Dojo Etiquette

[Azimuth]

This is the Dojo Etiquette as I know it , Is it any different in your Dojo/Organization ?

Many of these procedures are common sence, many are plain good manners, and most are modeled on the traditions of JAPAN, the home of modern Karate.

-In dojos around the world, there is a strict adherence to tradition, yet there is also compromise where it is more suitable. Attitudes vary from nation to nation, so rule variations also exist. There is no justification for laziness, or disregard for rules because of it.

-The dojo is a sacred place; treat it as such. It is not merely a gym or any old training center.

-Take care of and pride in your dojo and treat it as you would any place of reverence.

-Karate is easily mistaken for nothing more than a rough and demanding sport, serving little purpose except to teach its participants to injure others in most distasteful ways.

-No-one is above the common courtesies expressed in the dojo rules. Often a senior student becomes too familiar with the dojo and his peers, and finds humor in his disregard of the dojo rules. 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. Therefor, all are governed by the same requirements of etiquette...



1. -When entering or leaving the dojo, always face the front, bow and say Osu, then face the general direction of the other students in the class, bow and say Osu again.

2. -When late to class, kneel facing the back of the class in SEIZA. Wait with your eyes closed in MOKUSO. When acknowledged, remain in SEIZA and bow, saying "SHITSUREI SHIMASU" (excuse me for being late). Stand turn to the front of the dojo and bow once again with a strong Osu, and quickly join the back of the class. Students who are late for class should try harder to be on time.

3. -Do not remove any part of your DOGI during training without being told to do so.

4. -Do not eat, chew gum, smoke or drink in the dojo.

5. -When asked to proceed to a position, or when lining up at the beginning of training or for some reason during training, always move as quickly as possible - do not stroll.

6. -Never practice kumite 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 hardest.

7. -Do not ask a higher grade for kumite. You should not refuse however, if you are asked by a senior grade.

8. -Do not break rank for any reason without permission from the instructor. Never walk between rows, or between the instructor and those training. If you must leave your position, walk behind the row you are in to either side of the class and proceed from there.

9. -Address your instructor as SEMPAI, SENSEI or SHIHAN, as the case may be. Do not address an instructor by their first name in class.

10. -Do not swear, laugh, giggle, talk, lounge or act inattentively during training. Treat your training seriously; it is not a laughing matter. A karate-ka is always alert and well behave. Possession of a senior grade (especially black belt) is not your ticket to relaxation and familiarity in the dojo. Do not waste your time and everyone else's if you are not prepared to treat your training and your fellow karate-ka with respect and the seriousness deserved. This includes leaving before the end of training. Unless directed by the instructor, a student should remain in the class until completion of the final bow-out. Abuse of this rule will not be tolerated.

11. -Kneel on your right knee to adjust or re-tie your belt. Turn to the right, away from the front of the class, or from your partner if you are working with someone, to adjust your dogi. Learn to respect your belt as a symbol of your efforts in training.

12. -Your dogi must be washed clean and neat at all times. Your belt should be aired dry but never washed, as it symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training.

13. -Listen carefully to the instructor's directions. Remember that the instructor will not ask you to do what he or she may think you can not do. Acknowledge all instructions with a strong Osu.

14. -The instructor, whoever it may be, should be treated with the respect that you yourself would expect as common courtesy. 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 question his/her direction; never speak in class unless asked by the instructor. Such obedience develops a bond of trust between the instructor and student, which improves mutual receptivity, simplifying and speeding the learning process.

15. -For the sake of safety and neatness, do not wear jewelery during training, or when you are wearing your dogi.

16. -Keep your toenails and fingernails clean and cut short at all times. Always be sure your feet, nails and hands are washed clean for training. In training you often work closely with others. Nobody likes to train with someone who is dirty.

17. -Be sure to go to the toilet prior to training. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extremely dangerous. 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 starts.

From the Tamashii.be dojo site
tamashii dojo belgie

[sonofkanga]

And thanks to Quinn Shihan for writing those rules in his book.
Still have my personally dedicated copy,non get to open it, except my students.

