DOJO Rules

Rules are common sense. There is no excuse for laziness and non-compliance. Deliberately breaking the rules is a serious offense in karate philosophy. Stick to the rules because they are part of your training. In time, they will become your second nature.

Dojo [dojo] – it's not just a gym or any old fitness center. It should be treated like a religious temple that needs to be concentrated in order to improve the spirit. Karate requires character development, not big muscles. Take care and be proud of your dojo, treat it like a temple. The simple white suit worn by everyone (from executives to rookies) evokes such prosperity as modesty. All people are equal and it is only an illusion to think that someone is better. People differ only in attitude to training, perseverance and modesty of heart. No one will listen to praise for long, even if it is powerful (strong). Be patient in science. All too often, karate is seen as nothing more than a crude and high-energy sport that serves only trivial purposes and teaches its members how to beat each other in the most disgusting ways. Without courtesy, the dojo quickly becomes full of rude and angry people. Be sincere in learning and implementing dojo etiquette. Ceremony without sincerity is hypocrisy, which does not adorn the warrior. A karateka must stand out for his politeness, healthy glint in his eyes and agility.

DOJO RULES OF ETIQUETTE

1. When entering and leaving the dojo, always stand facing forward, bow and say: “Osu” [os], then turn to the other students, bow and say “Osu” [os] again.
2. If you are late for class, kneel down in the "saiza" position facing the last rows of the group. Wait for the "mokus" with your eyes closed. When addressed, bow in saiza posture. When you are allowed to participate in the session - stand up, say loudly: "Osu" [os] and join the last rows of the group.
3. Do not remove parts of your dogi (kimono) during training until you are allowed to do so.
4. Do not eat, chew gum, smoke or drink in the dojo (hall).
5. When asked to get into a certain pose or position at the beginning or end of a workout, move quickly, don't walk slowly.
6. Never attempt kumite (dueling) without an instructor. When practicing kumite with a black belt, do your best, but with due respect for the rank. If you feel like you can hit harder, hit, but remember that dueling takes into account your lower rank, so you don't hit with all your strength.
7. Do not invite a higher ranked fighter to the kumite. But don't refuse if you are invited by a higher ranking fighter.
8. Concentrate, be attentive during training. Try not to injure yourself or other students during training.
9. Do not leave the row without the instructor's permission. Do not walk between rows or between the instructor and the person doing the exercises.
10. Contact the instructor "Sensej", "Sempaj" or "Šichan". Do not address the instructor by name.
11. Do not fight, do not harm, do not talk, do not sit relaxed and be attentive during training. Take training seriously. This is not the place for jokes. A karateka is always alert and well behaved. Having a high degree (especially a black belt) does not allow you to relax and disrespect the dojo. Don't waste yourself and others. The student must stay in the dojo until the last ritual bow at the end of the training. Violation of this rule is unacceptable.
12. Your dogi (kimono) must be kept clean and tidy, the belt must be dried but not washed, as it is a symbolic proof of your perseverance in training. Learn to respect the belt as a symbol of perseverance in training.
13. Listen carefully to the instructor's instructions. Remember that the instructor will not ask you to do something that you do not do yourself. Follow all the instructions of the instructor, saying out loud: "Osu".
14. Instructors should be respected. Karate begins and ends with courtesy. If you can't show respect to another person who dedicates their time to your training, then you don't belong in karate. Never argue with his/her instructions, never speak in the room unless asked by the instructor. Such obedience allows for a mutual trust between the student and the instructor, which accelerates the absorption and the learning process.
15. Do not wear jewelry to training, this will help ensure your safety.
16. Your nails (fingernails and toenails) must be clean and trimmed short. In training you are working with other people - respect them. No one likes to train with dirty people.
17. Be sure to go to the bathroom before training. An accidental blow to the stomach (or bladder) can be very dangerous. Try to remember that training on a full stomach is not healthy, so do not eat at least an hour before the session.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR PURSUIT OF TRUTH!