Dojo Etiquette For Beginners
Learning dojo etiquette for beginners is one of the important things to learn. When you began your martial arts journey. Each and every dojo should be treated like a unique place where its practitioners should hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior. Whenever or whatever you martial arts you train in, you should follow certain etiquette and manners called Reigi in Japanese. Each Dojo has its rules, of what you can and can’t do in the Dojo.
The Dojo is a place where you learn to develop both the techniques and the spirit of martial arts . The goal of any martial arts is to develop a strong discipline and building a good character, through the application of proper etiquette. As an example here is a guide on proper etiquette you will observe in a typical Karate Dojo.
WHAT IS KARATE DOJO ETIQUETTE FOR BEGINNERS ?
Training in Karate is a serious matter, requiring serious commitment and effort, but also seriousness of attitude and behavior.
Governing one’s behavior is a central concept in all of the Japanese culture, and especially in the martial arts. Students should participate enthusiastically in class, doing the very best they can do.
Etiquette in the Karate class is where it all begins, and it represents the rules indicating the proper and polite way to behave both inside and outside the Dojo.Traditionally, those rules were not written, and new Karate students were expected to learn proper conduct by observing other students.
Etiquette varies from Karate Dojo to Dojo, but the points below should give you an understanding of etiquette within a traditional Karate Dojo.
UNDERSTANDING REIGI
Reigi is steeped within the Japanese culture, and especially throughout Traditional Martial Arts Dojo’s. These principles are all based around respecting your sensei, higher ranking belts, dojo and equipment. However, in practice it is not as simple as this. Every action has a prescribed method, and any failure to adhere to this behaviour may be taken as poor behaviour or disrespect.
Nevertheless, as martial artist practitioners we all endeavour to follow Reigi to the best of our abilities and strive for continuous improvement. We should lead by example to the lower ranks and treat each-other with the same respect and courtesy as ourselves would want to be treated. Reigi is the very cornerstone of how we should all conduct ourselves not only in martial arts, but also in our everyday lives.
Without this Reigi our martial arts would really become just like any other physical activity. Yes you would achieve the physical benefits, but you would end up lacking the character and depth that this very principle offers. Understanding dojo etiquette for beginners develops structured discipline. Then we become more familiar with the concepts that are being taught. Also, by taking this idea into everyday life it’s greatly beneficial in making us a better people as a whole. This is one reason why parents enrol their children in martial arts classes. Unfortunately, it a skill that can be overlooked in some schools and also in life.
WHY IS KARATE ETIQUETTE SO IMPORTANT ?
On the surface, Karate etiquette might only appear to be just about good manners and politeness. It is, but it’s actually more profound than that. Naturally, etiquette gives us protocol and an orderly way to behave in a martial arts class. As it teaches us respect and courtesy, but realistically etiquette is about training your mind.
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Provide a Structured Environment
At the basic level, etiquette gives us a set of rules to run a functioning class. Especially if you are training younger students. There has to be a certain level of rules or structure for practitioners to follow in order to ensure a safe and engaging class environment.
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Show Respect
Etiquette helps us treat others with respect, consideration, and dignity. It is a way by which we can practice sincere gratitude and manifest our honest desire to learn.
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Develop Mindfulness
More than being just a set of actions, etiquette is a state a mind that cultivates mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way to do things mindfully, both in and out of the Dojo. It inspires us to put our heart and soul in every technical skill, in every emotion. While also being able to fully experience each and every moment.
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Promotes Self-Discipline
By applying etiquette in various ways like following rules and developing good manners. Each practitioner learns to control themselves, while also showing integrity. Self-discipline is a skill that is useful in both martial arts and life in general.
PRIOR TO TRAINING
Before you even arrive at the dojo for your martial arts class, it’s important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically. This preparation isn’t just about getting ready for an intense class, but also about embracing the protocols and respect inherent in karate’s tradition. Knowing and following dojo etiquette is essential. It shows respect for the art, your instructor and also your fellow practitioners. Let’s explore the key steps you should take before setting foot in the dojo, ensuring a respectful and enriching karate experience. This is key in understanding dojo etiquette for beginners.
GI ( UNIFORM)
Taking care of your Karate-gi or uniform is part of the spiritual practice of all martial arts . Your Gi should be clean, neat, and folded correctly. You never want to attend class with a wrinkled uniform.
