Dojo Etiquette
- When entering or leaving the Dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front, bow and say "Osu". This represents a mark of respect for the Dojo and the people in it.
- If late for training, kneel at the side of the class towards the back, facing away, this is seiza (formal kneeling position). When the instructor acknowledges you, stand up, turn to the front, bow and say "Osu", then quickly join the back of the class. TRY NOT TO BE LATE.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the Dojo.
Always move quickly in class when instructed to do something. DO NOT STROLL.
- Do not practice kumite unless the instructor is present.
- Do not break rank for any reason, without asking permission from the instructor. If you must leave your position, do not walk between the instructor and the class. Walk behind the row you are in to either side and proceed from there.
- Always address the instructor by their proper title (senpai, sesei, and shihan) inside the Dojo. Acknowledge them with a loud "Osu" when they speak to you.
- Your training should be a serious matter. Do not laugh, giggle, talk or cause disruption during the class. You should always stand in fudo dachi when awaiting the next command.
- All directions, by the instructor, should be obeyed in the Dojo, without question. You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor has not done him/herself already. If you cannot keep up, do the best you can. DON'T GIVE UP.
- Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
- During the break: No sitting on chairs, leaning against the wall or lying down. Do some training rather than waste time.
- It is everyones responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.
- All mobile phones must be turned off when class is in session.
- Do not adjust your karate-gi without being told to do so. When told, turn to your right, way from the front of the class or your partner, to readjust your karate-gi.
- Your karate-gi must be neat and washed clean at all times. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only aired dry. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training.
- Don't wear jewelry or watches during training.
The above rules are designed to help with the smooth running of our Dojo. Many of these procedures are common sense, many are plain good manners, and most are modeled in the tradition of Japan. In the Kyokushin 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 should be revered. It is not merely a gym or ordinary training hall.
KARATE-DO HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH LARGE MUSCLES AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE PERFECTION OF THE CHARACTER.
Take care of and pride in your dojo and treat it as you would any place of reverence. Karate is too easily mistaken for nothing more than a rough and demanding sport, serving little purpose except to teach its participants to injure others.