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Everything you wanted to know about dojo etiquette, but were afraid to ask. The following is a compendium of Dojo Etiquette. Etiquette is a collection of details, some small, some not so small. Taken together though, they make a big diff e rence in our training as well as our everyday life. It is best to aim for a middle ground: don’t be blasé about etiquette, but by the same token, you don’t need to be an etiquette fascist. We all have good and bad days and how we behave follows accord i n g l y. Although at first there will be many forms of etiquette to re m e m b e r, they will become natural as you continue to train. Please do not be resentful if you are corrected on a point of etiquette. In the good old days, dojo etiquette was gained by osmosis. Quite frankly, those that didn’t get it after a while usually didn’t last too long in our dojo. These days, the martial arts have attracted a much more varied group of individuals. Osmosis is just not as good as it used to be. As you read the following, you will notice that some of the more important details are highlighted. These highlights are, in our opinion, non-negotiable. No-one is above the common courtesies expressed in this document. Always remember that all Karate-ka, whether black belt or beginner, train in the same dojo, on the same floor. All practice the same techniques and aspire toward the same ideals. There f o re, all are govern e d by the samere q u i rements of etiquette... If you have questions, concerns, or comments, ask your Sensei! Good etiquette means good manners. As we practice good etiquette, we work to perfect our humanity.
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B e g i n n i n g Upon entering & exiting the dojo students should Rei (bow). When stepping onto or off the mat, students should Rei (bow) with an Oss! (This is to show our respect for the room and what it entails, that we have come to learn and to teach.) When a student wants to show understanding or agreement, he or she should respond by saying "OSS". Upon stepping into the dojo, you should try to leave your problems behind. Training re q u i res a focused mind. Being aware and using common sense is a precursor to following p roper etiquette. Always address the Instructor as "Sensei". Never contradict your Sensei in front of others. If you are late, you should wait until Sensei signals for you to join the class. Bow as you get on the mat. It is important that you do not disrupt the class in doing so. On greeting one's Sensei you should Rei (bow). When bowing to another higher rank, be sure not to look them in the eyes. This is a sign of d i s respect. (Tr a d i t i o n a l ) When training with an opponent or training part n e r, both students shall bow simultaneously b e f o reand after training. When lining up, rank order starts with the senior-most student at the front of class, on the right hand side of the row (as viewed from the Sensei, his or her right). Rank descends to that person’s left, and then similarly through the rows. Generally, other than senior- m o s t students, there is no seniority within rank (all white belts are equal, all yellow belts, etc). Respect your training “tools”. Gi’s should be clean and presentable. It is very inconsiderate, p a rticularly in the warmer months, to forgo washing your gi after more than a few classes. Protective equipment should be functional and provide the safety you expect from them. The Obi (Belt) should always be treated with respect. While the color of the belt is not so i m p o rtant, the eff o rtto gain the belt should be re m e m b e red and cherished! Your belt should be aired dry but never washed, as it symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training. T h e re should be no eating, drinking, or gum chewing on the mat at any time. No jewelry should be worn during class.
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Excessive use of strong colognes, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions (that can rub off on anoth- e r’s gi) should be avoided during practice. (I’m afraid this includes “Bengay” and the such). F i n g e rnails and toenails must be short, so as to avoid injury to others or oneself. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat. Long hair should be tied back out of the way. B e f o re starting practice, go to the toilet. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extre m e l y d a n g e rous. Try also to remember that it is not good for the body to train on a full stomach, so avoid eating for at least one hour before class start s . Students from time to time will be asked to help clean the dojo mat as needed. This is a g reat help to Sensei and shows humility and respect for the Dojo and for Sensei. Sensei will never ask you to do anything he has not already done many times before you! The facilities at the Dojo (re s t rooms, drink machine, locker rooms, etc.) should be left in the same, if not better, condition as they were found upon arr i v i n g . Each student should know his physical condition, stamina, and physical strength. Do not f o rce yourself to do the impossible. You may not only injure yourself but your training p a rtner as well. (In kind, the instructor should always observe the physical condition of each student, taking short breaks during the training period as may be required). Do not forget to do warm up exercises before practicing, even if you are practicing alone. T r a i n i n g A dojo where people respect each other is key to learning. The teaching and learning is bi- d i rectional: even though it may seem that Sensei is doing all the teaching, he or she is still l e a rning from their students as well. This is why we bow to each other. When an instructor calls for class to begin, line up smartly in rank ord e r. All but new white belts should know in general where they need to stand. It should take seconds to line up. When asked to proceed to a position for some reason during training, always move as quickly as possible - do not stro l l ! If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a cold, an injury or whatnot, try to work through it. Part of the challenge of any martial art is working through what you think your limits are. Listen to your body and use common sense in these instances. If you have something contagious, your fellow karate-ka will appreciate your absence. If you are i n j u red, or in pain, you need to back off and allow your body to heal. Let Sensei know beforehand if you are not up to 100% of your game.
