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Karate For Health - Dojo Etiquette

Introduction to Jin Sei Kai Dojo etiquette - by Sensei Chardonnay

1. A Dojo is a place in which to learn and practice Karate - typically, a sports centre, school or community hall, classroom or studio. In fact, the word Dojo means 'the way place': somewhere people go in order to learn different martial art methods and techniques and to train together. In the Japanese culture, all learning is celebrated and revered, and so considerable respect is shown by the Japanese both to a Dojo and to anyone who teaches. At Jin Sei Kai we embrace and respect that tradition, and we also celebrate the teachings of Master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), the father of contemporary Karate, pictured above.

2. Dojo etiquette and rules serve two principal purposes. First, as a confirmation that you are ready and willing to learn from your Sensei (teacher) and others, and that you respect their knowledge and experience. Second, as a health and safety precaution: Karate (open hand) involves powerful physical movements and self defence techniques, which must be carried out with control and discipline - and with courtesy. Good Dojo etiquette is good Jin Se Kai!

(For an explanation of Japanese Karate words and phrases, go to 'Library' and look at the two JSK guides. One is for beginners, and the other will be of interest to more advanced students). Back to top

Before you enter the Dojo

1. Make sure you arrive in good time before the class starts - punctuality will show respect to both your Sensei and other Karateka (fellow students, whether senior or junior to you)

2. Always bring your Jin Sei Kai passport to training sessions. This contains your annual insurance certification and personal grade details. Beginners are issued with passports at their first grading

3. Do not eat within the hour prior to a class, but make sure you have had plenty of water. Do not drink alcohol in the twelve hours prior to a class

4. If you have a minor cut or wound which does not affect your ability to train, ensure that it is effectively bandaged or plastered. If you have a more serious cut or wound or any debilitating injury, you must not join the class - wait until you have recovered

5. If you have any non-debilitating injury, physical impairment or disability, you must alert Sensei - ideally before entering the Dojo, and certainly before the class begins. Sensei may decide that, even if you want to, you should not train. If Sensei does allow you to participate, you may be advised to take additional precautions or to modify certain movements or techniques. In every such case, you must accept (as final) Sensei's advice and decision

6. Ensure your finger and toe nails are short and neat

7. Remove your watch and any rings, bracelets or other jewellery

8. If you wear glasses, use a headband to keep them in place

9. Similarly, if you have long hair, tie it back neatly with a band

10. Remove your shoes and socks

11. Ensure your Karate Gi (training uniform) is clean and ironed

12. Change into your Karate Gi at the Dojo (do not travel to the Dojo in your Karate Gi, and never wear it in public)

13. Check that your Karate Gi straps and belt are properly tied and secure

14. Place all your belongings and valuables in one bag, which you may take into the Dojo unless told otherwise Back to top

Entering the Dojo

1. If more senior Karateka arrive as you are about to enter the Dojo, allow them to go first

2. As you enter the Dojo, bow (whilst standing) and say 'Oss'. The word Oss means 'I acknowledge you' and is an expression of respect. This first Oss is to show respect to the Dojo itself. Your bow is merely to demonstrate humility - it has no religious or spiritual connotation in the Dojo. When executing a standing bow, put your feet (specifically, your heels) together, keep your arms at your sides and (briefly) bow forward from the waist by about 20 degrees

3. Quickly place your bag at the back or side of the Dojo, where it cannot interfere with the class

4. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the Dojo

5. Before Sensei arrives, use the time available for gentle exercise or contemplation

6. If the Dojo floor needs sweeping or clearing of furniture, do not wait to be asked to help out

7. When other Karateka enter the Dojo, acknowledge them with an Oss and a standing bow

8. Only talk to other Karateka during this time if you need to, and then do so quietly in order not to disturb others as they prepare themselves for the lesson

9. In the event that you do arrive late for class (in other words, after Sensei has entered the Dojo), kneel at the side of the Dojo and wait for Sensei to acknowledge you. When Sensei invites you to join the class, bow whilst still in a kneeling position, Oss as you do so, stand up and quickly join in Back to top

