Rules and Etiquette of the Dojo

Class will begin when a Senior Belt calls for “Line-Up”. At that time please quit practicing, talking or socializing IMMEDIATELY and begin to move to your line-up position, facing the front of the dojo.

The line-up should be organized in the following manner with the highest rank (belt) to the far left of the room front row (from Sensei’s perspective) while proceeding toward the back right corner of the dojo.

There is a preferred line up order by the following orderly process:

Highest rank or belt color
Degree of belt color
Earliest date of rank/belt achievement (seniority of rank achievement)
Earliest date of joining club (seniority of club membership)
Guests or visitors without a belt/rank should be to the far right of the back line.

*The Sensei may alter the line-up as needed on occasion of instructional or training needs.

This line-up provides opportunity for newer learners to observe more experienced students as they lead by example.

Following this process will allow the workout/class to get started promptly with little confusion.

It is customary to bow when entering and exiting the dojo and also an initial bow to the Sensei when first entering the dojo,

When asking a question of Sensei, start by saying “Sensei” before the question.

When responding to a question, end by saying “Sensei”. The Sensei will be recognized by his title both in and outside the class.

When the term “kiske” is used, IMMEDIATELY come to attention, facing the front of the room. The “attention stance” is as follows: your heels are together, feet at 45 degree angles, with your hands at your side, posture erect.

When lining up in class, the highest ranking belt will be to the LEFT of the Sensei in the front row, and continues by belt rank for each row.

If you are late to the class, wait inside the door , looking toward Sensei and/or the black belts, until the Sensei or another black belt recognizes you, bow, and take your normal position in the class.

If it is necessary to leave the class early, notify the Sensei before the class begins and, at the door, bow to the Sensei (or another black belt) before leaving.

When the Sensei says “mate”, or “yame” – IMMEDIATELY stop what you are doing.

Never interrupt the Sensei if he is talking to the class or someone else. After speaking to the Sensei, don’t turn your back and walk away, back away so that you will leave a little distance between you and the Sensei before turning your back.

If your belt comes untied, turn to the rear of the dojo and retie the belt.

Never lose your temper in the dojo especially during sparring.

When bowing to the Sensei at the end of the class, the term “Sensei Orei” is used and you should bow to your waist and your eyes should be looking at the floor as a sign of respect.

RESPECT THE DOJO – BOW when entering and leaving the training area. Always keep the dojo neat, clean and orderly. Place shoes and karate bags neatly in designated area. Turn your cell phone off (except if you’re waiting for a very important call; leave the dojo to talk if you must). Don’t wait for someone to tell you to clean up, do it yourself.

RESPECT THE SENSEI (Teacher) and other BLACK BELTS – At the dojo bow to your Sensei and other Black Belts when entering the dojo and upon leaving the training area. At all karate functions (tournaments, meeting, parties, etc.) bow to your Sensei upon greeting and again at departure.
COME TO CLASS at least 5 – 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS BEGINS – When class is in progress, a student who arrives late should join the class in a quiet and orderly manner. Students should arrive to class 5 – 10 minutes before class begins.
TRAIN REGULARLY – Success is all about time and effort. If you do not train regularly you cannot lay a good foundation in basics and progress.
THINK KARATE IN THE DOJO – Devote yourself totally to karate in the dojo. Thinking about other problems will only divide your attention and make karate less rewarding. You will find that even strenuous workouts are refreshing when you concentrate totally on the karate experience. (When thrusting, think thrust, etc.)
PAY ATTENTION – By listening carefully to the Sensei you can avoid careless mistakes which may cause injuries, and you can also pick up pointers which help you to improve your techniques.

