Dojo Etiquette
When you enter the dojo to train you enter a world of values, beliefs and practice that is very different to the world outside. When you take your shoes off in the gengkan and bow you will honour an expectation of behaviour, attitude, commitment, and respect. This is not only respect for your sensei and sempai but also for all the other students in the room, yourself, the JWK Karate organisation and the dojo. Not only people have spirits, inanimate objects like the dojo also has a spirit
If there is one thing that distinguishes Japanese etiquette from most other countries it is the bow (lei or o-jigi) and its importance in society. Lei refers to the action of bowing but o-jigi suggests more meaning, emotion, manners, and confirmation of up/down relationships). Children in Japan are taught how to know, when and what type of bow is required for the situation, and the correct technique involved from a very young age. A bow can range from a brief nod of the head to a deep and sustained bow. The nod of the head is a very informal bow and the longer, deeper bow from the waist is very formal with great meaning.
Remove your shoes in the gengan put anything you are carrying in your hands down, place your hands on your thighs and bow at about 45 degrees at the door while saying “konichiwa” in a strong voice. Then enter the dojo and walk up to the sensei and bow saying “onegaishimasu” or “konichiwa” and do the same with your sempai. If you can’t remember “onegaishimasu’ say “konichiwa” if you can’t remember yet. When you have finished training bow in toward the dojo at the door and say “arigatou gozaimashita”. Always bow correctly with attention to technique, do not slap your thighs and speak from your tanden – not your throat. The same way of bowing is used when facing a partner or opponent in the different forms of kumite or other activity. Sensei or sempai will call for you to face your partner (otagaini), then bow (rei). This is a sign of respect and as you straighten your back after bowing you must pay attention to your opponent/partner as continued respect but also assume kamae (state of readiness and attention).
Always show respect and gratitude to your sensei and/or sempai and address them as sensei or sempai. When your sensei or sempai gives an instruction always answer with a strong hi (yes)! If you must leave class to go to the toilet (go before class), when returning to class, stand at the side of the class in heiko dachi (parallel stance), facing forward, until the sensei asks you to stand at attention and bow. You then walk around the back of the class and enter the line you were in from the back of the room with an informal bow to the person you stand in front of.
Your friends and family do not have to take off their shoes or bow but they can if they would like to. We encourage them to watch as much training as possible but ask them to keep any discussions brief and in a soft voice. Visitors and students’ phones must be switched to silent mode and not used inside. Any phone conversations must be conducted outside.
