Martial Arts Etiquette

Martial Arts places a strong emphasis on gestures, which are deeply rooted in tradition. Gestures are behaviors that serve as reminder of our responsibilities to others and ourselves, and also connect us with the ancient traditions of Karate-Do. To a Martial Artist, the Dojo is a sacred place. It is where students come to challenge themselves, confront their weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and ultimately grow and develop into something more that what they are. This pursuit is never easy and often very challenging. Therefore, there are very strict rules and codes of conduct that are to be adhered to in the Dojo environment, both out of respect for our Dojo and fellow Kohai as well as for safety reasons:

General Dojo Etiquette:

• There is absolutely no running or horseplay permitted in the Dojo at any time, including before or after class.

• Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not permitted in the Dojo.

• Hats or caps are not permitted in the Dojo.

• Students should never practice outside of the Dojo. If a student is interested in additional training, they should ask Sensei for advice.

• If a student has an injury but still wants to train, Sensei must be notified prior to the start of class.

• The best cure for illness is often a very hard workout. However, if a student is ill, they should refrain from training until he or she is certain that they are not contagious.

Prior to class:

• Time management is an important component of self-mastery. Therefore, students should avoid being late. It is disrespectful to the Sensei and disruptive to the rest of the class. Arriving more than 10 minutes before the start of class is considered late. Students should arrive early to help prepare the dojo, stretch, and warm up. If students anticipate being late for a class, they should notify Shihan, Sensei or a Sempai ahead of time. It is preferable, however, to arrive late and train than to skip class altogether.

• All students are expected to help set up the Dojo before class and help clean up after. The Dojo belongs to the students, and it is every student’s responsibility to maintain it. The senior Kohai are to coordinate and supervise the junior students so that class can start on time. Junior Kohai must comply with their instructions.

• Students are to face the room and bow “OSU!” loudly at the door when entering and leaving the training area, as well as when approaching or leaving an outside training area. This gesture pulls on the halter of the ego and reminds us to “empty our cup” when entering the training room. We leave our outside thoughts, worries, and distractions at the door so that our training can be 100% focused. When leaving, we bow again so our mind is prepared to rejoin the outside world. It also shows respect for Shihans, Senseis, Sempais, fellow Kohai, and the Dojo.

• Students should always greet Shihans, Sensei, all Sempais, and senior Kohai, in rank order from senior to junior, with a very firm handshake and a loud “OSU!” It is the responsibility of the lower ranking student to greet the more senior belt rank.

• If late for class, students should kneel at the door, in Seiza (formal kneeling position) with their eyes closed to prepare the mind for class. When acknowledged by the teacher, stand up, turn to the front, bow and say "OSU".  Quickly line up at the end of the back line.

During Class:

• There is absolutely no talking or other distractions permitted during class. One cannot learn while one is talking. To do so is disrespectful, and it also creates a dangerous distraction for the other students. Relatives and friends of students are always encouraged to support their family members while they train and are invited to watch class but are asked to show the same courtesy and protocol that is expected by the students.

• Students should always stand in Yoi Dachi (ready stance) while awaiting the next command.

• Students are not permitted to break rank during class at any time. Doing so is both disrespectful as well as dangerous. If absolutely necessary, students should raise their hand and ask permission to leave. Once given permission by Shihan, Sensei or a Sempai, the student should quickly run behind the line that they are in and leave the class with minimal disruption.

• If a student leaves and rejoins class for any reason, they should sit at the entrance to the class in Seiza position with their eyes open and wait to be invited back to class by a Sensei or Sempai.

• Students are expected to move as quickly as possible when instructed to do anything by a Shihan, Sensei or Sempai, and acknowledge the instructions by responding with a loud “OSU!” This demonstrates a good attitude, spirit, enthusiasm, excitement, seriousness, and sincerity. It also shows consideration for the rest of the class by not wasting valuable class time.

• In addition, students shall answer Shihan’s, Sensei’s or Sempai’s questions with a loud "OSU!" and proceed with an immediate reaction to his or her command. A slow or indifferent response is discourteous.

