DOJO ETIQUETTE

The word dojo means ‘Place of the way’ or ‘Training room’. The dojo is considered to be a very special place and should be treated with respect. To uphold the tradition of karate-do there are rules of conduct and standards of etiquette which we follow.

A karateka should strive to learn the following dojo etiquette and endeavour to apply the principals of karate in their interaction with instructors and fellow karateka.
This is essential to creating a respectful and attentive atmosphere, conducive to learning.

1. Keep the training area clean and tidy.
2. Keep your karate gi clean and your nails trimmed.
3. Remove jewellery and sharp objects before training.
4. Address Instructors as “Sensei” (teacher) and class leaders as “Sempai” (senior).
5. Show kindness to karateka less experienced than yourself, and guide beginners in the right manner. Be humble and a good example to others.
6. For safety reasons, respect, listen carefully and always follow the Sensei’s instructions.
7. Respond with ‘OSU’ when the instructor has demonstrated a technique or given an instruction.

8. Arrive with sufficient time to prepare for the class.
9. Bow to your partner at the commencement and end of a training exercise as a form of gratitude and respect.
10. Begin and end class with a bow; a form of greeting and respect for your fellow karateka, seniors and Sensei.Text

DOJO KUN

TextSenior instructors at the JKA developed the Five Dojo Kun. We repeat these five precepts out loud after each training session. This process reminds us of the right attitude, frame of mind and virtues to strive for, both within and outside the dojo.

HITOTSU: Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
a) Seek perfection of character
b) To strive for perfection of character
HITOTSU: Makoto no michi o mamoru koto
a) Be sincere
b) To defend the paths of truth
HITOTSU: Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto
a) Put maximum effort into everything you do
b) To foster the spirit of effort
HITOTSU: Reigi o omonzuru koto
a) Respect others
b) To honour the principles of etiquette
HITOTSU: Kekki no yuu o imashimuru koto
a) Develop self-control
b) To guard against impetuous courage.