Customs

Customs

Within our style we are very concerned with how we continue to utilize the Customs that were handed down from Master to Master. The bows we do at the beginning and end of class, the way we hold our glasses when we toast (Kampai) our seniors, how we show respect towards our seniors as well as our juniors and the other customs that we continue to entertain within our system. Within our Customs we have certain Courtesies and Protocols that we follow.

Common Practices

Each Dojo may be a little different in their rules but basically they are all very close. Here are some rules of etiquette that are important to mention:

• All members shall not use profanity in the Dojo
• All members shall remove their shoes before walking on the Dojo floor
• All members shall bow when coming onto the deck and leaving the deck
• All members shall bow to Sensei when entering and leaving the Dojo with the appropriate greeting or sayonara
• Personal cleanliness and hygiene is to be observed at all times
• Keep fingernails and toenails short
• Keep you Gi clean and neat at all times
• Do not criticize other members
• Do not wear rings, jewelry or other metal ornaments onto the Karate deck. (wedding bands are an exception)
• Do not practice while intoxicated
• Do not take soda cans or candy onto the Karate Deck
• No one will be allowed to chew gum during class
• Excessive laughter or loud talking on the Karate deck or in the Dojo will not be permitted
• Always look after your junior and lend a helping hand to those below you in rank and knowledge
• Be on time for class
• The Karate head instructor is to be referred to as Sensei, or Shihan
• Refrain from misusing your knowledge
• A report of any and all fights you engage in must be made to your Sensei within 24 hours or at the next class
• Do not show anyone who is not a club member any Karate techniques, and do not demonstrate Karate in public except in authorized demonstrations
• No one is to teach someone else a kata unless he has the approval of Sensei
• No rank is permanent. Sensei may take it away if he feels you are not living up to the standards of hat rank or if you are not a member in good standing with the dojo
• Do not leave personal belongings, clothing, or uniforms in the Dojo overnight
• No smoking anywhere in the Dojo, ever. (Sensei would like students not to smoke, it hinders your training)
• Signs and periodic postings are to be observed
• If a lower belt is teaching class, they represent Sensei. Give them the proper respect
• Try to promote the true meaning of Karate by developing:
• Health - physical development
• Character - mental development
• Skill - proficiency in contest
• Respect - courtesy in contest
• Humility - never losing sight of your short comings
• Always follow the chain of command when making requests or asking questions. You will save yourself embarrassment and push-ups

Greeting Outside the Dojo

A common mistake outside the dojo is a lot of students tend to think that once they are in their street clothes they don't need to bow or show the respect that they show in the dojo. No matter if you are in the dojo or outside the dojo; the Master is still the Master, the sensei is still the sensei and the sempai is still the sempai and the respect and custom should still be there. The bowing and proper greeting should still be done.

Respect is a 2 way street. Always remember to earn respect one must give respect!