DRESS CODE – TAKE PROPER CARE OF YOUR UNIFORM – A dirty, wrinkled uniform reflects badly on you as a student. Wash your uniform regularly. Your karate uniform must be neat and clean for all karate classes. Fold your uniform properly after practice. Since we work hard in the dojo, be sure to use deodorant liberally and no perfumes.
ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IN THE DOJO – The atmosphere of the dojo should be serious in order to avoid needless injuries.
REMOVE JEWELRY IN THE DOJO – Jewelry can get caught in the hands of others or in a uniform and lead to unnecessary injury to oneself or a partner.
PROMOTIONS – A student must not ask about their next rank test date. This shows lack of patience, humility and disrespect for your instructor’s professional judgment. When Sensei feels you are ready to test for a higher belt he or she will let you know. Advancement to higher ranks is determined by the student’s progress, attendance and students motivation to learn.
If you prefer NOT to test, you can always mention this to Sensei. Sensei never wants our classes to be all about belt color.

3/2017

Rules and Etiquette of the Dojo

Class will begin when a Senior Belt calls for “Line-Up”. At that time please quit practicing, talking or socializing IMMEDIATELY and begin to move to your line-up position, facing the front of the dojo.

The line-up should be organized in the following manner with the highest rank (belt) to the far left of the room front row (from Sensei’s perspective) while proceeding toward the back right corner of the dojo.

There is a preferred line up order by the following orderly process:

Highest rank or belt color

Degree of belt color

Earliest date of rank/belt achievement (seniority of rank achievement)

Earliest date of joining club (seniority of club membership)

Guests or visitors without a belt/rank should be to the far right of the back line.

*The Sensei may alter the line-up as needed on occasion of instructional or training needs.

This line-up provides opportunity for newer learners to observe more experienced students as they lead by example.

Following this process will allow the workout/class to get started promptly with little confusion.

It is customary to bow when entering and exiting the dojo and also an initial bow to the Sensei when first entering the dojo,

When asking a question of Sensei, start by saying “Sensei” before the question.

When responding to a question, end by saying “Sensei”. The Sensei will be recognized by his title both in and outside the class.

When the term “kiske” is used, IMMEDIATELY come to attention, facing the front of the room. The “attention stance” is as follows: your heels are together, feet at 45 degree angles, with your hands at your side, posture erect.

When lining up in class, the highest ranking belt will be to the LEFT of the Sensei in the front row, and continues by belt rank for each row.

If you are late to the class, wait inside the door , looking toward Sensei and/or the black belts, until the Sensei or another black belt recognizes you, bow, and take your normal position in the class.

If it is necessary to leave the class early, notify the Sensei before the class begins and, at the door, bow to the Sensei (or another black belt) before leaving.

When the Sensei says “mate”, or “yame” – IMMEDIATELY stop what you are doing.

Never interrupt the Sensei if he is talking to the class or someone else. After speaking to the Sensei, don’t turn your back and walk away, back away so that you will leave a little distance between you and the Sensei before turning your back.

If your belt comes untied, turn to the rear of the dojo and retie the belt.

Never lose your temper in the dojo especially during sparring.

When bowing to the Sensei at the end of the class, the term “Sensei Orei” is used and you should bow to your waist and your eyes should be looking at the floor as a sign of respect.

RESPECT THE SENSEI (Teacher) and other BLACK BELTS – At the dojo bow to your Sensei and other Black Belts when entering the dojo and upon leaving the training area. At all karate functions (tournaments, meeting, parties, etc.) bow to your Sensei upon greeting and again at departure.

COME TO CLASS at least 5 – 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS BEGINS – When class is in progress, a student who arrives late should join the class in a quiet and orderly manner. Students should arrive to class 5 – 10 minutes before class begins.

TRAIN REGULARLY – Success is all about time and effort. If you do not train regularly you cannot lay a good foundation in basics and progress.

PAY ATTENTION – By listening carefully to the Sensei you can avoid careless mistakes which may cause injuries, and you can also pick up pointers which help you to improve your techniques.

ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IN THE DOJO – The atmosphere of the dojo should be serious in order to avoid needless injuries.

REMOVE JEWELRY IN THE DOJO – Jewelry can get caught in the hands of others or in a uniform and lead to unnecessary injury to oneself or a partner.

If you prefer NOT to test, you can always mention this to Sensei. Sensei never wants our classes to be all about belt color.