Dojo Etiquette

Newcomers to karate are sometimes intimidated by the unique etiquette of martial arts. They may not be familiar with the customs of karate training: When do you bow? How do you line up? When may you ask questions during training? What do you do if you are late?

As is common in any cultural groups, karate has a set of rules for proper and polite behaviour. Traditionally, those rules were not written, and new karate students were expected to learn proper conduct by observing other students.

The dojo is a family. It is a high-trust environment that allows us to expand our comfort zone in a safe way. The student can try new things in the dojo and not be afraid to fail because they know that their dojo brothers and sisters will be supportive of them and keep them safe – both physically and emotionally. This enables learning and growth. This requires a deep level of mutual respect. You, the other students, and the sensei are all traveling the martial arts path together, helping each other grow and evolve.

Entering and exiting the dojo

Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whether you are entering or exiting the dojo.

General Lesson Etiquette

Basic manners are expected whilst you are training. Unless you're invited to collaborate with other students, there should be no talking from anyone other than the instructor. 

You are also expected to respect those with a higher grade than you and assist those with a lower grade than you. Make sure you have used the toilet, etc. before class starts, so the lesson isn't disrupted and ensure you are listening to the instructions that are being given to you. If you arrive to the dojo early you can utilise the time to practice before the lesson begins or talk with other students. Do Not run around, practice Kumite or jump on other students.

If whilst in the lesson you have a question or need to be excused, raise your arm and wait for one of the Senseis (instructors) to acknowledge your request. never shout out or leave the Dojo unless you have been instructed to.

Drinks

Ensure you bring a bottle of drink with you, A sports / isotonic drink, squash or just plain water which is best. There will be specific points in the class when you can get a drink so only take a break when instructed to do so. Do have a drink before the lesson so you are hydrated.

Clean-up

It is down to the students to sweep the dojo floor before the class starts. Actively participate to whatever extent you can.

Opening sequence

When you hear “Line up!”, line up facing the front of the dojo in belt order, giving yourself enough space to train and warm up safely. 

The order is from left to right; front left being the lowest grade (10th Kyu), to back right of the room being the highest (Shodan's and higher). If two students have the same rank, the student who has trained longer at the dojo is the senior. Try to line up so that the instructor is right in the middle of the line.

 Your Sensei (Instructor) will then stand at the front of the class. You will then bring your feet together so that they touch and when given the instruction, ('Bow', 'Oss', or 'Rei'), bow to your sensei. 

Lateness

Try not to be late. If you are late, bow in at the Dojo entrance. Once you've removed your shoes, quietly kneel near the front to one side of the dojo. Wait until the instructor acknowledges you. Then bow whilst kneeling and quickly join the group- where possible, do not run in front of the class, but join your line from behind.  If you arrive just as everyone is bowing at the beginning just wait quietly until warming-up starts, and bow in as described above.

Closing Sequence

At the end of the lesson, you will need line up in the same order you started. there may be feedback on your training so its important to pay attention right until the end of the lesson.

The lesson can end in one of two ways, the short ending will result in you bowing to Sensei at the front of the dojo in the same manner at the beginning of the lesson, you will then turn and bow to your other Senseis at the back of the Dojo who have been helping to teach you.

The second ending involves meditation, the lead Sensai will instruct you in how to kneel correctly, at this point the command "Mokusoh" will be given this is when students will close their eyes and meditate to clear their minds. Once the meditation section is over Sensai will give the command "Yame" signalling to open your eyes. Sensai will then instruct you on how to get back to your feet, before finally finishing with a bow to the front of the Dojo.

Other considerations

Good hygiene must be observed. Uniforms must be kept clean. Finger and toe nails should be kept short to reduce the possibility of injury.

Mobile phones must be switched off or put on silent and must not be checked during training, except in emergency circumstances, in which case you must inform your Sensei 

No jewellery must be worn during class (including smart watches)

No eating or chewing gum in the dojo 

No swearing or discourteous behaviour of any kind is permitted in the dojo 

Never use Karate outside of the Dojo, unless for self-defence. Any student using karate in a violent manner, or in a way which brings the association into disrepute will have their membership terminated.