[Azimuth]

The Ashihara LA Branch Dojo Etiquette as first comparison

BASIC RULES/ MANNERS
ASHIHARA-KARATE-USA
BASIC RULES AND MANNERS TO BE OBSERVED IN DOJO

- Exchange bows with clear voice "Osu" before entering or before leaving training room.
- "Osu" is a universal greeting in Ashihara Kaikan USA -
- Exchange bows when in or out leaving your belongings on the floor.
- When you meet with Sensei (Instructor), Senpai (Senior members) or other members, exchange bows.
- When you see visitors during a rest break, give greeting with cheerful and vigorous voice.
- Do training practice with spirited, cheerful and enjoyable manner.
- When Sensei or Senior member ask questions, reply with "Osu".
- Don not lean unnecessarily on the wall or fixtures.
- Refrain from such behaviors which may lead injuries.
- Keep trimming your fingernails.
- Keep things in order.
- Keep clean and in order inside and outside of Dojo (training room) after training.
- Be punctual for training time.
- If you come late for training time, do warming up exercise without interrupting others. When you finish warm up, sit on your heels facing back wall. When Sensei approves as "You may join the training now", join the training after the greeting "Osu".
- When you change to Dogi (training cloth), leave your belongings in such manner as not to obstacle the training (preferably in your car or outside of training room).
- Before start training, do setting-up exercise by yourself.
- When you have questions, ask your senior members or Sensei positively in humble manner.
- Senior members should answer kindly to such questions whenever time allows.
- When do Kumite (fighting), other members should move to and stand up against walls as human shield in order fighters not to hit the walls.
<Before start training>
- When Sensei says "Soredewa-Hairimasu" (we are going to start training), line up with Fudoh-dachi in such order as first line and right side from black belt, brown, green, yellow, blue and white belt holder or senior to beginner.

l When Sensei says "Mokusou-Wo-Hajimemasu" (We are going into meditation), sit-on your heels.
- When Sensei says "Mokusou" (meditate), start meditation making light grips on your knees with your face down.
- When Sensei says "Yame" (finish), open your eyes.
- When Sensei says "Sendai Kanchou ni" (to the late director, Mr. Ashihara), you say "Yoroshiku-Onegai-Shimasu" (please lead us).
- When Senpai says "Sensei ni" (to the instructor), you say "Yoroshiku-Onegai-Shimasu" (please lead us).
- When Sensei says "Senpai ni" (to the Senior members), you say "Yoroshiku-Onegai-Shimasu" (please lead us).
- When Sensei says "Otagai ni" (to each other members), you say "Yoroshiku-Onegai-Shimasu" (please lead us).
- Then, everybody stand up and say "Osu, Osu, Osu, Osu) (greeting each other members) with Fudou-dachi and light grips in front of your body.
- Start training under specific instructions by Sensei.
- When you do basic training, repeat each name of basic moving form after Senseis call.
- When Sensei says "Sanchin-dachi Yoi" (ready for Sanchin-dachi ), Get ready for Sanchin-dachi fighting stance.
- and he says "Kamaete" (take fighting stance). Then, you take Sanchin-dachi fighting stance.
- When Sensei says "Migi-seiken-chudan-zuki Yoi" (ready for right hand middle straight punch ), Stretch and cross your both hands in front of your body, then pull right hand all the way until your right grip touch your right side of your chest.
- When Sensei start counting, you start punching with Kiai (shout) .
- When you practice Sabaki, Senior member will line up closer to front side and beginner (or junior member) will line up on the other side. Always, beginner (or junior member) will attack first.
- It is preferable that when you do Sabaki with beginner, you indicate with which side of the body part (right leg or left leg) you will use to attach by tapping knee.
- When you practice Kumite, do not make full punch attach on the face unless he or she wear face protector and you wear groves.
- When you do finishing attack, stop before you touch opponent with Kiai.
- When you do finishing attack with leg, avoid actual aiming point.
<After the training>
- When Sensei says "Honjitsu-no-Keiko-wo-Owarimasu. Seiretsu-Shitekudasai" (we are going to finish training. Line up) , line up with Fudoh-dachi in such order as first line and right side from black belt, brown, green, yellow, blue and white belt holder or senior to beginner.
- When Sensei says "Sanchin-dachi Youi" (ready for Sanchin-dachi ), Get ready for Sanchin-dachi fighting stance.
- and he says "Kamaete" (take fighting stance). Then, you take Sanchin-dachi fighting stance.
- When Sensei says "Migi-seiken-chudan-zuki Yoi" (ready for right hand middle straight punch ), Stretch and cross your both hands in front of your body, then pull right hand all the way until your right grip touch your right side of your chest.
- When Sensei start counting, you start punching with Kiai (shout) .
- When Sensei says "Motoni-Modotte" (go back to Fudo-dachi ), Go back to Fudo-dachi stance.
- When Sensei says "Mokusou-Wo-Hajimemasu" (We are going into meditation), sit on your heels.
- When Sensei says "Mokuso" (meditate), start meditation making light grips on your knees with your face down.
- When Sensei says "Yame" (finish), open your eyes.
- When Sensei says "Sendai Kanchou ni" (to the late director, Mr. Ashihara), you say "Arigatou-gozaimashita" (thank you very much).
- When Senpai says "Sensei ni" (to the instructor), you say "Arigatou-gozaimashita" (thank you very much).
- When Senpai says "Senpai ni" (to the Senior members), you say "Arigatou-gozaimashita" (thank you very much).
- When Senpai says "Otagai ni" (to each other members), you say "Arigatou-gozaimashita" (thank you very much).
- When Sensei says "Honjitsu-no-Keiko-wo-Owarimasu" (we now finish today�fs training) with bow, you say "Arigatou-gozaimashita" (thank you very much).
- After that, Sensei will sit on his heels facing us and will say "Osukaresama Deshita" with bow. We also bow together saying "Osu".
- Do cooling down exercise well before you leave.