• Students are expected to keep and maintain training journals, which should include all philosophical lessons and the student’s reflections of those lessons. Students are also encouraged to ask questions about any of the philosophical concepts learned in the Dojo.

• Students should avoid leaving class early. However, if absolutely necessary, the Sensei or Sempai should be notified of when the student must leave prior to the start of class.

Training Equipment and clothes:

We are all initially judged by both our attitude and our appearance. Therefore we must be aware of the perceptions we create and pay attention to the very fine detail of how we present ourselves. We must also take pride in our training, which also means taking care of our bodies, training gear and Gis. Since everything in the Dojo has a metaphor for life, students have a responsibility to always present the best of themselves and show their strongest and healthiest sides at all times, and must always be properly prepared for class:

• Toenails and fingernails should be cut, hair should be well groomed, and Gis should be neat and clean. Belts however, must never be washed, and only air-dried.

• Any pads, weapons, or other training equipment should be clean and either be put on prior to the start of class or quickly accessible.

• Any homework assignments that are due must be completed neatly and handed in on time.

• Discolored or outrageous hairstyles are not permitted.

• The white Gi represents purity, eliminates materialism and ego, and makes all students equal. The only thing that distinguishes a student is his or her belt, which must be earned by behavior and function over a period of time. For these reasons as well as to prevent possible injury, jewelry, watches, or other sharp adornments are not permitted. Prescription eyeglasses are permitted. However, during Kumite (free fighting), their removal or the use of contact lenses is strongly recommended.

• Students should not remove any part of their Gi during training without being told to do so. Also, if Gi must be adjusted at any time during training, do so quickly and quietly while kneeling and facing the rear of the room.

• Belts are a symbol of a student’s hard work, sweat, and experience. They should be treated reverently and should never be washed or placed on the floor.

• If a student forgets his belt, a white belt will be worn, and the student will train as a white belt for the duration of that class. Replacement belts will not be issued.

Dojo Relationships:

• Since the Dojo is a metaphor for life, a student must always remember their belt rank, both inside and outside the Dojo. The same behaviors and protocol are expected outside of the Dojo as well as in class.

• When shaking hands with one another, make good eye contact, use a firm handshake using two hands to show seriousness and sincerity, and say "OSU!" Much is conveyed in a handshake and in "OSU!" This applies when outside the dojo as well.

• Shihan-Kohai, Sensei-Kohai, Sempai-Kohai, and Kohai-Kohai relationships are forged from hard training, mutual respect, and trust. Therefore, gossip and disparaging remarks about other students, schools, or styles of Martial Arts are strictly forbidden. We are all pursuing the same endeavors, though some may walk different paths. To disrespect someone who shares the same challenges as you is to disrespect yourself.

• Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title (Shihan, Sensei, Sempai, etc.), whether inside or outside the Dojo. If a member's rank is unclear, always behave as if addressing someone more senior. Acknowledge them with a loud "OSU!" when they speak to you. Just as a student’s belt is a reminder of their responsibility and the expectations that go along with their rank, the titles are a reminder to the senior ranks of their obligations and responsibilities to the junior Kohai. Also, respect is always a greater benefit to the person who gives it than the person who gets it.

• If invited to a Karate dinner or function, junior students are not permitted to take a drink or eat until the most senior rank present toasts and says “OSU!”. This elevates the event to something special as well as serves as an opportunity to the student to practice the spirit of self-denial.

Observers:

Parents, relatives, and friends are welcome and even encouraged to watch class. However, because young children learn primarily by example, as well as for safety reasons, we ask that observers abide by the following rules:

• Please refrain from excess talking and noise. It is distracting to students and disrespectful to the class.

• Cell phones should be turned off or set to silent mode.

• For safety reasons, do not walk out onto the floor of the Dojo at any time during class.

• If you require the attention of Sensei or a Sempai, please raise your hand.

• Do not gesture, signal, or otherwise distract any students during class.

• Food and beverages are not permitted in the Dojo during class.

• If you must leave or return during class, please walk carefully and quickly behind the row of pads and never walk out in front of them.

• Please remember that most of the instructors volunteer their time. Therefore, patience is greatly appreciated.