Dojo Etiquette

Respecting the Dojo (Training Room)

You must do a standing bow (rei) when you enter or leave any Dojo (training room)

You must keep your GI (Karate suit) clean, washed regularly and ironed.

You must not wear any jewellery (earrings, rings, watches, bracelets etc) any jewellery you cannot remove must be covered with tape.

Remove outdoor shoes before walking on a Dojo floor.

Your finger & toe nails must be kept short and clean.

No swearing, smoking or chewing in the Dojo.

All phones, pagers etc must be switched off whilst in the Dojo.

You should use the time before the class starts to warm up and practice.

Respecting your instructor (Sensei)

Listen to what the instructor (Sensei) is saying whilst they are talking or demonstrating.  Do not stand with your arms folded or hands on your hips.  Do not cause any distraction like, talking, bouncing, stretching etc. (These action are seen as discourteous and disrespectful and shows bad manners).

When your instructor asks a question to see if you understand then answer with "oss" or oss "sensei".  You can also say "Hai" or "Hai sensei", "Hai" means "Yes" if you dont understand you could say "Ie" (Pronounced "eeya") meaning "No" or "Ie sensei" if you do not understand and cant use the Japanese words, then just say, you do not understand and the instructor will demonstrate again.

When you want to ask a question, raise your hand and wait for the instructor to acknoledge you.

When you need to leave the Dojo raise your hand to ask the instructor if you may leave.

When you re-enter you must raise your hand and wait until the instructor invites you back on to the training area, you will then bow and quickly re-join.

Respecting other students

When pairing up & at the end of a paired training session, stand facing each other and bow saying the word "oss"

The lower grade will always bow first to a senior grade.

Show respect and control when sparring & take extra care when working with lower grades and children.  

Bowing

A bow, "rei" (pronounced "ray")

When you bow to an instructor or another student in a Dojo, this action is a demonstration of respect and nothing more.  You should never perform a half-hearted bow. 

Ethics and code of behaviour

The art of Karate places a great emphasis on the development of the character of its students and a code of behaviour is used together with the physical training so that technical skill, physical fitness and good behaviour become synonymous with Karate-Do.

This code is based on a mutual respect for the teachers and students and acknowledges that respect must be shown for seniority.  Students are expected to show the same respect for the society in which they live and for those who live in and administer that society.

Nakashi Parrswood Karate club prides itself on its excellent standard of both teaching and hard training.