When Sensei arrives

1. The most senior Karateka present in the Dojo should shout 'Sensei Ni Rei' (bow to Sensei), and everyone should stand to attention, Oss and bow to Sensei as he/she enters the Dojo

2. Sensei or the most senior Karateka present will say 'line up' - or may use one of the following Japanese commands: Shugo (assemble/organise yourselves), Seiretsu (line up) or Narande (line up by grade)

3. Immediately line up by grade when you hear this command, facing the front of the Dojo. The most senior Karateka faces the front and stands on the right side of the Dojo (as you look to the front); you and other grades should stand to his/her left in descending grade order. Use two or more lines if necessary (the most senior grades are always in the front line). Ensure that your line is straight by looking to the person on your far right, and that you are standing upright, with your heels together and your hands by your side. Do not be surprised if, in your Dojo, the line is actually formed from the left side of the Dojo

4. From now on talk only in order to put questions to Sensei, to answer or acknowledge Sensei or fellow Karateka, and of course whenever you need help

5. If you need to leave the Dojo at any point before the lesson concludes, ask Sensei's permission first. You should, however, have a good reason for leaving

6. If your Karate Gi or belt need adjusting at any time, go to the back or side of the Dojo, drop to your right knee (as a courtesy signal), make the adjustment and then rejoin the class, with a bow and an Oss. Do all this quickly Back to top

Formal welcome

1. Sensei will turn to face the front of the Dojo, and the most senior Karateka will say 'Seiza' (kneel). Drop to your haunches, with your knees at a comfortable angle (about 75 degrees) to each other and the palms of your hands on the front of your thighs. Momentarily, you are standing on the balls/toes of your feet, with your heels supporting your bottom. Gently place your left knee to the floor, then your right knee, keeping your hands on your thighs and your bottom on your heels. At this point, your knees (about 18 inches apart) and the balls/toes of your feet (about six inches apart) are supporting you

2. At the command 'Shomen Ni Rei' (bow to the front of the Dojo) place the palm of your left hand on the floor in front of you - sideways on fingers pointing to the right, then your right palm next to it - sideways on fingers pointing to the left (slightly overlapping the fingers on your left hand), and drop your forehead to rest on top of your hands. Pause for a full second and return to the kneeling position, palms on your thighs

3. Sensei will swivel round to face the class and you will hear the command 'Sensei Ni Rei' (bow to Sensei). Bow exactly as you did for Shomen Ni Rei. Sensei may bow to the class again and Oss; in that event, you should reciprocate, adding an Oss when your forehead is on top of your hands

4. Sensei will then tell you to stand for warm up exercises. He/she may use the Japanese terms 'Kiritsu' or 'Tatte'. When you stand, come up right leg first, then left, and stand with your heels together and arms by your side Back to top

Warm up exercises

1. Sensei will say 'Yoi' (ready) or 'Shizentai' or 'Hachiji Dachi' (both meaning natural, open leg, stance) for warm up exercises. Stand in a relaxed posture with your feet hip width apart and your arms straight and slightly in front of you

2. Sensei will conduct the exercises, or ask a senior Karateka to do so

3. During warm-up, you may be asked to stagger your line or lines to allow enough space for everyone to execute full arm and leg movements Back to top

Class format

1. Listen carefully at all times to what Sensei says, and remain alert and focussed throughout a class

2. Japanese commands and words will be used regularly during training, and you will need to become familiar with them over time. The most important Japanese command you need to know is 'Yame' (stop). As soon as you hear Yame, at any point during the class, stop what you are doing immediately

3. Always obey Sensei's commands, and follow the advice of a more senior Karateka

4. When Sensei gives a key piece of advice or message to the class, it is courteous for you and fellow Karateka to acknowledge with an Oss

5. When Sensei gives you one on one advice, or corrects a fault or mistake, you should acknowledge with a standing bow and an Oss

6. When Sensei asks you to do something, including sitting down, do so quickly

7. When asked to sit down, do so at the back or side of the Dojo. Sitting means adopting a crossed-leg position, but it is also acceptable to kneel. If you have to stay sitting for a long period, shift your position to remain comfortable, but do not fidget

