WHAT IS ETIQUETTE  ( GET WHOLE FILE HERE)

Etiquette is a tool  members use to conduct themselves in class and as a member of society.  It includes manners, ritual, and stresses formal courtesy, discipline and respect.  This includes how members enter and leave class, what is worn, what to call the teacher, how to sit, bow and respond.  Etiquette is important to us because Karate-do is a way of life, not a sport. In practice Karate can be fun, and includes both mental and physical training.   

Just as every move in karate requires great physical control, practice of etiquette is aimed at a similar mental end.  And as constant physical repetition is required to obtain a mastery of karate technique, constant mental repetition of etiquette is required to obtain a mastery of proper conduct.  Etiquette requires a willful adoption of certain conduct (outer form) for inner ends.  This demands concentration and attention to the present.  The mind can’t be full of the self, of thoughts or distractions.  Thus practice of etiquette requires a change of our mental focus – an effort to clear the mind.  In the process, members become more sensitive to others and their needs.

 These are the same goals we strive for in meditation.  Thus, etiquette is an important part of our mental training

DOJO RULES OF ETIQUETTE (PROPER BEHAVIOR)

1 – Always show respect and courtesy. 

2 – Address your instructor by their given title (Senpai, Sensei, etc.)  3 – Address higher belts as Senpai.

4 – Upon entering or leaving the practice floor, bow and say “OSU”.

5 – In class there is no talking.  If you must leave, raise your hand and ask to be excused.

6 – If you are late to class, enter and kneel along the side and wait to be recognized by the instructor.

7 – Do not wear jewelry or other ornaments (Plain wedding band is okay). 

8 – Keep your uniform neat and clean.  Do not wash your belt.

9 – If during class your belt comes undone, turn around, away from your Instructor and the Shinzen (but never turn your back on them) and kneel on one knee while fixing your uniform.

10 – Do not wear shoes or socks on the practice floor.

11 – Be sure all cell phones, pagers, etc. are turned off or on vibrate.

12 – When the head instructor enters or leaves the practice floor, face them, bow, and say “OSU”.

13 – Follow instructions with “OSU”.

14 – Have fun in class, but know when it is time to be serious.  If you miss an important instruction while goofing off someone can be injured.

15 – Use your knowledge wisely.  Do not try to prove yourself outside of class.

16 – Exercise mental control.

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