Dojo Etiquette

• Clean hands and feet with short finger and toenails
• ​No eating or chewing gum
• Clean karate gi - don't roll up cuffs of gi
• Long hair to be tied up
• No watch or jewellery. If rings etc cannot be removed they must be taped to prevent injury to others
• If you arrive late, wait on the side in Seiza for the Instructor to invite you to join the class
• Karateka should stand in grade order in the line, from the highest to lowest grade. When breaking up the line, do so in descending grade order​

• The highest grade recites the Dojo Kun (Maxims) and calls for “rei” (bow)
• Bow and greet the Senior Instructors and karateka personally on your arrival. Bow to Dan grades senior to you in order of seniority (from highest to lowest)
• When sitting, either kneel or cross your legs. Do not sit with legs extended straight out
• Don't be late for class
• Give respect to all karate participants, whatever their grade or age
• Never stand with your hands on your hips or lean against the wall
• Acknowledge the Sensei's instructions with "Oss"
• There should be no idle talking during class. It is disrespectful and distracting to the Sensei and other participants
• When the Sensei is giving an explanation during training, stand quietly and attentively and keep our hands at your side or behind you
• Do not bring food, drinks, or items that might spill, into the Dojo
• The Instructor is always addressed as “Sensei”. The most senior student is addressed as “Sempai"
• When changing partners for an exercise, bow to the previous partner before moving on to the next, and then bow to the new partner
• Senior belts must lead by example to junior belt
• When adjusting your gi or belt, turn away from other people and the front of the dojo