Follow us on:

Dojo Rules

 

The dojo is any place you practice karate. Besides honoring the dojo and showing respect for other students, the dojo rules facilitate learning and promote safety. The dojo rules should be observed from the moment you enter the dojo. The Instructor-in-Charge always has overriding authority over all of these rules! Always listen to the instructor and do exactly what he or she says immediately.

 

In General

 

• Bow and say "Osu!" when entering and leaving the dojo's front door.
• Be serious and alert at all times. There is no playing on the training floor.
• Spectators should not create distractions.
• Always answer the instructor loudly and clearly with "Osu!" It is polite to call your instructor Sensei.
• There will be no free sparring unless an instructor is on the training floor and actively supervising.
• If asked for help by another student, be honest. Get the instructor to answer if you don't know.

 

 

Before Class

 

• Always arrive before class is scheduled to start.
• When you come in, and especially before stepping on the training floor, remove shoes and socks and place them in a neat, orderly fashion at the designated location.
• Wear your gi to class, or if you carry your gi with you, change into it quickly. Only female students should wear a T-shirt under the gi top. Ask if you need help tying the belt.
• Remove and secure any jewelry or accessories. Wedding bands and eyeglasses are the only exceptions, although we recommend you remove these, too, for safety. If you must wear corrective eyewear, we strongly recommend either the use of sporting goggles, or soft contact lenses.
• Upon arriving, bow at the entrance to the training floor. If others are entering, wait your turn and bow properly. Say "Osu!" with plenty of spirit when you bow in.
• Upon entering the training floor, make sure the floor is clean and straight.
• Use time before class to stretch and do kata to warm up. Talk softly about karate if needed.

 

During Class

 

• When the instructor enters the floor, stop talking and follow instructions closely.
• During class, only talk to other students if absolutely necessary, or if you are instructed to do so. Do not create distractions.
• Save questions until the instructor asks for them. At that time, raise your hand high in the direction of the instructor for permission to ask. Always say "Osu! Thank you!" after your question is has been addressed.
• When moving to a new spot, always step back and move behind and outside the lines of other students. Never walk in front of or through the middle of lines.
• If you can't control yourself (get a cramp, etc.), step quietly to the closest wall to recover. Rejoin the class as soon as you are reasonably able to do so.
• If you must leave the training floor during class for any reason, ask permission. Bow and say "Osu!" as you leave and again when you return.

 

After Class

 

• Pay attention to any announcements.
• After class ends, you may talk. If another class is waiting, leave the training floor and continue conversation elsewhere so the next class can warm up.
• As you leave, turn to face the training floor, bow and say "Osu!". Turn and leave quickly as not to block the door. If others are leaving, wait your turn and bow properly.
• Gather all personal belongings (bags, clothing, drinks, shoes, etc.) before leaving the dojo. Do not any leave personal belongings in the dojo between classes, unless you have permission.
• If another class has already started, leave the dojo without creating a distraction.

 

Human Potential Manifested in Body, Mind and Spirit

© 2000 - 2011 Japan International Karate Center