Dojo Etiquette

Club regulations and procedures:

When entering the dojo (place where a martial art is studied), please remove your shoes.

Sensei (sen-say) is the title used to address anyone instructing a class. Mr Marr is the Chief Instructor of Midwest Karate and is always called Sensei; both inside and outside the dojo.

Rei (lei) Bowing is done upon entering and leaving the dojo; before and after class; kata performance; to a partner before and after kumite; or to senior ranks. The purpose of the bow is a form respect and is similar to saluting with the sword when fencing, shaking hands, etc. Formal bowing is performed from a kneeling position (seiza), or informally, from a standing position. If you are entering a class already in session you must kneel at the entrance, and wait in kneeling position until the instructor or “Sensei” acknowledges you.

Formal class procedures for opening and closing the class are announced by the highest ranking belt.

Sempai (sem-pei) are senior Black Belts. At the end of the class the command Sempai-Ni-Rei means to bow to the senior members.

The instructions of all higher ranking students should be followed. In discussing Karate, it is considered impolite to contradict the instructions of a higher ranking belt. It is also improper for a lower rank to criticize and try to correct a higher rank. If you feel the higher ranking belt has made an error in discussing a Karate technique, it will be in order to discuss this with Sensei.

Please ensure your Gi (Karate uniform) is kept clean. Your fingernails and toenails should be kept short to prevent injury during training. The removal of jewelry such as watches, rings, bracelets, etc. before training is required.  

Please remember: Your conduct outside the premises reflects on your Dojo, its members, and instructors; as well as the present, and future reputation we have strived to build up. Think before you act. Improper conduct outside of the Dojo will not be tolerated.

When training you may be practicing with persons of different physical size and muscle mass. As there is some physical contact, and people react differently to pain; you are required to use judgment to avoid causing serious injury to people you are training with. Training in a safe and healthy atmosphere promotes well-being and respect for each other.