Etiquettee to be aware of when training
Karate is a Japanese art, and is traditionally practised in an environment which reflects this origin. In addition, it is very important that the greatest respect is always shown to both your teachers and your fellow students. Otherwise there would be no karate, only brawling! Therefore there is a certain etiquettee to be aware of when training, and this is outlined below.
- Always bow on entering and leaving the dojo (karate training room)
- Arrive early, but if late kneel at the dojo entrance and bow when acknowledged by the instructor
- Never enter the dojo when the class is sitting in seiza (kneeling at the start of the session). Wait until the warm-up has begun, then enter and kneel as above
- Make sure that your mobile is turned off!
- Make sure the floor has been swept (this is usually done by the lower grades)
- Always refer to the instructor and black belts as "Sensei"
- Do not talk prior to a lesson in the dojo, unless to ask a senior grade advice relating to your training
- Bow to Dan grades when they enter the dojo
- Pay your fees and mark your attendance, as this will be checked before gradings
- Make sure your gi (karate suit) is clean, tidy and ironed
- At the start of the session line up quickly and in grade order (higher grades to the left and the front)
- Always bow and show utmost respect to your partner during kumite training
- Never talk or laugh during a session
- When a technical fault is pointed out you must endeavour to correct that fault before the next lesson
- Always train to the best of your ability
- If you are injured or feel unwell raise your hand, never move out of the line unless instructed to do so
- When the instructor tells you to relax, always turn to your right to straighten up your gi
- If your gi or obi (belt) comes undone during a session kneel to the right while you adjust it
- Remove all jewellery before coming to the dojo
- Keep finger and toe nails short