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If you are injured during class and are unable to continue, try to stay in the dojo and bow out with the class when it is over. Questions during class should be directed to Sensei at an opportune moment. Try not to d i s rupt class in doing so. On the other hand, you may find very often that other students a rekeenly interested in the same questions you may have. If class is very busy, senior black belts can also answer questions or simply defer your question until end of class. Generally speaking, Sensei is the only person who should be instructing students unless he or she expressly directs others to do so! Just because you may outrank another student, or if you hold a rank of black belt, this does not entitle you to instruct others! When listening, unless instructed otherwise, students should stand in the Yoi (“ready”) position. Your attention should be towards the speaker. Do not fold your arms in the Dojo. This is taken as a sign of disre s p e c t . In general, a senior person should be aware of a junior person’s abilities and modify working with them accordingly to keep things safe. Executing techniques that may involve c o n t a c t re q u i res the utmost control. Good communication between you and your partner is vital. Just because you’re junior doesn’t mean that there isn’t half the burden of communicating with your partner on you. Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness or, if permitted, to drink water. (Water is important! Do not let yourself get too dehydrated). If you need to leave the mat for a drink or to go to the re s t room, do so quickly and re t u rn as soon as possible, d o n ’t hang around the water cooler. If you must leave class early, make sure you inform your instru c t o r. Do not just disappear. When straightening your gi, always turn around and face the back of the class. When an instructor yells “YAME” (STOP), this means that you and your partner should STOP i m m e d i a t e l y ! At all times you should respect the founder’s teachings (Shihan Kimura) as interpreted and taught by your Sensei. It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class directs the training. Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for training sincerely and to the best of your a b i l i t y. There is no room for argument on the mat. Never stand around idly on the mat unless you are listening intently to instruction. Yo u should be practicing, or if necessary waiting your turn . If you have a question for Sensei during class, go to him or her, never call them over. Bow respectfully and wait for their acknowledgement.
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When Sensei is instructing another student, you may stop your practice to watch. It is i m p o rtant for you not only to learn the technique being taught but also how your Sensei conducts the instruction. Some day you too will teach others. If you know the technique being studied and you are working with someone who does not, you may lead the person through it, but do not assume the role of the instru c t o r. You are h e re for practice, do not force your ideas on others. At the same time, respect those who a remore experienced. Always train within the ability of your part n e r. Do not practice so as to injure your part n e r. You are both responsible for each other. Be aware at all times of those around you. Train to develop awareness in all dire c t i o n s . If you are ever unsure of what to do in a particular situation ask a senior student or simply follow their lead. The strength of martial art is not just muscular force. Of equal importance is flexibility, timing, control and modesty. Be aware of your limitations as well as your shortcomings. D o n ’t say any words when you kiai. You should not shout “Kiai”. Kiai is a Japanese term that is a compound of ki meaning mind, will, or spirit and ai roughly signifying "to unite". It is a s h o rt yell that martial artists shout before or during a fight or technique. It is usually linked to the inner amassing of energy released in a single explosive focus of will. You can see how silly it is to actually shout “kiai”… Kiai is used for: ■ A psychological effect on your opponent. ■ A psychological effect on yourself, so-called "pumping yourself up". ■ To provide an escape route for exhalation of air. ■ To keep air pre s s u rein your body balanced (holding your breath while taking impact – f rom a kick, punch or the ground can cause injury. ) . ■ To rapidly contract the transverse abdominals and other core muscle to provide support for striking techniques and protection to the internal org a n s . D o n ’t be afraid to kiai! In general, people tend to kiai too softly rather than too loudly. If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder as well. The overall tone of a class is set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai. When the instructor calls for “Mokuso!” (meditation), close your eyes, breathe deeply from the lower stomach, concentrate on the tanden (lower abdomen), and try to achieve concentration. When you use the training equipment, handle it with care. Be sure to put it back in the correct place after using it.
