U OF T KARATE CLUB
Dojo Etiquette

Karate training is based largely on the development of discipline and respect. Observing etiquette is a fundamental expression of the respect that is due to the dojo (training hall), the instructors, and your fellow students.                    

With this in mind, the points of etiquette outlined below should be observed when training at the U of T Karate Club. For more information, be sure to read our Club Handbook.


Etiquette upon entering the dojo:

1. Arrive in a clean, pressed karate gi/uniform (except
   for newcomers, who may come in t-shirt and
   shorts/track pants). Also, have a water bottle at
   hand as it can be time-consuming to take a drink
   at the nearest fountain outside the dojo -- water
   breaks are relatively short during training.
2. Remove shoes before entering the dojo.
3. Stop at the door, face the front of the dojo, and
   bow properly and respectfully.
4. If you are still wearing any watches, jewelry or
   metal clips in your hair, ensure these are removed
   for safety reasons. Medic-alert tags should also be
   removed but inform an instructor of your    condition. Glasses may be worn during training, but
   must be taken off during any partner-drill or    sparring exercises, unless they are of the sport
   variety.
5. Assist with cleaning the dojo floors with the
   towels.
6. Assist with putting up the club banner.

Late Arrival
 7. If you arrive late, immediately after bowing in,    drop to the floor at the doorway and perform 20
   knuckle push-ups. If you are not able to do knuckle
   push-ups, do regular ones for the time being.
8. If you arrive late and the class is in meditation,    wait quietly at the door until warm-up begins, then
   bow in and do 20 push-ups.

 






Etiquette during "Seiza" (meditation):
The University of Toronto Karate Club observes some of the traditions of the martial arts that have their roots in the Japanese culture.

As part of the preparations for training, we clean the floor, then kneel and meditate to clear and focus our minds. Some people may use this time to control their breathing or to think about the techniques that they will be trying to improve.

We then bow in the direction of shomen (the front of the dojo). This bow is a symbolic gesture of our promise to train hard and observe the Dojo Kun and is a personal acknowledgement that training has begun. We then bow to Tominaga Sensei and
  
our Sempai, the black belts, as a sign of respect,
saying "Onegai shimasu" (approximate meaning is "Please teach me/guide me" in Japanese, in this context) with each bow. There is a similar procedure at the end of class, except that the bow in the direction of shomen indicates that training has ended and symbolizes that we will not forget the Dojo Kun, and we say "Arigato gozaimasu" ("thank you" in Japanese) to both Sensei and the black belts.

These procedures may be different than what is practiced in other martial arts or other Karate dojos. At the University of Toronto Karate Club, we follow the tradition that "Karate begins and ends with a bow".


Etiquette during training:

1. Do not talk unnecessarily during class.
2. Do not eat or chew gum in the dojo, even if you are only watching.
3. Do not lean on the walls, cross your arms in front of your chest, or place your hands on your hips.
4. While adjusting your karate-gi/uniform, do it facing away from the front of the dojo and away from
    Sensei.
5. When bowing to any senior, it is an expression of courtesy to hold the bow for longer than they do.
6. Always acknowledge instructions - say "osu" or "thank you". Juniors should not hesitate to ask seniors    for assistance but should remember that just as it is the duty of seniors to instruct, it is also the    duty of juniors to acknowledge their efforts.
7. When the instructor is demonstrating a technique to the class, please squat down so that the
   people behind you may see what the instructor is doing. Do not stand as you may be blocking
   someone else's view.
8. If leaving the dojo before class ends for whatever reason, ask permission of an instructor.
9. As a courtesy, speak to Sensei if you anticipate an extended leave of absence. Regular attendance is
   encouraged but we are realistic about conflicts that may arise from school and work.


Etiquette upon leaving the dojo (after closing procedures):

1. Assist with putting away the club banner and other club items such as sensei's shinai and the first
    aid kit. If you don't know what a shinai is, just ask any club member. =)
2. Bow respectfully facing the dojo, upon exiting.


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