DOJO ETIQUETTE
Dojo Kun (Code)
1.
Exert oneself in the perfection of character
2.
Be faithful and sincere
3.
Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
4.
Respect propriety
5.
Refrain from impetuous and violent behaviour
Dojo Etiquette
The art of karate places great emphasis on the development of character via a code of behaviour from
all of its practitioners, together with physical training. Mutual respect for Instructors and other students,
as well as an acknowledgement of seniority must be maintained at all times. All SSK students must
behave in a way that enhances good conduct on behalf of their club and themselves. Instructors in
particular have a particular responsibility as they can greatly influence the behaviour of their students
both inside and outside the dojo. The key points to remember are:
o
Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the class, allowing time to get changed in readiness
for the warm up
o
Leave your outdoor shoes by the door
o
Leave your ego and problems at the door
o
Remove all jewellery and watches before class. Cover jewellery that cannot be removed with
tape
o
Respect other people, their property and belongings
o
No smoking or eating in the dojo, and for your own safety, do not chew gum in class
o
Turn off all mobile phones (inform the instructor if you require your phone on during class)
o
Practice good personal hygiene habits (keep your gi clean and in good repair, keep finger and
toe nails short for health and safety reasons)
Because karate is practised in a traditional manner and based around discipline there are several things
you should and shouldn't do when training.
DO
o
Show respect to each other
o
Bow on entering and leaving the Dojo
o
Bow to the instructor and senior grades before stepping onto the mat or training area
o
Address any teaching instructor as "Sensei" and any senior grade as "Sempai"
o
Say "OSS" when bowing at the start and finish of the class
o
Say "OSS" upon receiving any advice or command from the instructor
o
Say "OSS" when bowing to your partner in kumite
o
Train at your designated lesson and at least twice a week
o
Ask your instructor or higher grades for advice
o
Tell your instructor before the lesson if you have an injury
o
Show proper effort and spirit in the dojo.
DON'T
o
Arrive late for training. If you do, warm up outside then kneel down at one end of the mat or
training area of the Dojo. Bow to the instructor and wait for permission to join the class
o
Leave the class without your instructor's permission
o
Use offensive language or behaviour in the Dojo
o
Use your Karate skills outside of the Dojo (except for self defence or the defence of others
within the law).
