Discipline is a major part of traditional karate training. It is vital that each student develops a good, humble, respectful character. To ensure that everyone enjoys and gets the most benefit from their training, it is important that the following rules are adhered to at all times:

• Above all, always respect your sensei (teachers) and sempai (seniors). In addition to this, you should also extend your respect to all other participants who share the dojo with you.

• Always be polite and courteous.

• Refrain from loud speech and arguments inside the dojo.

• Keep your body, gi (training suit) and the dojo clean.

• Remember to remove any jewellery etc, before training begins.

• Use discretion when explaining techniques/concepts to members of the public and do not under any circumstance degrade the reputation of the dojo.

• Do not smoke or drink alcohol inside the dojo.

• Follow all instructions from your teacher with full spirit and enthusiasm.

• Always bow when entering or leaving the dojo.

• Safety is paramount. Always have your partner’s welfare in mind when practicing together. Remember that you are responsible for the safety of yourself and of all others.

• Always be friendly, helpful and willing.

• Last but not least…enjoy your training!

 

Dojo Kun
To direct the mind and create a common goal for the dojo:

"Strong spirits are forged within the raging flames of relentless effort
and tempered through the stillness of a tranquil mind" 

 

At the start and end of every class, a kneeling bow is always performed. Meditation (Mokosu) is usually performed here as well, but can alternatively be conducted at any time during the class. The commands and sequence of the kneeling bow are detailed below:

• Kiritsu (Stand to attention)

• Seiza (Kneeling)

• Mokosu (Meditation) if being conducted – also physically signified by two ‘claps’ of the hands

• Mokosu yamate (End of meditation) if being conducted – also physically signified by two ‘claps’ of the hands

• Shomen ni rei (Bow to the front of the dojo)

• Sensei ni rei (Bow to the teacher)

• Otagi ni rei (Bow to all assembled)

• Kiritsu (Stand to attention)

• Tate rei (Standing bow)

It is common practice for the most senior student in the class to call each command.

Shomen ni rei: Performed as a sign of respect to the founding masters of karate and those inspirational figures that have come before us.

Sensei ni rei: Students bow to their instructor (sensei) and the instructor, in turn, bows to his/her students. If the regular instructor is not present then this bow will be termed ‘sempai ni rei’ to the senior student. As each student bows at the start of the lesson they say in Japanese, "onegaishimasu" or, "please teach us/if you please”. During the etiquette at the end of the class, each student says "domo arigato Gozaimasu" or, "thank you for teaching us". In this instance, the teacher then replies with, "gokurosan" or "thank you for doing what is expected of you".

Otagi ni rei: Students bow to all fellow students. The instructor stays seated since this bow is for students only.

 

Rei Ni Hajimari Rei Ni Owaru
(Do not forget that karate begins and ends with courtesy)

Master Gichin Funakoshi's first guiding principle.