DOJO ETIQUETTE
Dojo etiquette is an essential aspect of Karate training, reflecting the deep respect and discipline inherent in the martial art. Observing proper dojo etiquette helps create a conducive learning environment, fosters mutual respect among practitioners, and upholds the traditions of Karate.
WSK SEKISHINKAN KARATEDO - DOJO TRAINING ETIQUETTE with the COVID-19 updates
- Respect your parents, Sensei (Instructors), Senpai (Seniors) and others at all times.
- Always sit and stand in a proper manner.
- Always keep your Karate Gi clean and tidy. Jewellery or watches cannot be worn during training. Always keep your finger and toe nails short. Gum chewing, eating or smoking are not allowed in the dojo. Please turn off your pager or cell phone before the class started.
- Always be on time. Students should arrive at the dojo 10 minutes before the start of the class and warm up. If you arrive late, quickly warm up, then sit in the Seiza position (Japanese sitting style) at the back of the class and wait for permission from the instructor to join the class.
- If the Sensei (an instructor) or a Senpai (a senior person) is behind you when entering the dojo, let him or her enter first as a sign of respect.
- Always address the Sensei with his name and title. For example, Peter Sensei or Chan Sensei.
- When entering the dojo, stop at the entrance, bow sincerely and say, “O ne gai shimasu” (“Thank you for teaching me.”) or "Kon ban wa" ("Good evening").
- Take off your shoes and socks at the entrance. Line up the shoes and put them tidy side-by-side. If you have socks, put them inside of your shoes or put it in your bag.
- Clean your hands with hand sanitizer. Mouth mask is optional but highly recommended. (Please do not come to the dojo if you're sick or have any symptoms)
- During each class, when you first meet the instructors & seniors, go to them, bow sincerely and say, “O ne gai shimasu” (“Thank you for teaching me.”).
- Go to the washroom before each class. It is very impolite to enter and exit the dojo after the class has begun except during a scheduled break.
- When the instructor calls, “Sugo” (get together and line up), students will immediately and smartly get in the correct form.
- Turn towards the back of the dojo and kneel on one knee when fixing loose garments.
- Maintains the 1.5M distance except with the instruction by the Sensei.
- Listen carefully and seriously to the instructions and advice given from instructors. Students should ask the instructors or seniors if they have any questions. After the instructor corrects you or gives you advice, say “Osu” or “Hai” (“Yes.”) sincerely.
- Students should not have private discussions during training.
- When using equipment, handle it with care and be sure to put it back in the correct place.
- When entering and exiting the dojo during class, stop at the entrance, bow and say, “Osu.”
- At the end of each class, white belt members (or the lowest rank) in that class should help clean up the equipment, close the windows and mop the floor before going home.
- At the end of each class or training, go to the instructors and seniors, bow sincerely and say “Arigato gozaimashita” or “Otsu-kare-sama deshita” (“Thank you for your hard work.”).
- Before you leave the dojo to go home, stop at the entrance, turn around and face to the dojo, bow sincerely and say “Shi tsu rei shimasu” (“Excuse me, I am leaving now”) or “Arigato gozaimasu” (“Thank you very much.”).
- Be aware of your physical condition at all times. If you are injured, immediately notify the instructors and stop training.
- Try hard and have fun!