Etiquette

Karate training takes place in a traditional Japanese manner and karate-ka are required to observe certain rules

General Matters

The karate gi (uniform) must always be kept clean. All rips or tears must be repaired immediately.

Before entering or leaving the class, it is necessary to bow. This is a way of paying respect to the art and to the other students.

When the instructors (or a visiting instructor) enter the dojo, students must stand and bow.

Students with long hair may wear something to keep the hair tied back, but such a device must be subdued in style and colour.

Glasses, contact lens and hearing aids may be worn during training (at the wearer's risk). Some instructors will not permit students to wear glasses when sparring, but sports glasses are permitted.

Any training injuries must be reported to the instructor immediately.

If you are watching a class, grading or tournament, sit quietly at the back and do not talk, eat, read or move around. Students are expected to remain throughout an event, just like a regular class. If you have to leave early, obtain permission in advance.

For safety reasons, all jewellery (including watches, rings, chains and piercings) must be removed before entering the dojo. For the same reasons, nails must be kept clean and short.

The Bow In

Japanese culture places great emphasis on respect for one's senior. When the class commences, all students line up in order of seniority, facing the front (shomen). Students line up in one row (space permitting), from right to left, in order of rank. Within each rank, students also line up from right to left, in order of seniority. Students should be shoulder to shoulder. After lining up, students kneel down together (seiza). After a brief period of meditation (mokusu), to clear the mind, everyone bows to the front (shomen ni rei) and then to the instructor (sensei ni rei).

During Class

If it becomes necessary to adjust the gi, or belt, students must turn away from the front of class. Normally, this should only be done during a break in training. It is considered very disrespectful to yawn during class, as this suggests boredom. Looking at the clock is inappropriate for the same reason. If you arrive late, assume seiza position at the back of the dojo, until directed to join class. If you have to leave the dojo before class is over (because of another commitment, illness or injury) obtain permission from the instructor. The Bow Out At the end of class, students line up and then assume seiza position. There is a brief period of meditation. During this period of meditation you should rid your mind of any bad thoughts you have against any other karateka or any pent up anger. Again, everyone bows to the front and to the instructor. The instructor stands first, then everyone stands. It is polite, but not required, to bow to the front before moving out of ranks.