Dojo Etiquette
Toryukai Dojo adopts many of the traditional practices originally established in Japan and still used today in most Japanese Karate dojos. These systems and rules often seem unusual or unnecessary to new students but are nonetheless a critical component of the learning of Karate-do.
Bowing
Karate starts and ends with a bow. Students must always bow prior to entering or leaving the dojo. At the beginning and ending of each class a "formal bow" will be conducted. This is a seated bow (as opposed to a standing bow) consisting of three separate bows.
Shomen-ni
First the students and the instructor will bow to "Shomen". Shomen (literally "the front") represents the history and ancestory of the dojo. When the class bows to Shomen they are paying respect to both their ancestors and the founders of Karate and the dojo in which they are training.
Sensei-ni
Next the instructor will bow to the students, and vice-versa. This is known as "Sensei-ni" (in the direction of the Sensei). This signifies the mutual respect between the student and the teacher.
Otagai-ni
Finally the students and the instructor bow to "Otagai-ni". This represents all participants recognizing their fellow karateka and showing respect for their effort and ability.
Shomen-ni
First the students and the instructor will bow to "Shomen". Shomen (literally "the front") represents the history and ancestory of the dojo. When the class bows to Shomen they are paying respect to both their ancestors and the founders of Karate and the dojo in which they are training.
Sensei-ni
Next the instructor will bow to the students, and vice-versa. This is known as "Sensei-ni" (in the direction of the Sensei). This signifies the mutual respect between the student and the teacher.
Otagai-ni
Finally the students and the instructor bow to "Otagai-ni". This represents all participants recognizing their fellow karateka and showing respect for their effort and ability.
_Attire and Appearance
- All jewelry, watches etc must be removed prior to training.
- Finger and toenails must be trimmed prior to training.
- Shoes and socks must be removed when entering the dojo.
Conduct towards senior students and instructors
- The instructor should always be addressed as "Sensei", even if you may know them personally outside the dojo. Senior and black-belt students should always be addressed as "Senpai" (also spelled "Sempai").
- When approaching the instructor it is proper to bow first, then wait for acknowledgment before asking a question or making a comment.
- When adjusting your uniform or belt, turn and face the corners of the room, do not show your backside to the front of the room or to your Sensei (ever, if possible).
_Behavior During Class
_Do not make excess noise, chew gum, chat, or swear during class. Whether waiting in line for the next exercise or waiting in the back of the room, talking should be kept at a minimum or not at all. There should be no talking if the Sensei is addressing the class. When you hear the command to stop all activity (yame) is given by the Sensei, stop everything you are doing immediately and listen.
Arriving Late or Leaving Early
If arriving late to class please enter "_Seiza" (kneeling position) and perform a single seated bow, then ask for permission to join the class by saying "Oss, onegaishimasu". Remain seated until Sensei acknowledges you and invites you to join the class.
Do not begin until the Sensei has acknowledged you and given permission
for you to join the class. If you need water, a bathroom break, don't
feel well, etc. then bow out and exit the class to the rear of the room.
You do not need to ask permission first. Let the instructor know if you
need to leave the class early, before class begins.