Shukokai Ettiquete
Dojo etiquette is a code of conduct essential to the proper practice of the Japanese Martial Arts, without it their practice
becomes meaningless. Self discipline, mutual trust and respect for ones opponents are essential to safe practice. Please carefully
observe the following procedure in any Dojo:
1. When entering the Dojo, bow (rei).
2. When greeting your Sensei (Instructor), training partner of other Karateka (karate student), bow and say OSU.
3. Before entering any training or contest area for Kumite or Kata always bow at the perimeter before advancing into the area,
being careful to enter from your own side. Never cut across the contest (shiai-jo) or training area.
4. Never walk on any training or contest area whist wearing shoes.
5. Always wear shoes when traveling to and from training.
6. Students must keep their bodies clean, nails must be cut short, gis should be clean and well pressed. Gis must not be drawn
or written on and may only bear the badges of Shukokai.
7. Smoking and swearing in the Dojo is at all times strictly forbidden.
8. Any person who has been drinking shall not present himself for training.
9. No talking is permitted during training, unless absolutely necessary.
10. Members shall do their utmost to carry out training as laid down by their Sensei.
11. When asked to face up or called on by the Sensei, always run into position.
12. Never lean against the walls or sprawl about the Dojo floor. Always sit upright, if you are waiting your turn
to train with a partner, do not sit or stand about but train in a similar manner to the rest of the class.
13. Students shall make every effort to attend classes on time.
14. Any student arriving after training has commenced shall perform a full kneeling bow at the edge of the mat,
facing in the direction of the Sensei, before joining the class.
15. Any student wishing to leave the mat, shall not do so until he/she has received the Senseis permission.
16. A student leaving the Dojo before the class has completed training shall perform a full kneeling rei at the edge of the mat.
17. When demonstrating for, or with the Sense, or upon receiving instructions from him, students shall acknowledge with a
standing bow and osu. Please note the student should always bow to the Sensei first, the Sensei will acknowledge.
18. Instructors at any level shall not be called by their first names during training, within the Dojo, or at any Karate Function.
19. When training with an opponent both shall bow simultaneously before and after each section of training.
20. (a) As soon as the enters the training area students will face up in the appropriate manner immediately, standing in musubi-dachi
(heels together, hands by sides).
(b) The senior grade present in the body of the class shall, as soon as the Sensei has knelt down, call Seiza
(c) The class shall then kneel in unison, first on the left knee, keeping the back straight, then on the right knee, and finally
sitting back with the palms of the hands resting on the upper thigh, fingers pointed inwards.
(d) On the command Shomen Ni Rei the students and Instructors will bow towards the Shukokai Emblem at the front of the Dojo.
On the command Mokso the hands shall be cupped, left hand on the top, thumbs pointing upward and with eyes closed the students
will compose themselves for training.
(e) On the command Yamme the eyes are opened and hands returned to the thighs palms down.
(f) On the command Sensei Ni Rei the class shall place their hands on the floor, palms down, and bow for approximately 2 seconds.
They shall not raise their heads before the Sensei as this is a breach of etiquette.
21. Remember your Dojo Creed.