Etiquette
Dojo Etiquette = Rules & Regulations whilst a member of Kyokushinkai
1. When entering or leaving the Dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front, bow and say in a loud manner "OSU". This represents a mark or respect for the Dojo and the people in it.
2. If late for training, kneel at the side of the class towards the back, facing away in SEIZA (formal kneeling position). When the instructor acknowledges you, stand up, turn to the front , bow in a loud manner and say "OSU", then quickly join the back of the class.
3. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the Dojo.
4. Always move quickly in class when intructed to do something. DO NOT STROLL.
5. Do not practise KUMITE, (Free Sparring) unless instructed to do so.
Remember wrestling "is" also considered Sparring!
6. Do not break rank for any reason, without asking permission from the instructor. If you must leave your position, do not walk between the instructor and the class. Walk behind the row you are in to either side and proceed from there.
7. Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title ie: SEMPAI, SENSEI, SHIHAN or HANSHI, whilst in the dojo and "Always" acknowledge them in a loud manner "OSU" when they speak to you. You may ask your Sempai's if it is ok to address them by their first name outside the dojo, but anyone with the rank of Sensei and above must always be addressed this way, even outside the dojo! Always bare in mind that your Sensei or your Shihan is not your best friend, your peer or your equal and as such have earned a rank with a title that must be aknowledged.
8. Your training should be a serious matter. Do not laugh, giggle, talk or cause disruption during the class. You should always stand in FUDO DACHI when awaiting the next command.
9. All directions, by instructor, should be obeyed in the Dojo, "without question". You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor has not done him/herself already. If you cannot keep up, do the best you can. A breach of this rule would warrent an immediate expulsion of your membership.
10. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
11. During the break: No sitting on chairs, leaning against the wall or lying down. Do some training rather than waste time.
12. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.
13. Your karate-gi must be neat and washed clean at all times. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only aired dry. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training, and under no circumstances are male karatekas allowed to wear t-shirts or other clothing underneath their karate-gi.
14. Don't wear jewellery or watches during training.
15. Do not be arrogant, obnoxious or aggresive or insulting towards anyone in the Dojo, this would warrent an immediate expulsion of your membership.
16. When participatijng in Kumite (Free Sparring) only go as hard as the senior grade allows you to go, remember, no matter how hard you "think" you can go, there is generally always a senior rank who is able to go even harder.
Remember, if you want to test how hard you can fight, Sensei will surley oblige you, but note, it is a lesson you will never forget!