Tradition • Respect • Discipline • Character

Karate etiquette is much more than a collection of rules. It teaches respect—for yourself, your instructors, your fellow students, the Dojo, and the generations of martial artists who came before you.

At The Karate Dojo, we maintain traditions and standards that have been passed from teacher to student for generations. Students are not expected to know everything when they begin. You are expected to listen, learn, make corrections, and always give your best effort.

Respect is demonstrated through actions.

When Must I Bow?

Bowing is a traditional sign of respect. Students should bow:

• When entering or leaving the Dojo.
• When entering or leaving the training floor.
• When instructed by Sensei or the class leader, traditionally at the beginning and end of class.
• Before sitting in Seiza or Anza when instructed.
• When acknowledging instruction or correction.
• When greeting or formally addressing a Blackbelt when appropriate.

A bow is not a sign of submission. It is an acknowledgement of respect, tradition, and gratitude.

How Do I Address Sensei, Blackbelts, and Instructors?

Sensei should always be addressed as “Sensei” or “Sir.” These titles of respect should also follow your response when answering Sensei.

The title Sensei does not disappear when class ends. Students traditionally address Sensei by his title outside the Dojo as well.

Blackbelts should be addressed respectfully as “Sir,” “Ma’am,” “Mr. [Last Name],” or “Ms. [Last Name].”

Our younger students are taught these habits early because we believe learning to respectfully address adults, instructors, and one another is part of developing character.

How Do Classes Operate?

Students may stretch or prepare for class only in designated areas. Do not enter a training floor without permission from an instructor.

Your instructor will explain how the class should line up. Students traditionally line up according to rank and seniority.

If you arrive late, remain quietly near the entrance to the training floor until an instructor gives you permission to join the class.

Students should remain attentive whenever Sensei or another instructor is teaching. Talking, unnecessary movement, or distracting others while instruction is being given is disrespectful to both the instructor and your fellow students.

Unless instructed otherwise, do not turn your back toward your instructor while being addressed. If you need to adjust your Gi or belt, respectfully turn away while doing so.

Give 100% effort. This applies to Karate training, conditioning, fitness, Kata, basics, Self-Defense, and everything else we do.

You will have difficult days. You will become tired. You will become frustrated. You will make mistakes.

Keep going.

Do not use class time to discuss personal matters, rank advancement, scheduling, billing, or other administrative issues with Sensei. Please speak with our office staff or schedule an appropriate time to talk.

Uniforms & Equipment

Your uniform represents both you and your Dojo. Wear it with pride.

Students should wear the approved The Karate Dojo uniform designated for their program or class unless Sensei or an instructor directs otherwise.

Uniforms should always be clean, neat, and properly worn.

Traditional Gi pants should be appropriately hemmed and never rolled. When wearing a traditional Gi jacket, sleeves should also be properly hemmed rather than rolled.

Your belt should be tied correctly and neatly. Learning to properly and efficiently tie your own belt is part of your Karate training.

Students should not wear their Karate belt outdoors unless participating in an approved outdoor class, demonstration, competition, or Dojo event.

If you need to adjust your uniform or belt during class, turn away from Sensei or the instructor while doing so.

Certain classes, seasons, events, or training sessions may have different uniform requirements. Sensei will communicate those expectations when appropriate.

Fighting & Safety Equipment

As students advance, additional training equipment may be required.

For sparring, students must have all safety equipment required by The Karate Dojo for their age and program. Students may not participate in sparring without the required protective equipment.

Students are responsible for keeping their equipment clean, safe, properly fitted, and ready for class.

All uniforms, weapons, and required training equipment must meet The Karate Dojo’s standards.

Weapons Training

Weapons are introduced only when Sensei determines that a student has reached the appropriate level of training, maturity, and responsibility.

Never ask to learn a weapon simply because another student is learning one.

When weapons become part of your curriculum, treat them seriously and respectfully. Horseplay with a weapon will never be tolerated.

Students participating in weapons training should bring the appropriate weapons to class when instructed.

Will I Have to Do Push-Ups?

Yes.

Physical exercises—including push-ups, squats, laps, and other conditioning—have always been part of Karate training at The Karate Dojo.

Sometimes they are conditioning. Sometimes they reinforce attention, discipline, accountability, or attention to detail. Sometimes the entire class may do them together.

Making a mistake is not something to fear.

Failing to learn from the mistake is the problem.

When corrected by Sensei or a Blackbelt, students should respond respectfully, make the correction, and continue training.

No arguing. No excuses.

Learn. Improve. Move forward.

Can I Leave My Gi or Equipment at the Dojo?

Students participating in designated Kamp programs may have assigned areas for uniforms and Karate equipment.

All other students should take their uniforms, weapons, and equipment home after training unless permission has been given to leave something at the Dojo.

The Karate Dojo cannot be responsible for personal equipment left behind.

What About Private Karate Lessons?

Private lessons may be available and should be scheduled through the office.

Private instruction is dedicated training time between an instructor and student. Please do not interrupt a private lesson unless there is an emergency.

A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER ASK

DO NOT ASK ABOUT RANK.

Do not ask when you are testing, when you will receive your next belt, or why another student holds a particular rank.

Your job is to train. Our job is to determine when you are ready.

Rank at The Karate Dojo is earned—not simply given because enough time has passed.

DO NOT ASK TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

There is always another Kata, technique, weapon, combination, or skill waiting ahead.

Be patient.

Sensei and your instructors will teach you what you need when you are ready to learn it.

Master what is in front of you first.

DO NOT ASK SENSEI OR A BLACKBELT TO “PERFORM.”

A Blackbelt is not there to entertain you or prove what he or she can do.

Watch when they teach. Ask thoughtful questions when invited. Learn from them.

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS.

Karate will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

There may be moments of frustration, disappointment, exhaustion, or even tears. Learning to manage those emotions is part of training.

If you become overwhelmed, respectfully ask permission to step away, regain your composure, and return when you are ready.

THE STANDARD

Respect yourself.

Respect your fellow students.

Respect your instructors.

Respect your Sensei.

Respect the Dojo.

Respect Karate.

Our standards are intentionally high. You will be challenged to accomplish things you may not initially believe you can do.

You will sometimes be uncomfortable.

You will sometimes struggle.

You will sometimes fail.

And then you will learn to stand back up and try again.

That is part of becoming a martial artist.

We are not interested in simply helping students wear a belt. We want them to become the kind of people worthy of what that belt represents.

Train hard. Be humble. Show respect. Set the example.

And above all—

#NEVERGiveUp – EVER.