If you have any tears or holes in your uniform, you have to repair them. Don’t show up with a ripped gi. Don’t wear a shirt under your uniform, unless your instructor has allowed this in your own dojo. Remember each dojo has its own rules. You should always check this when joining. If you’re a woman, a sports bra can be worn under the gi. You should never throw your belt and should avoid fiddling with it, as it is a symbol of your inner spirit.
In some countries the unless you for training events outside the Dojo, uniforms and belts should not be worn outside of the Dojo. And for younger practitioners, only Gi’s without belts may be worn to and from class.
PERSONAL HEALTH (DOJO ETIQUETTE FOR BEGINNERS)
We should all be practicing good personal hygiene both at the Dojo and in our daily life. Your fingernails and toenails should be trimmed, without sharp edges to avoid hurting anyone. You should make sure that you wash your hands before and after class. If you happen to have smelly feet, apply some antiperspirant or deodorant.
When you have a cut or a wound, cover it with an adhesive bandage. If you have long hair, it should be neatly tied up. To avoid the risk of injuries, jewelry (necklaces, rings, etc.) should not be worn during class. Don’t wear strong fragrances, perfumes, or colognes as it can bother your classmates.
INSIDE THE DOJO ?
Karate was never meant to become a sport. It is a discipline for training the mind, body, and spirit. The correct attitude of respect, sincerity and the proper atmosphere are essential to the learning process. Martial art etiquette and Dojo’s rules are essential to ensure the safety of each and every practitioner.
PROPER BEHAVIOUR
Your Karate Dojo is a sacred place where you learn and develop your technical skills. Having the proper attitude and behavior is important in creating a positive and healthy atmosphere. Here some of the most important dojo etiquette for beginners rules.
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Arrive on time
You should arrive to training on time and be both mentally and physically ready. Arriving late to class is both disruptive and discourteous. Punctuality is essential not only to yourself but also to the entire class. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before class begins allows you plenty of time to change clothes. Specifically if you are coming straight from work. Also arriving early gives enough time to prepare yourself mentally for the training.
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If you are running late
Students who do arrive late for a class. Should quickly stand and wait patiently at the edge of the training floor until welcomed to join the class by the Sensei. Don’t hesitate to go to a class even if you are running late. As it’s better in the long run to attend a part of a class, than miss a class altogether.
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No shoes in the Dojo
You should remove your shoes upon entering the Dojo. Shoes are not worn on the Karate training floor. This is done for both security and as part of tradition. You should only be barefoot during training, unless there is a medical issue requiring you to wear footwear. Shoes should also be neatly placed on a shelf or in the designated spot
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In the changing room
Before class if you need to change, put your belongings neatly and together at the designated place. You should only speak quietly in the changing room, so you do not disturb any classes that maybe in progress . Please, turn your mobile phones off or onto silent mode to avoid distracting the class in case you receive an incoming call.
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Take it seriously
Maintaining an attitude appropriate for practice is mandatory. You don’t need to be deadly serious, you should enjoy your time at the Dojo. However, everybody should work hard and gives its best of your ability.
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Be attentive
Pay attention to what is going on in the Dojo, learning how to remain focused is part of your training. When your sensei is showing a combination or if you are waiting for others to finish their kata. Take the time to observe, as this is also a great way to learn. Practitioners should try not to distract themselves or others from the focus that your training deserves.
- No eating or drinking
Don’t drink and eat on the training mat, unless you partake in a seminar or event where you were told to do so. Only drink or eat in the designated areas.
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Body posture
practitioners should maintain the correct posture, keeping their bodies upright position. Regardless if you are practicing your techniques, sitting, or waiting for your sensei’s next command. Never cross your arms, put your hands on the hips or squirm. Practitioners should never lean against walls, lie down on the floor, or sit with legs sprawled out (unless stretching).
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Movements in the Dojo
In more traditional karate dojo’s you should avoid walking in front of other practitioners or your sensei. You should go behind them as much as possible. If you are unable to do this, bow before passing in front of them. If you need to go to the bathroom at anytime during training, ask permission first. If permission is granted, make sure you bow before leaving the mat, and then bow once again when you return to training.
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Leaving the class
If you need to leave early for any reason during training, look at your Sensei and bow. When permission is granted to leave, bow again and proceed to collect your belongings calmly and promptly. Then exit the Dojo silently. If you need to re-enter during class, bow and look at your Sensei. This will indicate that you want permission to rejoin the class.
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Talking during class (dojo etiquette for beginners)
There should be no talking while your sensei is giving instructions or explaining a new technique. You should not be talking while training or practicing drills with your partner or group. If you have to speak (to get assistance if you are struggling applying a new technique ), make sure you do it quietly. Talking loudly will disturb other students who are actively trying to learn. Any social conversation should be saved for after class has been dismissed. No swearing is allowed in a Dojo.
