Courtesy Goes a Long Way

Make karate work for everyone else, too.

Karate brings us together to share the same space. Teachers and students work together to make practice good for all. That’s why the etiquette of karate is embedded into the art itself. Since its founding, karate has stressed the development of discipline and respect along with side thrust kicks and fast punches.

At UTKC, we follow several rules that nod to the karate tradition. Please keep these in mind when training with us. Our rules exist not to burden our karate-ka, but rather, to optimize training, respect the roots of Shotokan, and make the dojo a healthy space.

For more information, check out the Club Handbook or ask one of our helpful members.

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 and socks 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.

7. Late Arrival

   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)

We’re proud to observe martial arts traditions that have roots in the Japanese culture.

That’s why, at the start of class, we follow routines that clear our minds and clean the training space for everyone. During this time, we tidy the floor and help set up the dojo. We then kneel, meditate, and perform our bows.

Our bows acknowledge the importance of our training. When we turn to the direction of showmen (the front of the dojo), we make a promise to train hard and observe the Dojo Kun. Training has begun.

Turning to Felix Sensei and our Senpai (the black belts) mark respect towards our senior members. When we say “Onegai shimasu” we’re asking, “please teach me” or “please guide me.” In the end of class, we bow again in the direction of shomen to show that training has ended. We say “Arigatou gozaimasu” to thank our instructors once again.

Our rules may differ from those in other martial arts or Karate dojos. At UTKC, however, “karate begins and ends with a bow.”

Etiquette during training

For a clean and productive environment:

• Do not talk unnecessarily during class.
• Do not eat or chew gum in the dojo, even if you are only watching.
• Do not lean on the walls, cross your arms in front of your chest, or place your hands on your hips.
• While adjusting your karate-gi/uniform, do it facing away from the front of the dojo and away from Sensei.

Respecting your seniors:

• When bowing to any senior, it is an expression of courtesy to hold the bow for longer than they do.
• 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.
• 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.
• If leaving the dojo before class ends for whatever reason, ask permission of an instructor.
• 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)

• 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. =)
• Bow respectfully facing the dojo, upon exiting.

Thank you for respecting our etiquette and making the dojo a great place to train.