shukokai karate dojo etiquette.pdf

7/28/2019 Shukokai Karate Dojo Etiquette.pdf

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K A R A T E D O J O E T I Q U E T T E

Zen is like a mirror,

you have to look at

yourself and see your

weaknesses in order

to improve

~ Sensei Shigeru Kimura


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Everything you wanted to know about dojoetiquette, but were afraid to ask.

The following is a compendium of Dojo Etiquette.

Etiquette is a collection of details, some small, some not so small. Taken together though,

they make a big difference in our training as well as our everyday life. It is best to aim for a

middle ground: dont be blas about etiquette, but by the same token, you dont need to be

an etiquette fascist. We all have good and bad days and how we behave follows accordingly.

Although at first there will be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will become natural

as you continue to train. Please do not be resentful if you are corrected on a point of etiquette.

In the good old days, dojo etiquette was gained by osmosis. Quite frankly, those that didnt

get it after a while usually didnt last too long in our dojo. These days, the martial arts have

attracted a much more varied group of individuals. Osmosis is just not as good as it used to

be. As you read the following, you will notice that some of the more important details are

highlighted. These highlights are, in our opinion, non-negotiable.

No-one is above the common courtesies expressed in this document. Always remember that

all Karate-ka, whether black belt or beginner, train in the same dojo, on the same floor. All

practice the same techniques and aspire toward the same ideals. Therefore, all are governed

by the same requirements of etiquette...

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, ask your Sensei!

Good etiquette means good manners. As we practice good etiquette,

we work to perfect our humanity.


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BeginningUpon entering & exiting the dojo students should Rei (bow).

When stepping onto or off the mat, students should Rei (bow) with an Oss! (This is to show

our respect for the room and what it entails, that we have come to learn and to teach.)

When a student wants to show understanding or agreement, he or she should respond by

saying OSS.

Upon stepping into the dojo, you should try to leave your problems behind. Training

requires a focused mind. Being aware and using common sense is a precursor to following

proper etiquette.

Always address the Instructor as Sensei.

Never contradict your Sensei in front of others.

If you are late, you should wait until Sensei signals for you to join the class. Bow as you get

on the mat. It is important that you do not disrupt the class in doing so.

On greeting ones Sensei you should Rei (bow).

When bowing to another higher rank, be sure not to look them in the eyes. This is a sign of

disrespect. (Traditional)

When training with an opponent or training partner, both students shall bow simultaneouslybefore and after training.

When lining up, rank order starts with the senior-most student at the front of class, on the

right hand side of the row (as viewed from the Sensei, his or her right). Rank descends to

that persons left, and then similarly through the rows. Generally, other than senior-most

students, there is no seniority within rank (all white belts are equal, all yellow belts, etc).

Respect your training tools. Gis should be clean and presentable. It is very inconsiderate,

particularly in the warmer months, to forgo washing your gi after more than a few classes.

Protective equipment should be functional and provide the safety you expect from them.

The Obi (Belt) should always be treated with respect. While the color of the belt is not so

important, the effort to gain the belt should be remembered and cherished! Your belt should

be aired dry but never washed, as it symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training.

There should be no eating, drinking, or gum chewing on the mat at any time.

No jewelry should be worn during class.


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Excessive use of strong colognes, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions (that can rub off on anoth-

ers gi) should be avoided during practice. (Im afraid this includes Bengay and the such).

Fingernails and toenails must be short, so as to avoid injury to others or oneself. Feet must

be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat.

Long hair should be tied back out of the way.

Before starting practice, go to the toilet. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extremely

dangerous. Try also to remember that it is not good for the body to train on a full stomach,

so avoid eating for at least one hour before class starts.

Students from time to time will be asked to help clean the dojo mat as needed. This is a

great help to Sensei and shows humility and respect for the Dojo and for Sensei. Sensei will

never ask you to do anything he has not already done many times before you!

The facilities at the Dojo (restrooms, drink machine, locker rooms, etc.) should be left in thesame, if not better, condition as they were found upon arriving.