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Self-control
Students should never lose their temper during training. One should train with intensity but without anger or hostility. There is no place for ego in the Dojo.
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Bowing before and after entering the Dojo
Bowing is a sign of reverence and humility. Upon entering the Dojo, bow respectfully to show reverence for the place of learning. Bow with your heart and soul, not mechanically or as a formality. Taking a moment to bow sincerely as you enter the Dojo also prepares your mind for the training. Bowing gives you the opportunity to make a separation between the busy outside life (noise, traffic, crown, etc.) and focusses your mind in the now. Upon entering the Dojo, leave your problems or worries at the door. When leaving the Dojo bow again.
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Uniform etiquette
Make sure that your gi is clean, and wear it properly. Your outer appearance is a direct reflexion of your inner self. Gi tops must be of the appropriate size and must be worn with the left lapel folding over the right one. Your belt should be tied below the navel in a proper, firm, square knot. During the summer months, your Sensei may allow students to wear a t-shirt and gi pants instead of the full uniform.
BEGINNING AND ENDING OF TRAINING
In karate and a lot of other martial arts the beginning and ending of training is built on courtesy, respect, and mindfulness. So let’s look at few examples dojo etiquette for beginners.
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Lining up
When your Sensei says “let’s begin” or “Line up”, make a straight line facing the front of the Dojo. Some Dojo asks students to lineup according to ranks, while others don’t. Stand properly with your arms along your body. Your uniform and belt should be in the correct position and you should be facing to the front of the class quietly.
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Seiza or kneeling time
This is not something my dojo ever practiced. But a lot of the more traditional schools practice this way. If your Sensei calls “Seiza”, you are supposed to slowly get down in seiza position, so that knees are aligned with the person next to you. You should form a straight line. Keep your back straight and maintain the posture. Do not talk, waiting patiently for the next instruction.
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Bowing
It can be different in your Dojo, but traditionally at the beginning and the end of a class, you bow three times. The first bow is “Shomen ni rei!”. Both the sensei and practitioners bow to the front of the room. This bow means everyone is bowing as a sign of respect to the founder of the art and the ancient Masters. The 2nd bow is “Sensei ni rei!”, practitioners bow to the Sensei. finally the 3rd bow is “Otagai ni rei”. This is where the sensei and practitioners bow to each other, simultaneously. It is a way of showing our appreciation to everyone for being present and helping us on our journey.
ETIQUETTE DURING TRAINING
Bowing to a training partner shows an intention to train hard, to empower ourselves but also to assist our training partner, without any intention to physically injure them physically or emotionally.
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After Sensei’s instruction
Right after your sensei has finished giving instruction, showing a new technique or a combination. You should politely bow towards them. If you practice a Japanese martial arts , you answer with “Oss” as you bow. In Okinawa and Okinawan styles of martial arts, you would answer “Hai”.
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When working with a partner
Every single time you have to do partner work in training, whether it’s for basics, kumite or other training, you bow at each other as a sign of respect.
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End of Training
At the end of the training, you should line up just as you did at the beginning of the class. Take a deep, take a deep breath and let go of any fatigue and tiredness.
PARENTS OR VISITORS ETIQUETTE?
In most dojo parents and visitors are welcome to share the experience. But must adhere to dojo etiquette by watching the class quietly and as not to distract the practitioner’s. This especially important if this with the younger students.
Please remember to not talk to your child during training. If you feel there is an issue you need to be address. Then please wait until class is over and discuss with the Sensei in private. Also just like all the practitioners inside the dojo. Please don’t forget to turn off or mute your mobile phone.
FINAL THOUGHTS TO DOJO ETIQUETTE FOR BEGINNERS
Remember that all martial arts regardless of where in the world or what style you practice. Executing the proper etiquette is all about respect, humility and common sense.
An old karate master once said, “Karate starts and ends with respect”. Which means showing respect for all those who have gone on the journey of self discovery. Karateka’s of both past and present and also having respect for yourself. Without respect, you cannot train to your full potential.
The easiest way to learn etiquette is to observe your Sensei and Sempai. In order to obtain the substantial benefits of martial arts, each practitioner has to embrace the fundamental principles of etiquette and then intertwine these principles into your everyday life.
Without etiquette or respect, we would just be a bunch of people kicking and punching each another. By instilling the values of etiquette, we are all working together, as comrades and partners, to develop not only our martial arts but also ourselves.