begin and end with a formal ceremony that empowers all practitioners to feel a connection to the history and culture of karate. We use this time to reset, reflect, show respect to one another and appreciation to those past and present who continue imparting the values of Goju Ryu karate-do.
Students stand in order of rank from left to right, first row, second row and so on. The more experienced the student, the closer to the front right of the dojo they are positioned. The sensei will guide participants through the commencement and conclusion of the class. Students interact at certain points with polite responses.
Bowing - the Japanese handshake
Bowing is commonly used as an expression of salutation, reverence, apology or gratitude in social situations. It is equivalent to a sincere handshake used in many other cultures. There are two methods of bowing- the standing bow and the kneeling bow.
The bow is an expression of respect or courtesy, and therefore it should be executed holistically - in addition to using correct posture, breathing and consciousness, the bow must also project a strong feeling of sincerity and humility.
There is more to bowing than simply bending at the waist. Timing (who bows first), depth (how low do you bow), elevation (standing or kneeling) and vocabulary (what to say) are some of the considerations to how respectful your bow can be!