Dojo Etiquette

Many of the things we do in the dojo we do for a reason, the dojo etiquette was designed to help you with your training and to understand Karate . The etiquette consists of common sense, plain good manners and old traditions. There are also many unwritten rules that we have to learn by observing other students, this way you develop by using your own initiative and common sense.

·         Students will bow and say "OSU" upon entering and leaving the dojo.

·         Proper respect will be shown to all senior belts and elders.

·         Prior to addressing a senior belt, students will bow and say "OSU".

·         No shoes are to be worn on the dojo floor.

·         Students will warm up with a minimum of noise before classes.

·          Black belts will be addressed in the following manner:
    SHIHAN 5th. Dan and above
    SENSEI 3rd. and 4th. Dan
    SEMPAI 1st. and 2nd. Dan

·         Do not address an instructor by their first name .

·         No student will leave the class without permission from the instructor.

·         Only a clean white gi (uniform) will be worn.

·         Fingernails and toenails must be kept trimmed short.

·         Any jewelry and watch must be removed prior to training.

·         Talking during class will not be tolerated.

·         All students shall conduct themselves, both inside and outside of the dojo, in such a way as to not disgrace the club.

·         When late to class, bow in the normal manner, kneel with your back to the class in seiza, wait with eyes closed in mokuso. When acknowledged remain in seiza and bow saying OSU again and then quickly join the back of the class.

·         In the dojo, you should always show good manners and listen carefully to the instructor's directions. Do not waste your time and everyone else's if you are not prepared to treat your training seriously and always show a respectful attitude towards Karate

Other specific dojo rules :

·          The second class is reserved for adult and advanced children students. In case of families only those children can stay in the dojo whose parents are present. The parent has to take full responsibility for his/her children during the second class.

·          More than 5 minutes late is not tolerated due to safety as the student will miss the warm up and without it the risk of sport injuries ar much greater . Try not to be late at all.

·          We have to observe and follow the rules of the Calgary Board of Education of Expectation of School Rental Groups.