Dojo Culture & Values

The Sensei will help students in their understanding of dojo culture and values. Students are taught the guidelines and are always supported as they learn.

We create a positive, structured environment where adults and children feel safe, encouraged, and supported.

Our dojo etiquette simply helps everyone train safely, show respect to others, and feel confident in class.

About Dojo

The art of karate is learnt in a place called a “Dojo”. The word Dojo consists of two characters meaning way (Do) and place (Jo), by the “way” is meant a system of philosophical training using bodily movements to produce an inner knowledge of the workings of the world. It is restricted to no specific religion, creed or political affiliation.

It is in fact the essence of many of them.

In China, it was called Tao and was the subject of many books; elsewhere it has been termed many things. “Place” means a special area, one unlike any other, set aside for a certain purpose, it is treated like a church for in many ways it is dedicated to the development of its students.

The focal point of the Dojo is the Sensei, a Sensei is not a teacher in the ordinary sense but he or she is a developer, a Sensei has had long and arduous training and has undergone many experiences to place him where he is now. Hence he is treated with much respect, a Sensei is the means by which progression is made and one should always remember that a Sensei is always a Sensei, even outside the Dojo.

Dojo Etiquette

Etiquette (Reigisaho) is very important in Ryukyu Karate for a number of reasons - Ryukyu karate is not a sport; it is a “Way”, a physical and mental discipline.

The Dojo deserves respect, it is the ” Place” where you study the “Way”

Remember - when you leave the Dojo your greatest practice begins.

Dojo Guidelines

Some of our key dojo guidelines to remember are:

1. Bow when entering and leaving the Dojo

2. Always call all Sensei and Sempai by their title

3. Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and clean

4. The most senior student will commence the training until Sensei is ready to start

5. No student will deliberately try to injure another student

Bows

A standing bow (Ritsu-Rei) is done when entering or leaving the Dojo, this separates the dojo from the world outside, it is an outward sign that you are prepared to sacrifice ignorance for wisdom and learning. 

When sparring (Kumite) is done the bow takes on another meaning, it helps control the spirit aroused by action, and a gesture of courtesy is a valuable aid to controlling reflexes, which could become dangerous.

Kanku (opening sequence)

“Kanku” is the term used in Ryukyu karate to describe the opening sequence performed by students before and after training. It involves being in a kneeling position, raising both hands with finger and thumb of each hand touching to create a triangle shape with controlled breathing. By the time this slow movement is complete, the student should achieve a state of inner calm and readiness, in preparation for the rest of the Kata.

The word Kanku is composed of two Chinese characters which are often misinterpreted, the word “Kan” is the Okinawa pronunciation of the Chinese word “Kaun” meaning insight, “ku” is the Okinawa for the Chinese word meaning “Void”, thus “Kanku” can be interpreted as meaning “To see the void”

Helping Lower Grades

As you rise through the grades, many of you will be asked to teach lower grades; this is not a chore, something to be got through, without any effort on your part. It is your chance to put something back into Ryukyu karate and should be considered a privilege.