Each student should know his physical condition, stamina, and physical strength. Do not

force yourself to do the impossible. You may not only injure yourself but your training

partner as well. (In kind, the instructor should always observe the physical condition of

each student, taking short breaks during the training period as may be required).

Do not forget to do warm up exercises before practicing, even if you are practicing alone.

TrainingA dojo where people respect each other is key to learning. The teaching and learning is

bi-directional: even though it may seem that Sensei is doing all the teaching, he or she is

still learning from their students as well. This is why we bow to each other.

When an instructor calls for class to begin, line up smartly in rank order. All but new white

belts should know in general where they need to stand. It should take seconds to line up.

When asked to proceed to a position for some reason during training, always move as quickly

as possible - do not stroll!

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a cold, an injury or whatnot, try to work

through it. Part of the challenge of any martial art is working through what you think your

limits are. Listen to your body and use common sense in these instances. If you have

something contagious, your fellow karate-ka will appreciate your absence. If you are

injured, or in pain, you need to back off and allow your body to heal. Let Sensei know

beforehand if you are not up to 100% of your game.


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If you are injured during class and are unable to continue, try to stay in the dojo and bow

out with the class when it is over.

Questions during class should be directed to Sensei at an opportune moment. Try not to

disrupt class in doing so. On the other hand, you may find very often that other students

are keenly interested in the same questions you may have. If class is very busy, senior blackbelts can also answer questions or simply defer your question until end of class.

Generally speaking, Sensei is the only person who should be instructing students unless he

or she expressly directs others to do so! Just because you may outrank another student, or if

you hold a rank of black belt, this does not entitle you to instruct others!

When listening, unless instructed otherwise, students should stand in the Yoi (ready)

position. Your attention should be towards the speaker.

Do not fold your arms in the Dojo. This is taken as a sign of disrespect.

In general, a senior person should be aware of a junior persons abilities and modify working

with them accordingly to keep things safe. Executing techniques that may involve contact

requires the utmost control. Good communication between you and your partner is vital.

Just because youre junior doesnt mean that there isnt half the burden of communicating

with your partner on you.

Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness or, if permitted, to

drink water. (Water is important! Do not let yourself get too dehydrated). If you need to

leave the mat for a drink or to go to the restroom, do so quickly and return as soon as possi-

ble, dont hang around the water cooler.

If you must leave class early, make sure you inform your instructor. Do not just disappear.

When straightening your gi, always turn around and face the back of the class.

When an instructor yells YAME (STOP), this means that you and your partner should STOP

immediately!

At all times you should respect the founders teachings (Shihan Kimura) as interpreted and

taught by your Sensei.

It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class directs the training.

Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for training sincerely and to the best of your

ability. There is no room for argument on the mat.

Never stand around idly on the mat unless you are listening intently to instruction. You

should be practicing, or if necessary waiting your turn.

If you have a question for Sensei during class, go to him or her, never call them over. Bow

respectfully and wait for their acknowledgement.


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When Sensei is instructing another student, you may stop your practice to watch. It is

important for you not only to learn the technique being taught but also how your Sensei

conducts the instruction. Some day you too will teach others.

If you know the technique being studied and you are working with someone who does not,

you may lead the person through it, but do not assume the role of the instructor. You arehere for practice, do not force your ideas on others. At the same time, respect those who

are more experienced.

Always train within the ability of your partner. Do not practice so as to injure your partner.

You are both responsible for each other.

Be aware at all times of those around you. Train to develop awareness in all directions.

If you are ever unsure of what to do in a particular situation ask a senior student or simply

follow their lead.

The strength of martial art is not just muscular force. Of equal importance is flexibility,

timing, control and modesty. Be aware of your limitations as well as your shortcomings.

Dont say any words when you kiai. You should not shout Kiai. Kiai is a Japanese term that

is a compound of ki meaning mind, will, or spirit and ai roughly signifying to unite. It is a

short yell that martial artists shout before or during a fight or technique. It is usually linked

to the inner amassing of energy released in a single explosive focus of will. You can see how

silly it is to actually shout kiai

Kiai is used for:n A psychological effect on your opponent.n A psychological effect on yourself, so-called pumping yourself up.n To provide an escape route for exhalation of air.n To keep air pressure in your body balanced (holding your breath while taking impact

from a kick, punch or the ground can cause injury.).n To rapidly contract the transverse abdominals and other core muscle to provide support

for striking techniques and protection to the internal organs.

