"Dojo Etiquette"

Dr. Dean Norman, M.D.

The DOJO is the place where a martial art is practiced. It is a special place where you can be free from the outside world. It should be clean and orderly at all times. The following rules are fundamental to the etiquette, or behavior that is proper in the DOJO.

Dojo Etiquette

1.

Always bow when you enter and leave the Dojo

2.

Wear a clean white uniform (Karate Gi / Dogi)

3.

Keep finger and toe nails trimmed and clean

4.

Do not lean against the wall when you are in your Gi

5.

Always show respect to your Sensei

6.

Respond quickly to Sensei and senior members of the Dojo

7.

Answer clearly with a 'YES' or 'UTSU' to Sensei whenever corrections are required
('UTSU' is Karate slang for endure/yes)

8.

Be ALERT at all times.

9.

Always respect your opponents, as only they can be your teachers to correct and guide your endeavor

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This Page was last revised on 12/18/96