From the Ashihara USA HP
ashihara karate

[supergroup7]

Yes Azimuth, I am quite familiar with those Dojo etiquette rules. I've seen, and read them very often. At first, they may seem complex, and sometimes even a little confusing to a white belt, but as one gains in experience in the dojo, the rules make more and more sense.

[DKKC]

I have to say that the best 'dojo rule' I've seen was in a boxing club (ok, it wasn't a dojo - but it was a good rule): 'Do your best and don't be a w***er'

It pretty much sums up all of the above!

I have to say I break a few rules on a regular basis:

3 - Do not remove any part of your DOGI during training without being told to do so.

If I'm in the middle of a 2 minute set of the bag and the belt comes undone - it goes, I ain't stopping to put it back on until the end of the set! If the gi comes undone, so be it! Work comes before fashion!

6. -Never practice kumite unless an instructor is present.

I never got this one! If I applied this I would have had to do no informal training sessions and miss on a big chunk of my work.

7. -Do not ask a higher grade for kumite. You should not refuse however, if you are asked by a senior grade.

I always ask higher grades for kumite! I want to learn from the best and/or most experienced. I'm afraid I break this rule A LOT!

14 - Never question his/her direction; never speak in class unless asked by the instructor. Such obedience develops a bond of trust between the instructor and student, which improves mutual receptivity, simplifying and speeding the learning process.

I respect my instructors but I ask questions. We even are encouraged to ask questions. It doesn't mean you disrespect your instructor. I ask questions and instructors seem very happen to answer them, be it on the spot, be it after they go and find some answers themselves.

[im.aho]

Originally Posted by DKKC

I have to say I break a few rules on a regular basis:

3 - Do not remove any part of your DOGI during training without being told to do so.

If I'm in the middle of a 2 minute set of the bag and the belt comes undone - it goes, I ain't stopping to put it back on until the end of the set! If the gi comes undone, so be it! Work comes before fashion!

agreed whole-heartedly!!
if it comes undone, it stays undone till the end of class! training comes before fashion!

[sonofkanga]

Actualy I don't think you are breaking any rules.
3-means removing dress,not having it fall of in the middle of your work.
6-Only in formal training sessions just before or after.Not as part of your training regime.
7-GOT ME ON THAT ONE
Did it a lot myself.
14-Apply s only were questioning is not encouraged.

It seems that that you follow the rules quite well

[seienchin]

Like all rules, there are reasons, and appropriate exceptions. It's all about the context.

With regard to not asking a higher belt for kumite - I think this really relates to an underlying sentiment of not challenging or disrespecting. If you ask humbly, with the goal of learning, that is the spirit of . However, if you ask so that you can prove you are younger, stronger, fitter, better - that is bad. WE all have to age, and some of we older black-belts pay a high price for the hard training (and stupid things) we did when we were young. So we shouldn't have to defend ourselves against hot-headed challenges.

With regard to questioning - again, this is about attitude and tact, and being sensitive to the flow of the class. As an underpinning rule - during class, (and the bigger the class the more this applies), just do it. IF it is a small, informal class, or if your sensei notices that something isn't working, and asked what is wrong, then ask. But I have taught classes where some idiot 1st kyu thinks that they have to challenge every instruction. That's just rude.

