Getting Started
Your Dojo's Etiquette
Dojo is Japanese for "Gates of Learning" or "place of the Way". Our Way is the Way of the Strong Foundation.
· Discipline: When entering the school, we have a special spot for your shoes. Please remove your shoes and socks and place them neatly on the wooden mat, lining them up neatly with the other shoes. If you late for class, do not have that be a reason to drop your shoes messily. They can be a safety hazard for others.
· Shoes are not allowed on the dojo floor. We train barefoot and thus need to keep it clean.
· Bowing: As you enter / leave the dojo, students are to bow. Bowing shows your respect for the art and the people involved. It is also an embodiment of your training spirit. When leaving, it is a sign that you are taking all that you have learnt at the dojo, into your daily life.
· Sensei: means “Teacher” in Japanese. Students are to call black belt instructors sensei ("sen say").
· Sempai: means “Senior” in Japanese. Students are to call the non-black belt assistants or fellow students of higher rank sempai ("sem pie").
· Restrooms: Students are expected to use the restrooms prior to class, not during. If you absolutely need to use the restroom during class, you must let your Sensei know first. This is so we know where everyone is, for their own safety.
· Respect: Students should not engage in small talk during class, especially while a Sensei is speaking. The only time you may talk is if your Sensei is asking questions or if you have a question.
· Warm up: Students are to be on time. If late, please warm yourself up by doing push-ups and sit-ups.
Your Karate Uniform
· Your uniform is called a gi ("ghee") - and your belt - obi ("oh bee"). They must be on properly when you come onto the dojo floor. If you have trouble with your belt, ask a senior student or instructor to show you how to tie it.
· Keep your gi clean. Students who continually wear torn or dirty uniforms will not be permitted to train until their gi is repaired, cleaned or replaced. Such uniforms present health and safety hazards for their fellow karateka.
Dojo is Japanese for "Gates of Learning" or "place of the Way". Our Way is the Way of the Strong Foundation.
· Discipline: When entering the school, we have a special spot for your shoes. Please remove your shoes and socks and place them neatly on the wooden mat, lining them up neatly with the other shoes. If you late for class, do not have that be a reason to drop your shoes messily. They can be a safety hazard for others.
· Shoes are not allowed on the dojo floor. We train barefoot and thus need to keep it clean.
· Bowing: As you enter / leave the dojo, students are to bow. Bowing shows your respect for the art and the people involved. It is also an embodiment of your training spirit. When leaving, it is a sign that you are taking all that you have learnt at the dojo, into your daily life.
· Sensei: means “Teacher” in Japanese. Students are to call black belt instructors sensei ("sen say").
· Sempai: means “Senior” in Japanese. Students are to call the non-black belt assistants or fellow students of higher rank sempai ("sem pie").
· Restrooms: Students are expected to use the restrooms prior to class, not during. If you absolutely need to use the restroom during class, you must let your Sensei know first. This is so we know where everyone is, for their own safety.
· Respect: Students should not engage in small talk during class, especially while a Sensei is speaking. The only time you may talk is if your Sensei is asking questions or if you have a question.
· Warm up: Students are to be on time. If late, please warm yourself up by doing push-ups and sit-ups.
Your Karate Uniform
· Your uniform is called a gi ("ghee") - and your belt - obi ("oh bee"). They must be on properly when you come onto the dojo floor. If you have trouble with your belt, ask a senior student or instructor to show you how to tie it.
· Keep your gi clean. Students who continually wear torn or dirty uniforms will not be permitted to train until their gi is repaired, cleaned or replaced. Such uniforms present health and safety hazards for their fellow karateka.