Dont be afraid to kiai! In general, people tend to kiai too softly rather than too loudly. If you

have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder as well. The overall tone of a classis set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai.

When the instructor calls for Mokuso! (meditation), close your eyes, breathe deeply from the

lower stomach, concentrate on the tanden (lower abdomen), and try to achieve concentration.

When you use the training equipment, handle it with care. Be sure to put it back in the

correct place after using it.


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Never practice Kumite (sparring) unless an instructor is present. When practicing Kumite

with a black belt, do your very best, but show respect for the rank. If you think you can go

harder then do so, but remember that they have your lower rank in mind while they are

sparring, and so will not be fighting their hardest.

The instructor, whoever it may be, should be treated with the respect that you yourselfwould expect as common courtesy. If you cannot find it in you to show respect to a person

who is taking their time to teach you, then you do not belong in a karate dojo. Never ques-

tion his/her direction; never speak in class unless asked by the instructor. Such obedience

develops a bond of trust between the instructor and student, which improves mutual

receptivity, simplifying and speeding the learning process.

Notify Sensei if you plan to miss any or all scheduled classes.

Any time your Sensei or a higher rank offers to help you, always accept and listen closely

with great enthusiasm and proper respect.

Before beginning a Kumite match it is proper to rei (bow) to your opponent. Before the

match begins the student should bow to the referee first, then to the opponent. When the

match is over the student should bow to the opponent first then the referee.

It is never appropriate to look a higher ranking judge or your Sensei in the eye in a threat-

ening manner, even in Kata performance. This is very rude, remember your Senseis skill

level and strength. This is not someone you want to threaten but always treat with the

utmost respect.

DO NOT EVER ask when you will be promoted to a higher (belt) level. This shows great

disrespect and can only add time to the length of your next promotion.

Remember that you are constantly being tested. When you are ready you will receive your

reward and be advanced forward only by your individual efforts and merit when your

Sensei sees you are ready. No one takes greater pleasure in presenting you with your

deserved promotion to a higher level than that of your Sensei. This also assures that you

are ready to grow into this rank and obtain additional knowledge that goes with the level

of achievement.


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TraditionTradition has played an important role throughout the hundreds of years that it has taken for

the martial arts to develop. One of the oldest traditions is KATA. Since as early as the 600 A.D.,

kata has been passed down from master to student. These pre-arranged set of movements,

which are supposed to represent combat, are one of karates most important traditions.

Another important tradition which has been passed down throughout the years is RESPECT.

As karate practitioners, we show respect in the form of BOWING.

While in the kneeling position, a person bows with the left hand first. This tradition has

existed since the days of the samurai. The left hand was used first so that the right hand

would be free to grasp the Samurai sword if needed. This tradition also carries over when

standing. When getting up from the kneeling position the right leg is used first, so that if a

Samurai was being attacked, his sword could be drawn without cutting his leg off.

Though the belt systems have changed slightly, they have become an important traditionin karate. Punching, kicking, sparring, and the use of the kiai have all become important

traditions that have been passed down throughout the years. Being able to punch at an

opponent is easy, but to be able to use full power and be able to pull it to within just a

fraction of a inch is not as easy. So, it is this tradition of using control with power that

makes karate look so impressive. The use of the kiai has also become an important tradition.

It is said that someone who has mastered the kiai can scare their opponent to death simply

with the scream alone. Now whether these ancient stories are true or not may never been

known, but the fact is that kiai has become an important part of martial arts tradition

throughout the world.

INTENT: or no intent. If you punch someone in the nose, or break a rib, it doesnt help tosay, I didnt intend to do that, sorry. No intent, was really a lack of attention. Stay focused!

RANK: Does not confer privilege or power. It imposes responsibility!

RUDENESS: Talking while your instructor is speaking, folding your arms, wearing jewelry,

yawning, are all considered rude!

