General Rules of Dojo Etiquette

  1. Be prompt. Arrive before class begins. If you arrive at class after warm-up exercises have started, perform a standing bow (salute) and join the class. If you arrive after warm-up exercises are over, go to the back of the class, do your own warm up. When you are satisfied you are thoroughly warmed up, go to the top of the class, kneel at the edge of the floor and wait to be invited to join the class by the teacher. Then perform a kneeling bow (don't rush), and join the class.

  2. When joining the class, the student should not walk in front of the instructor or the class. The student should run to his/her position. The student's position on the Dojo is dictated by their ranking.

  3. Always salute (bow) when entering or leaving the Dojo. Direct your bow to the senior person present and acknowledge his or her presence with the greeting Osu (pronounced "Oos")." Those present will respond by saying, "Osu," unless they are taking a class. This gesture shows respect both toward fellow practitioners and the art.

  4. Place clothes neatly and quietly in the dressing room. (The Club is not responsible for lost or stolen articles)

  5. Students may not engage in free-sparring without all proper gear and direct supervision of an instructor.

  6. Behave appropriately in the Dojo (literally, "Place of the Way"). Remove your shoes before entering. Students are encouraged to participate in class enthusiastically, however, they are to avoid unnecessary conversation. Speak quietly and maintain an attitude appropriate for serious practice. Food, drink, and chewing gum are not permitted in the Dojo.

  7. Students should wear a white Karate-Gi (suit). A clean Karate Suit is imperative in each class as a reflection of the student's pride.

  8. Good hygiene is required at all times. (Trim fingernails, toe nails, clean feet etc.)

  9. Never throw or drop your obi (belt) on the ground, and never wash it. Your obi is a symbol of your spirit.

  10. All belts should be tied to hang evenly, as one side represents the mind and the other side represents the body.

  11. Students will turn away from instructor or opponent when adjusting uniform ( gi ) or belt.

  12. Pay attention; it is part of your training. Concentrate fully on karatedo while you are in the Dojo.

  13. Students must stand in "musubi dachi"; heels together, hands by the sides, when receiving instructions or explanations, it is considered bad manners to squat, crouch, sit exposing the soles of ones feet, or stand with hands on the hips.

  14. Junior members should address senior members as "Sempai," and salute (bow) when meeting the senior member.

  15. Higher belts will aid lower belts in their training. They will be positive, encouraging and supportive, both among themselves and lower grades.

  16. Lower belts will follow the instructions of higher belts in the Dojo, without questioning.

  17. No student, regardless of rank, may instruct or correct another senior student during class without permission from the supervising instructor.

  18. Never lose your temper during practice. Train with intensity but without anger or hostility. There is no place for ego in the Dojo.

  19. No Student will provoke violence outside the Dojo or allow himself/herself to be provoked into violence, under pain of expulsion from the Club.

  20. Students will not deride or belittle other martial art organisations or styles, to do so shows lack of understanding.

  21. Students will behave at all times as gentlemen/ladies both inside and outside the Dojo.

  22. Practice your Kihon and Kata consistently outside of class, even if it is just for a few minutes every day.

  23. Do not criticise other karateka; each student should strive to be the best they can be, given their unique ability.

  24. High-ranking visitors to the class should be greeted with appropriate respect; if class is in session, all members should immediately stop and salute (bow) him/her.

  25. Students, parents and guests will not converse with any person involved in a class session without permission from the instructor.

All information on this ASKO website is ©2000-2001 Blackrock Karate Club.
Last updated on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2001.