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Why Etiquette is important. |
Entering and exiting the Dojo. |
Lining up for class. |
Being late for class. |
Tidying up your Gi. |
Keeping the Dojo clean and Tidy. |
Class Etiquette. |
Personal Etiquette. |
Sparring Etiquette. |
Social Etiquette. |
Absence from the Dojo. |
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WHY IS ETIQUETTE IMPORTANT? |
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Etiquette
plays an important part in our training in Ken Fude Ryu Karate. It makes
us aware of what is going on around us as well as reminding us of
our responsibility in being part of society. Etiquette is just common
courtesy - a basic feature of life which is noticeably missing from
society today.
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It is also important
to remember that this must not be seen or interpreted as an act
of subservience. You cannot respect others unless you can respect
yourself first. For those who have no difficulty in practising the
dojo etiquette, you must respect others discomfort in practising
some (if not all) of the etiquette rules required in the dojo. Like
acquiring karate techniques, let them progress at their own pace.
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The following rules of etiquette are not a form of servitude.
They are to show your respect for the dojo and the people who train
within it. If you are unsure about any dojo etiquette please ask a
senior member of the dojo. Most of these are based on the
traditional customs of Japan.
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ENTERING AND EXITING THE DOJO |
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Remove outer
clothing (overcoat, hat, gloves, shoes etc) before entering the
dojo floor.
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Bow and "osu"
when entering and exiting the dojo area and dojo floor.
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If higher
graded people enter the dojo with you, you should let them go
first as a sign of respect for their grade. This includes going
in and out of the changing rooms.
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Always "osu"
when a black belt enters the dojo or walks past you as a sign
of respect. This an acknowledgement of their experience and dedication
and, in most cases, for passing on their knowledge to you when
they instruct the class.
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Adhere
to the Sempai/Kohai (Senior/Junior) relationship at all times
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Avoid
addressing Sempai/Sensei/Kyoshi/Shihan/Hanshi/Sosai by their first
name while in the dojo.
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Do not use any equipment (makiwara, shields, weapons, etc.) that
you have not received training on or been specifically told you
may use.
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Support
your dojo, get involved with various programs, events and
activities (newsletter, committees, camps, trips, etc.)
Support your dojo by purchasing the various items that are sold
(tee shirts, bags, videos, supplements, etc.). It helps keep
training costs low.
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LINING UP FOR CLASS |
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When going
onto the dojo floor let your senior go on before you and say "osu"
as you enter the dojo floor.
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Always line
up in grade, according to rank.. If someone is in the same grade
then line up in the order of date graded and then by age (eldest
first).
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When lining
up always ensure that you are not standing ahead of your senior
grade i.e. always make sure your lines are straight.
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When kneeling
for the greet always go onto the left knee first then right. Kyu
grades should not kneel before the black belts.
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PROCEDURE AT THE START OF CLASS:
(to be administered by the most senior rank in attendance)
Announce to line up 1 minute prior to start of class. EVERYONE
lines-up
immediately. As Sempei/Sensei/Kyoshi/Shihan/Hanshi/Sosai faces the
class the commands are as follows:
"Seiza" (formal kneeling position) all rei (bow) and then kneel
(fists on thighs).
"Shinza ni rei" (bow to shrine).
"Mokuso" (close eyes for meditation). Concentrate on your
breathing, prepare
yourself for training.
"Mokuso yame" (stop meditating, open eyes).
"Sempei/Sensei/Kyoshi/Shihan/Hanshi/Sosai ni rei" (bow to
Sempei/Sensei/Kyoshi/Shihan/Hanshi/Sosai) all bow.
"Otagi ni rei" (bow to all), all place fists to the floor and bow.
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CLASS ETIQUETTE |
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If you cannot
train for the whole duration of the class, then arrange with the
instructor of that class to be excused at the requested time.
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The instructor
then will ask you to leave the class at an appropriate time so
that you do not disrupt the class when doing so.
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No talking
in class unless asked. It is a sign of respect that you listen
to the instructor taking the class.
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When moving
to your place during the class always go around the class, never
cut through the middle of a line
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When told
to partner up always partner your senior grade first. If they
have a partner (i.e. their senior grade) then partner your nearest
junior grade.
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When in partners
the junior partner should always be the one to collect and return
the equipment e.g. punching bags. When joining or leaving your
partner always greet and shake hands as a way of thanking him/her
for his/her for the opportunity in working out together.
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When told
to sit down in class sit seiza unless told to sit relaxed.
When addressed in class personally (this includes being corrected)
acknowledge that you have heard by answering osu senpai/sensei.
This
is also a way of appreciating the fact that your instructor has
taken interest in seeing that you do the techniques properly.
There is nothing worse than being ignored in class, especially
when you have been doing the techniques incorrectly.
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When told
to line up do so quickly and in order of grade. · Always
ensure that lines are straight in class.
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Never correct a senior student. (this goes for all grades, for
example, a white belt should not advise a blue belt on technique.
If you have issue with something that is going on, speak to a
black belt privately)
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NEVER
ASK TO BE PROMOTED
You get one warning for this and then it will be a long time
before you receive a promotion if you ask again.There is a clear
timeline that every student must follow before being promoted to
the next rank.
