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Dojo Etiquette

The "dojo" is the training hall. Within the dojo students are expected to follow karate etiquette.
This will be taught along with your other training.

  1. Shoes must not be worn in the dojo. Please remove them before entering.
  2. The first things a new beginner must know is to bow on entering the dojo. Always bow on entering and leaving the dojo. Heels together feet at 45 degrees and hands by your side and bow to the floor or the most senior grade in the dojo.
    Please note that bowing has no religious meaning it is merely a way of showing respect.
  3. Junior grades must first bow to their seniors.
  4. Instructors should be referred to as SENSEI or appropriate title and NOT their name.
  5. Jewellery or watches must NOT be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings or earrings, they should be safely covered (e.g. with a plaster - this ensures the student and other partnering students are not scratched or injured).
  6. Late arrivals should enter the dojo quietly, change and warm up in the changing facilities. When they wish to join in the class, they MUST kneel to the side of the class where they can be clearly seen by the sensei. Watch carefully for his/her signal to join in. When this is given, first bow, and then walk around to the back of the class until it is convenient and in a position appropriate to their grade.
  7. Good hygiene must be observed. Uniforms must be kept clean. Finger and toe nails should be kept short to reduce the possibility of injury.
  8. Do not talk with your fellow student during class. Instructor talks and students listen.
    Show respect to all class members i.e., bow to each other when working together. In addition always maintain control of your techniques at all times.
  9. Any behaviour that is likely to offend the etiquette of the dojo will not be tolerated (e.g. swearing, bad language, gestures etc)
  10. Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched OFF before entering the dojo.
  11. Please ensure parents and family members, friends and other spectators respect this code by being silent at all times when in the dojo.
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