The word dojo literally means "Place of Way" or "Training Room".

The dojo is considered to be a very special place and should be treated with respect.  To uphold the tradition of karate-do there are rules of conduct and standards of etiquette which we follow.

Strive to learn the correct dojo etiquette and endeavor to apply the principals of karate in your interaction with instructors and fellow karate-ka.  The observation of the basic forms of etiquette is essentail to the creation of a respectful and attentive atmosphere, which is conducive to learning.

Entering and Exiting the Dojo

Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whenever you are entering or exiting the dojo.

Lateness: First of all, try not to be late. But if you are late, bow in, then quietly kneel near the entrance. Wait until the Instructor acknowledges you. Then bow while kneeling, get up, and quickly join the group. If you arrive just as everyone is standing during the opening sequence, don't move or make any noise, just wait until the class begins warming up, and bow in when the Instructor acknowledges you, in the manner described above.

Standing Bow

Stand with your heels together, feet pointing slightly outward (like a "V"). Keep your knees straight, elbows straight and relaxed, hands open at the seams of your pants (the outside of your legs), and fingers together.

Opening and Closing Sequence

When you hear the call to "Line Up", stand shoulder to shoulder facing the front of the dojo in rank order. Try to line up so that the Instructor, standing before your line, is right in the middle of the line. If class is so big that two lines are required, try to line up so the lines are approximately the same length.

Kiai

Don't say any words when you kiai. "Kiai" itself - being a Japanese word - should NOT be a kiai. Common kiai include "Ya!" and "Ei!".

Don't be afraid to Kiai! In general people tend to kiai too softly rather than too loudly. If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder as well. The overall tone of a class is set by the level of the spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai. On the other hand, if your spirit is poor or your kiai is weak, you might bring down the class spirit.

General Etiquette During Training

The moment class starts, your mind should be on Karate and on trying to improve your own technique. Concentrate, give spirited kiai, don't talk unnecessarily, and practice hard!

• Help to keep the training area clean and tidy.

• Keep your karate gi clean.

• Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed.

• All jewellery and sharp objects must be removed before engaging in karate training.

• Instructors are to be addressed at all times by their Title.

• Class leaders are to be addressed as “ Sempai” (senior).

• Show kindness to karate - ka weaker than yourself, and guide beginners in the right manner. Be humble. Be a good example to others and use your strength nobly.

• For reasons of safety, respect and courtesy, always listen carefully and follow instructions.

• Students should always respond with ‘OSU' when the instructor has demonstrated a technique or given an instruction.

• Whenever you're told to move from one part of the room to another, do so quickly (i.e., run or trot, at least). Also, don't pass in front of anyone - go behind and around.

• Whenever you're asked to stand back or sit back and watch, do so in a normal standing or kneeling position, silently, without leaning on walls or distracting others.

• If you're ever in a kneeling position and you're uncomfortable, it's OK to bow from the kneeling position and then switch to sitting cross-legged.

• If you ever need to leave a class early, let the Instructor know beforehand.

• Bow before entering and exiting the Dojo.  

• Every class begins and ends with a bow, which is a form of greeting and respect for your fellow karate-ka, seniors and Sensei.

• Bow to your partner at the commencement and end of a training exercise as a form of gratitude and respect.

• Always arrive at the Dojo with sufficient time to prepare mentally for the class.

• Student must attend 75% of the schools monthly training schedule.