As I have posted elsewhere, the real value in my karate training has not been in teaching me to punch, kick and/or break boards...it has been training my spirit. Many of these rules are lessons in humility, which is unfortunately scarce in many martial arts. If you can find a way to question your sensei respectfully, tactfully, and in a way that strengthens the relationship between you, you can apply this skill everywhere. You would make a fabulous employee, and an even better boss!

I never had any formal management training before my first job as a supervisor - just my karate training. having no other framework, I tried as much as I could to develop my staff as I would have done students. (However, I didn't hit any of them, and there was no shinai in my office) We won an national award in our organisation for "exceptional teamwork"!

So...it's all about respect. Respect your teacher. Respect your self. Respect the others who offer their bodies for you to train on, and respect the traditions of those who have gone before us.

Now..isn't there a song there...R E S P E C T.

[Azimuth]

As in
Good Fighter- Good Colleague
Good Fighter - Good Father
Good Fighter - Good Friend
...

[nzproud]

Originally Posted by DKKC

6. -Never practice kumite unless an instructor is present.

7. -Do not ask a higher grade for kumite. You should not refuse however, if you are asked by a senior grade.

6. IMO, anyone can be an instructor even lower grades at some points. If a writer is talking about instructors that lead in class then I may not agree. I believe that practicing kumite at most occasions without the lead instructors is totally fine. But if I see non-skilled lower belts doing kumite then I would keep my eyes on them.
If one has to get better than the other at kumite then he/she should do extra trainings, and not just bag work but also kumite. Doing kumite is one of the best ways to improve your fighting sense for kumite.

7. I have to disagree. It may be rude to ask sempai for kumite but if your sempai is inactive in kumite then you would never get asked. I would actually be honored to be asked by lower grades to kumite.

[Satori]

Originally Posted by Azimuth

11. -Kneel on your right knee to adjust or re-tie your belt. Turn to the right, away from the front of the class, or from your partner if you are working with someone, to adjust your dogi. Learn to respect your belt as a symbol of your efforts in training.

We always kneel on the left. The reason for this is that the samurai used to carry swords on the left side of their body. If you kneel on the left knee and try to draw a sword fastened on the left side of the body with your right hand then it works nicely, but performing the same action kneeling on your right knee is clumsy because the knee which is pointing up interferes with the diagonal drawing motion of the sword - instead the sword is drawn almost straight out in a forward direction.

Just hold a stick at your left side and try drawing it while kneeling on the left and then right knee. You'll understand the difference.

Also, when we bow out after class, we don't say "Sensei ni arigato gazaimashita", we say "Sensei ni rei", just like when we bow in before class.

[Jenny]

Thanks for the intresting info

[Shokei Marcsui]

-Kneel on your right knee to adjust or re-tie your belt. Turn to the right, away from the front of the class, or from your partner if you are working with someone, to adjust your dogi. Learn to respect your belt as a symbol of your efforts in training.

We usually turn away from the class to adjust our dogi or belt. I was unaware of the tradition to kneel while doing so.

[Olrac]

We also turn away to the right, so that we aren't facing sensei while adjusting our dogi. We turn about 90 degrees so that sensei is not looking at our backs.

[intwominds]

Our Dojo etiquette is almost exactly the same as the 17 listed by Azimuth in the first post.
11. We too turn to the right 90 degrees if we have to adjust our dogi or obi, if we have to re-tie the obi then we kneel on the right knee (still at 90 degrees to the right).
15. As for jewellery etc, we are not supposed to wear any, or makeup or nail polish either - usually referring to females This is for uniformity and equality as well as the other reasons mentioned.

A few other rules are:

We are encouraged to ask questions if we don't understand something by raising a hand and giving a loud Osu, then waiting for the instructor to acknowledge us.

When asked to sit down by the instructor, sit in seiza (don't lean against the wall).

Try to avoid leaving before the end of class, if you must tell the instructor prior to class beginning.

When shaking hands with a senior grade use both hands.

In kumite always acknowledge your partners good techniques with a loud Osu, but don't stop fighting.

Don't use low kicks in kumite until 4th kyu (unless instructed otherwise).

If winded, hurt, swept or knocked to the floor, or your parnter's technique was particularly strong always acknowledw with "maita".

When entering the dojo, we take shoes off prior to going through the door.