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Never practice Kumite (sparring) unless an instructor is present. When practicing Kumite with a black belt, do your very best, but show respect for the rank. If you think you can go harder then do so, but remember that they have your lower rank in mind while they are sparring, and so will not be fighting their hard e s t . The instru c t o r, whoever it may be, should be treated with the respect that you yourself would expect as common court e s y. If you cannot find it in you to show respect to a person who is taking their time to teach you, then you do not belong in a karate dojo. Never ques- t i o n his/her direction; never speak in class unless asked by the instru c t o r. Such obedience develops a bond of trust between the instructor and student, which improves mutual re c e p t i v i t y, simplifying and speeding the learning process. Notify Sensei if you plan to miss any or all scheduled classes. Any time your Sensei or a higher rank offers to help you, always accept and listen closely with great enthusiasm and proper respect. B e f o re beginning a Kumite match it is proper to rei (bow) to your opponent. Before the match begins the student should bow to the re f e ree first, then to the opponent. When the match is over the student should bow to the opponent first then the re f e re e . It is never appropriate to look a higher ranking judge or your Sensei in the eye in a threat- ening manner, even in Kata performance. This is very rude, remember your Sensei’s skill level and strength. This is not someone you want to threaten but always treat with the utmost respect. DO NOT EVER ask when you will be promoted to a higher (belt) level. This shows great disrespect and can only add time to the length of your next promotion. Remember that you are constantly being tested. When you are ready you will receive your re w a rd and be advanced forw a rd only by your individual eff o rts and merit when your Sensei sees you are re a d y. No one takes greater pleasure in presenting you with your deserved promotion to a higher level than that of your Sensei. This also assures that you are ready to grow into this rank and obtain additional knowledge that goes with the level of achievement. T r a d i t i o n Tradition has played an important role throughout the hundreds of years that it has taken for the martial arts to develop. One of the oldest traditions is KATA. Since as early as the 600 A.D., kata has been passed down from master to student. These pre - a rranged set of movements, which are supposed to represent combat, are one of karate’s most important traditions. Another important tradition which has been passed down throughout the years is RESPECT. As karate practitioners, we show respect in the form of BOWING.
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While in the kneeling position, a person bows with the left hand first. This tradition has existed since the days of the samurai. The left hand was used first so that the right hand would be free to grasp the Samurai sword if needed. This tradition also carries over when standing. When getting up from the kneeling position the right leg is used first, so that if a Samurai was being attacked, his sword could be drawn without cutting his leg off . Though the belt systems have changed slightly, they have become an important tradition in karate. Punching, kicking, sparring, and the use of the kiai have all become important traditions that have been passed down throughout the years. Being able to punch at an opponent is easy, but to be able to use full power and be able to pull it to within just a fraction of a inch is not as easy. So, it is this tradition of using control with power that makes karate look so impressive. The use of the kiai has also become an important tradition. It is said that someone who has mastered the kiai can scare their opponent to death simply with the scream alone. Now whether these ancient stories are true or not may never been known, but the fact is that kiai has become an important part of martial arts tradition throughout the world. I N T E N T: or no intent. If you punch someone in the nose, or break a rib, it doesn’t help to s a y, “I didn’t intend to do that, sorry.” No intent, was really a lack of attention. Stay focused! R A N K : Does not confer privilege or power. It imposes re s p o n s i b i l i t y ! R U D E N E S S : Talking while your instructor is speaking, folding your arms, wearing jewelry, yawning, are all considered ru d e ! A formal dress code is maintained, and the uniform should be kept clean and complete at all times. Appearance is an essential element to portraying and projecting an image of competence and self confidence, especially when there is no opportunity for verbal com- munication. Everyone wearing the same uniform and functioning together under the same rules of etiquette is a silent but tangible and constant example of harmony. The repetition of pre-set movements during a workout are a practical form of meditation, as it f o rces the mind to focus on the task at hand until the movements become almost unconscious. The goal of every true martial artist must be to achieve this state of inner peace and harm o n y, which permits the mind to perceive, understand, and improve upon the reality inherent in l i f e ’s influences with clarity and independence of action. All other goals, including quests for material wealth, power, prestige, social status, and even love, could ultimately prove false and hollow without it, as a person can gain all of these things and still not have peace of mind. In a combat situation, preoccupation with emotions, motives like vengeance, worries about self image, fear of failure or injury or even personal survival are all paralyzing obstacles to a p p ropriate action. It is important to guard against the natural human tendency to fall victim to emotional suggestions, subjective impressions, and seeing things as you want them to be rather than as they are. Conversely, it is dangerous to focus your mind too much on the attitude your rival, or even a leader, may assume, for such posturing may be deliberately
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designed to be misleading. The goal is to train until it is possible to remain undisturbed by any situation, even one that may be life threatening, as if nothing critical is happening. 1 . Never tire of learning, anywhere, any time; this is the secret of knowledge. Be eager to ask questions and learn. Appreciate the thrill of learn i n g . 2 . Be willing to sacrifice for the art and the instru c t o r. Respect the skills you are learn i n g , and the eff o rts it took to bring them to you. 3 . Always be loyal to the instructor and the teaching methods. If you disagree with any procedure or technique, discuss it privately with the instructor. 4 . Practice what you learn and try to perfect your techniques to the best of your abilities. This includes spare time in the gym, and regularly doing conditioning exercises at home on off days. 5 . D i s c a rdany techniques you have learned from another school if your instructor d i s a p p roves of it. 6 . Always set a good example for lower belts. Be aware that they will try to emulate senior students. 7 . Help other students to learn and succeed. Recognize that you are all members of a stro n g g roup sharing common goals and intere s t s . 8 . Remember your conduct inside and outside the gym reflects upon the art and the instructor. Keep in mind that you can not discard your responsibility for the martial arts skills which you have learned, wherever you go. We hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you put it to good use. Oss!