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Dojo Etiquette and rules

DOJO GUIDE STUDENTS & PARENTS; It’s important to Follow the Dojo Guide, be polite and respectful because it affects how people see us.

  • Dojo Rules – Etiquette
  • Bow upon entering and leaving the dojo.
  • Show respect by helping others and keeping the dojo clean.
  • Do not bring food or drinks into the dojo.
  • Address the main instructor as “Sensei” and other teachers as “Sempai.”
  • Arrive on time for classes and inform the Sensei if there is a delay.
  • If late, wait at the door for acknowledgment before joining the class.
  • If leaving early, inform the Sensei beforehand and wait for acknowledgment to leave.
  • Use proper etiquette when unexpectedly leaving the class.
  • Acknowledge the Sensei with respect upon entering the dojo.
  • Show respect to all participants and bow to higher-ranking individuals.
  • Keep your training Gi clean and tidy.
  • Remove shoes before entering the dojo.
  • Avoid chewing gum during class.
  • Maintain short nails and clean hands.
  • Do not wear jewelry during training.
  • Tie back your hair during class.
  • Keep your belt tied properly.
  • Only wear the club T-shirt under your Gi.
  • Wear only karate trousers with nothing underneath.
  • Visitors should avoid interrupting ongoing classes.
  • Avoid unnecessary violence both inside and outside the dojo.
  • Line up quickly at the start of class, according to rank.
  • Refrain from idle talking during class.
  • Show attentiveness when Sensei is giving instructions.
  • Give your maximum effort during training.
  • Observe silence and meditation when called for.
  • Maintain a valid karate license and insurance.
**Dojo Rules and Etiquette**:

Adhering to proper etiquette in the dojo is crucial. Below are the essential guidelines one must observe while practicing karate:

1. **Respect**: Show the utmost respect to your instructors and fellow practitioners at all times. This includes bowing upon entry and exit of the dojo and when addressing your sensei.

2. **Punctuality**: Arrive on time for training sessions. If you happen to be late, wait at the entrance until the sensei grants you permission to join.

3. **Attire**: Wear the traditional karate gi, and ensure it is clean and in good condition. Belts should be tied correctly, reflecting the respect for the art and its traditions.

4. **Focus**: Maintain a serious and focused demeanor during training. Conversations should be kept to a minimum and only relate to training.

5. **Discipline**: Follow the dojo's training structure and commands promptly. Self-discipline is a cornerstone of martial arts.

6. **Cleanliness**: Keep the training area free of obstacles and maintain personal hygiene to respect the shared space and health of all participants.

7. **Integrity**: Practice with integrity, being honest in your efforts and towards others. Avoid dishonest techniques or the concealing of errors during practice.

By observing these rules, you will contribute to a respectful, efficient, and harmonious environment within the dojo.

DOJO GUIDE FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS

Ensure a respectful and focused training environment.

However, it is also meant to serve as a tool for moulding behaviour, so that a true Karateka will fight with words and only employ physical violence as a last resort.

Hair ties back if to long , Nails clean and not to long , Karate Gi clean and Ironed, no jewellery to be warn , no food or drinks to be consumed in the Dojo.

The Dojo Kun is traditionally recited at the end of each lesson but it can be used to begin a class as well.

The class having lined up with the senior student/sempai at the far left of the first line, the students, in descending grade order, line up to his/her right, ensuring that the line or lines are straight by each student looking to their left. The sempai will then call out “Seiza” which asks the class to move to the kneeling position where they will then call out “Mokuso” which is a period of around 20 to 30 seconds given for controlled breathing meditation.

2024 KARATE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

The class will then be instructed to “Mokuso yame” signifying the end of the meditation period. The Dojo Kun is then recited by the students repeating each sentence after the sempai.

The class is then instructed to “Shomen ni rei” meaning to bow and show respect to those who taught and came before us and then the senior student will call out “Sensei ni rei” which asks the class to bow and show respect to the instructor.

Courtesy in Karate

The class is then asked to stand “Ki re tu” with the highest graded belt coming to their feet first followed by the next and then the next until the whole class is once more on their feet.  On  standing  the  sempai will call out “Otagaei ni rei” and the whole class will make a standing bow before leaving the dojo in an orderly fashion. All students and sensei will bow inward towards the dojo when leaving.

DOJO GUIDE FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS

Parents code of practice
Firstly we encourage all parents to teach their child that honest effort is as important as success. 

Secondly, turn disappointment into success by helping your child to work towards skill improvement and to show sportsmanship / respect to all.

Thirdly ..We encourage parents to: 
1. Be encouraging and supportive in regard to their child’s karate lessons, especially in the dojo area; 
2. Respect officials and accept their decisions without question; 
3. Support the sensei/instructor, and assistant instructors/helpers; 
4. Become familiar with the way of karate-do; including never entering the dojo (training area) without the permission of the sensei/instructor;
5. Comply with the rules, policies, and procedures of the club, including those pertaining to commitment to regular training and financial commitment; 
6. Discuss their child’s status within the club at a time mutually agreed upon with the main Sensei .

Grading’s 

To summarize, in order for a pupil to be eligible for a grading, they must attend 20 lessons as determined by the Chief Instructor/Judge.

The summary of the content is that the grading decision for martial arts belts is irreversible, and beginners need at least 12 lessons to earn their first colored belt, whereas advanced students may need more lessons.

Students have the option to attend additional lessons to reach the required 20 lessons between gradings, or they can wait for the next grading. Unlimited lessons are available at all venues except for the advanced class on Wednesdays.

Bullying-Club rules

We have a strict no-bullying policy: If a member is found to be bullying you will recive a warning, if you continue you run the risk of having your membership revoked.

Bullying
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