| Karate is about discipline and respect. Etiquette in the | | | | few seconds to a few minutes. Try and clear your |
| karate class is where it all begins. Master Gichin | | | | mind of all thoughts and mentally prepare for dojo |
| Funakoshi, who was the founder of shotokan karate, | | | | practice. After "MOKUSO" everybody, including the |
| said, 'karate begins and ends with courtesy'. Etiquette | | | | sensei will bow to the front "SHOMEN NI REI", the |
| varies from karate dojo to dojo, but the points below | | | | sensei will then turn to face the class and the second |
| should give you an understanding of a traditional karate | | | | bow "SENSEI NI REI" which will be the students and |
| classes etiquette. | | | | teachers bowing to each other.o At the end of training |
| Do's and Don'ts, regarding Dojo etiquette:o Do not be | | | | some dojo also recite the dojo kun.o Belts must be |
| late for class (obviously this cannot be helped | | | | tied correctly before entering the karate dojo and if |
| sometimes)o Bow respectfully on entering the dojo, to | | | | the belt (obi) or karate suit (Gi) need straightening, one |
| show respect for the place of learning.o Make sure | | | | should turn and face the back of the dojo.o Karateka |
| your karate suit is cleano Any karateka who does not | | | | should always show enthusiasm and give 100% while |
| bring their belt (obi) to class, must stand at the end of | | | | attending the karate classes.o Senior grades must help |
| the junior grades in the line.o Finger and toe nails must | | | | the junior grades with their karate before, during and |
| be clean and cut short.o When commanded, Karateka | | | | after class.o When moving around the dojo during a |
| will line up according to grade from highest to lowest, | | | | class, do not walk between karateka, always walk |
| this should be done quickly and quietly.o Do not wear | | | | around.o "Oss" should be said respectfully upon |
| watches or jewelery (if you have a ring that cannot | | | | receiving any instructions or advice from the sensei or |
| be removed, tape must be placed over it)o Please do | | | | sempai.o "Oss" should be said respectfully when |
| not swear, chew, spit or commit any other act that is | | | | bowing at the start and finish of classo "Oss" should |
| deemed inappropriate.o If you need to leave the dojo, | | | | be said respectfully when bowing to your partner in |
| ask permission to leave.o You must try and keep quiet | | | | sparring (kumite).o Some dojo remain silent on the bow |
| at all times in the Dojo (both during warming up and the | | | | before a kata, other dojo say "Oss"o "Oss" should be |
| karate classo If you are late, bow on entering the | | | | said respectfully in any other appropriate situation, for |
| karate dojo take up a kneeling position (seiza) at the | | | | instance during examinations or competitions.o |
| entrance to the Dojo and wait for permission from the | | | | Address any instructor as "Sensei" whilst in the karate |
| sensei before joining the class.o Always line up in | | | | Dojo and any senior grade as "Sempai". |
| straight lines, from left to right and front to back. Higher | | | | I hope this article helps you understand some of the |
| grades always in front of lower grades.o At the | | | | etiquette used in many karate classes around the |
| beginning and end of the karate class, everybody | | | | world. When someone firsts starts to learn karate, the |
| takes up the kneeling position (seiza). First comes a | | | | dojo procedures can be very confusing. |
| brief meditation period "MOKUSO", this may go from a | | | | |