Dojo Etiquette

When entering the DOJO (training hall) students formally must bow in (Rei) acknowledging senior students, instructors and Shomen (the spiritual aspect of the Dojo) and bow in the same manner again when exiting.  This is also done when entering and exiting the main floor for practice.  Bowing is our way of showing respect to the Dojo, its members, the effort and hard work put into the system by those who came before us.  The following formalities are also taught to those students beginning study and commonly practiced.  Those protocols listed below and underlined can be found posted in our Dojo.  Those not underlined are expected to be communicated to students and followed as rules of their own home:

Be proud in your study of Goju Ryu.

Practice courteous manners

Students must bow when entering or leaving the Dojo. Students shall wait to be admitted by the instructor of any given class of by the highest-ranking student attending.

Strive to develop courage and fighting spirit

Cultivate fellowship and understanding by seeing things through others eyes.

Respect the ideals of loyalty, honor and those elders who have come before you.

Students must wear the traditional Uniform (Gi) to all practice sessions.

Your Karate Gi (Uniform) must be clean and in proper order.

If you arrive late for class, you must proceed with your warm-up exercises including push-ups before entering class, must wait until the instructor invites you to do so.

If you must leave early, please advise the instructor as soon as possible.

Please keep finger and toenails short and hair kemp so as not to injure yourself or others.

There is no Kumite (sparring) permitted without the instructor’s permission.

Address Sensei and Shihan as such and by saying “yes Sensei” or “no Sensei”.

Students must not engage idle talk while in the Dojo and should remain attentive at all times.

Students must always be courteous and helpful to each other.

Demonstrate your utmost courtesy in regards to anything that may have matters tied to Karate or to your DOJO, weather during training or not, both on and off premises and especially when representing your Dojo.

Have a clean body and Clear mind before entering the DOJO.

Resolve conflicts before they occur by not allowing them to.

Students must not chew gum or candy, or eat while in the Dojo.

Try to go to the restroom before class begins.  It is also recommended not to eat at least one hour before class.

Refrain from outbursts and comments no matter what it pertains to.

Refrain from violent behavior.

All classes and groups of exercises should begin and end with bowing.

Students should never use their skills, except in self-defense.

Students should take note of the discipline in class regarding rank. And that there is an order of authority as listed in the section RANK.