ETIQUETTE
BOWING WHILE STANDING
In karate, bowing is the most important symbol of respect, used by both students and masters. To properly bow, one must put their heels together and the tips of the feet apart. This is the typical informal stance, or Mutsubi Dachi. Both arms are extended to the sides, facing the inside, hands open and fingers together. The upper body tilts down from one's waist about is, thus the neck remains straight. Pronounce, "Oss." A courteous bow lasts a single breath length. Afterwards, the body tilts back to its normal posture. When bowing opponents must still be within one's field of vision without ever moving one's eyes.
BOWING WHILE KNEELING
Students kneel, seiza, at many instances during the class. To bow in the kneeling position, the open left hand is placed on the floor, followed by the right. Both hands are in front of the student and both tips of the hands are close to one another. The body tilts much lower this time, directly facing the floor. When returning to seiza, the right hand returns to the thigh, then the left fallows.
ENTERING AND EXITING
Stand in the entrance, facing the class, and bow forward. Only after this is it appropriate to enter or exit. If students arrive for the later of two classes, then they will form a line behind the previous one. This is to be done speedily. If students from the previous class have not yet left before the seiza, then they are to stand on the side and be quiet. Only after the last rei is it acceptable to leave. At the start of the warm up, karatekas who have taken a previous class may choose to leave momentarily in order to refresh themselves. Understandably, they should return to class as soon as possible. If students have left the class for whatever reason and wish to return, then they must kneel down in the entrance way and wait for the Sensei (or the sampai if Sensei is busy) to greet them. They must bow before returning to class.
COURTESY
In entering the dojo, one's goal should be the development of their technique, attitude, respect and 'character'. The gi (karate uniform), should be properly washed and presentable in class. Regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended. Within the classroom, it is not permitted to drink, eat or masticate chewing gum. Also, people should not wear jewellery, rings or chains, since they could cause injuries during training. Above all, avoid talking unnecessarily, especially when Sensei is talking. When asked to move from one side of the dojo to the other, do it quickly and from behind the line-ups; do not pass in front, and do not cut through the lines, unless time is of the essence. Every exercise with or without a partner starts and finishes with a bow. When with a partner, the bow should be simultaneous and mutual. Always refer to the instructor by "Sensei". If a student must leave early, he/she should inform the sensei before the start of class. If the Sensei gives a physical demonstration, students nearest to the front should kneel to allow others to see. When corrected, or when one wants to affirm something, they must acknowledge with a prompt "Osu."
TARDINESS
Shotokan is an art, and it is also a discipline. Karatekas are expected to be punctual. It is preferred that students arrive rather early to help prepare the dojo floor and to meet fellow classmates. If you use the exercise machines, you must finish your training 10 minutes before the start of the next class. No late entry to the dojo is allowed after the start of the class unless the sensei is notified ahead of time.
BEGINNING
SEIRETSU - line up
The highest belt, sempai, will stand to the right of the class, facing the front of the class, shomen. Other higher belts will line up to the left of the sempai, respecting the rank echelon. Lower belts, kohais must always stand to the left of their respected sempais. Also, within the same belt groupings, adults are always closer to the sempais than the childrren and everyone must stand shoulder to shoulder. This order is to be done swiftly and effectively. If there are too many students, they may form a second line.
REI - bow
Sensei, who is already at the center of the dojo, will bow to his students; the karatekas should bow in return.
SEIZA - kneel down
Sensei will face the shomen and kneel down. Afterwards, the students will do the same, one by one, in the order of rank; the highest belts will kneel first, then so on. One must begin to kneel as soon as the student to the left has. The left leg drops first, on the instep of the foot; the open hands will rest on the thighs. Looking forward, back straight, the student waits. Students' knees should be touching one another. Students with certain disabilities may choose to sit on their knees rather than their insteps.
MOKUSO - quiet meditation
Everyone closes their eyes and breathes deeply and quietly. It is recommended for students to simply relax and not to think about anything, which causes their thoughts to be purged or forgotten. Do not fidget, move or make noises.
MOKUSO YAME - belay meditation
The highest belt, sempai, will stand to the right of the class, facing the front of the class, shomen. Other higher belts will line up to the left of the sempai, respecting the rank echelon. Lower belts, kohais must always stand to the left of their respected sempais. Also, within the same belt groupings, adults are always closer to the sempais than the childrren and everyone must stand shoulder to shoulder. This order is to be done swiftly and effectively. If there are too many students, they may form a second line.
SEIRETSU - line up
Open your eyes and cease your meditation.
SHOMEN NEI REI - bow to front
Everyone bows to the front, or shomen, and utters "Osu". The bow lasts about five seconds. Sensei will then turn to face his students.
SENSEI NEI REI - bow to sensei
Students bow to the Sensei, and say, "Osu". After Sensei has stood up, all students do the same, in order of rank; the highest belts will rise first. When the sensei is absent, the second highest belt, sitting to the immediate right of the sempai, will announce the rei; it would be thus "Sempai Nei Rei".
REI - bow
A mutual bow; then the class will begin
ENDING
DOJO-KUN - karate oath
After Mokuso yame, the sempai will announce five phrases that represent the ideologies of JKA Shotokan karate. After every phrase, students should repeat with a strong voice.
SENSEI NEI REI - bow to sensei
While bowing to the Sensei, students will say, "Osu. Arigato Sensei." When the Sensei is absent, the second highest belt, sitting to the immediate right of the sempai, will announce the rei.
REI - bow
After the mutual bow, Sensei might add a word or two. Then, he will promptly make his exit from the right side. The sempai will bow again, "Osu"; students should return the last bow.
It would be rude to leave before the final bow.
