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 Respect and self control
are basic foundations of karate training. Serious
practitioners seek to improve their character as well as
their physical condition through the training process.
Rei (the bow)
Karate is more than a sport. It teaches a
way of life. As such, it commands our appreciation,
respect, and honour. This appreciation and respect is
owed to the Sensei (teacher), the dojo, and other
practitioners. Rei (bowing) is the manner in which our
appreciation and respect is expressed.
The dojo is the place where we learn both
the spirit and the technique of Budo. We must not enter
the dojo with malice or antagonism because this can lead
to dangerous accidents or even death. When we are in the
dojo we must feel purposeful and alert and the bow is the
focal point of this feeling. When he bows the first time,
a student should have deep respect for his instructor and
should want to show this in his bow. When he bows the
second time, before the training starts, the student is
promising to train hard with purpose. At the end of the
training, the student's bow says that he is pleased and
that he has had enough training.
Rules of the
Dojo
1. No idle chatter, smoking, alcohol,
eating, chewing gum, etc. is allowed in the dojo.
2. All karate-ka must bow before entering and
upon leaving the dojo. To those who practice karate the
dojo is a sacred place. We bow when entering the dojo to
affirm our intention to train hard and seriously and we
bow when leaving to show thanks for a good training
session.
3. All karate-ka must bow to instructors
or visiting instructors. We emphasis politeness at all
times in the dojo and seek to cultivate a spirit based on
gentleness and respect.
4. When the instructors or visiting
instructors enter/exit the dojo, all karate-ka must stop
whatever they are doing and face the Sensei at the door
and bow. Each person should seek to develop as full a
state of attentiveness as possible. Karate requires and
promotes as high a degree of training of the mind as it
does of the body.
5. A karate gi, or loose comfortable
clothing, must be worn. No socks or shoes are permitted.
6. Show absolute obedience to your Sensei.
All instructions from the Sensei or designated instructor
must be followed.
7. Call your instructor Sensei.
8. Always acknowledge criticism given by
the instructor or any other person. Respond to the sensei
or a black belt instructor with the word hai.
9. Never stand around with your hands on
your waist. The standing position is the one assumed just
before a kata or yoi, namely two clenched fists in front
of the body in standing position.
10. When sitting, always sit cross-legged or in
seiza position.
11. Finger nails and toe nails should be
regularly cut in order to prevent injury.
12. Jewellery should not be worn in the
dojo. It has no place in the dojo and can easily be
broken or even cause injury.
13. In all practice, emphasis is placed on
control, accuracy, and non-contact.
14. Do not attempt to learn or teach new
forms without the expressed permission of the Senseis.
15. The dojo is to be kept clean by all
students. Please help to keep the floor dry, clean, and
free of objects. Please look for a broom to sweep the
floor as soon as you enter the dojo, before the start of
the class. Each student should do his or her part to
contribute to a proper training environment.
16. If you arrive late, you must perform
10 knuckle push-ups upon entering the dojo. Sit in Seiza
(kneeling down) position, bow once and stay seated until
the Sensei gives you permission to join in, or any other
instructions. Then, bow again and proceed.
17. Report immediately to the Sensei, any
injury or illness.
18. All karate-ka must stay inside the
dojo. Inform the Sensei if you must leave the dojo. Then
follow the normal procedures for leaving the dojo.
19. Please check for all personal
belongings before leaving the dojo.
20. Whatever you do, do it with all your
might. Strengthen weak hands. Make your knees strong. Don't
say "I'll work hard at a later time", etc.
Practice a technique in the exact manner you'd apply it.
- with full force.
21. Each student is considered an integral
part of the karate community. Should it become necessary
to discontinue training for any reason, please notify the
instructor. This is so that we may have an accurate and
up to date record of all students.
Copyright © 1996 - Wado International
Karate-Do Federation
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