8. Classes typically include a combination of basics, sparring and formal exercises

9. Kihon (basics). These are the traditional blocking, striking, punching and kicking techniques of Karate - arguably, the most important element in any beginner?s training and development

10. Kumite (sparring). Sparring helps you understand the practical application of the attacking and defensive techniques you learn in Kihon. Kumite for beginners is formal sparring, with set attacks/defences, such as Gohon Kumite (five step sparring). Jiyu Kumite (free sparring) is something you will progress to over time

11. Kata (formal exercise). Katas comprise defensive and attacking techniques, performed solo against an imaginary opponent, in geometric patterns across the Dojo floor. All Katas start and finish with a bow, and all start and finish from the same spot. There are approximately 50 traditional, recognised, Katas - and the first Kata beginners will learn is Taikyoku Shodan

12. The Kiai (shout of spirit or inner strength) is an important element in training. The Kiai is a simultaneous exhalation and shout, used at set points in Katas, and at appropriate points during Kumite - typically, as you deliver an attack. Some people shout 'Kiai'. Others choose 'Hai' (yes), or an entirely personal word or grunt! Use whatever Kiai comes naturally to you. The Kiai is not, and should never be used as, an expression of aggression. Rather, it is a vocal signal of your determination and spirit Back to top

Exercises

1. At the end of class, Sensei may have the class do exercises, to start the process of winding down

2. These typically involve push-ups, sit-ups and general strengthening routines. Alternatively, you may run through some Katas Back to top

Relaxation and thanks

1. Finally, the most senior Karateka will tell everyone to line up, and Sensei will turn to face the front of the Dojo. Sensei may at this point invite other black belts to join him/her at the front of the class, particularly if they have assisted Sensei in teaching

2. The senior Karateka will then say 'Seiza', and you should adopt the kneeling position you used in the formal welcome (knees and balls/toes of feet on floor, bottom supported by heels and palms of hands on front of thighs). From this position, allow your insteps/tops of feet to go flat to the floor, place the instep/top of your right foot over the sole of your left foot and sit on your heels. If you find this difficult or uncomfortable, do not overlap your feet

3. When you hear the command 'Mokuso' (meditate), breathe deeply and evenly, allow your body to relax and let your mind become calm and peaceful. Half close your eyes and focus on the floor in front of you. Mokuso will typically last about a minute - and you should aim to complete three or four really long and deep breaths during this time

4. When you hear 'Mokuso Yame' (stop meditating), become alert - but stay in this relaxed kneeling position

5. Next you will hear 'Shomen Ni Rei'. Bow exactly as you did in the formal welcome

6. Sensei will again turn to face the class and you will hear the command 'Sensei Ni Rei'. Bow just as you did in the formal welcome. If Sensei has been joined at the front of the class by other black belts, he/she may add 'Yudansha Ni Rei' (bow to the black belts), in which event do so

7. Sensei (staying in the kneeling position) may now make any formal announcements or give news to the class

8. Finally, Sensei will bow once more and Oss, and may thank the class. As he/she bows and says Oss, do likewise

9. At this point, or as you stand up, it is courteous to say 'thank you' to Sensei. Using the Japanese terms 'Arigato' (thanks) or 'Domo Arigato Gozaimashita' (thank you very much) is also acceptable Back to top

Leaving the Dojo

1. Again, if the Dojo floor needs sweeping or furniture needs to be put back in the right place, do not wait to be asked to help

2. You need to pay Sensei for your lesson before you leave the Dojo. Make sure you have the correct money, and remember to thank Sensei! (This is also a good opportunity to put any general questions to Sensei about future lessons or other issues)

3. As you leave the Dojo, turn to face into the Dojo, then bow and Oss

4. If Sensei or more senior Karateka are leaving at the same time, allow them to go first - at Jin Sei Kai we celebrate the traditions of showing respect and demonstrating humility in our Karate training. Master Funakoshi set 20 guiding principles for all Karateka. The first of these 20 principles is 'do not forget that Karate Do begins and ends with Rei' - Karate Do meaning 'the way of Karate', and Rei in this context meaning 'respect' Back to top