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DO ONLY WHAT YOU CAN.
Upper belts should set an example for the lower belts by adhering
to the rules of the dojo. However, it is not your job to punish or
ridicule a lower belt for breaking them, simply inform or remind
them of the rule.
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BEING LATE TO CLASS |
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Always endeavour
to be at class on time, it disrupts the class when someone is
late. However, there are times when being late is unavoidable
for genuine reasons so being late to class is better than not
being there at all.
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If you are
late, get changed and sit in seiza at the back of the dojo floor.
Ensure that you are facing away from the shinzen but that your
back is not facing the shinzen and wait to be acknowledged to
join the class by the instructor.
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When the
instructor acknowledges you to join the class, answer by saying
osu Hanshi/ Shihan/ Kyoshi/ Sensei/ Senpai. Sometimes, you are told to do a
few press ups before you join the class. This is done as a way
of saying to the rest of the class Im sorry Im
late but Im here now to train hard with you.
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When joining
in, go to your normal place in the line up order.
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TIDYING UP YOUR GI |
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Do so when
told by your instructor.
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If you find
it necessary to tidy up raise your hand and when acknowledged
ask permission to tidy up.
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When tidying
up go down onto your left knee and ensure that you are facing
away from the shinzen but that your back is not facing the shinzen.
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KEEPING THE DOJO CLEAN AND TIDY |
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Dojo comes
from a word meaning place of enlightenment. We respect
this place by keeping it clean and tidy.
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All equipment
and gear should be removed from the dojo floor after the class
and put away.
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The dojo
includes the changing rooms the toilets and the social area.
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These should
be kept clean and tidy at all times.
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The dojo
floor is wiped with rags after every class. It is the responsibility
of the senior kyu grade in the class to start the cleaning of
the floor.
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If you see
a senior doing any cleaning etc offer to help or do the work for
them.
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PERSONAL ETIQUETTE |
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Always keep
your Gi clean and tidy. Repair any rips or tears.
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No jewellery
is to be worn during class as it may injure you or another person.
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Fingernails
and toe-nails should always be kept short.
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SPARRING ETIQUETTE |
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Sparring
gear consists of:
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Gloves
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Mouth
Guard
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Groin
Guard
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Footpads
(toes must be covered)
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When putting
your sparring gear on, do so as quickly and quietly as possible
then return to the dojo floor lining up in one straight line in
order of grade. You should have on all the correct sparring gear
before walking on to the dojo floor.
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If you do
not have on all the correct sparring gear then you should try
to borrow some, failing that you must advise the instructor who
has the discretion to excuse you from the session or allocate
an alternative form of training.
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When told
to partner up always turn to your senior first.
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When joining
or leaving your partner always greet and shake hands to acknowledge
their help during that session.
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In a sparring
situation the senior grade must adjust their level of sparring
to suit their partner. Dojo sparring is not about who is the best.
Instead its is an opportunity to exchange techniques so that everyone
can learn and develop.
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Should you
be tagged with an effective technique it is courtesy to acknowledge
your partner and likewise if you are the one to make the tag,
you must also show courtesy.
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Another important
aspect of sparring etiquette is that you should participate in
the class prior to sparring rather than just turning up just for
sparring. If this is not possible you should ask permission from
the instructor to join in.
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SOCIAL ETIQUETTE |
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Just as etiquette
plays an important part of our training, it is equally important
outside the dojo. The principles and values of Ken Fude Ryu Karate such
as love, respect, obedience, patience and courtesy are all completely
transferable.
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Ken Fude Ryu Karate
is a strict traditional Japanese style and that is why we practise
these traditions today.
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An example
of this is when offering or receiving any object. This could be
a weapon or, in a more social environment, a glass. It is Japanese
tradition to offer or accept using two hands, which demonstrates
trust and openness.
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When addressing
a Black Belt outside the dojo you should call them Senpai/Sensei/Kyoshi/Shihan/Hanshi
unless otherwise told by that person to refer to them on a first
name basis.
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If you notice
one of the seniors waiting in a queue behind you, offer to get
their order.
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When sitting
for a meal or having drinks, it is common courtesy to wait until
Hanshi, Shihan, Kyoshi, Sensei or your head instructor (who ever is present at
the time, has started first).
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ABSENCE FROM THE DOJO |
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If you are
unable to train for a period of time you should let the instructor
know so that he/she is not left wondering if there is a problem.
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Senior students
should make an effort to have your apologies passed on if unable
to make your regular class.
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If you stop
training for three months or more, it is a requirement and a sign
of courtesy to wear a white belt upon your return. You will still
maintain your position in the line up. By wearing your white belt
you acknowledge your absence from the dojo and at the same time
demonstrate your respect to your fellow karateka who have
continued to train during your absence. Hanshi, Shihan, Kyoshi,
Sensei will inform you at the appropriate
time when to begin wearing your coloured belt again.
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Learning
and practising etiquette inside and outside the dojo is as important
as the syllabus you learn, therefore it should be reviewed on
a regular basis.
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