Dojo Rules & Etiquette

TAIFU KARATE

DOJO RULES & ETIQUETTE

Before entering the Dojo (training area) please take time to read the following Dojo rules and etiquette. This will make things easier and avoid and miss-understandings. The Dojo should be respected, kept clean and tidy and the following etiquette observed:

1. All students must fill in a registration form (this is not a membership form). Any new students must become a member within one month.

2. All senior Teachers should be addressed as Sensei or Shihan; all senior students should be addressed as Sempai. If unsure ask a black belt. If a senior student (Sempai), Teacher (Sensei) or Master (Shihan) is standing behind you at the entrance, let them enter, or leave first. Make sure that you always address them by their correct title.

3. Shoes and outdoors clothing should be removed before entering the Dojo. Training bags and shoes should be placed neatly down one side. If you see any shoes in disorder, place them in order also.

4. No drinking, eating, chewing of gum or swearing is allowed in the Dojo. Ask the Sensei or Sempai, and then leave the dojo for your drink.

5. If you wish to leave the Dojo, For any reason, it is very important that you tell your Sensei or Sempai first. When you return kneel by the side until invited to return to the class. On entering, or leaving the Dojo be sure to bow (rei), (towards the front of the Dojo).

6. Students should note the School training programme and not be late.

7. Do not eat for at least one hour before training or drink too much.

8. Before training go to the toilet and wash your hands afterwards.

9. Always keep your Gi clean, tidy and in a good state of repair. Men should not wear T-shirts underneath the Gi. After training your Gi should be folded away neatly. Always take care of your Gi.

10. Only Kobudo students are allowed to wear black and white mix gi and only if they are practicing or have been practicing Kobudo. 3rd Dan and above may wear black and red or red and white mix gi. Students must wear the appropriate belt for Kobudo or Karate.

11. Keep finger and toe nails short and clean. Long nails can cause serious
injuries. Make sure that your hands and feet are clean. Adequate footwear should
be worn between the changing room/toilet and the Dojo. Personal hygiene is very
important.

12. Be aware of your own physical condition. Know your physical condition,
stamina and physical strength well. Do not force yourself to try and do the
impossible. If you have any physical problems make sure that your teacher is
aware.

13. Remember to remove watches, rings, earrings, necklaces and any other
jewellery before training.

14. When a teacher gives advice, listen carefully and show that you understand by
saying "Hai!" (Yes).

15. Make sure to pay attention in class, to your teacher and to what is going on
around you. There may be Kobudo (weapon) training going on in part of the Dojo.
Never touch anyone’s weapons or equipment unless invited to do so.

16. Never sit with legs out straight - legs should be crossed or kneel.

17. Karate must only be used outside in self-defence and in defence of law and
order. Karate ni sente nashi (There is no first attack in Karate).

18. If there is anything that you do not understand be sure to ask but keep the long
and difficult questions until after class.

19. With reference to 18 above, there is an Okinawan saying, "To stay alive, keep
your mouth shut and your body moving!"

20. The main rule is to enjoy your training, learn and do the best you possibly can.
Success is best measured by how far you’ve come with the talents you’ve been
given.

The Karate & Kobudo teacher must have a great deal of patience and must understand human nature. They
must always be giving of themselves, humble, not arrogant and must have the student’s interests at heart. They
should create a “teaching energy” from the accomplishments of their students. Not necessarily by constant
praising but by attitude and “energy”. One can tell a good teacher by the aura and the attentiveness of the
students. This aura shows that something “important” is going on in the dojo. There is a feeling in the air,
energy, being exchanged between the students and the teacher. The difference between a “Teacher” and an
“Instructor” is that a teacher communicates with the students, shares energy on a higher level of consciousness
and can become one with their art. A teacher can spur their students on to great achievements, doing the
“impossible” beyond their realised capabilities. An instructor shows moves mechanically, presents material to
copy, and shows little interest and never really getting to know the student. A student just being instructed will
find it very difficult to reach any serious levels of “greatness!”