A formal dress code is maintained, and the uniform should be kept clean and complete at

all times. Appearance is an essential element to portraying and projecting an image of

competence and self confidence, especially when there is no opportunity for verbal com-munication. Everyone wearing the same uniform and functioning together under the same

rules of etiquette is a silent but tangible and constant example of harmony.

The repetition of pre-set movements during a workout are a practical form of meditation, as it

forces the mind to focus on the task at hand until the movements become almost unconscious.

The goal of every true martial artist must be to achieve this state of inner peace and harmony,

which permits the mind to perceive, understand, and improve upon the reality inherent in


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lifes influences with clarity and independence of action. All other goals, including quests for

material wealth, power, prestige, social status, and even love, could ultimately prove false and

hollow without it, as a person can gain all of these things and still not have peace of mind.

In a combat situation, preoccupation with emotions, motives like vengeance, worries about

self image, fear of failure or injury or even personal survival are all paralyzing obstacles toappropriate action. It is important to guard against the natural human tendency to fall victim

to emotional suggestions, subjective impressions, and seeing things as you want them to

be rather than as they are. Conversely, it is dangerous to focus your mind too much on the

attitude your rival, or even a leader, may assume, for such posturing may be deliberately

designed to be misleading. The goal is to train until it is possible to remain undisturbed by

any situation, even one that may be life threatening, as if nothing critical is happening.

1. Never tire of learning, anywhere, any time; this is the secret of knowledge. Be eager to askquestions and learn. Appreciate the thrill of learning.

2. Be willing to sacrifice for the art and the instructor. Respect the skills you are learning,and the efforts it took to bring them to you.

3. Always be loyal to the instructor and the teaching methods. If you disagree with anyprocedure or technique, discuss it privately with the instructor.

4. Practice what you learn and try to perfect your techniques to the best of your abilities.This includes spare time in the gym, and regularly doing conditioning exercises at home

on off days.

5. Discard any techniques you have learned from another school if your instructordisapproves of it.

6. Always set a good example for lower belts. Be aware that they will try to emulatesenior students.

7. Help other students to learn and succeed. Recognize that you are all members of a stronggroup sharing common goals and interests.

8. Remember your conduct inside and outside the gym reflects upon the art and theinstructor. Keep in mind that you can not discard your responsibility for the martial artsskills which you have learned, wherever you go.

We hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you put it to good use.

Oss!


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S H U K O K A I T E R M I N O L O G Y JAPANESE ENGLISH

OSS GREETING/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

YOI READYKAMAE-TE FIGHTING STANCE

ZANSHIN AWARENESS

KUMITE SPARRING

JODAN UPPER

CHUDAN MIDSECTION

GEDAN LOWER

GERI KICK

SHUTO OPEN HAND (KNIFE HAND)

URAKEN BACK FIST

GYAKU-ZUKI REVERSE PUNCH

OI-ZUKI STEP OVER PUNCH

MAEKEN-ZUKI FRONT HAND PUNCH

MAEGERI FRONT KICK

MAWASHIGERI ROUND HOUSE KICK

SOKUTOGERI SIDE KICK

USHIROGERI BACK KICK

ASHIBARAI FOOT SWEEP

GEDAN BARAI LOWER BLOCK

SHUTO UKE KNIFE HAND BLOCK

CHUDAN UKE MIDSECTION BLOCK

JODAN UKE UPPER BLOCK

SANCHIN DACHI PIGEON TOE STANCE

SHIKO DACHI HORSE STANCE

ZENKUTSUDACHI

NEKOASHIDACHI

FORWARD STANCE

CAT STANCE

COUNTING

ICHI

NISAN

SHI

GO

ROKU

HICHI

HACHI

KU

JU

KATA

PINAN -SHODAN

PINAN-NIDAN

PINAN-SANDAN

PINAN-YONDAN

PINAN-GODAN

JINN

MATSUKAZE

BASAI-DAI

SHIHOKOSOKUN

ANNANKO

SEINCHIN

SEIPAI

SUPAREMPA

NIPAPO


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w w w . s h u k o k a i . c o m

TENAFLY SHUKOKAI KARATEn

83 N h S i S T fl NJ 07670n

201 569 5200

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