Dojo Etiquette
No elbows on the table…say please when making a request…clean up after yourself. “Good manners” are seen in every area of our lives, but why? Proper etiquette is something we should aspire to always not just because we are told, but to show respect for those around us and for ourselves. It is something we do in every area of our lives in order to be the best that we can be always, without exception, even when no one seems to be looking – you can always see yourself! Dojo is the place that we come to better ourselves, so of course, that could not be a better reason to always show proper etiquette – good manners – in the dojo. Below are those practices you should always follow in the dojo, whether Sensei is watching or you are there all by yourself – you deserve it and so does the dojo!

1) Always bow when entering and exiting dojo. When you first arrive at dojo bow and say Onigaishimasu (please teach me) loudly to announce your presence (the only exceptions are during a formal bow or during promotions). When leaving the Dojo bow and say Arigato gozaimashita (thank you).

2) Come to class prepared. Bring all necessary equipment. Wear an athletic cup if you are a male student. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean. Be sure your gi is clean prior to each class. Hygiene is critical since many of activities are performed with other students in close proximity – we cannot train if we do not remain healthy.

3) Obi must be properly maintained. You have earned your obi, so respect it. It should never be thrown on the floor or washed. Be sure your belt is tied neatly and correctly before class begins. When adjustment is required during class, do so by kneeling and facing away from shomen. Put your obi away neatly in your bag at the completion of class.

4) Remove all jewelry. For the safety of yourself and others necklaces, watches, bracelets, rings, etc, should be removed before class.

5) No talking when class is in session. Talking on the mat during class is impolite and interferes with the concentration of other students. The only talking that should be done during class is that done by the Sensei or other senior students that Sensei has designated to assist.

6) Always respect your senpai. Lower rank students are expected to look to their seniors for guidance, imitate their behavior and treat them with respect and consideration. Part of this respect includes never questioning or arguing the instruction that they give. Receive the instruction with a respectful bow and thank you.

7) Senpai must live up to that role. It is the responsibility of the senior student to always be the proper example of what lower ranks should be striving for, working with lower ranks to protect them from harm, helping them to learn and treating them with respect (humility is something that we can all show).

8) Be Prompt. Arrive before class begins. If you are late, Jr. Dragons and above perform 10 pushups and adults do 25 pushups. Then wait on the edge of the mat to be invited into class by Sensei.

9) Practice Zanshin (remaining mind). Always pay attention during class –this is your time to learn, and it is an honor to have it, so it must not be wasted.

10) Respect your fellow students. Always begin and end your training with your partner by bowing to each other. This should be done both during and outside of class.

11) Train Hard! You need to be prepared each and every time you train to be pushed, and always push yourself – you will then never see an end to the growth you will have as a martial artist and a person!

Written by Liz St.Louis-Shodan and Jeremy St.Louis-Shodan

*These eight precepts come from the Bubishi, which is a very important for all Martial arts. These precepts are the essence of Goju-ryu karate-do.