Etiquette is an important part of Karate.
Shotokan Karate is fundamentally based in the Japanese culture, which places great emphasis on humility, respect and
etiquette.
This part of the Japanese culture is incorporated into the study of Karate Do.
At Chilwell Olympia Karate School, we would expect our
students to follow the traditional ways as handed down from Master Gichin Funakoshi, and taught by Asano Hanshi, both whilst
in the Dojo and in
everyday life. As Shotokan Karate is a Japanese Martial Art, all instructions are given in Japanese. This is something that you
will pick up as you
progress through your training.
To see translations please click this link.
Etiquette starts as you enter the DOJO
(any place that is utilised for training takes on the status of a Dojo). Before
entering, you must perform a "REI" - a bow indicating respect. Shoes must be removed before entering the DOJO.
When instructed to line up
("SAEI REI TU"), move quickly and quietly into line, in grade order. You must ensure
that you are in line with the higher grade(to your left), to stand in front of a senior grade is considered a sign of disrespect.
Also make sure that you are in line with the karateka in front of (or behind) you. On the command "SEIZA"
(proper sitting
position), each karateka kneels down, starting with the "SEMPAI"
(senior student) first and followed progressively
down the grades until the most "KOHAI"
(junior) student is kneeling. The Sempai will then say "SHOMEN NI REI" and all
karateka will bow to the front of the Dojo
(In traditional Dojo's, there is a small alter situated at the front of the Dojo)
. The Sensei will then turn to face the class and the Sempai will say "SENSEI NI REI" and the class bow to the Sensei. The Sensei
is the first to bow followed by the Sempai and as in the kneeling down, each student will bow in turn, forming a kind of
"Mexican Wave" down the class. On the command "KA REI TU", the class stands up, again commencing with the Sensei followed by the
Sempai and the rest of the class. As with standing in front of a senior in line, it is considered a sign of disrespect to kneel
down, bow or stand up before the karateka to your left.
If you are late for the start of a session, kneel inside the entrance to the Dojo door way and wait for the instructor to invite you in.
During a session, if you are spoken to by your Sensei, or if you wish to ask the Sensei a question, say "OSS SENSEI". Also say
"OSS SENSEI" when your instructor gives an instruction or explains a particular movement to confirm you have heard and understood.
At the conclusion of the session, the class lines up as at the start and whilst in the kneeling position performs "MOKUSO"
(Meditation), which consists of deep breathing, to calm down and reflect on the session. On the conclusion of Moksu, we chant
the S.K.I.G.B. "DOJO KUN".
KARATE-DO
KOKORO TADA SHIKU
NICHI, NICHI, NOKAYKO
REI TO SEITU
The literal translation of this is:
"The Way of Karate. We must acknowledge consider and dedicate ourselves to the true way of karate and practice with
good heart, mind and spirit on all occasions"
